Effective Strategies to Reduce Belly Fat: A Guide for Young Adults
Abdominal obesity issue I have a belly bulge that I've had since I was 23 years old. How can I lose belly fat? Is my metabolism slow?
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The general methods for weight loss primarily involve dietary control combined with exercise. Additionally, it is important to consider whether there are any underlying medical conditions contributing to obesity, or if pharmacological assistance for weight loss may be appr...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Reduce Belly Fat: A Guide for Young Adults
Is 5 Hours of Sleep Enough? Understanding Sleep Needs and Health
The relationship between sleep deprivation and sleep duration? It is currently widely believed that a sleep duration of 7 to 8 hours at night is the healthiest; however, there is significant individual variation. Is it necessary to sleep a full 7 hours to be considered healthy? I...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: It is generally recommended that adults (18 years and older) get more than 7 hours of sleep at night. However, since you do not feel tired during the day, it indicates that your sleep quality is likely adequate. Additionally, your habit of taking a midday nap may also affe...[Read More] Is 5 Hours of Sleep Enough? Understanding Sleep Needs and Health
Effective Weight Management Strategies for Obesity in Primary Care
Weight issues I weigh 119 kilograms, and two weeks ago I weighed 112 kilograms. I lost seven kilograms during a week of hospitalization due to decreased appetite. Now that I have been discharged for two weeks and my appetite has returned, I have gained back seven kilograms. My BM...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to consult a nutritionist or a weight management clinic to assist in planning a comprehensive weight management program tailored to your medical condition and personal needs, including diet and exercise. Thank you.[Read More] Effective Weight Management Strategies for Obesity in Primary Care
Understanding Stage 1 Hypertension: Why Diet and Exercise May Not Help
Stage 1 hypertension: Exercise and reducing salt intake don't seem to be effective? Last month, I discovered that my systolic blood pressure reached the 130s, approaching 140, which exceeds the standard of 130/85. Consequently, I started following general recommendations by ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
You can follow the 722 principle by regularly measuring your blood pressure and recording it. When visiting a doctor, provide these records for reference. There may be differences in blood pressure readings between your left and right arms; please use the higher reading as the pr...[Read More] Understanding Stage 1 Hypertension: Why Diet and Exercise May Not Help
Which Medical Specialty Should My Elderly Grandmother See?
Which department should I see? Hello, doctor. My grandmother is nearly 80 years old and has been suffering from depression since my grandfather passed away. She has been taking medication for depression over the past few years, and her symptoms have included some signs resembling...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Dear Miss Hao, The main issue in your letter is that you have been feeling very hungry throughout the day after meals, to the point where you cannot sleep without eating, which is quite uncomfortable. If there are no issues with diabetes or obesity, feeling hungry after meals is...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should My Elderly Grandmother See?
Which Medical Specialty Should My Elderly Grandmother See?
Which department should I visit? Hello, doctor. My grandmother is nearly 80 years old and has been suffering from depression since my grandfather passed away. She has been taking antidepressant medication for the past few years, and her symptoms have progressed to resemble those ...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Dear Miss Hao, The main issue in your letter is that you have been feeling very hungry after meals, to the point where you feel hungry all day long, and it becomes difficult to sleep without eating, which is quite uncomfortable. If there are no issues with diabetes or obesity, f...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should My Elderly Grandmother See?
Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: What You Need to Know
Health examination red flags Hello doctor, I recently had a health check-up for my part-time job, and the report showed a fasting blood glucose level of 106. However, none of my relatives have a history of related illnesses, and my blood pressure, BMI, and waist circumference are...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Student, 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Likelihood of False Positive TPHA Results in Blood Tests
What is the likelihood of a false positive result for the TPHA test? In January, I donated blood and tested negative. However, in August, I was informed that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In November, I went to the infectious disease department for testing, and the r...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! Syphilis infection typically enters the body through skin and mucosal lesions, but it is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse; sharing bathroom facilities, kissing, hugging, and similar activities in daily life do not pose a risk. According to the self-reported...[Read More] Understanding the Likelihood of False Positive TPHA Results in Blood Tests
Understanding Joint Pain After COVID-19 Vaccination: A Patient's Journey
After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine Since receiving the COVID-19 vaccines, my reactions have varied with each dose. Last year, after the first dose of AstraZeneca (AZ), I experienced swollen tonsils (commonly referred to in Taiwanese as "柱仔") and visited an ENT special...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: It is difficult to determine whether your knee pain is related to the COVID-19 vaccine. You mentioned visiting a rheumatology clinic, where objective examinations revealed synovitis and mild degenerative arthritis. However, the presence of synovitis and mild degenerative a...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain After COVID-19 Vaccination: A Patient's Journey
Persistent Numbness and Dizziness After Menstrual Napping: Causes and Concerns
Persistent numbness in the limbs and dizziness after napping during menstruation? Hello, Doctor: I have issues with polycystic ovary syndrome and iron deficiency anemia. My menstrual period started two days ago, and I experienced light bleeding yesterday. After taking a nap today...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: I personally believe that your discomfort is more likely due to anemia, as you have iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, your menstrual cycle may exacerbate the anemia. Typical symptoms of anemia include dizziness and weakness, and it is also possible to experience numbne...[Read More] Persistent Numbness and Dizziness After Menstrual Napping: Causes and Concerns
Night Owl or Early Bird: The Impact of Sleep Patterns on Health
Staying up late, sleep, and health? Due to work commitments, I usually go to bed around 1 or 2 AM and wake up around 7 AM. I often hear that staying up late is bad for health, and that one should go to sleep by 11 PM. However, I've also heard that as long as one's sleep...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the relationship between sleep and health, I would like to address it in two parts: The first part is about sleep quality: Sleep quality can be assessed in both objective and subjective terms. The objective aspect mainly relates to sleep duration, which is genera...[Read More] Night Owl or Early Bird: The Impact of Sleep Patterns on Health
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Esophageal or Cardiac?
Mild chest pain? Hello, Doctor: Last weekend, I had a cold and visited a clinic where the doctor prescribed me cold medication. However, after taking the nighttime medication on Sunday, I experienced a sensation of chest pain the next day. It is especially noticeable during lunch...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Helen: 1. After food passes through the pharynx, it enters the esophagus, which is a long tubular structure approximately 25 to 30 centimeters in length. It is located behind the trachea and extends from the pharynx through the neck and chest, passing through the diaphr...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Esophageal or Cardiac?
Understanding Your Health Concerns While Living Abroad: A Guide
Recent discomforts in the body? Hello, doctor! I have been working in Japan for a long time and, due to the pandemic, I have been unable to return to Taiwan. Recently, I have been experiencing various discomforts and I am unsure whether they are psychological or physical issues. ...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Shang-Chuan, Based on your height and weight, your BMI is 31.4, which falls into the category of moderate obesity. Your systolic blood pressure readings of 133 or 120 are within the normal range. It is recommended that in addition to dietary control, you incorporate e...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Concerns While Living Abroad: A Guide
Understanding Daytime Sleepiness: Causes and Solutions
Daytime fatigue? Hello, doctor. I've been feeling very sleepy during the day for the past two days, constantly yawning and feeling drowsy, even though I didn't have insomnia the night before. Sometimes I also have a slight headache. I'm not sure if it's relate...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Angel: 1. Waking up feeling tired, with headaches or a sense of grogginess, may indicate various medical conditions. Common causes include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hypertension, primary sleep headache, brain lesions (such as brain tumors or cerebrovascular disease...[Read More] Understanding Daytime Sleepiness: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Your Symptoms: Neck Pain, Dizziness, and Fatigue
Physical discomfort? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing sharp pain around my lower back, and I feel tightness above my neck, including my ears. When standing or moving, I also experience a sensation of dizziness. My back sometimes feels warm and painful, and I occa...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Kitty: 1. Clinically, it is common to encounter patients with multiple complaints seeking consultation. Their reported symptoms may include insomnia, headaches, muscle tension, back pain, irritability, and fatigue, which have persisted for several months, causing signif...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Neck Pain, Dizziness, and Fatigue
Understanding Body Odor: Is It Linked to Liver Health?
Body odor issues, liver problems? Hello, doctor: Over the past year, I suddenly developed body odor, which I never had before. It started with my armpits, and for the past six months, the odor has spread to my entire body. (I do not have issues with obesity.) I used to apply anti...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, everyone's physical condition varies, and the information available online may not always be accurate. If you have concerns, it is advisable to visit a family medicine physician for professional consultation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Body Odor: Is It Linked to Liver Health?
Effective Weight Loss Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity
How to lose weight? My waist circumference is 97 cm, my weight is 99.2 kg, and my body mass index (BMI) is 28.98. I currently want to lose weight, and my main methods include walking for 40 minutes, doing push-ups, and cycling. Before the age of 23, my weight was mostly in the 70...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Weight loss primarily relies on dietary control; exercise is beneficial for the body but may not lead to significant weight loss unless combined with dietary management. In terms of diet, it is advisable to avoid fried foods (such as fried chicken cutlets, fried chicken le...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity
Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Regarding the issue of low blood pressure? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about blood pressure issues. Both my husband and I generally have low blood pressure; when sitting, it usually measures around the 90s/60s, and at its highest, it can reach around 100s/70s, while at ...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Actually, lying flat does not lower systolic blood pressure; your dizziness may need to be considered in light of other issues. Generally speaking, if blood pressure is slightly below normal but there are no underlying heart conditions or discomfort, there is no need for c...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Which Specialist Should You See for Cholesterol and PCOS Issues?
Which doctor should I see? Hello Doctor, my current blood pressure is 165/50. I have been a vegetarian since childhood and have a relatively thin build. During my last health check-up, I found out that my cholesterol levels are high: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is 59, and low-...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is often associated with being overweight. Individuals with higher body weight are more likely to experience increased secretion of insulin and androgens, leading to ovulatory dysfunction. If you are overweight, please manage your diet and ...[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Cholesterol and PCOS Issues?
Understanding Cholesterol and Liver Enzymes: Risks and Recommendations
Cholesterol issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, about a year ago, I had blood tests done at the family medicine department of the hospital and found that my ALT liver enzyme levels were around 40-60, and my cholesterol levels were 217, 207, and 224. During my last school health check, my li...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Cc: 1. If total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels are elevated over the long term, the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and peripheral artery diseases increases. Clinical management primarily involves lifestyle mo...[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol and Liver Enzymes: Risks and Recommendations