Am I at Risk for Diabetes? Understanding Family History and Lifestyle Factors
Will I develop diabetes? Hello doctor, I have recently seen many reports indicating that individuals with a family history of diabetes are at a higher risk of developing the condition themselves. During my time in school before graduation, I rarely drank water, often consuming on...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Diabetes is related to genetics as well as lifestyle factors. Being overweight, lack of exercise, having a large waist circumference, and a high-calorie diet are all high-risk factors for diabetes. To prevent diabetes, one should focus on weight management, diet, and exerc...[Read More] Am I at Risk for Diabetes? Understanding Family History and Lifestyle Factors
Understanding Rib Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Rib issues Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing issues related to poor posture lately. When I bend over, I feel a dull, tight sensation near my left lower rib area (around the waist). For the past few days, even when I sit up straight, I still feel this discomfort, although I d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. JAM: 1. In the area near the lower left rib close to the waist, in addition to the neuromuscular structures, there are the left lower lobe of the lung, diaphragm, spleen, left kidney, part of the stomach, the upper left portion of the colon, and the tail of the pancreas...[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Concerns About Swallowing Bone Fragments and Side Pain Explained
Please consult a doctor? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what might happen if I accidentally swallowed a small piece of bone. I bit into some while eating pig trotters and swallowed it, but I don't feel like it got stuck in my throat. Another question is about some pain...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Ann: 1. Fish bones, chicken bones, pork bones, or beef bones can potentially get lodged in the throat or esophagus, and sometimes they may need to be removed using an endoscope to alleviate pain or prevent mediastinal infection and inflammation. If they pass through the...[Read More] Concerns About Swallowing Bone Fragments and Side Pain Explained
Understanding Upper Back Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Upper back pain? Hello Doctor, about six months ago, I woke up one morning and noticed soreness in the upper back on both sides (from the shoulders down to the upper waist). The pain on the left side is about 80%, while the right side is about 20%. I initially thought it was due ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to have an evaluation by an orthopedic or rehabilitation specialist. Hyperthyroidism should be regularly monitored by an endocrinologist at Changhua Hospital. Take care.[Read More] Understanding Upper Back Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding the Impact of Short vs. Long-Term High-Intensity Interval Training
Exercise-related issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask a follow-up question regarding TABATA. I understand that short-term high-intensity interval training (less than 12 weeks) can improve maximum oxygen uptake, diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose levels in ov...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. The "Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Adult Obesity," published by Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare in November 2018, is a consensus reached through discussions among experts and scholars who reviewed global studies and repor...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Short vs. Long-Term High-Intensity Interval Training
Does Short Exercise Like Tabata Effectively Control Blood Sugar Levels?
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor: I have a follow-up question regarding TABATA. My main concern is whether exercise needs to last at least 15 or 30 minutes to effectively control blood sugar levels. Since TABATA workouts only take 4 to 8 minutes to complete (and are said to repla...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin Sen: 1. According to the "Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Adult Obesity" published by Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare in November 2018, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is defined as aerobic exercise perfo...[Read More] Does Short Exercise Like Tabata Effectively Control Blood Sugar Levels?
Can Tabata Workouts Effectively Lower Blood Sugar Levels?
Blood sugar issues Hello Doctor: I am in the prediabetic stage, with blood glucose levels around 110, and I have not yet developed diabetes. Therefore, I want to establish a regular exercise routine to prevent the onset of diabetes. I have a question regarding the recently popula...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin Sen: 1. TABATA is primarily a form of high-intensity interval training (HIIT); it involves performing maximum intensity exercise for 20 seconds, followed by a 10-second rest, repeated for a total of 8 rounds, resulting in an overall duration of about 4 minutes. It c...[Read More] Can Tabata Workouts Effectively Lower Blood Sugar Levels?
Understanding Left-Sided Back Spasms and Chronic Bloating Issues
There is a sensation of twitching in the left upper back, resembling insects crawling, along with persistent bloating in the left lower abdomen for over two years? Hello, Doctor. I have a sensation in the lower left area between my shoulder and waist, like something is crawling. ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Gillian: 1. Since such a thorough examination has been conducted and no cause has been found, I personally believe that you should first pay attention to your diet, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments. This means maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical ...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Back Spasms and Chronic Bloating Issues
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Urinary Symptoms: A Family Medicine Perspective
Lumbar issues? Hello, Doctor. On August 3rd, I experienced two drops of blood in my urine. Earlier, I had soreness near my lumbar spine close to the hip area upon waking up. The family medicine doctor tapped my back, and there was no pain. I was prescribed Uroprin for urinary pai...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Brian591014: 1. The differential diagnosis for hematuria commonly includes urinary tract inflammation or injury, urinary stones, urinary tract infection, renal inflammation, tumors of the urinary system, and coagulopathy, among others. 2. As for the differential diag...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Urinary Symptoms: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain During Coughing and Laughing
Abdominal issues? I experience pain in both lower sides of my abdomen (close to the waist) when I laugh, cough, or exert pressure in my stomach. I didn't have this issue before and I'm unsure what the problem might be.
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your issue, it is true that there can be pain when the abdominal muscles are engaged. However, it is important to rule out other conditions. It is still recommended that you visit a hospital for a physician's evaluation to confirm the diagnosis. Changhua Hos...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain During Coughing and Laughing
Understanding Bruising in Sensitive Areas: When to Seek Medical Attention
Pelvic hematoma Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you about an incident that happened while I was preparing for sexual activity with my girlfriend. I accidentally got pricked by a new stainless steel pin that she had hanging from her waist, which injured the glans. There was so...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
The blood flow in the penile area is significant, and there may be considerable bruising, which could take two to three weeks to gradually subside. However, due to the high blood flow in that area and the possibility of needle puncture, there is a risk of bacterial infection. Ple...[Read More] Understanding Bruising in Sensitive Areas: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Unexplained Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Intermittent referred pain in the abdomen? Hello Doctor, my boyfriend (28 years old) has been experiencing intermittent radiating abdominal pain (similar to an electric shock) since March of last year. The pain does not occur when pressure is applied, and it has persisted for ove...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
Based on your statement, it is recommended to consult a neurologist or neurosurgeon for an examination. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Upper Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnostic Tests
Frequent upper back pain? Hello, I would like to ask... I often experience pain in my upper back and feel the urge to stretch my chest and twist my waist. The specific area of pain is in the upper back, around the rib cage, similar to the "gāo huāng" point, with a sensa...
Dr. Zhang Hongwei Reply:
It is still necessary to visit a hospital and consult a physician for a physical examination in order to make an accurate differential diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Upper Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnostic Tests
Understanding Health Checkups: Coverage, Costs, and Key Differences
Health check-up related questions?? Q1. What are the typical items included in a general health check-up and a comprehensive health examination? Q2. Can general health check-ups and comprehensive health examinations be covered by health insurance? If so, are there any additiona...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, health check-ups are all self-paid and not covered by health insurance. The costs are billed item by item based on the services provided. Currently, only the National Health Administration offers adult health check-ups, but they are limited to individuals aged 40 to 65 eve...[Read More] Understanding Health Checkups: Coverage, Costs, and Key Differences
Is Low Total Cholesterol a Concern? Understanding Your Health Report
Low cholesterol Hello Doctor, I had a health check-up on March 20 and received the report on April 10. My total cholesterol is 124 mg/dL, triglycerides are 113 mg/dL, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is 48 mg/dL, and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is 53 mg/dL. My height is 168 cm an...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, according to your report, the data looks good; however, your weight is somewhat above the standard (BMI = 28.3). It is still recommended to strengthen weight and waist circumference management. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Is Low Total Cholesterol a Concern? Understanding Your Health Report
Effective Weight Loss Tips for Students: Managing BMI and Diet
Weight loss and slimming? 1. I am currently a student with a BMI of over 20, but compared to others of the same height, my thighs and buttocks are noticeably larger, while my waist is relatively slim. I often get teased about this. Can you explain why this happens? Are there ways...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Hello! Before making any interventional changes to your body, it is advisable to consult with a family medicine specialist to assess whether there are any underlying systemic diseases or deviations from normal values in the population before implementing dietary and exercise cont...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss Tips for Students: Managing BMI and Diet
Which Specialist to See for Persistent Neck and Head Pain?
Which specialty should I see? Hello, doctor :) I have stiffness from my shoulders to above my waist, along with pain in my head, eyes, and nose. I have seen specialists in rehabilitation, orthopedics, and neurology (X-rays confirmed no compression, and EEG results were normal). I...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Hello: It is not possible to determine the issue from your statement. Please visit the Family Medicine outpatient clinic for evaluation by a specialist. Thank you! Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Gao Qingyun, Director of Family Medicine, Taoyuan Hospital, Minist...[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Persistent Neck and Head Pain?
Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Home Remedies
Right abdominal pain? Recently, I have been feeling nauseous frequently, possibly due to an intolerance to tea. When lying on my left side, I start to experience a gradual pain near the lower right rib cage close to the waist, but the pain subsides after changing positions. The a...
Dr. Huang Hongshuo Reply:
It is advisable to seek medical attention as there are many reasons that could cause these symptoms. The stomach is generally located in the upper abdomen, slightly to the left. Your pain could be due to muscle pain, nerve pain, kidney stones, inflammation, and many other possibi...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Home Remedies
Which Specialist Should You See for Ankle and Back Discomfort?
Which specialty should I see? Hello doctor, I previously had a viral wart on my big toe, which caused me to walk with my big toe slightly elevated for an extended period. Now that the wart has healed, I have returned to my normal walking pattern, but I am starting to feel a sligh...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns, it is possible that discomfort may be caused by poor posture leading to inflammation of the joints, muscles, or soft tissues. It is recommended to consult an orthopedic or rehabilitation physician for an evaluation. A urine test can help determine ...[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Ankle and Back Discomfort?
Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for My Symptoms?
Which specialty clinic should I visit? Hello, Doctor. I am currently working in mainland China. Three weeks ago, I had a buffet barbecue dinner with friends and experienced gastrointestinal discomfort that led to continuous diarrhea for about two days (approximately 20 times). Af...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, for a comprehensive evaluation, it is recommended that you first consult with your family physician. Depending on the situation, necessary referrals can be made afterward. If time is of the essence, you may also consider arranging a com...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for My Symptoms?