Ask a Doc

Q: How do I prevent overuse injuries such as stress fractures?

A: The best way to avoid such injuries is to listen to your body and not force yourself to do activities while in pain.

Q: Should I exercise when I am sick?

A: Never exercise when you are sick. Decreased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea place you at risk for becoming dehydrated. Training after recovery should start at a gradual/moderate pace. Increase rate at 1-2 days/each day missed. Other reasons to avoid exercise include: fever greater than 100.5, fatigue/muscle aches/weakness, shortness-of-breath, severe cough.

Q - What are some guidelines for fluid replacement?

A: Drink a sports drink containing 6-8% carbohydrate to give you more energy during training and long workouts.  You also want a beverage that contains a small amount of potassium and sodium.  Drink 10-16 ounces 15-30 minutes before workouts, 4-8 ounces during exercise at 10-15 minute intervals.  Avoid carbonated drinks and those containing caffeine and alcohol.

Q: How do I prevent blisters?

A: Your shoes should fit always comfortably and make sure they are never wet. Wearing two pairs of socks can help minimize the chance of blisters as well. On areas that tend to rub, use petroleum jelly or foot powder. Placing athletic tape or bandages over sore spots can ease the discomfort.

How often should I replace my running shoes?

Q: How often should I replace my running shoes? A: Midsoles tend to lose their effectiveness after 600 miles of use. You may also consider buying 2 pairs of shoes and alternating them day-to-day. Dr. Seth Kupferman South Carolina Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center

Q: Is breastfeeding really better than formula feeding?

YES! We now know that breastfeeding is much better for mom and baby than giving formula. The World Health Organization, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologist, American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Practitioners all recommend 6 months exclusive breastfeeding then continued breastfeeding with complimentary foods for at least 1 year. Benefits for mom – less ...

Q: What is HPV? Do I need to get the vaccination?

A: HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that causes most cervical cancers and genital warts. Most men and women have been exposed to this virus by their mid 20’s. Some women, especially teens and healthy young adults can clear the virus before they get changes on their pap smear. Some will go on to develop cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls 9-26. This will pr ...

Q: What medications are safe to take in pregnancy?

A: If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, review your prescribed medications with your physician. Many over the counter medications are safe in pregnancy. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist. • Constipation – Metamucil, Citrucel, Benefiber, stool softeners such as Colace, milk of magnesia • Cough – Robitussin, cough drops • Pain – Tyle ...

Q: What are the side effects with statins such as Lipitor or Zocor?

A: Almost all side effects for Zocor or Lipitor surround muscle issues. It is a very small percentage; about 4% of patients will develop muscle aches. A smaller percentage will experience muscle weakness or more serious issues, generally these medicines are very well tolerated. The myth that this class of medicines called statins causes liver disease is just that, a myth. It has been shown time af ...

Q: Why do I need Vitamin D?

A: Vitamin D is essential for strong bones because it helps the body use calcium from the diet. Symptoms of bone pain and muscle weakness can mean you have a vitamin D deficiency. However, for many people, the symptoms are subtle. Yet even without symptoms, too little vitamin D can pose health risks. Research suggests that vitamin D could play a role in the prevention and treatment of a number of ...

Q: Are there different types of sleep apnea?

A: Sleep apnea is divided into two basic categories obstructive, which is the most common type we see and central. Obstructive sleep apnea is a blockage in the airway when soft tissue in back of throat collapses and closes during sleep; this causes disturbed, delayed breathing. Central sleep apnea is caused by a lack of neurological feedback that fails to signal muscles to regulate breath.

Q: What are the symptoms of Arthritis?

A: The joint is harder to use and might have a limited range of motion. Morning stiffness is one of the hallmark symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Fluid enters into the joint and it becomes puffy; this also contributes to stiffness. Inflammation inside a joint makes it sensitive and tender. Prolonged inflammation causes damage that also contributes to pain.

Q: My medicines give me side effects, what can I do?

A: If side effects bother you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor may be able to prescribe another medicine or suggest ways to reduce side effects. For example, if an upset stomach is a problem, ask if taking the medicine with food will help. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about medicine interactions. One medicine you are taking may change what another medicine does. This can cause wors ...

Q: What is a CPAP?

A: Continuous positive airway pressure -- also called CPAP -- is a treatment in which a mask is worn over the nose and/or mouth while you sleep. The mask is hooked up to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air into the nostrils. The positive pressure from air flowing into the nostrils helps keep the airways open so that breathing is not impaired. CPAP is considered by many experts to be t ...

Q: How can I relieve my snoring?

A: If something like snoring is persistent and/or bothersome, it is best to make an appointment with a medical professional. Easy solutions include turning on your side when preparing for sleep, avoiding alcohol and heavy meals two hours before bedtime, and maintaining a healthy weight.