NOW. Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by low bone mass and a consequent increased risk of bone fracture and can occur at any age, even in young teens. Many factors can contribute to the development of osteoporosis including: family history, low body weight, inactivity, loss of hormone support, and poor nutrition. Bone mineral density is recognized as the key determinant of bone strength and is the best test to diagnose osteoporosis or to establish individuals at risk of developing the disease. I recommend an inexpensive, accurate and simple screening test, the Heel Ultrasound Bone Densitometry.

To have a diet plan be safe and effective, you need to have your metabolism and health related factors assessed. Concurrent problems such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol or hormonal imbalance will make a significant impact on any weight loss program. If you are seriously overweight, you should also understand the possible role of medication or even surgical intervention in the treatment of obesity. A medically managed program, which monitors your health during the weight loss process and provides a maintenance plan, is your best option for achieving life long weight control.

Now! ANY ?spot?, anywhere on your skin, that is new or is changing in size, color, character or just looks ?different? to you, should be brought to the attention of your physician immediately. Skin cancers range from the most common Basal Cell Carcinoma which can often be detected early as a pre-cancerous change in the skin, to Malignant Melanoma which is very unpredictable and can be life threatening before it is the size of a dime. I recommend a complete skin evaluation at your annual physical, as changes from sun damage can often be treated before skin cancer develops.

NO. Today, the standard recommendation is that a complete cholesterol blood test including triglycerides, LDL (bad cholesterol), and HDL (good cholesterol) be drawn for all individuals beginning at the age of 20 and repeated every five years if results are normal. Anyone with a family history of heart disease or stroke, or other risk factors such as Diabetes, Hypertension or Obesity, and individuals known to have elevated cholesterol levels should be tested more frequently. The treatments to lower cholesterol include diet, exercise and medication and should be designed by your physician.

YES. As an ex-smoker you are at risk for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Symptoms include shortness of breath, prolonged cough and increased phlegm. I would recommend you have a simple test called a Pulmonary Function Test or PFT which uses a device called a Spirometer to analyze your lung capacity and air flow and can determine whether your lung function is normal or impaired. A PFT is a simple office procedure and costs about $35.