Tag Archives: Conditions and Diseases

Obesity Is a Problem

Obesity Is a Problem

Each of these doctors comes from a country where being overweight is not unusual. After all, their own mama-mias and babushkas become portly through pasta or pirogue poisoning. Likewise, overweight male shopkeepers, government officials, and opera singers abound in their native lands. Yet as one Italian orthopedist put it, a young woman between 18 and ... More
A Heartfelt Thank You

A Heartfelt Thank You

Dear Dr. SerVaas, In your November/December 2008 issue I happened to read that leg and hand spasms could be caused by the cholesterol medicines. I had been having such severe pains that I would have to pull over in traffic because I was afraid to drive with them. I tried eating bananas and all the ... More
Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease

I am nearly recovered from a mild stroke that my medical reports say was due to peripheral artery disease (PAD). I changed my diet, had physical therapy, and lost weight. I had to stop Lipitor for cholesterol (which is 125) because of nighttime leg cramps. Should I be doing more for my PAD? I have ... More
Rid Audible Heartbeat

Rid Audible Heartbeat

Regarding the lady who could hear her heartbeat in her ear upon reclining: I know exactly what she means, and it’s nasty! Lucky for me, I had a chiropractor appointment the second day after I woke up with the condition. The chiropractor adjusted my neck (for me, C3) and I was rid of the condition. ... More
Ablation Helps Flutter, Too

Ablation Helps Flutter, Too

I had ablation of the atrioventricular (AV) node in 2001 that apparently took care of my atrial fibrillation but left me with heart flutter. When I relax in my recliner for a short period of time, I get short of breath and feel very much as I did with atrial fibrillation. When I sit on ... More
Artificial Heart Valves

Artificial Heart Valves

How long are porcine aortic valves expected to last? I’m going to subscribe to the magazine because of your answers. Thank you. I am glad you like my column, and that you plan to subscribe to the Post to read it. Thank you. Porcine heart valves (made from pig hearts) have been used to replace ... More

The Unforgettable Natalie Cole

Twenty-five years ago she overcame a drug addiction that put her career on hold and her life in jeopardy. Now she’s back on top, relying on her faith as she battles new threats to her health. In her book, Angel on my Shoulder, Natalie Cole tells the story of her parents’ move to a posh, ... More
Statins and Heart Health

Statins and Heart Health

I’ve read people with heart problems should not use statin drugs. I’m diabetic and on my second pacemaker. Our medical insurance is suggesting that I change from Lipitor to the statin drug simvastatin. Please inform me if this should be done. On the contrary, statins are routinely taken by people with heart problems to lower ... More
The Healing Power of Energy

The Healing Power of Energy

Drawing from Eastern and Western therapies, a leading physician explores the role of energy medicine in achieving and maintaining health. I walk past the patient with the mechanical heart to visit his roommate, on whom I performed open-heart surgery earlier in the week. I am surprised to see a woman slowly waving her hands over ... More
Get Your ZZZs

Get Your ZZZs

Research data published in The Archives of Internal Medicine suggest that people with elevated blood pressure readings during the nighttime hours who get too little sleep may boost their risk of a cardiovascular emergency. During the study of 1,255 study participants, those with elevated blood pressure readings during the restful hours who averaged shorter sleep ... More

The History of Health and Medicine in America

As editor and publisher of The Saturday Evening Post magazine, Dr. Cory SerVaas brought a passion for health and prevention to the publication. A journalist and physician, Dr. Cory interviewed some of the world’s leading scientists, physicians, and researchers, translating complex material into easy-to-read and understand articles. You can read some of Dr. Cory fascinating ... More
Heart Weak But Stable

Heart Weak But Stable

In 2000, a cardiologist said that I needed a heart transplant due to heart failure. My left ventricle ejection fraction was about 20 percent. I resisted this advice since I felt fine, did not display signs of heart failure, and could ride the exercise bike at least 30 minutes a day with no problems. Since ... More
FDA Approves Kapidex for Treatment of GERD

FDA Approves Kapidex for Treatment of GERD

The FDA has approved a long-acting proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for once-daily treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, according to an announcement by the drugmaker. Kapidex (generic name: dexlansoprazole) was approved for healing all grades of erosive esophagitis for up to eight weeks, for maintaining healing of erosive esophagitis for up to six months, ... More
Therapies for Systolic Hypertension

Therapies for Systolic Hypertension

Dear Dr. SerVaas, I’m diabetic and have systolic hypertension. My systolic pressure runs from 115 to 120 in the morning and 120 to 170 in the evening. I’ve included a list of the medicines I have tried. Is there anything in the pipeline for my condition? Hal Post cardiology consultant Dr. Douglas Zipes replies: “You ... More
Exercise Away Joint Pain

Exercise Away Joint Pain

Strengthening the muscles around knees and shoulders helps increase joint flexibility and ease pain. Easier said than done, you say? Try this tip from Dr. G. Peter Maiers of Methodist Sports Medicine / The Orthopedic Specialists in Indianapolis, Indiana: “About 20 minutes before your workout, put a hot pack on the joints that you will ... More
Colon Cleanser Conundrum

Colon Cleanser Conundrum

Do popular colon cleansers really promote a healthy colon? Probably not, according to gastrointestinal tract experts who explain that the gut lining is constantly forming new cells and rarely needs our assistance. Common side effects of colon cleansers include headaches, cramping, and diarrhea. Long-term use is linked to anemia and bowel rupture. In general, maintaining ... More
From the National Stroke Association

From the National Stroke Association

Ohio researchers are recruiting women who are caring for male stroke survivors to participate in a 10-week online support program designed to facilitate physical and emotional recovery while reducing feelings of strain or burden. For the study, investigators are particularly seeking caregivers and stroke survivors who are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety. Participants without ... More
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