Sundance Times - Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884

Dear NP, My teenager has a history of seizures and takes medication to control them. How will this affect his ability to drive? Dear Reader, There are many different types of seizures, and they...

Dear NP, I have been a smoker for over 20 years. I talked to my doctor, and he wants me to take Chantix. What is the safest way to stop? What are the side effects of the different “stop-smoking...

Dear NP, My father had a complicated history of prostate cancer. My doctor told me that having my blood PSA level checked is useless. What health screenings are recommended for prostate cancer, and...

Dear NP, “In a recent column, you discussed how to lower cholesterol levels without taking medications. Please talk about the long-term side effects of taking statins, such as the increased risk of...

Dear NP, “Are diabetes medications helpful for weight loss? Are there any bad side effects if I take these medications for weight loss and am not diabetic? What are the requirements to have them...

Dear NP, “How can I lower my cholesterol without taking prescription medications? Does a keto diet worsen cholesterol levels?” Dear Reader, Prescription medications are often recommended to treat...

Dear NP, When is flu season and what is the best time to get the flu vaccine? Dear Reader, Influenza circulates year-round, but the peak season for flu is during the fall and winter months. Cases of...

Dear NP, “Can you tell me what skin cancer looks like? My mother died from skin cancer that spread to the underlying bones. What can I do to help prevent skin cancer other than sunscreen? I am 48...

Dear NP, “I was recently started on metoprolol for high blood pressure. I have never taken any prescription medications for blood pressure problems. Before starting the medication, I was able to wal...

Dear NP, “I have an 18-month-old who continually gets ear infections. Can you explain what causes some children to be more prone to ear infections than others? Is there anything I can do to help...

Dear NP, Last year I was diagnosed with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever after a long course of sickness. My delay in treatment was because I failed to mention I had a recent tick bite. With warmer...

Dear NP, Can you talk about the COVID-19 antibody test? Specifically, who should get the test, what does it mean if I have a positive or negative test, and how long do antibodies last? Dear Reader,...

Dear NP, I was recently diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. What risks are associated with this diagnosis? What is the best way to increase my vitamin D level? Dear Reader, Vitamin D deficiency can...

Dear NP, I have a friend who was recently diagnosed with end-stage colon cancer at a young age. Please tell me what the recommendations are for colorectal cancer screening? Are there any options for...

Dear NP, How often should I be screened for type II diabetes? What is prediabetes? Is there anything I can do to reverse prediabetes and prevent diabetes? F. F. Dear F. F., November is diabetes awaren...

Dear NP, I am in my late 60s. I am worried about the immunizations that my primary care provider is offering me. With flu season just around the corner, I am considering the influenza vaccine. Then,...

Dear NP, My 69-year-old mother is becoming more than just forgetful. She recently got lost in a town she has lived in her whole life. She has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and offered a lot of...

Dear NP, My daughter struggled through school last year. Due to COVID, she was homeschooled for several months and I am worried about her focus. What are the signs of ADHD? M. L. Dear M. L., ADHD stan...

Dear NP, What are some ways to tell a stroke is coming? And why is it so important to recognize them as early as possible? L. J. Dear L. J., Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United...

Dear NP, Now that spring has made it, I am spending a lot of time working on my lawn and garden. Every year around this time, I suffer from seasonal allergies. What advice do you have to help control...

Dear NP, Since spring is in the air and many of us are working from home due to COVID-19, I would think it is the perfect time to start an exercise regimen. What are the key steps to starting and...

Dear NP, What does COVID-19 do to the body? What are the symptoms of COVID-19? J. R. Dear J. R., It’s safe to say that COVID-19, a novel coronavirus, is on everybody’s mind. Knowledge is power in...

Dear NP, “I have been taking proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for heartburn daily for the last seven years. My healthcare provider has advised me to stop due to possible serious side effects. What are...