Ask Dr. Deb

Ask Dr. Deb

Comments   |   Ask Dr. Deb
White Coat Hypertension

White Coat Hypertension

Hi, Dr. Deb It seems like every time I have to go into the doctor’s for my annual exam, I’m scared, and consequently it seems to make my blood pressure high.  Should I be concerned and what can I do to lower my blood pressure?  You are describing what is commonly known as “white coat ...

Comments   |   Money Matters with Val
Should I Refinance My Car Loan?

Should I Refinance My Car Loan?

Hi, Val, I received an offer from my bank to refinance my car.  What things should I consider?   Again it comes down to your goals.  Look at refinancing to save interest but keep the remaining term or less than the remaining term.  For instance if your current interest rate is 5.9% and you have ...

Comments   |   Ask Dr. Deb
Help!  I’m Tired All the Time

Help! I’m Tired All the Time

Q: Hi, Dr. Deb,  I seem to be tired all the time!  With kids, work, and after school activities…I’m exhausted.  I’m getting about 6 hours of sleep a night.  Is that enough? How many should my kids be getting? A:  Most adults need somewhere between six and eight hours of sleep per night in order ...

Comments   |   Money Matters with Val
What Should I Do With My 401K?

What Should I Do With My 401K?

Q:  The economy seems to be very unsettled again.  Do you think I should take my money out of retirement and put into cds and IRA roths?  Or keep it where it is and hope it settles down?   Val:  You will only actually realize a loss on your retirement accounts if you liquidate them.  ...

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Am I Just Sad or Clinically Depressed?

Am I Just Sad or Clinically Depressed?

Hi, Dr. Deb…I was wondering how a person can tell if you are just depressed because of a situation or circumstances, or how you know when you are clinically depressed?  It is sometimes difficult to sort out the difference between situational depression and a true clinical depression as the symptoms can be the same. As ...

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Do I Have Ulcers?

Do I Have Ulcers?

I have just been promoted at my work, but my hours and stress level have increased.  I tend to have a burning stomach after I eat.  Do you think I should get checked for an ulcer? You are probably having an increase in stomach acid that is irritating your stomach lining and causing either gastritis ...

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This Month’s Question: Mammograms

This Month’s Question: Mammograms

Question:  Hi Dr. Deb. I’m 25 with no history of breast cancer in my family.  When do I need to start getting a mammogram? Relax…. Since you are only 25, you don’t need to worry about a mammogram yet. The American Cancer Society currently recommends an annual mammogram starting at age 40 for those of ...

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Tips to Make Weight Loss Work

Tips to Make Weight Loss Work

A New Year brings many resolutions. For many of us, weight loss is near the top of the list. We often start off doing well on dieting and then quickly lose our willpower and focus. What we weigh is all about intake versus output. If we have more intake than calorie output, we gain weight. ...

Comments   |   Money Matters with Val
4 Simple Steps to Achieving Your Goals

4 Simple Steps to Achieving Your Goals

1) Set a goal. The goal should be attainable and measurable. For instance, “I want to pay off debt this year” is not a goal that can be measured properly. Make your goal very specific with a time line attached, such as, ” I will put $100 from each paycheck towards my Visa bill so ...

Comments   |   From My Little Room
When I Think of Christmas and When I Reminisce

When I Think of Christmas and When I Reminisce

My husband, being of the lineage of perfection when doing anything made of wood including Christmas trees, in years past would labor endlessly through the Christmas tree lots to find the perfect tree. Not only would he hunt for the perfect kind with the fullest branches but it had to have a perfectly straight trunk. ...