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Ask the Expert
Q: I have a history of heart
problems and take aspirin
every day. Is it okay for me
to take ibuprofen too?
A: If you are taking aspirin to
protect your heart, you may
want to ask your doctor if
you should avoid ibuprofen. One study
looked at the use of aspirin and ibuprofen
in people with cardiovascular problems.
Participants in the study included those
with a history of stroke or heart attack,
and those who suffered from angina or
peripheral vascular disease. Compared to
people taking both aspirin and ibuprofen,
those treated with aspirin alone were
about half as likely to die of any cause
within eight years of starting treatment.
These individuals were also 73 percent
less likely to die of cardiovascular diseases.
However, if ibuprofen is required for a
short duration to treat transient pain or a
similar condition, it is okay to take both
aspirin and ibuprofen together. It is recommended
that they be taken following a
meal, causing less stomach irritation.
Q: I feel cold all the time! What can I do to feel warmer?
A: Some experts say normal aging may affect the body’s ability to adjust to cold.
However, if you feel cold all the
time, talk to your doctor. You may have
a health problem that affects how the body handles cold. Some culprits: circulation
problems and conditions that
limit activity, such as arthritis.
Certain drugs also can lower body
temperature. These include some cold
remedies and some prescription drugs
for anxiety, depression, and nausea.
Making some healthy changes also
may help you stay warm:
- Exercise to generate body heat.
- Limit alcohol, which lowers the body's ability to retain heat.
- Dress properly for the weather. Don't let the temperature fool you. For instance, brisk winds cause the body to lose heat rapidly — even if
the temperature is fairly high.
Q: I am in treatment for cancer and I keep on losing weight. any advice for keeping the pounds on?
A: Eating well during and after
cancer treatment is important.
However, some patients
have great difficulties eating because of
the effects of their illness or their treatment.
In certain situations, the body
tries to fight the cancer by decreasing
food-intake needs, to attempt to slow
the growth of the cancer. Not eating,
however, increases weakness and contributes
to fatigue. Therefore, try to eat
frequent, small meals of foods that are
high in calories and are appealing to
you. High-protein liquid supplements
and instant breakfast supplements can be helpful. Add milk, fruit, ice cream,
or cookies — if tolerated — for extra
calories.
Q: I want to remain active
but have arthritis. Is it
ok to exercise with these
achy joints?
A: Regular exercise may actually
be one of the best medicines
for relieving and preventing
the joint stiffness caused by arthritis, as
well as by normal wear and tear. It also
offers great protection against osteoporosis;
and is a major contributor to general
overall emotional and physical wellbeing.
There are many activities — walking,
swimming, cycling, tai chi, dancing,
or even weight lifting — that can be safe
for the joints. The key? Don’t overdo it.
A few other tips:
- Stretch muscles slowly when warming up and cooling down.
- Apply heat before exercising, if your joints are stiff.
- Plan exercise around the time of day you're typically less achy. If appropriate, take pain relievers one hour before.
Finally, if you feel more pain than
usual, stop exercising.
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