Obesity medications have captured everyone’s attention. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have each come out with injectable medications that have proven to be both safe and very effective. Doctors (including me) have been prescribing them frequently. However, patients are constantly frustrated by poor insurance coverage and high costs. On top of that, the drugs need to be injected, which is discouraging to some.

What is the best diet for you? Everyone’s needs differ, but over the years I have found that one of the very best diets for many of my patients is the Mediterranean Diet.

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association examines the relationship between vitamin b3 (nicotinamide, also known as niacin) and skin cancer prevention. I found it to be very promising.

It always surprises me when I run across a patient who is lacking a sweet tooth; they are certainly members of a minority. But let’s keep in mind that sugar is not found only in candy and soda; it’s in most processed foods, from pasta sauces to some peanut butters, rice, bread, crackers, yogurt, and much more. When we rely on quick meals and snacks, we find considerable amounts of added sugar.

Hemorrhoids are uncomfortable to talk about, and even more uncomfortable to encounter - but by age 50, there’s a 50% chance that you have had them! What are they? What causes them, and what symptoms should we look out for? How can we treat them and ensure that they don’t return?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is primarily spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Note that one can be infected even without symptoms, so even people who appear to be healthy can still transmit this virus. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Gardasil, a highly effective vaccine to prevent HPV, in 2006.

The CDC recently issued new vaccine and screening recommendations for hepatitis B. This is an important development; you may be eligible to have the highly effective hepatitis B vaccine.

I am often asked by my patients whether I think that they should have a “whole-body scan.” These typically use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and/or bone density (DEXA) scans. Are whole-body scans worth it?

Many of you are aware of my aversion to mushrooms. I happen to have one more intense and inexplicable dislike: coffee! As a scientist, however, I do my best to be unbiased. Let’s look at the pros and cons of being a coffee drinker.