DEAR DR. ROACH: In a recent column, you noted that many patients do not properly use their inhaled asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) medications, but you didn't tell us how to properly use them. I'd hate to think that I've been doing Advair and albuterol incorrectly all these ...

Dear Heloise: Regarding the recent hint suggesting we plug in extension cords behind heavy pieces of furniture for future use. This can be a serious safety hazard if proper precautions are not taken. Any such cords can be a hazard to young children or pets if they play with or chew on them. ...

By KEITH ROACH, M.D. Syndicated columnist Dear Dr. Roach: What can you tell me about the cause and treatment of immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP)? I am a 71-year-old male, and after lab results showed a low blood platelet count, I underwent a spleen and liver scan as well as a bone ...

By ANNIE LANE Syndicated columnist Dear Readers: Wishing you and all a very happy holiday season. Please enjoy the following poem. “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore: ’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, ...

By KEITH ROACH, M.D. Syndicated columnist Dear Dr. Roach: I read with interest the letter from the reader who had shoulder pain and was identified with Parsonage-Turner syndrome. I had never heard of it before. I am a 64-year-old woman with severe shoulder pain. It has persisted for more ...

By HELOISE Syndicated columnist Dear Readers: Tonight is Christmas Eve, and I’m reminded of something I heard a wise man say many years ago: “You may not particularly like someone, but try to love them in the spirit of mankind.” It’s at this special time of year that we seem to ...