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Many people avoid going to the doctor but Dr. Kimberly Bates,  Internist and Pediatrician from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, wants you to know one quick trip to the hospital can save your life!

How? Bates says preventative screenings and making lifestyle changes are invaluable activities that can greatly impact your overall health. Listen to her full interview below.

What are some natural ways to control blood sugar levels ??

The best way to control blood sugars is with exercise, which allows your body to use blood sugar better. Supplements such as cinnamon have been shown to help with blood sugar also.

When should fibroids be a concern?

Fibroids are common and are usually a problem when they cause heavy periods. They can be a cause of severe low blood count which is called anemia. Also, if they are painful, they should be treated.

Mercury-Should we be tested for it?

Most persons are not at risk for mercury poisoning, so testing is not recommended.

I have real bad cramps,they feel like contractions.  Should it be something I am concerned about?

There are many reasons for abdominal cramps. Some of them are serious and some are not. If you have frequent abdominal pains, I would recommend being seen by your doctor to find out the cause.

 I have just been diagnosed with kidney stones; what can I do to pass them?

Most stones are calcium containing stones. Decreasing your intake of calcium supplements (if you take them) or things like milk or calcium fortified orange juice can help. Also drinking large volumes of water (at least 8-10 oz per day) with lemon juice can help them resolve.

As the grandparents how do I convince the parents. That the child needs to exercise more. She is not fat yet, but if things keep going the way they are she will be. No exercising, no bike riding, just video games. And she’s allowed to eat what she likes and nothing else.

This is tough for us too! Sports can be a good way to get a child active, as well as activities like gymnastics and dance. Modeling good behavior helps too. If you can get your grandchild to exercise with you, the child is more likely to ask their parents to give them chances to be more active. I encourage anything with music. Time limits on TV and video games help. You can find lots of ways to get kids active by looking at the Let’s Play initiative on the First Lady’s website.

Doctor, breast-fed toddlers whine sometimes when they aren’t given any milk. But this is a critical bone development time. Should they be given milk?

Although milk is an easy way to give calcium, it’s not the only way. A diet full of calcium fortified drinks (almond milk, orange juice) or foods such as green, leafy vegetables are full of calcium. Vitamin D is hard to get in a diet (even with cow’s milk) so I recommend that all children take vitamin D supplementation of 400 IU daily.

I have a step daughter from a my previous marriage and she’s 13 and quite over weight. My sons and I are worried but the mother doesn’t seem to care. How can I help get the process of losing weight started?

Sports can be a good way to get a child active, as well as activities like gymnastics and dance. Modeling good behavior helps too. If you can get your grandchild to exercise with you, the child is more likely to ask their parents to give them chances to be more active. I encourage anything with music. Time limits on TV and video games help. You can find lots of ways to get kids active by looking at the Let’s Play initiative on the First Lady’s website as well as obesity management on aap.org.

My granddaughter, who is 10, is awake every morning about 3am with a throw up feeling.

there are many possibilities for this. Probably the most common cause of this would be reflux. She should be evaluated by her doctor for a more comprehensive examination.

I have pain in my lower back and right hip. It hurts more while I sit. What could be the cause ?

It could be a number of things, nerve related, bone related or muscle related. I would recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor.

I am diabetic and a smoker last time I visited the doctor was through the ER they told me I had a right lung nodule. What should I do next?

Lung nodules are very serious. This should be followed up on right away with your doctor, who should order a CT scan of your lung to determine size and risk for serious disease.

My name is Leanna. I am 18-years-old and I have a lot on my plate for my age. I’m stressed out all the time and I can’t eat. Why is it that I don’t eat when I’m stressed? and even if I do I wanna go throw it up afterwards?

Stress and anxiety can cause problems with appetite and intestinal function. The reason is that the hormone that is released when you are stressed also works in the intestines also.

I am obese and a Chrohn’s patient. What diet will work for me. What about surgery?

If patients can lose weight without surgery, that is always preferred. Many Crohn’s patients have found success with a gluten free diet. Remember that exercise is also an important part of weight loss. In addition, I would also recommend talking to your doctor about what the appropriate amount of calories would be for you to have daily to encourage weight loss.

Please ask the doctor about screening for autism. When should it be done and what ar some of the signs of autism. Thank you.

Screening for autism should be done during your child’s well visits. Typical time frames for screening are between 9 and 12 months old and again around 18-24 months old. The early signs of autism include poor eye contact with caregivers, lack of interest in others (such as not looking at other children playing or not paying attention to what parents point out) and delays in language.