What is all this talk about a resurgence of yellow fever? I read that it has appeared in Africa and there is no cure.
Yellow fever has appeared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and there have been a number of deaths. It is caused by a virus and there is no cure. However, yellow fever can be prevented with a vaccine, which should be taken by anyone who is going to a country where there is yellow fever.
Yellow fever is not present in the United States. It was eradicated from the U.S. almost one hundred years ago by mosquito control and vaccination.
Should the people of Louisiana be concerned about Zika due to the recent storms and flooding?
Because of the presence of the Zika Virus in Miami, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean Islands, and the existence of the anopheles mosquito in southern states, there is the remote possibility of the spread of Zika in Louisiana. However, there is much greater danger to the health and lives of people in Louisiana from the massive flooding there.
Dr, I have ulcerative colitis and my medical insurance will not cover my Asacol or Desicol do you any outlook on a alternative or is there a cure on way?
I suggest that the patient with UC (ulcerative colitis) consult with their doctor about possible alternatives to their medications.
Good Morning, Doc. How do you feel about a full body cleanse? Are they really good for you?
There is no scientific study which shows any improvement in health status from so-called full body cleansers. A healthy diet, with fresh fruits and vegetables, copious intake of water, avoidance of tobacco and other intoxicating substances, regular exercise (walking, running, swimming, etc.) should help to improve and maintain your health.
What will Dr. Sullivan advice be to us young Black female doctors to get our African-Americans to get prostate and colon cancer testing done?
To improve screening rates for prostate cancer among African-American males, educational brochures about prostate cancer are available. Advocacy groups, such as PHEN (Prostate Health Education Network) conduct educational sessions around the country. There is also the prostate@realmencookfoundation.org where more information is available over the internet.
For colon cancer prevention and detection, an annual medical check-up is recommended for individuals aged 40 years or older. There is a simple test for blood in the stool, which may indicate the possible presence of colon cancer (though other conditions, such as hemorrhoids can result in the presence in blood).
But, the test recommended by the American Gastroenterological Society is a colonoscopy at age 40 and every five years thereafter, to detect and remove polyps and any early, localized cancers. Emphasizing the real benefits from testing for colon cancer is necessary to get people to do these tests.
