Good question! Although methadone can ease the pain, its side effects and potential interactions with other medications can be serious, even lethal at higher doses.  Click here to read about methadone overdose deaths. Normally I prefer to prescribe Suboxone. A German pharmaceutical company developed Suboxone (buprenorphine), and it has turned out to be a dependable [...]

Do you have drug-related concerns about friends or family members or yourself? As we explore how humans can relate to opioids with freedom, dependency, or addiction — invite your loved ones to click on the articles in this series. Are painkillers addictive? I depend too much on pain killers. What should I do? Do you prescribe [...]

Does this describe you?  Trying to quit but can’t. Taking a drug to keep symptoms at bay – for example – diarrhea, vomiting, cramps in the abdomen, flu, sweats, trembling, nasal congestion, insomnia, enlarged pupils, restlessness, increased heart rate, or strange emotions. Maybe increasing the dose as your body gets used to the drug. You [...]

You are asking the right question.  In America alone, 5.7 million diabetics  are unaware they have this disease.  First look at diabetes’ problems, risk factors, and symptoms.  Then consider a blood sugar screening. Problems related to diabetes Heart disease Stroke Kidney malfuncion Foot/hand pain, numbness, or weakness Depression Blindness Risk factors for diabetes* Age over 45 years [...]

Yes, pain killers are addictive -- even those prescribed by your doctor. ----- Our problems with addictive drugs go back 3000 years. From opium's long history of addiction, the medical community calls any addictive drug an “opioid.” Modern opioids include opium, Hydrocodone, Lortab, Oxycodone, Oxycontin, hydromorphone, dilaudid, Percocet, Lorcet, MS Contin, Heroin, and Demerol.

If you smoke, quitting is the most important thing you can do to improve your health, lengthen your days, and feel full of energy again. The physical and psychological effects of nicotine addiction, however, are stronger than those of heroin.  To quit takes a strong will and sound advice.  I recommend these sources for their practical advice on how to quit.

If you have diabetes, your blood sugar can drop even when you are doing all you can to manage your diabetes.  Your medication could be off, or you may have missed a meal.  Here in Lower Alabama, the level could plunge after an extra game of volley ball at Orange Beach, a hard swim in Gulf Shores, or planting a tree in your Foley yard.

Lynn: "I heard that two people in Louisiana died from ‘brain-eating amoebae’ after irrigating their nasal passages with neti pots.  Do we have those bacteria over here in Alabama around Foley, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach?  Is there a safe, doctor-approved way to clean out my sinuses?”   Yes Lynn, medical experts have determined the safest way to irrigate nasal passages – even in Lower Alabama’s Baldwin County – starts with pure water and salt.

Contrary to what your neighbors in Michigan and Ohio think, snowbirds who flee south to the sun-drenched sands of Orange Beach or Gulf Shores are still susceptible to the common cold.  Not to worry -- faithful pharmacies on the Gulf, up in Foley and Lillian, and even on the Eastern Shore will sell you what you need -- right over the counter. Which medicines to buy and how to take them....

Here's what you can do about those terrible watery, loose bowel movements -- plus the bowel cramps that come along with them. EAT ONLY THESE FOODS. Eat the foods on this list that you like.  Don't eat the foods here that you don't like. :)  And eat as much of each food as you wish.

At the FIRST sign of NAUSEA -- upset stomach or vomiting: Step 1 - Nothing by Mouth for 6-8 hours.  Then if no further nausea or vomiting, go to ... Step 2 - Take only ICE CHIPS BY MOUTH for 6-8 hours.  Then if no nausea or vomiting, go to ... Step 3 - Take only ONE (1) TEASPOONFUL of WATER EVERY 5 MINUTES (equals 1 quart in 24 hours).  Take teaspoons of water for 6-8 hours.  Then if no nausea or vomiting, go to ... Step 4 - Take SIPS OF WATER EVERY 5 MINUTES for 6-8 hours.  Then if still no nausea or vomiting, go to ... Step 5 - DRINK WATER AS DESIRED.

Anyone can get sick or hurt at home and need quick medical care. Having these medical tools at home will save you time and trouble when you or your child is hurt or sick. You should carry at least these 10 basic items in your first aid kit. Thermometer to check for fever Your doctor’s after-hours telephone number Stick-on bandages Anti-itch cream for small rashes Non-aspirin pain reliever (acetaminophen) for adults and children Antibiotic or first aid cream to put on cuts and scrapes

Go to ER for serious problems that can cause lasting injury or death. for a bad injury or sudden illness when an illness is quickly getting much worse. only for a real emergency.  If the problem is not a real emergency, you may have to pay for the E.R. visit. Do Not Go to ER if you have a cold or any problem your doctor can take care of in the office. because you cannot get a ride to your doctor’s office.  Call 1-800-362-1504 for a ride to your doctor’s office.