Dear Pharmacist,

I have been experiencing what my cardiologist calls “benign” arrhythmias for 2 years. They come and go, and I am unable to link them to any activities, foods or medicines. We’ve tried digoxin and beta blockers, which didn’t work. He says he can fix them with ablation and a pacemaker or just leave them alone for now. Sometimes they make me lightheaded and I get frightened. Do you think I should do the procedure?

ear Pharmacist, July 31, 2010

Dear Pharmacist,

I’ve felt sick for 10 years, and no one has helped me. I read on the Internet about Candida, and I have every symptom possible. I’ve eliminated sugar already, and after 2 months, I feel better. I just found your site and hope you can teach me more about this infection.

Dear Readers,

Last week I answered a question for a person who kept going to the doctor and being told that nothing was wrong with her. She did some reading and learned that her symptoms were tied to a fungus and started to self-treat. This is part 2 in the series I promised you regarding her story of Candida albicans. I’ve posted a link to teach you how to do a saliva test at home to see if you have Candida. Up to 85 percent of people do. There are also stool tests...

Dear Pharmacist,

I often feel worried and anxious, and I don’t sleep well. I know I’m a nervous wreck, but I refuse tranquilizers because they are addictive. I also have a weak stomach. Is there anything natural?

Dear Pharmacist

I dread that my son is going back to school because it means that he will catch a cold and remain constantly sick until Thanksgiving. We will all get sick as a result! Please make suggestions to keep our family well?

Dear Pharmacist,

I have been taking a dietary supplement to lose weight and it works great. I’ve lost 34 pounds and feel great! I heard on The Today Show that one of the ingredients in my formula (bitter orange) was harmful. Should I stop taking my supplement?

Dear Pharmacist,

What can do to protect myself from catching a cold this year? I have a job that requires me to work seven days a week. I can’t miss a day so I don’t want to get sick. Last year, I got the flu shot and will probably do so again, however, is there anything more that I can do right now to protect myself?

Dear Readers,

Are you worried about your teen being on drugs? Do you think your spouse had a drink and lied to you? Are you trying to conceive a baby and curious to know when you’re ovulating? Testing for all of this is now possible at home. There are dozens of tests to choose from, search the Internet. Here are just a few home test kits that I found which do not require prescription. They are sold both online and at many pharmacies:

Dear Pharmacist,

I crave saffron, and have loved this spice for many years but stopped buying it because it’s expensive. I know you are educated with herbs, can you tell me if there are any health benefits?

Dear Pharmacist,

I have Lupus, and I've been on medicine for 22 years. My symptoms are not well controlled and I have lost ability to live life due to all the daily complications. Please offer advice to help me regain quality of life, while I am still breathing on this Earth.

Dear Pharmacist,

I live in chronic pain, it’s usually my joints but now my nerves are involved. My tests are all normal, and my doctor gives me Celebrex, Vicodin and Flexeril. I feel doped up, and still live in pain. What else can I do?

Dear Readers,

The most wonderful thing about our planet is that it grows good medicine. Making herbal teas is one of my secret passions. You can drink teas, and in some cases apply them to your skin. I’ve been playing with herbs for years, it’s fun and I honestly think it’s a wonderful adjunct to your other medical treatments.

Dear Readers,

I attended the 2012 Natural Products Expo West trade show in California to scout out new healthy, delicious or unique products. The companies mentioned below did not know that I was with the media as I was sampling their goodies, and I receive nothing from this:

Dear Pharmacist,
My son takes an antibiotic for acne and I need one for urinary tract infections. My question is not about natural alternatives, I don’t believe in that stuff. I just want to know what the side effects are of antibiotics and any other safety precautions. Thanks for letting you pick your brain.

Dear Pharmacist,
My friends daughter has rickets, I didn’t think that was possible in this day and age. How do I protect my kids?

Dear Pharmacist,
On facebook, you mentioned this supplement called Citicoline for memory, and it interests me because my mother has Alzheimer’s and my wife had a mild stroke. Would it help?

What If No One Can See Your Pain?

Dear Pharmacist,
Have you noticed the trend of celebrities dying from medications? I can think of Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, and most recently Whitney Houston? Do you think they should restrict the use of painkillers to prevent this?

Dear Pharmacist,

The last time I went to the pharmacy, I had to wait 25 minutes to get my prescription filled. Why in the world does it take so long to put a few pills in a bottle?

Dear Pharmacist,

I have high blood pressure and heart disease. I’m worried that I’m not doing enough. Do you have any recommendations?

Dear Pharmacist,

My husband and I would like to have a child soon. My sister’s little boy has autism, so I’m naturally concerned for my prenatal care and pregnancy. Is there any way to reduce my risk of having a child with autism?