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	<title>Ask Doctor K</title>
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	<link>http://www.askdoctork.com</link>
	<description>Dr. Anthony Komaroff is a practicing physician...</description>
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		<title>How long will I need to take steroids for polymyalgia rheumatica?</title>
		<link>http://www.askdoctork.com/how-long-will-i-need-to-take-steroids-for-polymyalgia-rheumatica-201305204844</link>
		<comments>http://www.askdoctork.com/how-long-will-i-need-to-take-steroids-for-polymyalgia-rheumatica-201305204844#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 06:00:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anthony Komaroff, M.D.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Pain Management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.askdoctork.com/?p=4844</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[DEAR DOCTOR K: I have polymyalgia rheumatica. My doctor has prescribed prednisone, but I'm worried about the long-term effects of this treatment. How long will I need to take it?

DEAR READER: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a painful, sometimes disabling condition. Fortunately, PMR responds well to proper treatment.<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/how-can-i-ease-the-pain-of-ankylosing-spondylitis-201207212285"     class="crp_title">How can I ease the pain of ankylosing spondylitis?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-are-the-side-effects-of-medications-for-juvenile-rheumatoid-arthritis-201212203977"     class="crp_title">What are the side effects of medications for juvenile&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/how-do-anti-tnf-drugs-work-against-rheumatoid-arthritis-201210313558"     class="crp_title">How do anti-TNF drugs work against rheumatoid arthritis?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-is-bells-palsy-201206162076"     class="crp_title">What is Bell&#8217;s palsy?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/how-can-i-loosen-a-frozen-shoulder-201212013810"     class="crp_title">How can I loosen a frozen shoulder?</a></li></ul></div>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.askdoctork.com/how-long-will-i-need-to-take-steroids-for-polymyalgia-rheumatica-201305204844/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>What is vasculitis and how is it treated?</title>
		<link>http://www.askdoctork.com/what-is-vasculitis-and-how-is-it-treated-201305184839</link>
		<comments>http://www.askdoctork.com/what-is-vasculitis-and-how-is-it-treated-201305184839#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 May 2013 06:00:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anthony Komaroff, M.D.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Heart Health]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.askdoctork.com/?p=4839</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[DEAR DOCTOR K: My father recently saw his doctor, complaining of fever, fatigue, joint pain and rashes. His doctor suspects vasculitis. What is vasculitis? How is it diagnosed and treated?

DEAR READER: Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation can be severe enough to reduce blood flow to tissues and organs. We don't know for sure what causes it, but scientists believe it is an autoimmune disease. <div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-is-an-autoimmune-disease-201212073862"     class="crp_title">What is an autoimmune disease?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-can-i-do-about-edema-201208242849"     class="crp_title">What can I do about edema?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-is-rosacea-201205191847"     class="crp_title">What is rosacea?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/how-does-diabetes-affect-your-kidneys-201302154331"     class="crp_title">How does diabetes affect your kidneys?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-is-infectious-arthritis-201212244018"     class="crp_title">What is infectious arthritis?</a></li></ul></div>]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>How can I understand what I see on my electrocardiogram?</title>
		<link>http://www.askdoctork.com/how-can-i-understand-what-i-see-on-my-electrocardiogram-201305174833</link>
		<comments>http://www.askdoctork.com/how-can-i-understand-what-i-see-on-my-electrocardiogram-201305174833#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 06:00:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anthony Komaroff, M.D.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Heart Health]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.askdoctork.com/?p=4833</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[DEAR DOCTOR K: I recently had an electrocardiogram and my doctor gave me a copy of the tracing. Can you tell me what I'm looking at?

DEAR READER: When the 20th century began, more than 100 years ago, doctors had no way of looking inside the body of a living person. Yet we knew from autopsies of people who had died that all of the normally invisible internal organs could become diseased. So the search was on for ways to "see" inside the body.<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/is-there-a-new-faster-test-to-detect-heart-attacks-201304234722"     class="crp_title">Is there a new, faster test to detect heart attacks?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-is-an-exercise-stress-test-20111209755"     class="crp_title">What is an exercise stress test?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/how-does-atrial-fibrillation-increase-stroke-risk-201301024045"     class="crp_title">How does atrial fibrillation increase stroke risk?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-happens-during-an-angiogram-201211263744"     class="crp_title">What happens during an angiogram?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-happens-during-aortic-valve-replacement-surgery-201301224171"     class="crp_title">What happens during aortic valve replacement surgery?</a></li></ul></div>]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Are calcium supplements unhealthy for men?</title>
		<link>http://www.askdoctork.com/are-calcium-supplements-unhealthy-for-men-201305164829</link>
		<comments>http://www.askdoctork.com/are-calcium-supplements-unhealthy-for-men-201305164829#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 06:00:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anthony Komaroff, M.D.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Men's Health]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.askdoctork.com/?p=4829</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[DEAR DOCTOR K: I'm a man in my 60s. I've been taking a calcium supplement to protect my bones, but I recently read that men shouldn't take calcium supplements. Why not?

DEAR READER: I wish I could give you a clear answer. Several recent studies have raised a question about whether regular use of calcium supplements might be bad for the heart. The bottom line: It's too early to know if this risk is real.<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-are-some-non-dairy-sources-of-calcium-201212083870"     class="crp_title">What are some non-dairy sources of calcium?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/how-can-i-reduce-my-risk-of-osteoporosis-201302184345"     class="crp_title">How can I reduce my risk of osteoporosis?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/how-much-calcium-do-children-need-201201131085"     class="crp_title">How much calcium do children need?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/is-it-possible-to-take-too-many-vitamins-201209183067"     class="crp_title">Is it possible to take too many vitamins?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/is-it-better-to-get-vitamin-d-from-food-sunlight-or-a-pill-201303164512"     class="crp_title">Is it better to get vitamin D from food, sunlight, or a&hellip;</a></li></ul></div>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.askdoctork.com/are-calcium-supplements-unhealthy-for-men-201305164829/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>How can I get my toddler to stop biting?</title>
		<link>http://www.askdoctork.com/how-can-i-get-my-toddler-to-stop-biting-201305154825</link>
		<comments>http://www.askdoctork.com/how-can-i-get-my-toddler-to-stop-biting-201305154825#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 06:00:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anthony Komaroff, M.D.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Children's Health]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.askdoctork.com/?p=4825</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[DEAR DOCTOR K: Today at the playground my toddler bit another child. How can I make sure she doesn't do this again?

DEAR READER: Lots of toddlers between 1 and 3 years go through biting and/or hitting stages. Children at these ages cannot yet express in words their feelings, so they may bite or hit parents, children or caregivers to get attention or to express frustration. These young children also may bite just to see what kind of reaction it provokes.<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-are-the-early-signs-of-autism-201208312885"     class="crp_title">What are the early signs of autism?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/how-much-should-my-child-eat-20111102563"     class="crp_title">How much should my child eat?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-are-the-symptoms-of-adhd-in-children-201211243752"     class="crp_title">What are the symptoms of ADHD in children?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/how-can-i-control-my-childs-temper-tantrums-201301174147"     class="crp_title">How can I control my child&#8217;s temper tantrums?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/when-should-i-start-letting-my-child-stay-home-alone-201302114299"     class="crp_title">When should I start letting my child stay home alone?</a></li></ul></div>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.askdoctork.com/how-can-i-get-my-toddler-to-stop-biting-201305154825/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Can good posture ease back pain?</title>
		<link>http://www.askdoctork.com/can-good-posture-ease-back-pain-201305144817</link>
		<comments>http://www.askdoctork.com/can-good-posture-ease-back-pain-201305144817#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 06:00:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anthony Komaroff, M.D.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Back Pain]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.askdoctork.com/?p=4817</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[DEAR DOCTOR K: I have mild back pain. I sit at a desk all day and tend to slouch. My mother says that sitting up straight may help. Is she right?

DEAR READER: I hope it's true. Otherwise, my mother (like yours) was wrong. And I think it is true.<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-are-some-good-exercises-to-strengthen-my-back-201302254379"     class="crp_title">What are some good exercises to strengthen my back?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/how-can-i-treat-sciatica-and-prevent-it-from-recurring-201205291820"     class="crp_title">How can I treat sciatica and prevent it from recurring?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/beginner-balance-training-exercises-201301114102"     class="crp_title">Beginner balance training exercises</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/can-i-relieve-my-knee-pain-without-drugs-or-surgery-201304244726"     class="crp_title">Can I relieve my knee pain without drugs or surgery?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/why-are-core-strength-exercises-important-201208012392"     class="crp_title">Why are core strength exercises important?</a></li></ul></div>]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Does my frequent yawning mean my brain isn&#8217;t getting enough oxygen?</title>
		<link>http://www.askdoctork.com/does-my-frequent-yawning-mean-my-brain-isnt-getting-enough-oxygen-201305134813</link>
		<comments>http://www.askdoctork.com/does-my-frequent-yawning-mean-my-brain-isnt-getting-enough-oxygen-201305134813#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2013 06:00:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anthony Komaroff, M.D.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sleep]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.askdoctork.com/?p=4813</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[DEAR DOCTOR K: I yawn a lot. My friend said this is a sign my brain isn't getting enough oxygen. Is that true?

DEAR READER: Most of us yawn more often in the early morning and late evening. Does it mean you're tired? Bored? Not getting enough oxygen? It turns out that we actually know very little about why we yawn.<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-causes-yawning-and-why-do-yawns-seem-contagious-20111114655"     class="crp_title">What causes yawning, and why do yawns seem contagious?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-is-carbon-monoxide-201209142942"     class="crp_title">What is carbon monoxide?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-causes-ticklishness-201201201127"     class="crp_title">What causes ticklishness?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-is-a-pulmonary-function-test-201211053600"     class="crp_title">What is a pulmonary function test?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/how-do-breathing-exercises-work-to-relieve-stress-201211083638"     class="crp_title">How do breathing exercises work to relieve stress?</a></li></ul></div>]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Should I worry about the glycemic load of foods I eat?</title>
		<link>http://www.askdoctork.com/should-i-worry-about-the-glycemic-load-of-foods-i-eat-201305114808</link>
		<comments>http://www.askdoctork.com/should-i-worry-about-the-glycemic-load-of-foods-i-eat-201305114808#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 May 2013 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anthony Komaroff, M.D.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Healthy Eating]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.askdoctork.com/?p=4808</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[DEAR DOCTOR K: Can you explain the importance of glycemic load, as opposed to glycemic index, when judging carbohydrates?

DEAR READER: Carbohydrates, along with proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, water and oxygen, are nutrients: We need them to live and grow. But even though we need carbohydrates, there still are carbohydrate-rich foods that are "good carbs" and "bad carbs."<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/list-of-glycemic-index-and-glycemic-load-for-common-foods-201206051950"     class="crp_title">List of glycemic index and glycemic load for common foods</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/how-can-i-reduce-the-amount-of-salt-in-my-diet-201303264563"     class="crp_title">How can I reduce the amount of salt in my diet?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/are-nuts-good-for-you-201303294586"     class="crp_title">Are nuts good for you?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-are-low-glycemic-index-and-glycemic-load-foods-201206041948"     class="crp_title">What are low glycemic index and glycemic load foods?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-are-some-non-dairy-sources-of-calcium-201212083870"     class="crp_title">What are some non-dairy sources of calcium?</a></li></ul></div>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.askdoctork.com/should-i-worry-about-the-glycemic-load-of-foods-i-eat-201305114808/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Should I use mouthwash, in addition to brushing my teeth?</title>
		<link>http://www.askdoctork.com/should-i-use-mouthwash-in-addition-to-brushing-my-teeth-201305104801</link>
		<comments>http://www.askdoctork.com/should-i-use-mouthwash-in-addition-to-brushing-my-teeth-201305104801#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 06:00:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anthony Komaroff, M.D.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dental Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.askdoctork.com/?p=4801</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[DEAR DOCTOR K: I brush and floss regularly. Do I need to use mouthwash too?

DEAR READER: Judging from the ads, you need mouthwash to prevent plaque (the yellowish film of bacteria that attaches to your teeth and leads to cavities) and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). But mouthwash actually plays a fairly minor role in the prevention of plaque and gum disease. Brushing and flossing are much more important.<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/how-can-i-get-rid-of-persistent-bad-breath-20111121686"     class="crp_title">How can I get rid of persistent bad breath?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/how-can-i-keep-my-mouth-healthy-as-i-get-older-201212033830"     class="crp_title">How can I keep my mouth healthy as I get older?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/are-electric-toothbrushes-better-than-manual-toothbrushes-201204031568"     class="crp_title">Are electric toothbrushes better than manual toothbrushes?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/is-fluoride-bad-for-you-201211283791"     class="crp_title">Is fluoride bad for you?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/is-chewing-gum-good-for-your-teeth-201201121079"     class="crp_title">Is chewing gum good for your teeth?</a></li></ul></div>]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>My doctor thinks I have hypothyroidism &#8212; how will he diagnose it?</title>
		<link>http://www.askdoctork.com/how-can-my-doctor-determine-if-i-have-hypothyroidism-201305094793</link>
		<comments>http://www.askdoctork.com/how-can-my-doctor-determine-if-i-have-hypothyroidism-201305094793#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 06:00:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anthony Komaroff, M.D.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Thyroid Disorders]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.askdoctork.com/?p=4793</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[DEAR DOCTOR K: My doctor thinks I may have hypothyroidism. How will he make the diagnosis?

DEAR READER: Hypothyroidism is the medical term for an underactive thyroid. Some conditions are hard to diagnose, but fortunately hypothyroidism is not one of them.<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-type-of-synthetic-thyroid-hormone-should-i-take-201209293130"     class="crp_title">What type of synthetic thyroid hormone should I take?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-is-graves-disease-and-how-is-it-treated-201205311918"     class="crp_title">What is Graves&#8217; disease and how is it treated?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/what-would-cause-my-menstrual-period-to-stop-201301034065"     class="crp_title">What would cause my menstrual period to stop?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/should-i-worry-about-the-glycemic-load-of-foods-i-eat-201305114808"     class="crp_title">Should I worry about the glycemic load of foods I eat?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askdoctork.com/are-nuts-good-for-you-201303294586"     class="crp_title">Are nuts good for you?</a></li></ul></div>]]></description>
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