Dear Dr. Garner, I am 43 years old and have a problem that is beginning to worry me. When I sleep, I am awakened with severe pains under my right breast. I have to turn around in different directions, sometimes I have to get up altogether. Also, I notice that when I press on the spot, it hurts. I can even make the pain worse by pressing hard. I... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, My wife and I will be on a cruise next week for our 50th wedding anniversary. We heard you talking on TV about the cruise ship stomach virus. Should we take hand sanitizer aboard to help prevent us from getting this? Cruise Phobic in Canarsie Dear Cruise Phobic, The virus that is causing the problems on the ships is... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, Inspired by the Giants’ Super Bowl win, I went to Prospect Park to play some touch football — against my wife’s protests that I’d hurt myself. All went well during the game, but going to sleep that night, I had terrible back pain. I have been home from work and in bed for two days. I have called my doctor for an... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, I have slightly high cholesterol and the bad type of cholesterol is high as well. My doctor wants me to go on Lipitor, but I have read about some really nasty side effects from the drug. I’ve tried changes in my daily routine, such as eating better and exercising, but the cholesterol does not move. I have mild diabetes and... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, I am 35 and in good condition except for a problem I have been having lately. Whenever I get upset or worried about something my bowels go haywire. I have pain and diarrhea and I feel a little depressed. My doctor feels it is due to irritable bowel disease. Is there a way to know for sure? He has sent me for a zillion tests... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, Could you tell me the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis? My doctor told me that I have diverticulosis. My sister was recently told she had diverticulitis. She says it is the same thing but I don’t think it is. Could you settle our disagreement? Is there any treatment for either condition? How do you know if... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, I am very scared. My mother died of Alzheimer’s disease. I am fine but I heard on television that people in their 40s are suffering memory loss and other brain problems. I do find myself being forgetful. I can’t find the car keys and have trouble remembering certain names. I am 45 years old. Do you think I am getting... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, I have a dilemma. I have a six-year-old boy, who seems to come down with ear infections at least three times a year. My best friend also has a six year old, who also gets his fair share of ear infections. I hope you won’t feel uncomfortable answering this question, but here goes. Every time my friend brings her son to the... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, First, I would like to wish you and your family a wonderful new year and congratulations on your new grandson. I am writing to you about a problem that has me heartbroken. My beautiful 20-year-old daughter has a very bad problem. She cannot eat properly and is down to skin and bones. I believe she is bulimic but she won’t... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, I am writing to you out of desperation. My life is a mess. About two years ago, my husband had a bad heart attack on the street, and it was more than 12 hours that I did not know his whereabouts. Every time he comes home a little late, I imagine he is lying in the street somewhere. This is only part of it. My life is consumed... read more