Dear Dr. Garner, I am a nurse who has been in pretty good shape all my life. Lately, I have been doing the overnight shift (not something I asked for). My problem is that in two months time, I have gone from 140 lbs. to 155 lbs. Do you think it is a coincidence, or could it be related to my new working hours? Unfortunately, I am not in a... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, My daughter has a beautiful six-year-old daughter. She is perfectly healthy, thank God. The problem is that my daughter will not allow my granddaughter to be vaccinated for all the usual childhood illnesses. She signed some sort of waiver for school that she objected, based on “philosophy” (whatever that means), and now... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, I am at my wits’ end. Ever since my husband passed away last July, I feel as though my body is being attacked. All my muscles and joints ache. I cannot sleep at night, and I have no desire to see relatives or even my grandchild. I have been to several doctors who tell me they can’t find anything wrong. Someone mentioned... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, I am a 45 year old in good condition. I am having a problem and I need your advice. My right foot is acting up. I am a policeman and sometimes I have to stand for long periods of time. After standing a while, my right foot feels like it is being stabbed by a knife. It has been going on for about a month, gradually getting... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, I really need your help. For the past few weeks, I have been feeling sad all the time. Nothing makes me happy. I have a wonderful husband and beautiful children, yet I feel as though something is not right. I don’t want to go anywhere and prefer to stay in bed in my house and not even get dressed. My family is starting to... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, I give up. I know that I am overweight, but it is impossible to keep the pounds off. Time after time, I go on every different kind of diet from cookies to grapefruit and the story is the same: I lose 20 pounds only to gain them back in the next few months. My husband says I lack willpower, but I’m usually focused and can... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, I am so upset. My dog Scottie, who was like a member of the family, died yesterday. I am literally heartbroken. I cannot cope with it, and am beginning to feel chest pain and even become short of breath. I am a 60-year-old woman in good shape, but this has thrown me for a loop. My husband said he once read something about a... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, I have the most painful problem with my feet. I love to wear high heels, particularly brands like Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin. I think I am being punished for spending so much money on shoes. The pain is unbearable. I feel sparks, numbness and tingling. The pain is relieved as soon as I take my shoes off. Even... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, For the past month I have had itching and pain in my rectum. In addition, I bleed whenever I go to the bathroom. I am in good health otherwise, a little bit overweight, and 45 years old. Do you think this could be hemorrhoids? If so, what should I do about it? Itching for an Answer in Astoria Dear Itching, First, let me... read more

Dear Dr. Garner, My husband and I are totally confused with the changes in when to get mammograms and PSAs. We have been diligent about the tests, but now hear they’re no longer recommended. What is your opinion? Confused Couple in Canarsie Dear Confused, You are not the only ones confused. Many doctors feel the same way. The... read more