James Heffley, Ph.D.

I have been taking methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis for more than two years with good results, but now my doctor is advising me to discontinue it because he says my liver enzymes are becoming elevated. Is there a way to avoid this side effect?

I keep hearing about a marker for heart disease called homocysteine. What is homocysteine, and why is it a problem?

I have been having a lot of stomach problems, with alternating diarrhea and constipation, but all the tests my doctor did fail to show any problems. He said I probably have “irritable bowel syndrome.” What helps that?

My child can no longer play soccer on his team because he developed “exercise-induced asthma.” My grandfather died of asthma more than 50 years ago. Could my child die from this condition? How can I help him?

I am concerned about the hepatitis vaccination now required for my child. Is this vaccination worth it?

It seems like everyone has a bad back, but my backache has been going on for four years now, and I need some relief. A chiropractor helped some, but I still suffer if I make a sudden move or lift anything more than a heavy book. It started when I was pregnant but hasn’t yet cleared up. Any hints?

I seem to be getting more and more depressed and lethargic. I notice that it now takes three cups of coffee in the morning to get me going and three to four more cups during the day to stay alert enough to manage a day’s work. I am only 31, and I don’t see why I should feel this way. I already take a good multivitamin/mineral. Is there more I should do?

I recently had my annual physical, and my pap smear was abnormal. My doctor will do another test in six weeks, but I am a little worried. Does this mean I have cancer?

I have a 10-year-old son by a previous marriage, but after trying for six years, it looks like my husband may not be able to father a child. We simply cannot afford the cost of the entire batch of medical tests and treatment that insurance will not cover. What could nutritional supplements do to help?

My mother’s menopause was tough on the whole family, but that was 22 years ago. I am only 36, and I hope there are better ways of dealing with menopause by now. Can I prepare for this time of my life?

I am becoming concerned that my 12-year-old daughter is overweight. Is it too early to give her some pointers on how to lose weight?

I can’t believe that at age 26 I have the same problem as my 63-year-old mother. We both leak urine if we sneeze or laugh. I have two children, and I have heard that this can make a difference. Since I can’t turn back the clock (and these two children are worth the misery), is there anything else that I can do?