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Ask Lucy

Ask Lucy
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Back to sleep?

Dear Lucy: I’ve heard it’s not wise to sleep on your back. Is that true? —Laidback Lass

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No outbreak, but a break

Dear Lucy: If my partner has herpes but no outbreaks, and the condom breaks unknowingly, but we take a shower after we finish, will it still be contagious? —Worried

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Would you care for a nightcap?

Dear Lucy: When I was a kid and didn’t want to wear a hat, my mother would tell me that 90 percent of body heat is lost through the top of the head. Is that true? How much does wearing a hat in cold weather contribute to overall body warmth? Is it time to bring back those pointy, flannel nightcaps people wear in TV holiday specials about the olden days? —Hot Head

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That period when I stop getting my period

Dear Lucy: How will I know when I’m in perimenopause? Will I still ovulate even if I am not menstruating? What’s a good resource for information about symptoms or changes to look out for regarding this time period? —I’m Peri Curious

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Giving it my best shot

Dear Lucy: I’m old (over 45). Should I get revaccinated with the MMR vaccine? Will MIT Medical give it to me, or do I have to wait until I’m 50 for the shingles vaccine? —Aging Gen-Xer 

Diabetes and pancreatic cancer?

Dear Lucy: If my pancreas doesn’t work because I’m diabetic, does that make me more or less likely to develop pancreatic cancer? —Worried

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Bee healthy!

Dear Lucy: Is drinking honey with hot water bad for your health? —Honey Do Or Honey Don’t?

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It hurts, but I can’t stop!

Dear Lucy: My wrists are in constant low-level pain, starting last week. I’m afraid I’m developing carpal tunnel or some other RSI. This is a busy time of the semester, so I can’t just spend less time on the computer. What do I do? —Hurting

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Future tense?

Dear Lucy: I’m taking lorazepam, as prescribed by my primary care physician. Should I be concerned about long-term side effects? —Somewhat Anxious

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How on earth did I get this bruise?

Dear Lucy: I am a woman in her twenties with fair skin and a tendency to bruise very easily. More often than not, I don’t even remember feeling any of the incidents that causes the bruises, and there are many! Could this be an indication that I am iron- or some other vitamin/mineral-deficient? —Black & Blue

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Lucy, MIT Medical’s intrepid health columnist, answers the questions you can’t ask anyone else.

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