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2014 Ask Lucy

December 5, 2014

Dear Lucy: I have had bouts of gastrointestinal reflux for a while, especially when I exercise. I also love coffee, especially Starbuck’s. When I quit the coffee, I’m usually fine. So, I did a litmus test on Starbuck’s coffee and, oddly enough, found it to be very basic (I thought coffee was supposed to be acidic or neutral). Next I did a litmus test on myself and found that I was basic, too. Then I tried drinking coffee followed by lemon juice. No more acid reflux. Does all that sound right? I’m female, 52, and healthy—at least I think I am. I just want to exercise and have my coffee, too, but without the acid reflux. —Acid Test

December 4, 2014

All-nighter strategy?

Dear Lucy: During the semester when I have a lot to do and am short on time, I take naps (10–20 minutes each) throughout the night. But is it better to take short naps or one long nap? —Cat Napper

December 4, 2014

Berry well

Dear Lucy: I’ve recently begun seeing lots of ads for acai berry supplements. Is this safe, and does it work? —Berry good?

December 4, 2014

Jump and hurl?

Dear Lucy: When working out, especially when doing anything that includes jumping, I end up tossing my cookies, and then I feel better right away. If I continue working out, I feel like throwing up again within 10 minutes or less. This happens whether my stomach is empty or full. If my stomach’s empty, I vomit up a clear fluid at first, but after a few minutes, I get a bright yellow liquid material coming out. Can you help me determine why my stomach is so easily upset and what I can do to fix it? —(up)Chuck

December 4, 2014

Just put on this paper gown…

Dear Lucy: My husband just turned 30, exercises regularly, and is generally very healthy. He hasn’t been to the doctor in about five years, and when I ask him about setting up an appointment for a checkup, he tells me he’s not sick. Furthermore, his last doctor (five years ago) asked him why he bothered coming in when he was healthy and told him not to waste her time. So now I’m wondering: When should healthy adults go to the doctor? Is there a good rule of thumb for screenings and checkups? And is it different for men than for women? —Wondering

December 1, 2014

Friend or enema?

Dear Lucy: There has been a lot of “hype” on television regarding colon cleansing and, of course, all the expensive products that go along with the cleansing. Should one really pay attention to these infomercials? Should we be ordering these products, or are there similar products that can be purchased over the counter? —Colonic Quandary

December 1, 2014

Will they lettuce have some peas?

Dear Lucy: I’ve heard that an individual on a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet should be eating two cups of fruit and two and a half cups of vegetables per day. I happen to like veggies more than fruit. Can I substitute an additional cup of vegetables for one of the cups of fruit? —Age of Asparagus

December 1, 2014

Sound effects

Dear Lucy: In my lab, I have several pieces of noisy equipment. When they’re all operating as I run an experiment, they generate a hum of white noise that I can tune out. However, sometimes I put on noise-blocking earmuffs, and after removing them I notice that the sound is actually quite loud. (To communicate in here, one usually needs to speak loudly in close proximity to the other person—though not shout—to be heard.) I prefer not to use the earmuffs, since they pinch against the sides of my glasses. Am I in danger damaging my hearing? —Say What?

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