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2016 Ask Lucy

December 13, 2016

Dear Lucy: I was sitting at my desk last Thursday, and it felt like both of my feet fell asleep. They had that buzzing feeling and ached a little bit. Well, here it is five days later, and the feeling hasn't gone away. It is a constant buzzing, tingly feeling. I’m a 37-year-old male, and I consider myself to be in good health, for the most part. Any ideas or suggestions? —Tingle Toes

December 5, 2016

At first blush, this seems like a problem…

Dear Lucy: I have recently taken up running again after some time off and am again wondering about a problem that I’ve had for years. I run maybe three miles at a comfortable pace on a treadmill about three or four times a week. After a run, my face turns bright red for an hour or so. I’m not particularly red when I’m running, only when I stop. Someone told me that I’m a “red sweater.” Should I be concerned that this indicates a physiological problem? —Rosy Runner

November 28, 2016

There’s got to be a morning after...

Dear Lucy: How effective are “morning after” pills? Are they available on campus? —The Clock Is Ticking

October 31, 2016

Am I doomed to get shingles?

Dear Lucy: My mom and other family members have had shingles over the years. Does this increase my chances of getting shingles myself, and should I get the vaccine? —Shingle Belle

October 31, 2016

Prone to shin splints?

Dear Lucy: How can I prevent shin splints from running? I understand “pronators” are particularly subject to this problem. Are there special shoes I should buy? —Pain In The Shins

Illustration of person taking a test in front of a large clock

October 25, 2016

MIT + ADHD?

Dear Lucy: If an enrolled MIT student has a diagnosis of ADHD [attention deficit hyperactivity disorder] and takes medications for it, does that student qualify as a disabled person under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act? Can that student get additional time to complete exams or papers? —It Takes Me Longer

October 17, 2016

But it might be a nasty germ!

Dear Lucy: Why do MIT Medical providers assume everything is viral and nothing is bacterial? Shouldn’t a doctor perform some analytic test to determine the cause of an illness? —Sinusitis Sufferer

September 27, 2016

Broken condom. Now what?

Dear Lucy: Recently, while having sex, the condom we were using broke. I am not worried about pregnancy, as I am also on birth control; however, how long should I wait to get an STD test? Is it better to wait a week or two (or some other period of time), as it would presumably take some time for the infection/symptoms to appear, or should I just get checked out ASAP? —Worried Sick

September 19, 2016

I can’t be the only one, can I?

Dear Lucy: I was recently diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, and I have read that social anxiety disorder is actually pretty common. I am curious how common it and other mental health disorders are, especially among undergraduate and graduate students. I have never met another person who admits to having social anxiety, and it seems like nobody talks about mental health in general. —Fear Of Missing Out

September 13, 2016

Should I take those pills?

Dear Lucy: I’m thinking of trying a nutritional supplement from Standard Process Laboratories. Do you know anything about that manufacturer? Are their products valid? —Seeking Supplemental Savvy

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