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Dr. Len and Nurse Vicki review factors that increase risk for and methods of screening for breast cancer. They cover mammograms, ultrasounds, manual examination, MRIs, and breast thermography.    

Do digital mammograms add much over conventional mammograms, especially for premenopausal women? How much radiation is saved? Are they safe in genetic forms of cancer? Are we finding too many cancers?      

Ideally there should be a partnership between patients and doctors and the Internet has empowered patients to participate more so in their care. The authoritarian role of the MD is changing. HMO medicine is discussed.        

  How to approach exercise for the elderly. Physical limitations must be appreciated. The fear of falling is addressed. Muscle loss from lack of exercise can be gradually restored with a gradually increasing program.

  Using nutritional medicine to support heart function is critical, especially in congestive heart failure. Drugs may be necessary, but they all have side effects and should be used only after safer nutritional approaches are tried unless there is an emergency.             

  Mammograms have severe limitations in finding cancers in premenopausal women, especially with dense breast tissue. Ultrasound helps differentiate solid cancerous tissue from commonly found fibrocystic changes.            

  When you don't know the outcome of a medical test, the uncertainty of not knowing can be more stressful and anxiety provoking than the worst possible outcome. Our minds tend to worry and we need to learn to "worry well." Chronic stress suppresses immunity and sets the stage for further inflammation and progression of whatever disease...