The House Call Doctor's Quick and Dirty Tips for Taking Charge of Your Health

Spinal stenosis is a common cause of back pain. What is spinal stenosis? What causes it? And how do you diagnose and treat it? Housecall Doctor explains. Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/aches-and-pains/what-is-spinal-stenosis Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW HOUSE-CALL DOCTOR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HouseCallDr Twitter: https://twitter.com/housecalldoc

Last week, we discussed the top 10 tips used to treat insomnia without the use of medications. Today, let's learn about the 7 most commonly prescribed over-the-counter and prescription medications used to help you catch your Z's. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/29wPYz3

Bruising is a common physical symptom. But it can infrequently be a sign of something more worrisome. How do you know when a bruise is something you should worry about? And what causes them? Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/medical-conditions/when-to-worry-about-a-bruise Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW HOUSE-CALL DOCTOR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HouseCallDr Twitter: https://twitter.com/housecalldoc

Most of us have experienced dizziness at some point in our lives, and it can be one of the most vague and non-specific symptoms patients experience. So let’s shed some light on this rather mysterious symptom and talk about the 10 most common causes of dizziness. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1XUKilJ

Head lice is one of those school-aged bugs that seemingly wreak great havoc in our lives, with missed school days, work days, and wages. But how serious is head lice really? And how can we easily and most rapidly treat and eradicate it? Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/medical-conditions/childrens-health/how-to-treat-head-lice Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW HOUSE-CALL DOCTOR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HouseCallDr Twitter: https://twitter.com/housecalldoc

Learn the 9 symptoms of depression and 5 tips to beat the holiday blues.

130/80 is the new high blood pressure threshold. What should your personal blood pressure goal be? How can we apply the new guidelines to our own health? Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/medical-conditions/when-to-worry-about-high-blood-pressure Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW HOUSE-CALL DOCTOR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HouseCallDr Twitter: https://twitter.com/housecalldoc

Learn how much alcohol is too much, how to know if you may have a drinking problem, and 10 tips to cut down on your drinking. Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/19qpQpf

Skin spots and moles can be quite common and even numerous. When is it something that requires urgent attention and when is it less likely to be serious? Learn who is at higher risk for melanoma and what features are more concerning for this most aggressive type of skin cancer. Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/prevention/mole-and-melanoma Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW HOUSE-CALL DOCTOR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HouseCallDr Twitter: https://twitter.com/housecalldoc

What is high cholesterol? And why is it a problem? House Call Doctor answers all your cholesterol questions, plus has 10 effective lipid-lowering strategies (no pills required). Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1Q861Ry

It's winter time, and infection is certainly a cause of a sore throat. But what else can cause throat discomfort? What signs and symptoms should you be worried about? And when should you see your doctor? Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/colds-flu-allergies/when-worry-about-sore-throat Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW HOUSE-CALL DOCTOR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HouseCallDr Twitter: https://twitter.com/housecalldoc

Find out what could possibly be causing your annoyingly persistent cough when you don't feel sick, and what you can do about it. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2h0HIeV

October is open enrollment, and for many of you that means selecting a new health plan and doctor. Here 5 things that you need to know before selecting the right doctor for you and your family. Read the transcript at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/medical-conditions/choosing-a-doctor Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW HOUSE-CALL DOCTOR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HouseCallDr Twitter: https://twitter.com/housecalldoc

Here are 10 things you may not known about your primary care physician or their office. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1WZrVOo

San Diego County has declared a public health emergency in an effort to halt a Hepatitis A outbreak. This is a virus that can infect anyone, anywhere. What is it? How can you prevent its spread?