“Vitamins are a tricky thing to address sometimes, and really it’s a very individual choice whether somebody takes vitamins or not. Plus, you have to take into consideration your medical problems — any medications you might already take — because they do play a role. In general, if you’re someone that feels like you need a vitamin, you want to try something without consulting a doctor, a multivitamin once a day is usually okay. In general, vitamins are not regulated by the government, so it requires some thought in terms of what brands to take. In that case, you might want to consult with a physician. If you go to special vitamin stores, they’re relatively safe. Definitely, if you’re on any other medication, I would consult with a doctor first. If you have any concerns about specific vitamins, again, checking with a doctor is always best because A) you might need a vitamin because you’re deficient in it, but you would never know unless you went to the doctor or B) you’re already taking something and it could interact with it. So I would definitely consider seeing a doctor before starting anything”.

“When antibiotics need to be taken is a question I get multiple times a day. Most people come in with a cold or a viral illness, cough, sinus congestion, and just generally feeling icky for however many days. In some cases, antibiotics are indicated. But they only treat bacterial infections. So, if it’s a viral illness, it’s mostly just treating the symptoms, usually with over-the-counter medications, getting rest, and fluids. I would say if it’s been a week or more and you’re still feeling sick, it’s never wrong to get checked out by your primary care physician. In general, viral illnesses can last up to two weeks. So if it’s been two weeks or more and you’re still feeling ill, I would definitely go in and see your doctor. I’m a primary care physician at Mount Sinai Doctors in Brooklyn Heights. We’re taking new patients any time, so feel free to make an appointment whenever is convenient for you.”

“Should you go to the doctor even when you feel healthy? The answer is clearly yes. The most important reasons why you want to see a doctor, even when you’re feeling healthy, is: Depending on your age, there are a number of tests that are indicated, even when you’re feeling great. There can be an underlying health condition. Depending on how old you are or other risk factors, like are you a smoker, what’s your family history, there may be tests that can make a big difference for you, like preventing cancers, detecting high blood pressure, checking your cholesterol levels, checking your sugar. So establishing a relationship with a doctor is really, really important. One, for just routine vital signs, checking up on your health. But also, again depending on your age and other risk factors, there may indeed be tests that are a great benefit to you. So please go talk to your primary care physician or feel free to make an appointment with myself or any of my colleagues at Mount Sinai Doctors Brooklyn Heights.”

“Annual physicals are important because it’s an opportunity to check in with a doctor and run any concerns by them that you might have. Anything that might have popped up in the last year, or maybe you haven’t had a physical in more than that. It’s never wrong to ask questions about your health. In general, annual physicals are about prevention, talking to a doctor, before you get sick, to see if there’s anything that you can do to stay as healthy as possible. We also manage chronic illnesses. So if you already have something, of course, it’s something that we would help you with. But in general, the annual physical is about prevention. Sometimes it requires blood tests. Sometimes it requires shots. Sometimes it requires more invasive procedures. But you would never know unless you went and checked in. So keeping that in mind, you don’t always have to have a needle in your arm every time you go to your physical. Try to go once a year, if anything just to chat.”

“I get a lot of patients coming in asking about symptoms that they’ve Googled, and it tells them one thing or another. In general, I would say it’s better to ask your doctor for websites if that’s your preferred way of getting information. But it’s never harmful to come in to your primary care doctor and ask your questions directly with somebody who knows. If Google provided all the answers, I don’t think I would have a job. Especially if it’s something that you’re really worried about, it’s best to consult with your primary care doctor. They can do tests there or refer you to a specialist if needed.”

“How much water should you drink a day? It’s a question that we commonly get asked. Most adults are under-hydrated. We simply don’t drink enough water. Or you’re not thinking about it. We think we are. But when we actually sit down and count of how much water we drink, it is often times not nearly enough. In terms of how much water should you drink a day, an easy goal is that your urine should kind of look like water. The moment your urine starts to get deep yellow in color, it’s your body telling you that your urine is very concentrated, and that you need to be drinking more. What number should I think of? An easy number to remember is about two liters of water a day. That’s about four small bottles of water that we commonly buy on the street. Each bottled water typically is about half a liter. So get four of those throughout the day. It’s really important to stay hydrated throughout the day. If come bedtime you’re trying to catch up and you chug a lot of water, you’re probably just going to urinate that out. So the key is to stay hydrated throughout the day. Try to get somewhere close to two liters throughout the day, and that should be enough.”