New York-area allergists will help adults and children learn if they are at risk for asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) as the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) conducts its 15th annual Nationwide Asthma Screening Program.

Asthma affects more than 24 million Americans and EIB affects about 10 percent of the general population. Between 80 percent and 90 percent of people who suffer from EIB do have some form of asthma.

Free screenings will be held at the following locations:

For seasonal allergy sufferers, the last two weeks have been brutal with some of the highest pollen counts in years. Dr. Clifford Bassett is the medical director at Allergy and Asthma Care of NY and NYU School of Medicine. He's here with solutions for allergy sufferers and told us about foods that could be aggravating your the condition.

Foods that can aggravate or worsen your allergies are:
• apple
• pear
• cherry
• carrot
• parsley
• kiwi
• almond
• hazelnut (even in flavored coffees)

For more on the Allergy and Asthma Care of NY, visit www.nyc-allergist.com.

Oral head and neck Cancer week is May 8 - 14th. Oral, Head and Neck Cancer is cancer that affects the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, thyroid glands, salivary glands, throat, or voice box. This devastating cancer has been in the news lately as Michael Douglas opened up to Oprah recently on his experience dealing with his own throat cancer.

People can get free screenings all week (May 8-14) at The Farber Center of Radiation Oncology, which is one of only two places in Manhattan offering the free screening.

Dr. Len Farber will discuss: What to expect when you are screened- how long does it take, is it uncomfortable, etc; What are the warning signs of neck or throat cancer; How to sign up at the Farber Center for the screening.

The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology was founded by Dr. Len Farber, born, raised and schooled in New York, he wanted to create a center that provided innovative, unparalleled care for ALL. Though they take all forms of insurance, including Medicare, Dr. Farber and his team have created a center that feels more like a spa then the cold, sterile environment most people associate with cancer treatments. They have an onsite pain management doctor and will even call your insurance company for you so you don’t have to deal with paperwork in the middle of your cancer treatment.

Dr.Steve previews his new show -- The Dr. Steve Show -- that premieres this Sunday at 11am on PIX 11 and in selected cities throughout the country.

Dr. Larry Blater and 3 Moms and the City talked about the "Terrible Twos" and if they're really so terrible.

In the wake of the teen basketball player that just died after winning a game, it's clear that we are all in danger of heart disease and age isn't a factor.

Women's Heart Health Expert Dr. Nieca Goldberg, medical director of New York University's Women's Heart Program was here to talk about how we can all better understand the easy steps we can take - no matter what age - to help reduce heart disease risks.

Dr. Goldberg told us what signs women, children and men should look out for -- plus, how the signs may vary? She'll also share the Heart Healthy super foods for each group.

We`ve all heard the same ol` grocery list of items that women should be eating on a daily basis. Wild salmon for Omega, blueberries for antioxidant, greek yogurt for probiotics.

But, gaining steam are a new set of items that we should all keep an eye out for. Dr. Lindsey Duncan of "Genesis Today" with the supermodels and super athletes for the food world - giving the biggest bang for your buck and delivering a powerful punch of important nutrients helping women to maintain optimal health.

1. RAW CACAO
Place of origin: The tropical belt: countries within 10°N and 10°S of the equator.
What it is: Cacao (Theobroma cacao) is the purest, rawest form of chocolate.
What are the benefits: Cacao is an antioxidant powerhouse that helps support healthy antioxidant levels and heart health; plus natural energy, mental alertness and focus.
How to incorporate into diet/everyday routine: Cacao is one of the easiest superfoods to incorporate into your daily diet and routine. Who doesn’t love chocolate?

Viewers have been writing in questions about food allergies and our Dr. Steve answered three of them.

1. My son is 14 now. He has had food allergy(all dairy) all his life. Can you tell me if goat milk has the protein that regular milk has. Also will he ever out grow his any of his allergies? (milk, eggs, cheese, etc.)

2. Can a vegetarian diet while pregnant increase the risk of your child having food allergies? I have terrible guilt for giving my son allergies and I feel like it's due to me avoiding meat and milk while i was pregnant. He's 16 months old and allergic to milk, soy, eggs, peanuts, sesame and we suspect a meat, fish, bean and tomato allergy which he is currently being tested for.

3. I have two questions. Is it possible that my son’s ku/l numbers have risen over the years because he was exposed to cashews and is there any way of knowing how severe his next reaction will be if he is exposed to nuts again.

Dr. Steve shows our anchors how to properly respond when someone is having an allergic reaction. He also showed us how to use an Epi-Pen.

FDA announced Wednesday that the agency intends to remove certain unapproved prescription medicines intended to relieve cough, cold, and allergy symptoms from the U.S. market.
These products have not been evaluated by FDA to assure that they are safe, effective, and of good quality. These products may therefore pose unnecessary risk to consumers, especially when there are other products available for treatment of cough, cold, and allergy symptoms, including FDA-approved prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs that follow appropriate FDA standards.

FDA officials say they have numerous concerns about these products: some may have potentially risky combinations of ingredients, while others—marketed as “timed-release”—may release active ingredients too slowly, too quickly, or inconsistently. FDA has also received reports that some of the products have names that look or sound similar to other products—a problem that could contribute to medication errors.

Gillian McKeith was here to disucss food combining made simple. She says there is a right and wrong way to pair foods. By following Gillian`s guidelines you can lose weight and say good-bye to gas, bloating and most digestive problems.

She has a new cookbook out based on the BBC America TV show You Are What You Eat, cookbook contains more than 150 healthy and delicious recipes for sumptuous, slimming, and nutritionally sound food, including juices and smoothies, soups, salads, main meals, and more.

For more information, visit GillianMcKeith.com.

Budget cuts are threatening the existence of the services Massachusetts-based company Home Diabetes System provides. The company sets up in-home visits for people diagnosed with diabetes.

Tom Cronin is CEO of Neighborhood/New York Diabetic Supply, a company solely focused on reducing the human and financial costs of diabetes.

Neighborhood/New York's innovative approach includes first-time patient home training visits and regular follow up to ensure patients understand and adhere to testing and medication regimens and following proper self-care.

Previously, Tom was CEO and owner of CranBarry, Inc., a clothing manufacturer. He also worked in management consulting for Bain & Company. Tom was a Seley Scholar at MIT's Sloan School of Management.

For more on Neighborhood/New York Diabetic Supply, visit www.sugartest.com.

Odd cracking. Freaky twitching. Bizarre ringing. Our bodies sometimes conjure up strange symptoms. But, are they cause for concern? Didi Gluck, Beauty and Health Director of "Real Simple" stopped by to tell us what they mean and when to see a doctor.

They included:
SYMPTOM: You hear ringing in your ears
It’s probably tinnitus, a perceived buzzing or whooshing sound commonly caused by partial hearing loss. Medications, including aspirin and some antibiotics; allergies; and earwax buildup can be to blame.
The Fix: There’s no cure for tinnitus caused by hearing loss, but stress-reduction techniques, such as biofeedback, may help decrease your brain’s perception of the sound.
See A Doc: If the ringing is only in one ear or is accompanied by vertigo, balance problems, or facial weakness. These symptoms could indicate an acoustic-nerve tumor.

SYMPTOM: You have floaters in your eyes
Those little white specks that drift across your field of vision are probably just tiny pieces of tissue that stray into the vitreous, which is the jelly-filled chamber of each eye.
The Fix: Your eye will probably reabsorb them, or you’ll just stop noticing them.
See A Doc: If the floaters are black or are accompanied by flashing lights, which can signal a retinal tear.

Parents, ask yourself: Where do you keep all the prescription medication in your home. Is it left unattended on your night table or your kitchen counter? Well, you should know that 69-percent of emergency room visits for children 5-years-old and younger were because of accidental ingestion of drugs.

And it is not the toddlers, who you have to watch out for. There was a 76-percent increase of calls to the poison-control centers where made because of teenagers misuse of prescription drugs. That is the reason behind the Rx DrugSAFE-- a prescription pill lock box, created to keep family safe. Dr. Mary Ellen Renna, a pediatrician, was here to explain more.

The Rx DrugSAFE is the only field-proven medical safe that offers the security and durability of a lightweight, 17-gauge steel safe with fingerprint access.

Each safe can store up to 12 medication bottles and can recognize 120 unique users, making it possible to enroll other responsible family members, or professionals, in the event that medications need to be accessed in an emergency.

The search for younger looking skin is never ending for some. We took a look at a popular procedure that is getting results, without surgery.

If you want more information about the CO2 laser and Dr. Bruce Katz's Juvaskin and Laser Center, visit www.juvaskin.com.

It is her smile that we will never forget. It is her fight to conquer the challenges before her, that we will always remember. Eleven-year-old Shannon Tavarez's fight against leukemia inspired thousands to register as a bone marrow donor.

When we asked PIX Morning News viewers to "get swabbed" for Shannon and others in need, you rose to the occasion. Now, we are asking you again to help honor Shannon's legacy on what would have been her 12th birthday.

Dr. Steve was joined by Shannon's mother Odiney Brown, who was in the studio to talk about Shannon and the efforts to honor her with a new charity named in honor of her daughter -- Shannon S.H.A.R.E.

For more information, visit shannonsshare.org and getswabbed.org.

Ebenezer Samuels from the NY Daily News stopped by to show us some of this holiday's top fitness video games for both kids and adults.

The legacy of "The Lion King" star Shannon Tavarez continues. Many people were touched by young Shannon and her courageous battle with leukemia. Sadly, Shannon lost that battle and we had to say good-bye.

But, many of you have found a way to honor her, and the PIX Morning News will continue shannon's fight in a campaign called "Shannon's Legacy."

Katharina Harf, co-founder of the bone marrow registry DKMS stopped by to tell us that 3,000 people have signed up to be bone marrow donors since the passing of Shannon Tavarez. And 10,000 additional donors registered at the time DKMS was doing donor drives with Shannon.

If you want to honor shannon and help the thousands who are still in need of a bone marrow donor, visit getswabbed.org.

When Staten Island resident Dawn Jones found out she had the "Big C," as she calls it, it no doubt turned her life around. Faced with fighting Stage 4 breast cancer, she made the brave decision to demistify her experience and share with others on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
Dawn's real life journey is chronicled in the Cancer Treatment Centers of America's "Real Time Campaign."

Dawn is sharing it all, from chemo treatments to mood swings to the anxiety of waiting for test results. She is on a mission to help others, understand what cancer is all about.

If you want to read about Dawn's journey, visit her Facebook, YouTube and Twitter pages.

Dominic Gill and 74-year-old American cancer patient Ernie Greenwald were set to undertake the challenge of a lifetime by crossing the United States on a tandem bicycle. Sadly, a week before the planned departure date, Ernie's health rapidly deteriorated preventing him once again from living out his lifelong dream.

Nonetheless, Ernie's sense of adventure and desire to inspire others gave birth to a new vision.

In honor of Ernie, Dom offered the opportunity to ride with physically disabled people throughout the USA. The tandem bike, donated by German manufacturer Hase, is specially designed with a recumbent front seat that allows for many weak or disabled individuals to tackle long distances via bicycle more comfortably than ever before.

Actor James Van Der Beek of Dawson's Creek fame is using his voice to raise awareness of ulcerative colitis (UC) by partnering with the Voices of UC Program.

James has a personal connection to the condition. He has watched his mother suffer in silence with the condition. She kept her condition a secret from her family for years because she was embarrassed and uncomfortable talking about the disease.

For more information, visit voicesofuc.com.

You've seen them, the glossy commericals: couples are taking a romantic bath outside, looking loving into each other eyes, advertisers getting men to buy erecticle dysfunction products.A recent study suggested that 72 percent women say they also want more satisfaction. But many are questioning, where are products for women? And why is Madison Avenue reluctant to meet a woman's needs?

Mary Wallace Jaensch, co-founder of Zestra, stopped by to talk to us about the bias against female sexual enhancement products perpertrated by culture and advertisers but for men, it's been common practice to discuss their sexual needs openly. She also talked to us about products designed to give woman a little boost in the bedroom.

For more on Zestra, visit www.Zestra.com.

A diagnosis of breast cancer is no longer a death sentence. Every day we get a step closer to finding a cure and tomorrow thousands of people will gather in the Big Apple to make greater strides. Cancer survivor and program director for Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is Eloise Caggiano joined us to talk about her survival story and the walk.

For more on tomorrow's Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, visit www.avonwalk.org/new-york.

Dr. Steve sat down with 10-year-old LJ Jones, a boy who is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant.

LJ is the first child to be diagnosed with Hypereosinophilic Syndrome, a rare blood disease.

Those suffering from HES have increased levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in their bloodstream. Sufferers typicall show a wide variety of symptoms of other illnesses -- such as colds, the flu or rashes -- which can lead to misdiagnosis.

LJ just discovered that no one in his family is a match. Part of the difficulty to in LJ's search for a donor may be his heritage. He is part African-American, Native American and Latino.

LJ needs the donation from a stranger to win his battle. LJ and his mom Crystal Daniels joined s to talk about their desperate search for a bone marrow match. Shana Melius, co-founder/co-chair of Preserve Our Legacy, Inc. was also on hand to talk about the importance of donating.

A bone marrow donor drive will be held for LJ today from 2pm to 6pm at the NYC Mission Society (646 Lennox Ave. and Malcolm X. Blvd.).

There are over 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's Disease, a condition that destroys braincells causing memory loss. For patients and for their families the disease also destroys their quality of life. Dr. Linda Madori, leading expert on Alzheimer's Disease, has an innovative methodology called the TTAP Method -- Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming for Older Adults -- that helps those afflicted with AD disease have a better quality of life.

Object 1: Memory Box
The story behind it: The memory box was created by an 87 yr. old woman with mild Alzheimer's disease. The box was decorated with red decorations and has a photograph of a lock that the woman cut and glued onto the box. The memory that she created the box from was based on a positive experience the woman had going back 80 years when the woman was a child in the first grade. She remembered that she was very advanced in reading and writing. This memory made her very happy.

Sharon Blynn, the founder of Bald Is Beautiful and host of the new WLIW documentary The Whisper: The Silent Crisis of Ovarian Cancer stopped by to talk about ovarian cancer and her successful fight against cancer in honor of September's National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.

For more on Bald Is Beautiful, visit baldisbeautiful.org. For more on The Whisper: The Silent Crisis of Ovarian Cancer, visit www.facebook.com.

Did you know it takes about 30 seconds for lice to spread from one person to another? Prevention is better than cure and Cozy Friedman, owner of Cozy Cuts For Kids, was here with ways to prevent your kids from getting lice.

How To Prevent Catching Lice
- Do NOT wash your child's hair everyday.
- When you do shampoo, use a safe, natural anti-lice formula.
- Teach your child to never share brushes, hats, helmets, scarves, etc.
- Check your child's hair frequently for lice

How To Check For Lice
- Part hair in straight line down the back of the head to view scalp.
- Check for Nits (Nits are tiny white/gray colored eggs)
- Remember to check behind ears.

How To Treat Lice
- Don't panic & Call your pediatrician.
- Clean all brushes & combs
- Apply a few drops of olive oil to child's scalp and hair
- Be sure to check everyone in the household.
- Notify school Nurse

For all of Cozy's tips on lice prevention and more info about Cozy Cuts For Kids, visit www.cozyscutsforkids.com.

With summer almost over the PIX Morning News is now dedicated to help you get in shape.
Today we are launching the "Eat Better Challenge" in 11 weeks. During this time, we'll show you how to achieve a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Dr. Louis Aronne, director of New York Hospital's Comprehensive Weight Control Center, stopped by to talk about the challenge. The Comprehensive Weight Control Center is where he has helped thousands of people achieve healthier lifestyles and slimmer, trimmer bodies. Dr. Aronne is also the author of the book The Skinny On Losing Weight Without Being Hungry: The Ultimate Guide to Weight Loss Success.

Click here to join the Eat Better Challenge. You can also text "subway" to 77944 for weekly "Eat Better" principles sent straight to your phone.

Chef Don Pintabona, who launched several successful eateries, among them Tribeca Grill with Robert De Niro, was here to prepare an easy, healthy dish -- Whole Wheat Angel Hair Pasta with Teardrop Tomatoes, Mozzarella and Lemon Oil.

He also spoke about his new restaurant Valentino's on the Green, which is making its grand opening next week. Chef Pintabona also have other healthy dishes on set, including Escarole, Tomato & Bean Soup and Steamed Prosecco Mussels.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE RECIPE

Chef Joudan ChaTaun will be here to demonstrate a quick and affordable healthy meal, that not only tastes great but helps lower blood pressure and regulates diabetes.

She'll be making a Cilantro Sea Bass Lettuce Wraps & Sweet Corn Tomato Salad.

For more on Chef Joudan ChaTaun, visit twitter.com/jourdanchataun.

Among the one in three American women affected by hair thinning at some point in their lives, 30 million of them will experience hair loss. Even glamorous celebrities have to deal with it: General Hospital star Finola Hughes started losing her hair when she became a mom. Finola, now sporting long, beautiful hair, stopped by PIX Morning News to talk about this personal challenge and how she overcame it.

The causes of hair thinning include genetics, high stress, and bad health and nutrition. When the body stops delivering certain nutrients to the scalp, the hair will grow slower, become thinner, and eventually stop growing at all.

But when Finola went through that herself, she refused to lose hope. She tried out new hairstyles, talked to doctors, and eventually came across the Viviscal products line. Finola regained her full head of hair after she took Viviscal's natural dietary supplements and used its shampoo and conditioner.

Finola, now a Viviscal spokesperson, wants her story to remind women that hair loss isn't uncommon and isn't irreversible, so losing hair doesn't have to mean losing self-worth. You can learn more about Viviscal by visiting its website.

Written by Sara Grossbarth

Jill Wood of Park Slope, Brooklyn spoke to Dr. Steve about her two-year-old son, who suffers from Sanflippo Syndrome.

Little Jonah Weishaar was diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder that prevents his body from processing certain sugars. Those who suffer from the disorder usually don't live past age 20.

Jill is on the hunt for at lasat 10 others who suffer from Sanflippo Syndrome in order for a pharmacy company to begin a study and search for a cure. To help and for more information, visit www.jonahsjustbegun.org.

Recently, the American Society of Anesthesiologists issued a set a guidelines for parents to help them recognize the signs of "robo-tripping," the abuse of over the counter medications. For example, has your child undergone a sudden change in appearance? What about a change in friends and activities?

And parents, if you saw these phrases "g2g p911 and i'm :#)" on your child's cell phone, would you know what they meant?

If you don't, the organization The Partnership for a Drug-Free America can help. They're offering answers to these questions.. As well as a "drug slang" guide to help parents recognize the names for many popular over the counter medications. Visit their site.

By the way, "g2g p911 and i'm :#)" translates to "got to go parent alert and i'm wasted"

CLICK HERE FOR THE GUIDE

Stop by PIX Plaza (42nd Street & 2nd Avenue) today, July 16 from 6am to 9am for bone marrow drive to help Shannon, 11; Esther, 12; and Sofia, 11-months-old, find a much-needed donor.

All you have to do is get your cheek swabbed, and you could help save a life.

Stars of "The Lion King" and "Billy Elliot" as well as WBLS will also be there to help out.

For more information, visit www.matchshannon.com, www.getswabbed.org and www.dkms.org.

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A SWAB KIT.

This week on the PIX Morning News, we are leading a week-long effort to bring awareness to the need for bone marrow donors. It's called "PIX Get Swabbed" and it's inspired by 11-year-old Shannon Tavarez, star of the broadway musical "The Lion King."

Tavarez, a native of Queens, already had a promising Broadway career performing four shows a week as Young Nala in the hit show. Shannon juggled a full day of school before rushing to the Minskoff Theatre -- she was living her dream. Now, just two months later, Shannon's dream is simply to grow up and return to her normal life. In April, Shannon was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia.

The talented young star was performing on stage when the symptoms first hit. Her lower back and legs suddenly started hurting making it difficult for her to perform or even walk.

Now, Shannon lives at Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York in Long Island where she receives daily chemotherapy treatments. A bone marrow transplant from a stranger may be her only chance at survival.

The New York Mets, in conjunction with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a joint initiative of the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation, and PIX11 will host annual Fitness & Nutrition Day at CitiField prior to the Mets hosting the San Diego Padres at 1:10 p.m.

More than 5,000 students from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will be treated to a one-hour educational program designed by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation's empowerME Movement emphasizing at least 60 minutes of exercise a day and eating right.

For more on the empowerME Movement, visit www.healthiergeneration.org.

Kellogg's is ordered to get real about it's Rice Krispies cereal.

The Federal Trade Commission has taken on the cereal giant. Kellogg's has agreed to advertising restrictions regarding its claims about the supposed health benefits of their Rice Krispies cereal.

Last year, the company introduced packaging that claimed Rice Krispies "helps support your child's immunity". This move comes as public health researchers and obesity opponents have stepped up their challenges to the advertising of sugary foods.

This is not the first time that Kellogg's has had to back down on it's advertising.

Last July, the company came under fire for exaggerated claims that their Frosted Mini-Wheats cereal improved kids' attentiveness by nearly 20-percent.

It's estimated that 45% of adults snore occasionally, while 25% are considered habitual snorers.

According to 2009 Census estimates there are 19.1 million people living in the New York City metropolitan area or, in other words, nearly 5 million chronic snorers causing havoc in bedrooms each night.

For a lot of people snoring is no laughing matter. Dr. Eric Cohen, a Continuum Health Partners physician and founder of The Cure Snoring Center was here live to talk about the health risks, the impact on relationships and treatment options.

A new study finds people who take Vitamin E supplements regularly for years -- whether they smokers or not -- may lower their risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Participants in the study took 600 IU of Vitamin E every other day for at least 10 years.

The reduced risk was only about 10 percent, however it was significant. Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, coughing and fatigue.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. About 24 million people in America have COPD.

A new report examined the results of 10 different studies on how statins affect clots in the veins of the body which added up to nearly a million men and women. It found that statins (known commonly as Lipitor, Zocor and Crestor) can prevent the development of clots in the veins which pose a serious risk of heart attack and stroke.

The cholesterol lowering medications also prevented clots from developing in the deep veins of the legs, which can cause pulmonary embolism; a potentially fatal condition where the clot travels to the lungs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about a third of people with pulmonary embolism die from the condition.

Researchers are now saying that based on this report, doctors should consider giving statins to patients at high risk for pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.

A warning for consumers. Some people are accidentally swallowing over the counter Benadryl gel - a topical medication-- and they're winding up in emergency rooms.
This has prompted a federal safety warning and possible changes to the product's label. It's clearly stated on the current label that the medication is for external use only. But the U-S Food and Drug Administration believes people are mistaking it for other Benadryl products that are supposed to be taken orally. Between 2001 and 2009 there have been 121 cases of ingestion with some people winding up in intensive care. The overall numbers could be significantly higher because not everyone is reporting the incident to the manufacturer. Benadryl overdose can lead to convulsions, irregular heart beats and death.

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters and sun blisters are fluid-filled lesions that are caused by herpes virus type one. They are very contagious and can pass from one person to another just by making skin contact. You're most contagious from the time you see the blisters until they've completely dried and crusted over. Some people are even contagious after that. Most times a cold sore lasts about two weeks but oral antiviral medications like Zovirax, Famvir and Valtrex can modestly shorten the duration if you start taking them early when you first feel the tingling on your lips.

Skin cancer is easiest to cure when it's caught early, so dermatologists recommend you do a skin self-exam once a month .

A good time to do this is right out of the shower before you get dressed.

You're going to need a mirror with plenty of bright light and you want to look everywhere in a methodical fashion from head to toe even between your toes.

Start with the scalp and don't forget your back and behind your ears.

To help keep track of moles or other lesions use a body map -- you can print one right from the internet. It's important to note their approximate size, color and always write down the date. This way when you check again next month, you'll know if there's any change.

President of Antimicrobial Test Laboratories Dr. Ben Tanner was here to talk about the different germs found in the nursery.

Joining him was new mom Erin O'Brien and her son Fletcher, who allowed us to swab "areas of concern" in her baby's nursery. Erin learned the results of the swabbing for the first time live on air.

For more information on the do's and don'ts of cleaning your child's nursery, visit www.antimicrobialtestlaboratories.com.

With smoking banned in public places across the country, nicotine researchers have found something else bubbling up -- hookahs also known as water pipes.

A new survey published in the Journal of Pediatrics confirmed that one in four young adults in north america have used a hookah and researchers believe its because many people think they are a safe alternative to cigarettes.

But you may just be trading one bad habit for another.

According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the hookah pipe exposes users to more smoke, carbon monoxide and similar amounts of nicotine.

The idea that it actually lowers nicotine is the number one myth.

New Yorkers now have a cancer "map" which shows the number of cancer cases by neighborhood.

The interactive map used data from the New York State Cancer Registry and the State Department of Environmental Conservation and it lists the number of cases of the 23 most common cancers within a census block or zip code. It also marks any of 15 environmental facilities, like chemical and oil storage areas and hazardous waste facilities.

The map does not indicate risk factors or give information about whether or not chemicals were released from facilities. It's merely a listing of cancer cases and facilities.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE CANCER MAP.

You've probably heard that dark chocolate helps protect the heart. Now researchers say they've identified how a compound found in cocoa can guard against the damage of a stroke reducing it's size and severity. It's a flavanol called epi-catechin. It triggers two protective pathways that already exist in the brain. This raises the possibility that one day the compound may be used as a treatment for stroke victims. Of course, this doesn't mean you can gorge on chocolate to prevent a stroke. It's still high in saturated fat and calories. Remember, it's the cocoa not the chocolate that's giving you the benefit.

Sunday is a very special day, it's Mothers Day of course! But ironically it's also the 50th birthday of the birth control pill. The pill has been a symbol of many things; women's rights, generational change, and there was even some debate about whether it affected declining morals.

In the 1960s, many thought the pill was responsible for the sexual revolution. Today's birth control has come a long way since then. Hormones can be taken via a patch, a vaginal ring, even implanted under the skin.

Most birth control pills contain two types of hormones; estrogens and progestins, which stop a woman's egg from fully developing each month preventing pregnancy. Birth control pills do have side effects, especially among women who smoke. You should speak to your doctor about all risks associated with these medications.

Read more at wpix.com.

A possible warning for parents who use Pamper diapers with dry max.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has launched an investigation after some parents complained that the new diapers cause rashes and possibly chemical burns on their children.
Pampers recently updated their Swaddlers and Cruisers diapers with the thinner, more absorbent technology which it says went through extensive testing. Proctor and Gamble, the company that makes Pampers is working with the CPSC. It is standing by its product stating; 'there's no evidence that a single baby has experienced a serious skin safety issue as a result of dry max'.

Parents with comments about the product are asked to contact the CPSC at www.cpsc.gov or call the toll-free number 1-800-638-2772.

More bad news for Tylenol. The U-S Food and Drug Administration says night time pain relievers Tylenol PM and other widely used acetaminophen pain drugs that include the sleep aid diphenhydramine, don't actually help you fall asleep faster. Safety is not a concern. The agency says Tylenol PM and Excedrin PM which are both taken as sleep aids are still safe. It's just that the products don't help you sleep. Diphenhydramine is the generic name of the antihistamine Benadryl which has a known side effect of sleepiness. Johnson and Johnson, which makes Tylenol PM, recently submitted additional data to the FDA which indicates that the combination medications significantly improve pain and sleeplessness.

Potassium is an essential element that's necessary for proper functioning of your nerves, muscles and especially your heart. Your body keeps it closely regulated in proper balance. You blood level of potassium shouldn't be higher than 6. If it's too high, it can cause problems with your heart and can be fatal. There are many different medical problems that can cause high potassium. Some common ones include kidney problems, diabetes, alcoholism, burns, and muscle breakdown. But potassium can also be falsely elevated if the blood cells from the sample are ruptured. There are many different treatments available to lower potassium but they depend on how high the level is. The treatments are administered by doctors. It's not something you can do on your own.

Exercise is great for you. It challenges your body, especially your heart. If you have heart disease where the arteries of your heart are blocked or narrowed or if you have an underlying heart problem, exercise can induce a heart attack. That's why it's so important to get a medical clearance from your doctor to exercise before you hit the gym if you're at risk. Some risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a history of smoking, a family history of heart disease, older age, obesity, inactivity and diabetes. If you have any of these things make sure your doctor checks you out before you start exercising.

The US Food and Drug Administration is still investigating more than forty over the counter infant and children's liquid medicines after a massive recall was issued late friday in the U-S and 11 other countries because the medications failed to meet quality standards.

The products include children's versions of Tylenol, Tylenol plus, Motrin, Zyrtec and Benadryl. According to the FDA, some of the products may have a higher concentration of active ingredients than is specified on the bottle. Others may contain particles or inactive ingredients that do not meet internal testing requirements.

This is a voluntary recall and so far, there have not been any adverse drug reactions reported.
Healthcare providers are being instructed not to give these medications to their patients.

If you have these medications you should stop using them right away. Fortunately, there are many other brands of medications on the market that are available that you can use as an alternative and there are also generics. Parents should consider substituting their child's medications with generic versions.

For more information, the parent company, Mcneil has set up a phone number; 1-888-222-6036. An even better resource is the Mcneil website at www.mcneilproductrecall.com.

The FDA has approved a vaccine to treat prostate cancer. It's called Provenge and it uses the body's immune system to kill prostate cancer cells. The treatment is approved for men with advanced prostate cancer, meaning the cancer has grown beyond the prostate gland. Provenge works by boosting immune cells called white blood cells so they specifically target prostate cancer cells. Clinical studies show it increases survival by about 4 months on average. Not much, but it's a step in the right direction. Before this vaccine there were very limited options for men with advanced stage prostate cancer, including a drug that's so toxic, many men can't take it.

Othen Cancers May Be Treated As Well
Researchers are saying what's so exciting about this vaccine process is that it could potentially be used for many other cancers, like breast, bladder and kidney cancers. Cost is a problem. The treatment costs anywhere from 50 to 100 thousand dollars because every dose is custom made for each patient. Immune system cells are taken from the patient, sent to a laboratory where they're programmed to target prostate cancer cells. Once the cells are re-administered in the form of the vaccine, they recruit the immune system's cells to kill the cancer. This is a highly customized treatment which makes it a very expensive process. Side effects were minor. Some patients developed fever, chills and headaches.

If you're stuck in the same routine of diet and exercise and you've stopped losing weight, there are some things you can do. Start by taking a closer look at your diet. Keep a food diary. Track everything you eat and drink, including when and how much. Go for whole grains, plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein and low fat dairy. Stay away from saturated fat and keep your portions under control. Once you keep a diary, you'll be surprised at how many more calories you're taking in every day. If you drink alcohol you're going to have to stop completely. Instead of three meals a day, start having six smaller meals. This will help boost your metabolism. When preparing those meals, make sure you have some protein in each and every one. Protein helps you stay full. It will keep those carb cravings under control. As far as your exercise goes you're going to have to mix up your routine. You've reached a plateau (which is pretty common). Your body has adapted to the challenges. It's time to re-challenge it again in a whole new way. If you do cardio add some weights. Resistance training can boost your metabolism. If you're already doing weights change exercises. You may need to consult with a trainer for some tips. One session should be all you need.

There's more proof that breast is best when it comes to feeding your baby. A new report finds sticking to a strict diet of mother's milk during the first 4 months of life may reduce a child's risk of developing asthma by their eighth birthday. Breast milk is the perfect food for infants partly because it transfers good bacteria, antibodies and proteins that can help prevent against infection. Researchers say about 12 percent of children who were exclusively breastfed for at least the first 4 months developed asthma by age 8, compared with 18 percent of those breastfed for a shorter amount of time. That's a 37 percent lower risk.

There's more proof that breast is best when it comes to feeding your baby. A new report finds sticking to a strict diet of mother's milk during the first 4 months of life may reduce a child's risk of developing asthma by their eighth birthday. Breast milk is the perfect food for infants partly because it transfers good bacteria, antibodies and proteins that can help prevent against infection. Researchers say about 12 percent of children who were exclusively breastfed for at least the first 4 months developed asthma by age 8, compared with 18 percent of those breastfed for a shorter amount of time. That's a 37 percent lower risk.

Children who are overweight or obese appear to metabolize over the counter medications differently than normal weight children, leaving them with either too much or too little drug in their system. Doctors know that overweight adults metabolize drugs differently than normal weight adults but there's been little research done in children. This was a very small study, only 16 kids but the results were significant because obesity is becoming a huge problem in children. Experts say we need to know how drugs are affecting overweight kids. Especially over the counter medicines where the dose is usually based on age.. and not weight.

You've heard of the fab four.. let me introduce you to the "bad" four. Four common bad habits that when combined can make you look and feel much older than you are. Researchers say smoking, excessive drinking, inactivity and poor diet can age you by 12 years and lead to early death. The British study followed nearly 5000 people for 20 years. Over a thousand of them died due to their unhealthy health habits. Out of the total deaths, 431 died from heart related disease, 318 from cancer, and 331 from other problems. Too much drinking was defined as more than three alcoholic drinks per day for men and more than two a dayl for women; inactivity was considered getting less than two hours of physical activity per week; and a poor diet was qualified as eating fruits and vegetables less than three times a day.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding in the area between the brain and the thin tissues that cover it. It can be caused by different blood vessel problems that leak or burst like an arterio-venous malformation or A-V-M (which is an abnormal cluster of blood vessels) or more commonly an aneurysm. Subarachnoid hemorrhage due to rupture of a cerebral aneurysm is most common in people age 20 to 60. Acute head injury can also cause subarachnoid hemorrhage, especially if you're on blood thinners. High blood pressure and diabetes can also increase the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage because of the damage they do to blood vessels.

The main symptom of subarachnoid hemorrhage is a severe headache. Often it's described as the worst headache of your life and unlike any headache you've ever had. This headache is typically sudden and worse near the back of the head. You can also develop stroke like symptoms like sudden or decreased consciousness and alertness, decreased movement or sensation, confusion and irritability, nausea and vomiting, visual problems and seizures.

If you're truly having the worst headache of your life along with any of the other symptoms you should call 911 and get to the emergency room.

Read the full story: "Bret Michaels Still in ICU After Brain Hemorrhage."

We've been told since we're young, cheater's never win. But, in this instance cheaters always win! That's according to the new book "The Cheater's Diet." Itclaims we can lose up to 20 pounds in 2 months, all while indulging in pizza and cake! Author, Nutritionist Marissa Lippert stopped by to discuss the principle's of the diet.

They include:

Cheater's Secret:
Set up plate as 50% veggies, 25% protein and 25% carbs

Cheater's Secret:
Reach for at least 2 fruits and 2 veggies a day

You never want to workout on an empty stomach especially in the morning because you're already at a deficit. Your body burns about 100 calories an hour even while sleeping. So it's important to eat something so you don't get light headed, dizzy and run out of steam. Proper nutrition before your morning workout can make the difference between feeling great or crashing. The key is that you have to go light taking in about two to three hundred calories especially if you're going to work out within an hour of waking up. Simple carbs that are easy to digest, like fruit and orange juice do just fine. You also want to have some protein and fat but not too much because it can take longer to digest. I like a low-fat yogurt with some fresh fruit.

Don't burn the midnight oil if you want to pass your exam.
A new study finds napping can help you learn.
Researchers say people who take a nap and dream about a task they've just learned perform it better when they wake up. They believe dreams are a sign that other unconscious parts of the brain are working hard to remember things. Now they're trying to figure out how to take advantage of this to improve learning and memory. For instance, it may be better to study hard right before you go to sleep than in the afternoon, or to take a nap after a period of intense afternoon study.

Red wine may not be the only key to good health. Researchers say the heart healthy effects of the Mediterranean Diet may also be due to virgin olive oil by repressing genes that promote inflammation. These findings strengthen the relationship between inflammation, obesity and diet. The study specifically looked at how a diet rich in so-called phenol compounds (which are found in olive oil, especially extra-virgin types) affected the workings of genes in 20 people with a common condition called metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrom puts people at risk for heart disease and type two diabetes.

We seem to have a love hate relationship with sugar. Of course, we love how it tastes.. but we hate how it makes us fat.
Now there's another reason to cut back on sugar. Eating a lot of it can also increase your risk of heart disease.
Researchers say eating too much sugar is comparable to eating a high-fat diet because sugar, like fat, can raise triglyceride levels and lower levels of the good cholesterol known as HDL.

In fact, the study found that people who consumed a diet high in sugar had lowered their HDL an average by 20 percent.
So cut back on sugar. It will help you lose weight and stay heart healthy.

Predicting growth can be a little tricky. For the most part, once a growth plate of a bone has fused, it stops growing. This fusion is closely related to puberty because testosterone, which is the major hormone in boys, causes the growth plates to close. For boys, the growth spurt occurs fairly late in puberty. If your son is more in the middle of puberty, it is likely that he still has some growth left. If he's already gone completely through puberty, it's likely he's finished. Most boys don't stop growing until about age 17.. although everybody's different. X-rays of the wrist and hands can tell you if your child has stopped growing.

Germs like bacteria and viruses can live on makeup and they can be spread from person to person. The lifespan of these bugs outside the body can vary from seconds, to minutes to years depending on the type of germ and the conditions. A lot depends on humidity. Germs need moisture to live and makeup is a potential breeding ground. Because of this, most makeup is antibacterial but that only lasts for about a year, so check the expiration date. If you're concerned about germs in your makeup you can kill the germs by putting your makeup in the freezer overnight or cleaning it with alcohol.

The Trebing Family from Long Island was here to discuss their daughter Katie's rare disease Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA). Katie underwent a bone marrow transplant at the young age of three with the help from her little brother. But this was no accident. The book The Match: Savior Sibling and One Family's Battle to Heal Their Daughter by Beth Whitehouse, chronicles their long journey.

For information about Diamond Blackfan anemia, visit dbafoundation.org and for more on PGD, visit genesisgenetics.org. To learn how to give blood, visit nybloodcenter.org. For more information about the book, visit bethwhitehousejournalist.com.

A new kind of smokeless tobacco that looks like candy may be life threatening to children.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the smokeless, flavored tobacco products that look like breath mints or other sweets are toxic to kids.

They're also the second most common cause of nicotine poisoning in children after cigarettes. The new products are currently being test marketed in a few cities.. they include Camel Orbs, which resemble breath mints; Camel sticks, which are about the size of a toothpick and dissolve in the mouth and Camel Strips, which are similar to breath-freshening strips.

Other products, small, teabag-like "snus" -- pouches filled with tobacco that are placed between the upper lip and gum -- are also a potential hazard.

Nicotine poisoning can cause nausea or vomiting, and severe cases can result in convulsions, respiratory failure, and even death. Parents are being cautioned to keep these products away from children.

If you want a better workout don't stretch before you start exercising. You hear it all the time.. stretching is good for you. but stretching before a workout isn't just counter productive it could actually hurt you. That's because traditional "static" stretches (where you stretch a muscle and hold it there) often cause the muscles to tighten rather than relax which can increase the risk of injury.

Instead experts recommend doing a light warmup. So do a light jog or warmup with a sports specific activity before you start. Stretching after a workout is still a good thing. It can help with recovery and prevent injury.
So remember, warm up before.. stretch after!

1. The food you eat today, can affect your family later.
In addition to a well-balanced diet, pregnant women need increased levels of folic acid and iron. you can find it in eggs, cashews and fortified bread.

2. Sleep affects fertility.
If you're planning a family make sure you get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to menstrual irregularities which can make it difficult to conceive. Seventy percent of americans don't get enough sleep.

3. Women a daily dose of dairy can help keep you fertile.
Are you getting enough dairy? A serving or two a day of whole milk or foods like full-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, and even ice cream, can help protect against ovulatory infertility.

Believe it or not your feet have more sweat glands than any other part of your body. To keep them dry - start with good hygiene. Keep your toenails clipped and wash your feet every day with lukewarm soapy water, making sure you clean between your toes.

Choose breathable materials like cotton for socks and change them in the middle of the day. Avoid synthetic materials even for your shoes. Foot powder can also help. So can antiperspirant (not deodorant). Just roll some on every day just like you would your underarms. If those things don't help your doctor or podiatrist can prescribe some stronger medication and offer nerve blocking treatments to stop the sweating.

Dementia isn't one disease. It's actually a term that's used to describe a variety of symptoms involving our ability to think, remember things, process information, make judgements and use language. All of these things can also affect social interaction. There are many things that can cause dementia.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia that's why the terms are often used interchangably. Alzheimer's can progress and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Not all dementia is caused by Alzheimer's disease. The risk of developing Alzheimer's appears to be slightly higher if a first-degree relative like a parent, sister or brother that has the disease. So there is a hereditary component.

Dear Dr. Steve,
Does aspartame in diet soda cause any health problems?

Sheila,
Queens

Sheila, as far as we know aspartame which is the sweetener that's found in nutrasweet and equal is safe except if you have a rare hereditary disease called phenylketonuria or p-k-u. There are been lots of stories told about how artificial sweeteners cause cancer but there's been no evidence to suggest that they do. I'm personally not a big fan of artificial anything.. let alone sweeteners. But according to the FDA, it's safe.

A third of america's childern are overweight. a problem that's so serious that even first lady Michelle Obama is spear heading a nationwide campaign to end childhood obesity called "let's move."

It's vitally important because doctors are seeing more cases of type two diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and early markers of inflammation in children. What this means is that we're going to have an entire generation of people with heart disease and diabetes at very early stage.. in their thirties and forties.. which will result in more heart attacks.. more strokes and early death. So get active with your kids.. get involved. Shoot for an hour a day! Here are some ideas.

-Encourage bike riding, roller skating, even riding scooters.
-Teach them to walk as often as possible, instead of taking the car.
-Get up and dance! You don't need great moves.. You just have to move!
-Get organized in sports. Making the commitment can make a difference.
-Play old fashioned games that have lots of activity like hopscotch, jump rope and tag.

No only will these activities help you lose weight, they're also a great opportunity to bond with your kids.

A new study finds children who are spanked often are twice as likely as those who weren't spanked to become aggressive themselves. They get into fights, destroy things and are mean to others. Even bullying.

This isn't the first study to make the spanking aggression connection. While this report doesn't prove that spanking "directly" causes aggression, it does show that there is a link. Of course, children need guidance and discipline.

So how should parents punish their kids? Psychologists recommend time-outs and other types of non physical punishment instead of spanking. Positive behavior should be rewarded and children should never be hit in anger.

Experts say if parents are upset it's best to cool off and talk to the child later. That's easier said than done. Despite what the experts say, as many as 90 percent of parents spank their children.

A recent New York Times article pointed out how the FDA is considering putting serving size labels on the front of boxes because people don't really pay attention to serving sizes...they usually just look at the calories and not realize that in their bowl they could have 3 times the actual serving size which means they are actually having 3 times the calories.

Nutritionist, Josephine Connolly Schoonen stopped by live to show us ways to satisfy our cravings, lose weight and still look great all through portion control.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

I keep hearing the allergies have started early this season. What can I do now to keep this from happening to me?
Howard, NYC

How much protein should I consume daily and will it help me lose weight?
David, Bronx, NY

For more of Dr. Steve's health tips, visit wpix.com/health.

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at drsteve@healthkey.com. Include a photo of yourself and it may go on-air.

What's in your kitchen? Stocking up on the right foods could jumpstart a healthier lifestyle for your whole family. Here to help us navigate through the kitchen and make some smart choices are the Nutrition Twins Tammy and Lyssie Lakatos.

• BOTTLED SALAD DRESSINGS - Oils help increase absorption of nutrients
• BUTTER - Swap it out with butter spreads
• MAYO/CHEESE - Try spreading avocados on sandwiches
• NUTS: GO FOR PISTACHIOS - High in protein & fiber and eco-friendly
• WATER: GO FOR FRUIT 20 ESSENTIALS - Helps beak the boredom without adding too much
• CHIPS: FOOD SHOULD TASTE GOOD CHIPS - Go for whole grains and fiber rich flaxseed

For more on The Nutrition Twins, visit www.NutritionTwins.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. After I wake from sleeping I always have crust or what some would say "eye boogers" in my eyes. Could this be the symptom of something serious?
Crystal

2. My stomach is always growling really loud and it's very embarrassing. Why does this happen?
Damaris, NYC

For more of Dr. Steve's health tips, visit wpix.com/health.

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at drsteve@healthkey.com. Include a photo of yourself and it may go on-air.

Colorectal cancer the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in men and women in the United States. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and here to explain more about the disease is Dr. Jose Guilliem from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Dr. Guilliem said the warning signs/symptoms of colorectal cancer includes:
• A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
• Persistent abdominal discomfort
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

For more information and tickets to the Third Annual De Rosa Foundation Dinner Gala, visit www.thederosafoundation.org.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

I like taking hot showers but I've noticed that I can't stay in too long because I begin to feel weak, and I have to get out. I'm only 39-years-old is that normal?

I am 15-years-old and want to stop eating meat but my grandmother states that it's not a good idea since I have been eating meat since I was a baby. What should I do?
Danielle

For more of Dr. Steve's health tips, visit wpix.com/health.

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at drsteve@healthkey.com. Include a photo of yourself and it may go on-air.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

I eat spicy food daily. If it's not spicy enough, I'll add hot sauce. Could this cause me to have an ulcer in the future?
Ayda, Kearny, NJ

Can you develop asthma and allergies as a teen from an unkempt house pet?
Crystal, Rockaway Park, NY

For more of Dr. Steve's health tips, visit wpix.com/health.

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at drsteve@healthkey.com. Include a photo of yourself and it may go on-air.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I would like to get my kids to have better control of the amount of food they are consuming, they are both teenage girls. Is the recommended serving size on food products the same for adults as they are for teenagers? Thanks for you help!
Mike

2. I heard its bad two mix energy drinks with alcohol. How so?
Natalie, Lakewood, OH

For more of Dr. Steve's health tips, visit wpix.com/health.

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at drsteve@healthkey.com. Include a photo of yourself and it may go on-air.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. How can you be sure your vitamins contain what is stated on the label? Why do the same vitamins vary so much in price?
Tina, Stroudsburg, PA

2. My name is Matt. I'm 10-years-old and I want to know how you can donate a kidney and still live with just one?
Matthew, Orange, CA

For more of Dr. Steve's health tips, visit wpix.com/health.

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at drsteve@healthkey.com. Include a photo of yourself and it may go on-air.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I have bad teeth, and no insurance, and was laid off. But I was told bad teeth can cause heart problems. Please let know.
Bobbie, Cleveland, Ohio

2. Is there a problem with children drinking decaffeinated coffee? My 9-year-old daughter loves it and my family keeps telling me it's bad for her but they can't tell me why.
Christyne A.

For more of Dr. Steve's health tips, visit wpix.com/health.

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at drsteve@healthkey.com. Include a photo of yourself and it may go on-air.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

I have many tattoos and was told that because I have them they I will not be able to give blood. Is this true? If so, why?
Jay

Is it possible for a woman to create too much natural lubrication during sex?
Embarrassed

For more of Dr. Steve's health tips, visit wpix.com/health.

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at drsteve@healthkey.com. Include a photo of yourself and it may go on-air.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1.I am a mother of 3 and I'm always tired. I take a multivitamin everyday and try to get enough sleep but I'm still tired with no energy. What can I do? Keisha Bronx...

2. I'm a mother, work full time and go to college part time. Why do I feel the urge/need to have something sweet during the day and night? What can I do to avoid eating sweets? Mary Brooklyn

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. What causes heel pain?
Joann, Sayreville, NJ

2. Is it true that our blood is blue or red before being cut?
Jeffrey, 10, Hazlet, NJ

For more of Dr. Steve's health tips, visit wpix.com/health.

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at drsteve@healthkey.com. Include a photo of yourself and it may go on-air.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Is there a procedure to remove spider veins? If so, do they come back worse than before?
Nicole, Brooklyn

2. I recently had a miscarriage at 16 weeks. Nothing abnormal was found when my baby was tested. My concern is that I won't be able to carry a child to full term. What can I do to make sure this doesn't happen again? The emotional shock and depression was difficult to endure and I don't want to go through that again.
Alisa Totowa, NJ

For more of Dr. Steve's health tips, visit wpix.com/health.

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at drsteve@healthkey.com. Include a photo of yourself and it may go on-air.

Dr. Jonathan B. Levine, DMD, prosthodontist and author of Smile! The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Smile Beauty stopped by to talk about bad breath and how to prevent it.

We'll talk about: what foods contribute to bad breath, the tell tale signs of bad breath, 2 "tests" people can do on themselves to tell whether or not they have bad breath and what toothpaste, mouthwash and breath spray will help combat bad breath.

Smile! The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Smile Beauty is available in bookstores now. For more on Dr. Levine, visit www.jonathanblevine.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Can blood pressure medication affect your sex drive?
Jersey City

2. I'm 25-years-old and I suffer from severe back injuries from an accident. I take pain medication for relief but feel they mess me up physically and mentally. I'm wondering what other medication I can take for pain and discomfort?
Adam Little Ferry, NJ

For more of Dr. Steve's health tips, visit wpix.com/health.

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at drsteve@healthkey.com. Include a photo of yourself and it may go on-air.

Shape Magazine takes viewers through 10 foods that make people feel sexy and help balance the sex hormones in so it increases their sex drive this Valentine's Day. Sharion Liao stopped by to show us the foods that will increase your mojo:

• Salmon: It's high in omega-3s, which helps improve circulation-and that can lead to better sex.

• Bananas: This fruit is high in B vitamins, which may help the body manufacture sex hormones like testosterone.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I am a survivor of breast cancer since 2007. How can I keep healthy?
Venessa

2. Can I have a massage every day?
Alex

For more of Dr. Steve's health tips, visit wpix.com/health.

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at drsteve@healthkey.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE ANSWERS AFTER THE JUMP...

Dr. Steve is at the Ronald McDonald House in the Upper East Side talking about the newly renovated kitchens. They are launching a monthly series with 4Good Production,/a> called "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner."

Each month a different celeb chef will come cook dinner with the families who are staying there. Top Chef contestant Dave Martin is the first chef. The newly renovated kitchens will be unveiled Friday night at a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Click here for more on 4good Productions and "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner."

For more information on Ronald McDonald House, visit www.rmhc.org.

In today's Health Key report, there's nothing worse than a migraine headache.

Migraine sufferers know that there are certain foods that can trigger them. Now the U.S. National Library of Medicine has compiled a list. It includes processed, marinated, fermented or pickled foods, baked goods, chocolate or dairy foods and MSG. Others include foods that contain tyramine like red wine, aged cheese and smoked fish; and nitrates like you find in processed meats and onions. Even nuts and peanut butter are on the list.

For a complete list, visit www.nlm.nih.gov.

Don't miss out on an opportunity to help others during our blood drive with the New York Blood Center at PIX Plaza (42nd Street and 2nd Avenue) Tuesday, February 2nd from 6:30am to 3:30pm.

The New York Blood Center needs about 2,000 donations per day to keep up with demand, blood is perishable and needs regular replenishment. Donating blood is literally giving the gift of life. There is simply no substitute for voluntarily donated blood.

Without volunteer donors, our community would not have an adequate community blood supply.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I recently had a baby and gained a lot of weight. I am trying to lose it and I'm looking into weight loss pills because I have no time to exercise or to eat healthy. Is that a good idea? Do you have any suggestions?
Waida, Center Moriches, NY

2. Please explain to me the difference between a D.O. and an M.D. I have always believed that a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine was not as equal to an M.D. Every time I see D.O. after a physicians name, I get somewhat nervous and reluctant with this.
Ken Brick, N.J.

For more of Dr. Steve's health tips, visit wpix.com/health.

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at drsteve@healthkey.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. What's the best way to lose belly fat?
Tameka

2. Not too long ago I heard that cat scans and chest x-rays can increase the risk of cancer. What about dental x-rays? Recently, I've been back and forth to the dentist and I'm concerned about the radiation exposure. Should I be worried?
Val

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Is it true that it's good to eat within an hour of working out because your metabolism will burn the food quicker?
Jay, Elizabeth, NJ

2. What is celiac disease and why does it go undiagnosed? What are the effects of celiac disease? Is there a cure? I have been recently diagnosed with it.
Frank

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Can you develop asthma and allergies as a teen from an unkempt house pet?
Crystal, Rockaway Park, NY

2. When will a person know if their anxiety is too much to handle on their own? When you exercise, eat healthy and try to get plenty of rest. When would you say a person may need medication? Need help...please advise.
Daniella, New Jersey

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I'm going through menopause and i get frequent hot flashes throughout the day and night. Anyway to reduce or eliminate them ?
Kim, Long Island

2. I saw the news a couple of days ago about the risk of going to a chiropractor, and the manipulation on the neck. I am 36-years-old and have been going to the chiropractor since I was 13 first for scoliosis. Should I be concerned about the risk of manipulation causing a stroke, especially since I have been going for 20 years?
Myrna, Cranford, NJ

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Deepak Chopra, the best-selling author, medical doctor, spiritual mentor and self-help guru stopped by to tell us how to carry his message with you anytime, anywhere with his new iPhone application called "Stress Free".

It's a self-guided program. It focuses on 6 keys:
1. Find your true identity
2. Live the present
3. Use your body for feedback
4. Find invincibility
5. Rid yourself of toxins
6. Practice the law of attraction. Tell us about this last one.

"Stress Free" is available online now in the iTunes App Store.

With so many nutrition studies coming out and talk of superfoods. How do you know what you should really be eating? Anahad O'Connor and Dave Lieberman, authors of The 10 Things You Need To Eat: And More Than 100 Easy and Delicious Ways to Prepare Them have simplified it and are here with some "must eat" food.

Beets
* Beets lower risk for many diseases, from cancer to Alzheimer's to heart disease.
* President Obama steers clear of them, but you shouldn't.
* Easy ways to cook beets
* Juicing is a great way to consume fresh produce
* "More recent research suggests that juicing releases vitamins and nutrients from plant cells (without the heat damage that can be caused by cooking), increasing their bioavailability and allowing them to be absorbed more easily. You can also pack many more servings of fruits and vegetables into a cup than you can eat off a plate."

After giving trans fats the heave-ho, health advocates are now tackling another health concern -- too much salt. There are plans to lower the sodium at some of your favorite restaurants. Here talk about the proposed changes are the Nutrition Twins Tammy and Lyssie Lakatos.

Hamburger: market share 403mg, 380mg by 2012, and 330 by 2014
French Fries: market share 347mg, 340mg by 2012, 260mg by 2014
Pizza: market share 530mg, 460mg by 2012, 390mg
Burritos: market share 601mg, 510 by 2012, 450 by 2014

Their book The Secret to Skinny: How Salt Makes You Fat and The Four Week Plan to Drop a Size and Get Healthier is currently in bookstores.

To stay updated on New York's salt reduction campaign, visit www.nyc.gov.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I know that you can't catch a cold from the cold weather, but I'm concerned about going out in the cold after my kickboxing class. Is it dangerous to my health to go outside in this cold when I'm hot and sweating?
Christine, St. James, NY

2. Back in March I had a radical removal of my prostate. What are my survival chances and odds it will come back?
Freddy

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Are there any vitamins to help a low sperm count?
John, Hackensack, NJ

2. I feel like I'm always tired, I try to go to bed early but still feel sluggish throughout the day. Can you give me any suggestions on how to get me out of this lazy mode?
William, Cranford, NJ

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. My internist takes a urine test each time I visit her office. Why?
Jerry, West Hempstead, NY

2. Sorry if this is a silly question, but I've always wondered about this even as a child. Can someone catch their own cold/flu again from their own germs? (Drinking out of their own glass, touching their own tissues.)
Cathy, Staten Island

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

It's pretty cold outside lately and now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wants to help you stay warm and safe this winter.

They've put out an Extreme Cold Prevention Guide that has the usual "obvious" tips like dressing in layers and how to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.

But it also has some valuable information on planning ahead such as putting together an emergency supply list and a winter survival kit, and how to heat your home safely to prevent fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. There's even information on how to prepare your car for the cold weather and what to do if you get stranded.

To read this guide, visit www.cdc.gov.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Is it safe to take fat burners while working out?
Vonetta, Brooklyn

2. I'm constantly battling sinus infections. What can I do to avoid them and get rid of them? Ellie, Bronx

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

It's harder than ever to get your kids to eat healthy, but it can be done. You just have to know how to sneak the good stuff in.

Physician, nutrition specialist and pediatrician Dr. Mary Renna, author of Growing Up Healthy, The Next Generation Way was here with some healthy alternatives for your kids' meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert). She shared with us her recipes for Oatmeal Pancakes with Bananas, Single-Serving Easy Pizza, Chicken Strips and Rice Pudding.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I am a 58-year-old woman. Lately, I have been experiencing night sweats. What could be causing this?
Kay, New Brunswick

2. I heard that you shouldn't eat your fruits and veggies together, such as fruit in salad. Why is that?
Rhesa, Brooklyn

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Dr.Steve discusses new reports that prescription drugs were found in the home of Brittany Murphy. According to the Associated Press, autopsy had been conducted and officials are awaiting the results of toxicology that could determine the cause of her untimely death.

Richard Matusow, the vice president of Sambazon, stopped by to explain the new super fruit that's everyone's talking about.

Acai Berry grows in palm tress along the Amazon River in South America. It's a fruit that is loaded with health benefits.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. My mom has a pacemaker and is always cold. Can she use a heating blanket? She is 90-years-old.
Josephine, Hicksville, Long Island

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. How can a college student reduce stress before finals?
Haitham, Jersey City

2. I'm a Type 2 diabetic. Do you recommend I get the swine flu vaccination?
Donald, The Bronx

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I want to start exercising, but I'm already thin due to Crohn's Disease and I'm afraid to lose more weight. What kind of exercises should I do if I want to improve my heart and lungs? Kristina, Long Island

2. My dad received chemo and radiation 8 years ago with no side effects. For the past few years he suffers from feelings of nausea. Is there such a thing as a delayed reaction to the chemotherapy?
Valerie, Jersey City

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Whittle your waist while keeping your wallet fat, just in time for the holidays! Food Network's Claire Robinson was here to show us some great, easy tips to help you spend less time in the kitchen.

She shared with us her top 10 tips and her recipes for Grape Tomato Bruschetta, French Onion Tart, Minted Squash Orzo and Chili-Chocolate Covered Strawberries (see them after the jump).

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. When I'm sitting or laying down I get dizzy. But, when I stand up the dizziness goes away. Is this from not drinking enough water?
Frank, Brooklyn

2. I have skin tags around my eyes, neck, shoulders and under my arms. What causes these, and is there something I can do to prevent them?
Ben

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I'm 14-years-old. My grandmother died in 2001 of breast cancer. My mother has had several tests and and does not have the disease. But, how old should I be to get a mammogram? Lindsay, Connecticut

2. Does a fatty tumor need surgery? It's on my shoulder.
Linda, Jersey City

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. When my daughter was born, she had a full head of straight hair. Now, at 10 months, her hair is nappy and some has fallen out. What should I do or use to make her hair grow?
Kelita

2. I am a 47-year-old female and mother of five. I would like to know, why don't I sweat when I exercise?
Vanessa, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

With the death of Kayne West's mother Donda, Usher's wife Tameka Ray and now former Miss Argentina Solange Magnano, how can you make sure that the facility performing plastic surgery is safe?

To help evaluate the quality and safety of outpatient surgical centers, find out if the facility is licensed by your state or accredited by a national accrediting body such as the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities, the Joint Commission (formerly the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. Any amount of outside vetting is better than none.

Also ask your doctor if he or she has hospital privileges at a nearby medical institution, which would allow the doctor to admit you to the hospital should complications arise.

When holiday shopping, you may find steep discounts on gifts, but you won't find any fat or calorie savings at the food court. Since food courts are slim pickings for healthy choices, your best bet may be to bring your own snacks and you'll have more to spend on presents! Patricia Bannan, a registered dietician, stopped by with some great healthy alternatives.

Bannan discussed alternatives to:

• Cinnabon Caramel Pecanbon
• Manchu Wok (orange chicken with fried rice and egg roll)
• Burger King large fries
• Au Bon Pain cranberry walnut muffin

For more on Bannan, visit www.patriciabannan.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Dr. Steve, can birth control be harmful to me?
Melissa

2. Dear Dr. Steve, is there any way to test people for Alzheimer's before they get it?
Frank from Brooklyn

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Why is it that some people can eat anything and don't put on weight, while others pack on the pounds?
Anonymous

2. I would like to know, can I still get pregnant even though I don't get my menstrual cycle anymore?
E., Bronx

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Thanksgiving is just two days away and from the PIX family to yours, we want to celebrate with you by sharing special family recipes.

Dr. Steve Salvatore and his mom Diane showed us how to make a Cranberry Apple dish (see the recipe after the jump).

CLICK HERE FOR MORE THANKSGIVING TIPS.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. What is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia? Do you get one before you get the other, like HIV and AIDS? Are they hereditary?
Kimberly, Brooklyn

2. I eat spicy food almost daily. If it's not spicy enough, I'll add hot sauce. Could this cause me to have an ulcer in the future?
Ayda Kearny, NJ

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. What do you think about getting both the flu shot and swine flu shot at one time?
Thank you and love the show.
Ann Marie, East Brunswick, New Jersey

2. I stand up at work and when I get off my legs and thighs hurt. What should I do?
Dominique, Bronx

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I have constant pain in the balls of my feet. What can I do to help the problem?
Cheryl, Brooklyn

2. What is the fastest way to loose my belly?
Moe, Cedar Grove, NJ

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Did you know that two out of three individuals over the age of 65 have diabetes or pre-diabetes? November is American Diabetes Month and here today to give some tips that will help prevent diabetes is Dr. Fred Vagnini, M.D., author of The Weight Loss Plan For Beating Diabetes who has lost over 100 pounds following his own recommendations.

• Vegetables Are Healthy For Diabetics. Fruits Are NOT Recommended because they are sugar based.
• Blood Sugar Manager - Supplement for Pre-Diabetes
• Alpha Betic - Multi-Vitamin For Diabetics
• Acidophilus Pearls - Pro-Biotic

The Weight Loss Plan For Beating Diabetes is available in bookstores now. For more information, visit Vagnini.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. How can I kick start my metabolism?
Maya, Forest Hills

2. I'm a mother of three boys and I'm dying to have a girl. I've had three C-sections and after my third one, the doctor said my uterus is very thin and I should not have any more kids. Is this the end of my dream? Should I just give up?
L., Queens

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Sixty is the new forty and there are facts and research to prove it! The book Sixty, Sexy and Successful by psychoanalyst Dr. Robert Schwalbe is a detailed guide and insight into everything men need to know about this stage in their lives.

Dr. Schwalbe feels that the 60s and beyond can be the most rewarding or the most miserable period in a man's life. But does the baby boomer continue to fit in? The baby boomer looks at competition in the gym, sports field, financial and business arena. How should he react?

The answers lie in Sixty, Sexy and Successful, which is available in stores now. For more information, visi www.sixtysexyandsuccessful.com.

Despite growing concerns about this year's flu season, many consumers are left clueless as to the steps toward proper prevention. Whether you're in an at-risk group or as healthy as a horse, there are simple, natural steps you can take to help boost your immunity and avoid getting sick this season. Physician and nutritionist Dr. Melina Jampolis stopped by with some ways to eat yourself healthy.

Breakfast:
Post Shredded Wheat with skim milk topped with fresh berries
Provides fiber, dairy, antioxidants

Lunch:
Whole grain bread turkey sandwich with avocado
Carrots and hummus
Provides fiber, healthy fats, beta-carotene, beans in hummus

You don't have to surf the web too long before you'll stumble across a home remedy for swine flu. Everything from onions and garlic to peroxide and bubbly concoctions. Dr. Steve is here to clear the air on these co-called remedies.

Can onions and garlic protect us from swine flu?
Dr. Steve says: Great to eat, but not a medicine. It won't do anything for you.

Can peroxide protect us from swine flu?
Dr. Steve says: Peroxide is a great medicine. It can definitely kill germs.. But putting it in your ears won't do anything to prevent catching a cold.. The flu.. Even swine flu. So im going to call this remedy bad medicine. It does help bust up the wax though.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I am 20-years-old and I had a c-section 2 weeks ago. Ever since, I haven't had an appetite. Even if I try to eat my stomach feels upset. Please, Dr. Steve, can you help me and tell me what to do?
Cindy, Ozone Park, NY

2. Can you get pregnant during your menstrual cycle?
Wanaque, NJ Christina

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

He's the "Black Magic" known for his incredible skills on the court, scoring over a thousand points in nine of his 13 professional seasons in the NBA. This Hall of Famer is the innovator of the infamous "spin move," but today his new battle is off the court. Earl "The Pearl" Monroe stopped by the studio to talk about his battle with Type 2 Diabetes and what he does to combat the disease. Monroe also talked about his favorite dish Pappardella's Diabetes-Friendly Zuppa de Pesci (see the recipe after the jump).

November is also Diabetes Awareness Month. Monroe has teamed up with Merck & Co., Inc. on the first-ever Diabetes Restaurant Month program, to challenge restaurants in select cities to create diabetes-friendly menu items. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1998, Earl has learned how to maintain a diabetes-friendly lifestyle with a healthy diet and regular exercise, and he aims to inspire others to do the same by making a few small changes in their daily lives, including making smart choices while dining out.

Interscope’s multi-platinum recording rapper/actor, 50 Cent stopped by the studio to talk about his new fragrance Power by 50 Cent , which is available in stores today.

Power by 50 Cent was developed in partnership with Lighthouse Beauty. According to the fragrance firm, the cologne is a combination of lemon leaves, black pepper, Artemisia, a heart of dark wood, coriander, nutmeg and base notes full of patchouli, musk and oak moss. Inspired by 50 Cent's favorite watch -- Piguet -- the bottle is dark grey and silver glass and with a metal stopper.

Born and raised in South Jamaica, Queens, 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson) was discovered by rapper Eminem and soon signed a contract with Interscope Records. Since then, he has become one of the world’s highest-selling rappers. In 2003, 50 Cent quickly rose to fame with the release of his album Get Rich or Die Tryin', which was followed up by The Massacre two years later. Together, both albums have sold about 21 million copies. Once he established his own celebrity, also in 2003, he founded G-Unit Records, which signed several successful rappers such as Young Buck, Lloyd Banks, and Tony Yayo.

You can meet 50 Cent in person tonight, November 5 from 5pm to 7pm when he stops by Macy's Hearld Square. For more information, visit www.powerbyfiftycent.com and www.50cent.com.

Written by Lateisha Clay

Having trouble eating your five to nine servings of fruit and veggies a day? This may motivate you: If we all got our daily dose, there could be 200,000 fewer deaths from cancer every year. Fortunately, you aren't limited to a lifetime of broccoli.

Sharon Liao, editor at Shape Magazine, stopped by with five fruits and veggies that offer powerful protection for your body (and they'll help fight diet boredom too!).

• Artichokes - A study showed that artichokes had the highest antioxidant capacity of 40 vegetables and herbs tested. Like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, artichokes are rich in flavonoids, which help slow the growth of breast and other types of cancer cells in lab studies.

• Swiss Chard - Swap Swiss chard for spinach and you'll get similar amounts of important antioxidants-like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and lutein-which fight cell damage and strengthen your immune system. But this dark, leafy green is less bland, so you get a flavor boost when you add it to pasta dishes, soups, and stir-fries.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I am having knee and joint pain in both my legs. I am overweight. I am 5'5" and I weigh 234. What kind of exercise can I do when my knees hurt already?
Kecia, New York

2. I am on the fence about getting my child vaccinated for the H1N1 flu. She is 7-years-old and in good health. A lot of people I know are NOT getting their kids vaccinated. One friend was even told by her pediatrician not to do it, because the FDA passed them too fast. What to do? Please help.
Tracey, Clark, NJ

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I have a black and blue on my finger nail. What can I do to get rid of it?
Samantha, Queens

2. Should a kid under 12 be lifting weights? If not, what is the appropriate age for someone to start lifting weights?
Anthorn

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

We adjust our clocks twice a year to align our bodies with daylight hours, but what about the millions of Americans who work non-traditional hours? Sleep Specialist Dr. Michael Thorpy stopped to explain. Dr. Thorpy is a board-certified in sleep disorders medicine, is Director of the Sleep-Wake Disorders Center at the Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.

Shift work disorder occurs when a person's internal body clock that helps regulate their sleep and wake cycle is out of sync with their work schedule.

It can lead to excessive sleepiness during waking hours or trouble sleeping during sleeping hours. Add to this the fact that with the current economy, more Americans are working more non-traditional hours than usual, and chances are that you or someone you know may be suffering from shift work disorder. The good news is that the symptoms of shift work disorder can be treated.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Can I get the flu from the flu shot?
Pheona

2. What causes your colon to twist and have scar tissue? I had a colonoscopy and the doctor said he had a hard time because my colon was twisted.
Rose Anne

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

This weekend is Halloween and that means lots of sticky treats and candies for your little ghosts and goblins. So how can you keep your children's teeth healthy through this onslaught of candy? Fred Joyal, CEO of 1-800-DENTIST stopped by to talk about oral hygiene and demonstrate the right ways of keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Joyal also spoke about the 1-800-DENTIST "My Smile Bites" makeover, in which one lucky contestant will get a free $30,000 smile makeover. To enter, just upload a 1-2 minute personal video describing what you don't like about your smile and how it affects your life by 12pm PST on November 10. For more information on how to enter and the offial rules, visit www.1800dentist.com/my-smile-bites.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HALLOWEEN TIPS

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I have a 9-month-old and he hates sleeping in his crib, so he sleeps in the bed with me. He is a big boy, 21 lbs. Should I still worry about him sleeping in the bed with me? What can I do if he won't sleep in his crib? Is it to early for a toddler bed?
Elaine, New Rochelle

2. I am kind of worried because I haven't seen my monthly cycle. But I am not pregnant. What does it mean?
Erica, Brooklyn

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Dr. Steve showed you how to throw a Halloween bash without packing on the pound with some healthy recipes.

Recipes provided by FreshDirect Nutritionist Maggie Moon, MS, RD

All ingredients can be found at www.freshdirect.com

Deadly Pasta
Squid ink linguine's striking black color is an easy way to impress guests at your Halloween bash. It's an affordable side dish, perfect for groups, and easy to dress up with "bloody" tomato sauce and "ghostly" white asparagus and cauliflower. A half-cup serving with ¼ cup of sauce and each of the veggies runs well under 300 calories.

Ingredients:
16-oz "Deadly" Ravello Fresh Squid Ink Pasta
16-oz Slow Cooked "Bloody" Tomato Sauce

Optional:
"Bone" White Asparagus
Cauliflower "Brains"

Directions
Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain. Prepare sauce according to package directions. Steam asparagus and cauliflower lightly for 2-5 minutes, or to desired doneness. Plate pasta on a large platter and pour the sauce in the center.

Optional
Add vegetables to decorate for the holiday and to boost nutrition. Cut asparagus into usable pieces to create "bony hands" etc. Decorate with bones (asparagus) and brains (cauliflower) as desired.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HALLOWEEN TIPS

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I have been trying to put on weight for years. I don't eat sweets or junk food. What's the best thing for me to do or try?
Equana, Queens

2. I work out 4 to 5 times a week and do 45 minutes each of cardio and toning. I've lost about 15 pounds but am having trouble losing the last 10 pounds. I have a healthy diet. Why aren't I losing the remaining weight?
Sally, New York, New York

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Miss USA Kristen Dalton is taking her cause-related work into her own hands by urging women to have free mammograms in Project Renewal's Scan Van.

Today, the Scan Van will be at the Jalbca Brooklyn Family Court and Supreme Court at 330 Jay Street in Brooklyn from 9am to 2pm.

The ScanVan is the nation's first mobile radiology clinic to provide both mammograms and chest x-rays to homeless and poor patients. The ScanVan meets two critical needs: serving poor and homeless women with little or no access to breast health services and screening for tuberculosis. The staff provides counseling, education, and initiates and ensures follow-up treatment for all positive screenings.

To get your free mammogram, you can also stop by PIX Plaza (42nd Street and 2nd Avenue) before 9am today. Women must be over 40 to get the free mammogram.

For more information, visit www.projectrenewal.org or womensoutreachnetwork.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I have a 2-year-old and she sucks her thumbs. What can I do to stop her from doing it?
Carmen, The Bronx

2. I'm an extremely heavy sleeper and it's very difficult for me to wake up. I don't hear alarm clocks, door bells or my dog barking. Could this be some sort of medical condition? Is there anything I can do to "sleep lighter?"
MJ, Brooklyn

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

We trust our doctors to give us accurate health information but simple treatments for today's common conditions were not always common sense in 1899. Dr. Richard Pasternak, VP and Head of Global Scientific Affairs & Scientific Leadership for Merck, stopped by to talk about the unusual remedies of yesteryear and the new 2009 Merck Manual: Home Health Handbook.

In the original 1899 version of the book, Dr. Pasternak said, there were strange ways to treat certain medical disorders. For instance, tobacco was used to cure asthma; a cold bath to cure obesity; laxatives to cure chicken pox; cocaine to cure sexual exhaustion; and electricity to cure nausea. Oh, how times and health information have changed over the past 110 years! The new Merck Manual offers updated remedies from 300 doctors at your fingertips.

The Merck Manual: Home Health Handbook is available in bookstores now. For more information, visit www.merckbooks.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. What is a "Charlie Horse" and why are they painful?
Michael, New Jersey

2. I am 14 weeks pregnant and still have morning sickness, actually it's "all day sickness." Is this normal? It's my second pregnancy.
Tracy, New Rochelle

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

For many cancer patients the best care is right here in New York City. But not everyone can afford to stay here. The American Cancer Society has a solution. Dr. Steve spoke to Lindsay Edgar, manager of cancer treatment center Hope Lodge, about free service for cancer patients who could not otherwise afford to get the care they desperately need.

Potential patients must be undergoing out-patient treatment to be eligible for Hope Lodge. There's no limit to how long you can stay, but there is a three night minimum. Referrals are obtained through a social worker. Rooms are given out on a first come, first served basis.

For more on Hope Lodge, visit www.cancer.org.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

Can someone whose had open heart surgery have it again?
Tisanya, Hackensack, New Jersey

What is pancreatic cancer? And is it hereditary?
Monica, Queens Village

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor will see you now. Doctor Steve is here to help you, even if you don't have an appointment.

Hi Dr. Steve,
My family keeps telling me that coffee is not a kids drink but when I ask them why they don't have an answer. My daughter loves decaf coffee. Is it harming her?
Christyne
Lakeview, NY

There are concerns that when it comes to treating Breast Cancer, too many women choose mastectomies where the entire breast is removed as opposed to breast conversing surgery.

New research shows those concerns may be unfounded.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Can a teenager get breast cancer? I've heard that they can and can't and I just want to get the facts straight. It's scary because I'm a teenager myself.
Claudia, Bronx, NY

2. I get motion sickness everytime I play first person video games. Is there anything I can take, or do, to stop the motion sickness?
Ed, New York, New York

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Since I've stopped cutting my hair short I have not caught a cold. For 20 years in the military I had a crew cut and would get an annual cold and flu symptoms. Am I lucky or is there a connection? Could it be a heat retention thing?
Mel, Kew Gardens, Queens

2. Could I be allergic to beer? I had a draft beer and soon after broke out in intense, itchy hives. I'm thinking that I'm allergic to the hops or barley, but why would I get that reaction one time and not another?
Kristine

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The average cost for a pair of prescription eye glasses is $227! World Sight Day, created by the World Health Organization and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, is an annual day devoted to raising awareness.

Susan M. Dyckman, Executive Director of New Eyes for the Needy stopped by to discuss the overwhelming need for affordable healthcare and the issues regarding health management that face millions of Americans today. Since its inception, New Eyes of the Needy has helped more than 7,000,000 people in the world.

To celebrate World Sight Day, the non-profit has partnered with EyeBuyDirect.com, an online optical retailer that offers affordable eyewear (fashionable frames staring at just $7.99), and will receive one pair of eye glasses for every pair sold on the site next week (Oct. 5-9).

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

I want to loose 50 pounds. What machines at the gym should I use? How many reps should I do? Also, what should I eat?
Betzy, Brooklyn

I am curious about the long term effects of Vitamin B12 injections that are given by "weight loss specialists." What are the pros and cons behind these injections?
Tammie, The Bronx

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. My son suffers from headaches at the age of 13. Is this normal?
Jessica

2. I am a 28-year-old female who is experiencing hair loss. I would like to know, what can be done? What specialist can I see?
Mae, Jersey City, NJ

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

My husband has the sickle cell trait. I do not have the trait or the disease. I want to know if it is at all possible for my baby to inherit the trait?
Arla

I am a new parent and my mother is driving me crazy about immunizations. She says they often cause autism. Is this true? My son is 2-months-old.
Rob, Mastic, Long Island

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Does a person dream while under anesthesia during surgery? When I had surgery a few years back, I don't recall dreaming at all. Why is that?
Rosemary, Bronx

2. I'm 41-years-old. Can I get pregnant? Or am I too old? Will I have a hard time having a baby at this age?
Linda

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Is there such a thing as a fallopian tube transplant?
Christina, Newark, NJ

2. For two days straight, my nose has been bleeding. There are heavy blood clots coming out of my nose and throat. Am I dying!?
Peggy, The Bronx

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

It's a disease that affects an estimated 24 million adults and children in America and with obesity at an all-time high, it's time we educate people about diabetes. Dr. Judith Korner, a diabetes specialist from Columbia University, stoped by to talk to us about diabetes and the Diabetes EXPO this Saturday at the Javits Center.

Diabetes Expo is at the Jacob Javits Center on Saturday from 10am to 4pm. For more information, visit www.diabetes.org.

A couple of staff members, including Dr. Steve Salvatore are getting seasonal flu shots live on the show. Due to bigger flu concerns this year, the CDC moved up the date for seasonal flu shots by one month vs. last year.

I know all the news is on swine flu, but the H1N1 flu shots will not be available nationwide until at least Oct. 15, and people should not forget to get seasonal flu shots. The CDC says that roughly 36,000 people die each year from the seasonal flu.

Also, Walgreens will be donating $1 million in seasonal flu vaccines to uninsured adults in the U.S. They are rolling out the “Arm Yourself for the Ones You Love” campaign on Sept. 1 that encourages people to get the seasonal flu shot. Walgreens has the largest retail network of certified immunizers in the U.S. with more than 16,000 health care professionals including pharmacists, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants.

• Walgreens will begin offering seasonal flu shots on Sept. 1 at more than 7,000 points of care nationwide, including nearly all of its stores in 50 states and almost 350 in-store Take Care Clinics.

• With more than 16,000 pharmacists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants licensed or certified to provide flu shots, Walgreens has the largest retail network of immunizers in the U.S. and can provide seasonal flu shots most hours its pharmacies and Take Care Clinics are open.

• Beginning Sept. 8 through Sept. 30, all clinics and Walgreens pharmacies will have immunizing pharmacists or nurse practitioners on staff from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, offering shots on a walk-in basis or by appointment for $24.99. Shots are available outside those hours if an immunizing pharmacist or nurse practitioner is on duty.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I suffer from severe migraines. Recently, I heard of a forehead plastic surgery that gets rid of migraines completely. Do you know anything about it?
Lila

2. I've had an elevated white blood cell count for 2 months. My doctor wants me to see a hematologist, should I be worried? Please help.
Anonymous. Kearny, NJ

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I've been trying to get pregnant for the past five years. I've been through fertility procedures, including in vitro fertilization. What's your advice or answer to my situation?
Vanessa, The Bronx

2. I need some advice. I'm 20-years-old and constantly break out on my neck, chest, back and shoulders. I really want to get past this!
Debra, The Bronx

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Whether you're living in the city, suburbs or great open spaces, a homebody, avid runner, parent or adventure-type, Men's Journal created a grid that allows you to cross-reference varying factors, and choose the best dog to suit your needs. Bill Gifford, editor-at-large of Men's Journal, explained to us the characteristics of a Mastiff, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Norwegian Elk Hound and Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

MASTIF
- Homebody with an apartment in the city
- The gentlest of giants, with more bark then bite. do well in small spaces and with little exercise.
- If they want to cross the street, they'll cross the street
- Slobber a lot

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. What does it mean when you have an abnormal Pap smear?
Robin K.

2. With all the craziness about the flu shot and the possible swine flu outbreaks, I'm wondering, should I get my one-year-old daughter vaccinated with both flu shots?
Anonymous, The Bronx

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I sweat a lot on my feet. I can't wear shoes without socks. What can I do to fix this problem?
Liene

2. Can stress create acne?
Jasmain

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Don't miss out on an opportunity to help others and meet a celebrity during our blood drive with the New York Blood Center at PIX Plaza (42nd Street and 2nd Avenue) today, September 10 from 6am to 11:30am.

The Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder, who plays Damon Salvatore, will be on hand with our Dr. Steve Salvatore to encourage New Yorkers to roll up their sleeves and donate a pint of blood to help save another's life.

The New York Blood Center needs about 2,000 donations per day to keep up with demand, blood is perishable and needs regular replenishment.

Watch the series premiere of The Vampire Diaries tonight, September 10 at 8pm on WPIX. For more information, visit www.cwtv.com.

For more information on the New York Blood Center, visit www.nybloodcenter.org.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I'm 44 and all of a sudden I can't stop eating. I went to the doctor and all my test were fine. In 3 months I went from 145 to 177 lbs. Could it be my age catching up with me?
Mrs. Strange Weight Gainer

2. How much sex is too much? Is it good to have lots of it?
Betsy, Elizabeth, NJ

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I'm 44 and all of a sudden I can't stop eating. I went to the doctor and all my test were fine. In three months, I went from 145 to 177 lbs. Could it be my age catching up with me?
Mrs. Strange Weight Gainer

2. How much sex is too much? Is it good to have lots of it?
Betsy, Elizabeth, NJ

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I have an armpit sweating problem. I sweat even when I'm sitting. I even tried using an over the counter clinical strength antiperspirant but, nothing works. It's getting out of control. Help!
Anonymous

2. I have fibroids. Before they weren't painful but, now they are. My doctor says I have to get a hysterectomy! I'm afraid! What can I do to avoid getting this operation? Are there any other options?
Ms. Smith

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. For a week or so I've been experiencing shortness of breath and a fast heart beat. I don't smoke, drink or use drugs. I am under a fair amount of stress but I doubt that's what's causing this. Or could that be it? HELP!
Ania, Middletown, New York

2. After struggling with bulimia for 10 years, how could my body be suffering from the disorder?
Anonymous

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I have never gotten a flu shot, but with the outbreak of the swine flu I will definitely get one this year. But, do I need a swine flu shot in addition to a regular flu shot?
Daisy, Weehawken, New Jersey

2. I was referred to a gastroenterologist who he told me it's normal for a person to last days, even weeks, without using the bathroom. Is that true?
Kathy, Far Rockaway, Queens

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Is it absolutely necessary to take prescription medication with a glass of water? I'm able to swallow medication without it. It's been a topic of debate in my family for years.
Mario, Flushing, Queens

2. I have a cyst on my ovary and it's been difficult for me to get pregnant. I've been trying for a year and nothing. Is there anything I can take to help me get pregnant?
Vienny

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Is there anything I can do to help? Certain foods, etc.
Melissa, Suffolk County, NY

2. I am 60-years-old and have gallstones. My doctor said I shouldn't have surgery because I'm not in pain. What do you think? Also, are rice cakes healthy?
Carmen , New Jersey

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. My husband and I are taking a trip to Cancun, Mexico over Labor Day weekend. Do you suggest we get vaccinated for the swine flu? Or are we simply worrying to much?
Claudia

2. What are the first signs of prostate cancer?
Joe, Yonkers

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. What does it mean when you lose your hearing in your right ear? I'm only 16. This happened to me for about three seconds in school then it came back. Every other day, I get a ringing in my ear. Am I going deaf? Please help.
Christy, Queens

2. I'd like to ask you a question about my mom's Type II diabetes. She's suffering from a lot of foot discomfort and I'd like to know what she can do to alleviate the pain.
Luz, Queens

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. If I spoon off the floating fat upon opening a can of soup am I significantly reducing the fat content? I say yes, my daughter says no. What is the answer?
Frank, Mountaindale, NY

2. My daughter suffers from nose bleeds especially during the summer. I'd like to know what I can do to prevent this.
Teresa, Brooklyn

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I developed severe anxiety a few days ago, feeling nauseous and light-headed. Other than therapy and medications, what else can I can do to deal with anxiety? Are there foods I should eat more of or avoid? Habits I should include in my daily routine?
Jane

My father suffers from diabetes. My question to you is how do we keep his blood sugar level normal?
Walter, Yonkers

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your question:

1. I have fair skin and burn easily. I've always used SPF 15 sunscreen. But, I'm having trouble finding SPF 15. I've seen SPF 45, 50 and 80. Should I be using something stronger? I do like to get some color in the summer. What is the difference between the numbers and can I get color using SPF 80?
Steve, Point Pleasant, NJ

2. My job is to lift heavy boxes, what tips can you give me to prevent injuries to my left shoulder?
Kevin, Brooklyn

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your question:

1. I am 47-years-old and in construction. Two months ago, I pulled a muscle in the back of my neck and the pain goes down to my shoulder. How long does this usually last? Do you have any suggestions to help speed up the healing process?
Mark

2. What are your thoughts on acupuncture?
Lavaughn

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Think it's hot outside? Well, its hotter in our PIX Kitchen!

Dr. Steve and Dr. Richard Shlofmitz are trading their scrubs for aprons and donning their chefs hats to show us some heart healthy grilling recipes, just in time for summer. Dr. Richard Shlofmitz is chairman of the Department of Cardiology for St. Francis Hospital, the Heart Center in Roslyn.

Dr. Shlofmitz joined St. Francis Hospital in 1987 and is the Director of the Cardiology. He has served as principal investigator in numerous percutaneous interventional trials at St. Francis Hospital and has one of the largest volumes of experience in percutaneous interventions in the nation with one of the lowest complication rates.

They'll be preparing the Double H Burger the "Double H" standing for heart healthy and the Cardiologist Cauliflower Classic.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your question:

1. I am a 39-year-old female and have very painful menstrual cycles, which got worse after the birth of my son. Can you please tell me if I need to check with a doctor to see if something else is causing this? I have terrible pelvic pains.
Geremy

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your question:

1. How often is it safe to donate blood and platelets? I donate platelets on a regular basis but everyone says I do it too often. I figure the place where I donate knows whether or not it's safe, however if you say it's o.k. I'll feel better.
Eric, Long Beach, NY

2. What's the best way to lose belly fat?
Travalia, New Jersey

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your question:

1. I have eczema and it won't go away. I researched it and found out that eczema cannot be cured. Do you have any recommendations on how to soothe it?
Sabrina, Queens, New York

2. I was wondering at what age men should start screening from testicular cancer and about how often should that continue?
Nick, Manhattan

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your question:

1. I have an unwanted mole right under my eye and it seems like its get bigger. What do I do?
Toni

2. I'm 36 and have no fertility problems. However, I'm considering IVF so that I can conceive twins on my next pregnancy. What are the pros and cons? Will doctors disapprove of this procedure when my reasoning is "timing and convenience"?
Julianne, Yonkers, NY

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your question:

1. When you do "number two", what does it mean when it's green?
Nathaniel

2. I am 27-years-old and suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Currently, I'm on medication to treat it. In the future, if I want to have a baby, would the medication affect the baby even if I'm no longer taking it? Also, could the disease itself affect the baby in anyway?
Diana

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Hi Dr Steve, I play softball every weekend and by Monday I have body cramps. Why do you think that is? Should I be eating something to prevent this from happening?
Miguel, Manhattan

2. Dr. Steve, I get mosquito bites. But why do some of the bites look like ringworm? The ring around the bite doesn't appear until a day or two after. Am I hypersensitive or could I be mistaking these bites for something else? Should I be worried?
Cynthia

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Dr. Steve is in, and he's here to answer your pressing health queries:

1.Dr. Steve,What cause hives? And what medication can help get rid of them? Nothing seems to help, except ice.
Liz Whiting, New Jersey

2. Hi Doctor Steve, I'm wondering if you have a facial moisturizer with SPF 15 and a foundation with SPF 15, does that offer the same protection as SPF 30?
Samara, Long Island

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your question:

1. I am having so much trouble with shaving my underarms. I get awful razor burn. Then I get stubble. I hear lemons work to get rid of razor burn? Please help. It hurts so bad!
Anonymous

2. My husband is allergic to iodine and iodide. What seafoods should he avoid?
Anonymous

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your question:

1. Is it true that once you start taking high blood pressure medication you have to take it for life? Even if your blood pressure is under control?
Isabel, Bethel, CT

2. I workout a lot. I was wondering what are the good supplements to take?
Jason, Montclair, NJ

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Nutrition and wellness coaches, Simona Bunin and Sherene Costanzo, who can show viewers how to pack the perfect Fourth of July beach cooler or summer picnic basket that is not only delicious and fit for a celebration, but also is healthy and nutritious.

Among the girls favorites are things like:
• a fresh fruit salad with berries, apples and nectarines
• a tossed salad with pecans, grated asiago cheese and dried cranberries w/oil and vinegar dressing
• fresh made organic turkey wraps on spinach or whole wheat wraps
• organic baked tortilla chips and guacamole
• granola with dried fruit for dessert

All of these are quick to make, easy to pack in the cooler and will last all day until the fireworks begin. For more information, visit www.gourmemist.com.

A city-wide HIV testing blitz is getting underway. Mobile testing centers are heading out to all five boroughs to mark Saturday's National HIV Testing Day.

The Gay Men's Health Crisis says that by testing in the city's neighborhoods, one in four new yorkers who don't know they have HIV will learn the truth.

For more information, visit, www.nyc.gov.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your question:

1. I'm allergic to shellfish. Is it safe to take omega-3 fish oil pills?
Rose, Staten Island

2. What is the difference between hyper- and hypo-thyroid?

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Make a mental checklist of all the things you do to keep yourself healthy. It's a good bet you thought of your workouts, your diet and maybe a daily vitamin.

While that's great, if keeping up with medical tests isn't on your list of healthy behaviors then you're falling into a mistake that many fit women make. Fitness Magazine editor Sara Wells stops by with specific tests for every age.

For more health tips, visit www.fitnessmagazine.com.

Most of us are sick of the deluge day after day. But is it more than just a wet annoyance? If you having been in a bad mood lately and you think its because of the weather, you could be right.

Our Dr. Steve Salvatore and Chris Knowles were in PIX Plaza to talk to Dr. Daniel Baxter, the chief medical officer for the Ryan Community Health Center in Manhattan, to talk about seasonal affective disorder -- corellation between bad weather and depression.

Click here to find out more about seasonal affective disorder. Ryan Community Health Center, visit www.ryancenter.org.

To keep up with the weather, visit www.wpix.com/weather and click here to recieve weather text alerts from PIX.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your question:

1. I'm 20-years-old and I have cancer. I'm wondering if you think getting more tattoos is a bad idea?
Nicolemarie, New Jersey

2. What are the negative effects of sleeping with my contacts?
Anita, New York

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Dr. Steve talks to a cardiologist to get the low down on high cholesterol and also other things your doctor never told you about it. Cardiologist Dennis Goodman, MD pulls double duty as a clinical professor at NYU and a private doctor on Madison Avenue. He is also the former chief of cardiology at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California.

At Scripps, he conducted research that showed cardio-friendly vitamins and herbs significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by raising good HAL cholesterol while also lowering triglycerides and C-reactive protein, common markers of inflammation.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your question:

1. I heard you talking about how smoking actually encourages the growth of cancer. My husband and I both quit smoking within the last year. How soon after you quit does your body stop encouraging the growth of diseases caused by smoking?
Jeanette, Olivebridge, NY

2. Does drinking coffee in the morning cure hangovers?
Andrew, White Plains, NY

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your question:

1. Is Glaceau SmartWater any healthier for you than drinking spring water or even filtered tap water?
Brian, Ronkonkoma, NY

2. I am 21-years-old and have corns on my toes that are yellow. I can't wear sandals because the corns are on three of my toes. What can I do about it? Please help me.
Toya

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your question:

My niece is almost 5-months-old. She's developed eczema all over her body. Is there any topical cream she can use? Also, is this going to be permanent?
Julia

I've heard of a pill that guarantees to enlarge your manhood. Is this a gimmick? People are too shy to ask this question, but I know there are a lot of men who want to know.
Mike, New York City

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your question:

I work out and run almost every day. I am interested in breast implants. Will this surgery effect my workouts specially my running? I appreciate your advice.
Karina

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

This week, the New York City Fire Department will be observing American Heart Association's CPR Week, a week dedicated to informing members of the public about the importance of learning this life-saving skill. Every year, countless people's lives are saved by other average citizens who have taken the time to learn this vital technique. FDNY EMT Pablo Vasquez stopped by to teach us CPR.

CPR Anytime is a tool that can help increase survival rates in communities across the country. People who receive the CPR Anytime kits are able to share lifesaving skills with their loved ones by using the kit to train their entire family. Using a multiplier effect, studies have shown that for every single CPR Anytime kit used for training, an average of 2.5 people learn how to perform CPR.

The CPR Anytime Kit is available at www.firezonestore.org/cpranpelepr.html. For more information or to schedule an EMS Training Class, call 311. For details on The American Heart Association's 1,000,000 Challenge log onto www.cprweek.org.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I am a 36-year-old male and HIV positive. What are the chances of an individual such as myself of still having children?
Thomas

2. I used to weigh 300 lbs. but have lost 150 lbs. My problem is no longer the weight, but spider veins on my legs . What can I do about them? How do I get rid of them? I'm only 30-years-old.
NuNu

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

We already know that we have to slather on sunscreen for protection, now we're going to learn some lesser known moves that keep skin healhy and gorgeous. Health Magazine's Beauty Editor Colleen Sullivan will share those tips with us. Her tips included:

• Play it Safe Near Windows
• Never Swap Sunscreen for Shade
• Spring-clean Your Sunscreen
• Watch How You Wear Your Hair
• Don't Consider Lip Gloss Lip Protection

For more information, pick up the latest copy of Health Magazine or read the article at www.health.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. What are ionized and alkaline water machines about? I've read people feel better and even lose weight by filtering their tap water through a machine that increases -OH (hydroxide ion). Can it be true?
Donna

2. My mom wants to know if there's a diet that can help her strengthen her immune system? She's a vegetarian and lactose intolerant. Please help!

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I'm allergic to apples and peaches along with a few other fruits. The thing is, I absolutely LOVE apples and peaches. At first it my gums itched, now I break out in hives on my hands. I've tried allergy medication but it hasn't helped. Sadly, I guess I'll have to live without them and settle for strawberries. Any advice?
Raheeza, Bronx

2. My doctor said I have an "irritated liver" and to cut down on beer. As for the beer, that's out. Is there anything else I can do to better my liver?
Melinda

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Are hand sanitizer gels a good alternative if you can't wash your hands? Especially for children?
Jenn

2. How does a person get fat on their liver? How do you get rid of it?
Maggs

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. My mother suffers from paranoid schizophrenia. She believes that spirits are attacking her. How do I go about helping her?
Michelle, Queens

2. I've been reading up on colon hydrotherapy and am considering getting it done. What are your thoughts on this procedure? Is it safe? Are there benefits or is it just another useless procedure?
Josie, New Jersey

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

With summer drawing near, it's almost that time to approach the dreaded sunscreen aisle. With all those options for sun protection, it's hard to decide which one is best for you.

That's why Shape Magazine tested boatloads of UV-protection to give you the Shape Sun Smart Awards - this year's sunscreen all-stars. . Let's face it- sunburn is so last year!

NATURAL GLOW- Every body wants a natural looking tan so why not use an all-natural sunscreen? Dust on BareMinerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen ($28) for preservative-free protection.

ACNE PRONE- Slathering on greasy sunscreen can easily irritate acne-prone skin. Kiss blemishes goodbye with Procyte Z-silc Sunblock SPF 30 ($31). It's oil-minimizing formula with help to keep you acne free.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I am eight months pregnant with my second child. My first child has severe allergies. He was allergic to milk and soy as an infant. I didn't breastfeed him. I've heard breastfeeding my second child will reduce his chances of having allergies. Its it true? Does breastfeeding reduce the odds of a child having allergies?
Janine, Staten Island

2. My dad is 75-years-old . He was sent to the ER for pneumonia but was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease. We aren't sure what this means. Can you please explain this condition to us, and give us some advice as to what my dad needs to do to continue living a productive life. Thank you in advance!
Joyce, New Jersey

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Asthma occurs when the linings of lung airways become inflamed and swollen and muscle pasms block airflow to the lungs. Although the exact cause of asthma is not known, many treatments are available to control the disease.

Over 22 million Americans suffer from asthma and with over 4,000 deaths a year caused by the condition, it's not something to take lightly.

Here with details on what you need to know about asthma and where you can get free asthma screening is Dr. Clifford Bassett, medical director of the Allergy and Asthma Care of New York. Dr. Bassett will also talk about what it is asthma, who has it, its symptoms, triggers and treatments. Our Dr. Steve will take a spirometer test.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology is sponsoring the Nationwide Asthma Screening Program. To find a screening near you, log onto www.allergyandasthmarelief.org.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

I sometimes see red blotches on my legs or arms. I did not bump into anything. After a while, these marks turn black and blue. Can you tell me why I am seeing these marks?
Lana

I have been breaking out in hives for almost two months now. I've changed all the products I've been using and have kept a food allergy list. Could I have some type of disorder that could be causing this?
Johanna, The Bronx

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

He's the dentist who's using a Bad Breath Machine and Anonymous Alert Service to stamp out bad breath and our Dr. Steve joins Dr. Harold Katz (aka "The Bad Breath Guru") as he ambushes people on the street with the "Bad Breath Machine" that actually measures levels of bad breath.

Dr. Katz shows what really causes bad breath, how to get rid of it, and how you can anonymously tell a friend or lover that their breath needs some help! He will demo the bad-breath machine that measures the level of sulfur dioxide gases in the mouth, and show how the new treatments can help people with chronic bad breath to become confident again.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I have been taking Vitamin E for a long time and recently I saw a study that said Vitamin E has an increased risk of causing lung cancer, but I do not smoke. Is this true? Also, is Vitamin E also good for breast health?
Mara

2. I recently sought assistance for depression. I feel as though my symptoms are more related to bipolar syndrome. What should I do?
Melissa

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Which over the counter medicines would you recommend for allergies?
Pat, Rego Park

2. Recently, I've noticed a couple of my fingertips are numb. Yes, I smoke and am overweight. I'm not sure what it is and I'm worried. I do not have insurance. Please help me. Thank You Tanya, Long Island

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Today, Dr. Steve spoke to Andrew Rabinowitz about the R Baby Foundation. The organization is named in remembrance of his daughter Rebecca, who passed away several days after she was born from an enteroviral infection.

Rabinowitz shared with us her story and spoke about the foundation. According to the official website, "The R Baby Foundation is dedicated to helping newborn babies with often-misunderstood viral infections and other infectious diseases receive the highest quality of care and service through supporting education, research, treatment, training and life-saving equipment."

Rabinowitz also talked about the foundation's upcoming fundraiser -- the R Baby Mother’s Day Run/Walk in Central Park.

To learn more and to find out how you can participate in the R Baby Mother’s Day Run/Walk, visit www.rbabyfoundation.org.

Dr. Steve is at St. Mary's Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey, where they're emphasizing the importance of prevention and wellness today, Monday, May 4 with a free and open to the public health fair from 10am to 1pm.

The fair will offer a day of free health screenings, access to medical professionals and guidance on financial assistance for prescription drug programs, and is aimed to benefit those suffering from the current economic crisis.

Free parking is available for patients and light refreshments will be served. U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08), a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, in conjunction with Congress' work on comprehensive healthcare reform legislation, will host the health fair.

You can visit the health fair at St. Mary's Hospital, which is loacted at 350 Boulevard, Passaic, NJ 07055. For more information, visit www.smh-passaic.org.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I've heard we should eat five to eight portions of fruit and veggies a day. What constitutes a portion? Is it a whole piece of fruit or a few ounces?
Amir, The Bronx

2. I'm 3½ months pregnant and I'm having trouble trying to quit smoking. I smoke about four cigarettes a day and I'm so desperate to quit but the craving is so strong. Can you tell me what I can do to quit? I'm desperate...please!
Crystal, Brooklyn

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I'm past menopause, but sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night in a ball of sweat. What can I do about this? I've heard that taking Vitamin D will help. Is this true?
Kathy, New Jersey

2. Is there anything I can eat or do to boost male fertility?
Hector

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I'll be 70 and I try to stay active. I exercise almost daily before breakfast. Should I be eating before my workout?
Howie

2. I'm trying to find out about laser hair removal for my face and head. Do you know how to find a well-recommended place? Also, are there any side effects?
Jason, Freeport, NY

3. I have been having problems with foot odor. I can't seem to get rid of it. Please advise on ways to get rid of the problem. Should I consult with a specialist?
Thomas

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Last week in "Ask the Doctor," we answered the following question from Shennette:

"Hi Dr. Steve, I'm a 41-year-old black female and just found out I have a Vitamin D deficiency. I don't like drinking milk. Are there any other options?"

Well, turns out Shennette is not alone. Recent research indicates that 3 out of 4 Americans are Vitamin D deficient. A natural by-product obtained by just spending time outdoors, spring is the perfect season to learn how to get those Vitamin D benefits without incurring the damage that goes along with prolonged sun exposure.

We'll talk to Ellie Krieger, RD, best-selling author and host of Healthy Appetite on the Food Network, about: How could you tell if you're Vitamin D deficient? How do we best get Vitamin D without the potential problems of increased sun exposure? What foods provide Vitamin D? Kreiger is also the first registered dietician to have a "Got Milk?" ad and part of the "Get Your D" campaign.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I have been taking painkillers and want to stop. But, I don't want to go through withdrawal. Is there anything I can take to help?
Silvia

2. I keep getting boils all over my body. What can I do to get rid of them? They hurt so much. Please help me!
Damaris

3. I have a 10-month-old son who's teeth have not come in yet. I recently found out my family has a history of Ectodermal Dysplasia. Are there x-rays that can be done or a specialist I can take him to? I'm completely lost on this subject.
Rebecca, Brooklyn

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. My jaw constantly locks. If I want to open up wide, I have to slowly open my mouth until it clicks, then I can open it fully. Is there anything I can do to stop this?
Janine

2. I am a female with a naturally muscular body, which is why I choose not to work out. What is the best way for me to shed a few pounds without getting too buff?
Sammie, The Bronx

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Dr. Gregg Lituchy, DDS clears up some of the most common top teeth myths.

Myth #1: Bleaching works on everyone and lasts forever.
Fact: Sadly, no. Some patients’ teeth don’t bleach evenly. Depending on what bleaching technique you use, you will need touch-ups as little as once a year, or as often as every 3 months. The only sure-fire way to keep a beautiful white smile for years is with porcelain veneers.

Myth #2: Candy causes cavities.
Fact: As an adult, as long as you brush and floss twice a day, you will avoid cavities.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I have been waking up feeling dizzy. Could it be from a lack of sleep or anemia? I'm 30 and I just want to know what it is.
Brenda

2. I'm a 41-year-old black female and just found out that my Vitamin D level is very low . I don't like drinking milk. Are there any other options?
Shenette, Harlem

3. When is there going to be a cure for diabetes? I've had it for a number of years and it's time to get it so I can get on with my life.
Jim, Georgia

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Can stress cause acne? If so, what can we do to get rid of acne due to stress?
Eve

2. I sweat profusely around my forehead and upper lip when I get nervous or when it's hot out. I heard that botox can help slow it down however, I don't like needles! Are there any creams I can use? I'm getting married and I don't want to be a sweaty mess walking down the isle. HELP!
Antonia

3. What is the best exercise to do to keep the pounds off?
Richard, Long Island

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The average family of four throws out nearly 122 pounds of food per month. However, many common perishables, including these staples, remain perfectly safe as long as a week (or even months!) past their sell-by date when stored properly, which is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Always rely on your own senses-sight, smell, and touch-for signs of spoilage. The folks at Prevention say: When in doubt, throw it out!

Here with five foods that keep longer than you may think is executive editor of Prevention Magazine Courtenay Smith.

MILK
Longevity: 1 week past sell-by date
Freshness Tip: Hit the dairy aisle right before checking out to minimize the amount of time milk is left unrefrigerated, and store it on a shelf pushed far back, where the air is coldest. Closer to the fridge door tends to be warmer. And if it smells bad, it’s bad.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. The palms of my hands and soles of me feet are red, itchy and irritated. What's wrong with me?
Syisha

2. What kind of natural herbs can I use for my eczema?
Trini

3. How do I fix my high blood pressure?
Darryl, Washington Heights

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I have Type 2 Diabetes. Can this be cured or is it once you have diabetes, you always have diabetes?
Richard, Woodbridge, New Jersey

2. My muscles have been twitching a lot, especially in my legs. Is this something I should be worried about?
Ryan

3. What kind of effects do antioxidants have on the body and how do they help us to stay young and healthy?
Tatyana

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

In the springtime, when trees burst into leaf and flowers open, sneezing, sniffling, and itchy eyes are a way of life for millions and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) estimates that more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies.

Dr. Fred Vagnini, medical director of the Heart, Diabetes and Weight Loss Centers of New York in Manhattan wants to help allergy sufferers welcome the coming of spring.

He provided some helpful tips for viewers to strengthen their immune system, prevent spring allergies before they start and find relief in the event they do experience allergy symptoms.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Recently, I've been drooling excessively in my sleep. Is this a sign of a breathing disorder or sinus problem?
Desiree

2. I've been on the pill for 10 years and stopped last month. Are there side effects when you stop taking birth control after extended use?
Sarah, Easton, PA

3. My pinky always tends to cramp when I text with my Blackberry. Why?
Samantha M., Washington, D.C.

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

As stocks drop, scales are on the rise. Nearly 50% of people turn to high-calorie foods to ease the stress of the economy. SELF Magazine's tips help avoid recession pounds with custom diet makeovers for Stress Gobblers, Cheap Eaters, Burned-Out Bingers and Social Gluttons.

And as an added bonus, SELF is also revelaing 12 healthy food items under $1! Their tasty highlights include brown rice, raisins, snap peas and green tea.

For more information, visit www.self.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I'm trying to lose weight but at night I need a snack while watching TV. What is good to have, an orange, red grapes, popcorn, yogurt or nothing?
M. Lynch

2. A family friend's baby was born with six toes. The pediatrician recommended the extra toe be removed. Dr. Steve, what's your recommendation?
Anonymous

3. I recently read that milk is no good for grown ups! All this time I thought milk was good for your bones. Will you please confirm whether or not this is true?
Chitra, Staten Island, NY

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I'm 18-years-old and have decided to start an all organic diet. Right now, 70% of my diet is made up of organic food. Is there anything I have to worry about when I start eating nothing but organic items?
Maribelle, Union City, NJ

2. My baby is 7-months-old is refusing to breast feed or drink from a bottle. He'll only eat solids. His pediatrician told me to stop the solids until he'd accept milk. But, he's refusing to eat completely! Any advice?
Desperate Mom, Jersey City, NJ

3. At what age can a child become autistic? What are the signs?
Maritza, Brooklyn

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Lose weight while you sleep! Sound too good to be true? Here to tell us how to drop pounds while catching some Zs is sleep expert and author of Beauty Sleep Dr. Michael Breus.

Studies show that sleep deprivation wreaks havoc on hormones that control appetite, cravings and the metabolism of fat. According to Dr. Breus, the average woman gets 6 hours 40 minutes. For this diet, he recommends catching at least 7 1/2 hours of sleep.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I am 24-years-old and would like to know, why do I get so sleepy after I drink coffee? It's been happening for years now.
Yamilet

2. I have an armpit sweating issue. I've tried multiple deodorants, including the expensive ones, but nothing helps. Is there a reason I sweat so much? What can I do to eliminate or control this problem?
Jessica, Brooklyn

3. What can people do to help me prevent the outbreak of meningitis?
Shannon, Mount Vernon

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Kanye West's mom's trip to the plastic surgeon turned fatal. Usher missed the Grammys because his wife suffered complications during a surgery in Brazil.

So you've made the decision; you are going to have surgery. You’ve met with your surgeon. You have a good idea what will happen during the operation. But how much do you know about the anesthesia?

Did you know, by the age of 50 most people have had at least three or four encounters with some form of anesthesia? Did you also know one in seven Americans will be getting plastic surgery in the next five years. And by the year 2015, 55 million plastic surgery procedures will be done annually.

Dr. Panchali Dhar, author of Before the Scalpel: What Everyone Should Know about Anesthesia stops by to fill us in on the risks and rewards of plastic surgery.

It's Patient Safety Awareness Week and Orthopedic Expert Ira Kirschenbaum, MD stops by to discuss some of the most common bone problems. He'll discuss:

1. If Alex Rodriguez's hip injury can happen to any patient and if surgery can make it better.
2. Tiger Woods' knee injury and how it can possibly get fixed.
3. The population is staying more active as we get older. What are some general recommendations to prevent injuries and stay active?
4. The most common foot problems like bunions, corns, warts are they genetic and how can they be prevented.

Dr. Ira Kirschenbaum is currently the chairman, department of orthopaedic surgery, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, a major teaching affiliate of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He is also an assistant clinical professor of Orthopaedics at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases. Dr. Kirschenbaum runs a program that delivers Orthopaedic care to one of the largest clinic populations in the country. He's also one of the co-founders of WebMd.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Our own Sukanya Krishnan announced yesterday that she’s pregnant, so we’re giving her the opportunity to ask OB/GYN Dr. Robert Rubino of the Rubino OB/GYN Group her most burning questions. Dr. Rubino had these tips:

PREGNANCY DOs
• Do get your family history and your husband's family history
• Do listen to your doctor
• Do exercise, walk an hour per day

PREGNANCY DON'Ts • Don't gain too much weight (don't eat for two)
• Don't be anxious, pregnancy is a natural state of being
• Don't forget to take a vitamin with omega 3 or fish oil

For more information on the Rubino OB/GYN Group, visit www.rubinoobgyn.com.

Be sure to tune in tomorrow as Baby Week continues! We're revealing the must eat foods for each trimester of your pregnancy.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Feta or goat cheese? Ground turkey or sirloin? Health Magazine reveals 10 surprising swaps to put the top stay-slim picks in your shopping cart. We'll talk about grapes, vanilla soy milk, vitamin-fortified water, couscous, ground turkey and goat cheese.

Rethink: Grapes
Reach for: Raspberries
While grapes are heart-healthy, they're very low in fiber and vitamins. Raspberries are a great source of soluble fiber, which helps reduce bad cholesterol and makes you feel fuller faster --great news for your waistline. Save money by buying frozen when raspberries are out of season.

VIDEO AND MORE FOOD ALTERNATIVES AFTER THE JUMP...

Did you know that you shouldn’t take St. John’s Wort if you’re on a birth control pill, or have grapefruit/grapefruit juice if you take cholesterol lowering drugs like Lipitor.

Combining certain foods with the drugs you take can be harmful to your health. Just call it a prescription for danger.

Ladies Home Journal editor Julie Bain stops by with a list of food-drug combinations you should avoid.

For more information, visit www.lhj.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I hear that red wine is linked to breast cancer. Is it true that women at risk of breast cancer should stay away from red wine?
Cypress

2. Is drinking water during a weight workout good or bad for performance in anyway? Anonymous

3. What can people do to help me prevent the outbreak of meningitis?
Shannon, Mount Vernon, NY

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE ANSWERS AFTER THE JUMP...

Babies don't come with instructional manuals, but parents still need to somehow be prepared for accidents and emergencies. So what would you do if your infant suddenly becomes unresponsive or starts choking?

Saving Baby's Life... When Every Second Counts is a life-saving and necessary tool that educates and empowers parents, family members and all infant caretakers with the knowledge and confidence to assist any infant (newborn to 12 months) in time of danger.

The instructional video takes viewers step-by-step on how to perform infant CPR and save a choking infant, and reviews important SIDS precautions. The video is in both English and Spanish.

Geraldine Hickey, the owner of Baby Zone and Beyond and the voice behind Saving Baby's Life is a registered nurse, midwife, certified American Heart Association CPR instructor and infant massage instructor.

Hickey stopped by to show Dr. Steve how to perform infant CPR and teach us how to save a choking infant and give us some hints on SIDS prevention and precaution. We'll have dolls on set for her to demonstrate. For more information on how you can pick up a copy of Saving Baby's Life, visit www.babyzoneandbeyond.com.

Got a cold? Can't sleep? Your local pharmacy has a remedy but does it pay to save on your health? Dr. Donnica Moore says sometimes it does. Before you drop your dough on drugs we're going to find out where you should save and when you should spend.

For more of Dr. Moore's healthy living tips, log onto www.DrDonnica.com.

SAVE AND SPEND RECOMMENDATIONS, VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Is it okay to have two protein drinks for breakfast and lunch and then a sensible dinner to lose weight?
Frank

2. A friend sent me some instructions titled "How to survive a heart attack when alone." Basically, you have to cough repeatedly and vigorously. Do you think this would really work?
Michael, Midtown Manhattan

3. Are implants really safe for women?
Jamal, Brooklyn

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE ANSWERS AFTER THE JUMP...

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I am 23 and have been getting migraine headaches since I was young. Doctors can't seem to find anything wrong. Is there anything I can do or take to reduce my headaches?
Jason, Union, New Jersey

2. I recently found out I have Epstein Barr. I feel tired and have aches and pains. Is there anything I can do to feel better?
Scott, Suffern, NY

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. There's this new thing around, girls are using Miconazole Nitrate to help their hair grow. Is this harmful? Are there any side effects?
Tanya, Bronx

2. While preparing breakfast, I cracked open an egg and it had red fluid in it, sort of like blood. What causes that? Could it be harmful? I didn't eat it!
Malcolm

3. Why do pregnant people throw up so much in the morning?
Susana, Bronx

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE ANSWERS AFTER THE JUMP...

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. My hands are always very rough and around the cuticles and nails, the skin always tears and looks unhealthy. What can I do to make them softer and smoother?
Kelly, Brooklyn

2. What are some resources for finding the best doctor I can afford? How can I verify a doctor's reputation or malpractice history and feel confident being in his or her care, other than by word of mouth?
Ms. G (no relation to Mr. G)

3. How do I prevent getting lower back pain at work?
Cliff, Queens

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE ANSWERS AFTER THE JUMP...

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I am 40 years old and have suffered from erectile dysfunction for the past 2 1/2 years. Is there anything natural I can take to help this problem?
David

2. My husband is 65 and has a huge appetite. He eats everything in sight. Please tell me what to do.
Anonymous

3. Wwhat is the major aspect that affects our blood pressure on a day to day basis?
Eddie, Brooklyn

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE ANSWERS AFTER THE JUMP...

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I'm a mom of three boys and all of us have problems with our feet...they SMELL! Powders and sprays do not work. What can I do to eliminate this problem?
Linda, Staten Island

2. Is there any way to make the white of your eyes whiter? What are the reasons if they are a dull white or yellowish?
Diana, Kew Gardens, Queens

3. How exactly do I get rid of post-nasal drip?
Dean, The Bronx

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

February is National Heart Month and a perfect time to begin a new daily diet regimen which will safe proof your heart against disease and extend your life for years.

Dietician and author Elizabeth Somer will walk us through her "5 Simple Steps for 5 Days of the Week" and identify foods to manage your weight, regulate salt intake, boost nutrients, veg out and get moving.

For more information on Somer, visit www.elizabethsomer.com

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Coughing is the number one reason Americans visit the doctor each year and the common cold is the leading cause of missed days from school and work. But in today's economy, you can't always afford to stay home when you’re not feeling well. Dr. Jordan Josephson, author of Sinus Relief Now, shares simple tips for cough and cold relief.

We'll get quick relief tips for sore throats, nasal congestion, chest congestion and headaches to help you through the day. Dr. Josephson will also share a tip to help flush out your system and keep your throat moist.

For more information, visit www.sinusreliefnow.com.

RELIEF TIPS AND VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I had surgery and now need to eat protein but, I don't know what kinds of foods to eat to get it. Do you have any suggestions?
Gypsy

2. My husband is 47 and when he falls asleep his legs shake every couple of minutes. Why does this happen? Can it be treated?
Denise

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE SEGMENT AFTER THE JUMP...

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I am in my early 40's and over the last 6 months have become very tired. I tend to forget a lot too. Should I be concerned?
Denise

2. I'm a Type 2 diabetic. Can I eat fresh fruit and what would be a good diet plan for me?
Donald, The Bronx

3. How do you know when a headache is more than a headache and should be checked out?
Zimanta, Jamaica, Queens

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. While growing up, my children had the habit of biting their fingernails. What can you do to stop this habit, and what causes this problem?
Kathy

2. Is there any way to get rid of gallstones without having surgery?
Kat

3. How do you know when a headache is more than a headache and should be checked out?
Zimanta, Jamaica, Queens

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE ANSWERS AFTER THE JUMP...

The Nutrition Twins Tammy and Lyssie Lakatos are here with five simple tricks to keep you healthy and boost your winter blues. They included:

Trick #1: Have oatmeal for breakfast to naturally change your brain chemistry
- One of the best foods for creating your body’s “feel-good” chemical, serotonin, a neurotransmitter that combats pain, decreases appetite, and produces calm or sleep. The fiber in oatmeal slows digestion, releasing energy gradually and causing a long-lasting mood-boost.
When to get it: Oatmeal is great for any meal–and even instant oatmeal will do the trick!

MORE TRICKS AND VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. How effective is acai berry with helping to lose tummy fat? And how should it be taken, as a pill or liquid etc.?
Pat Hopelawn, New Jersey

2. I have lost a lot of weight over the past year since having my second child. But, now I have big breasts! How can I get rid of them? Any non-surgical suggestions?
Roza

3. I want to know if there's anything I can do to relieve back spasms in my back.
George, Manhattan

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE ANSWERS AFTER THE JUMP...

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I'm just wondering what causes the hiccups? What's the fastest and safest way to get rid of them?
Caireen, Brooklyn

2. While exercising, is there a correct way to breathe to get the most benefit? I've heard you should only breath through your nose, but I've also heard in through your nose, out through your mouth. What's the proper way?
Christine of Bohemia, NY

3. I wanted to know when is it time to call a doctor when you start getting a sore throat when you're sick?
Sarah, New York

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE ANSWERS AFTER THE JUMP...

The New York Blood Center is pulling their bus up to PIX Plaza (42nd Street and 2nd Avenue) to collect blood donations this morning until 3:30pm. PIX's own Dr. Steve first spoke with Jim Fox, New York Blood Centerspokesperson. He'll later talk to William J. Mullaney, president of Institutional Business at MetLife and Matthew Long, a FDNY blood recipient who was hit by a bus on his way to work a few years ago and needed a transfusion.

Fox explained that to meet local needs, New York Blood Center and requires 2,000 blood donations each day to supply the needs of 200 hospitals. Approximately every two seconds, someone needs blood, and one out of three people will need a life-saving blood transfusion in their lifetime. In fact, a single blood donation can help save the lives of up to three people. Car accident and trauma victims need as many as 50 or more red cell transfusions, cancer patients use large amounts of blood and burn victims can use up to 50 platelet transfusions.

You can join Dr. Steve and donate blood at PIX Plaza (42nd Street and 2nd Avenue) this morning until 3:30pm. People can donate blood every 56 days. Be sure to eat at your regular mealtimes and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating. If you are donating platelets, do not take aspirin or products containing aspirin for at least 72 hours before your scheduled appointment.

And donations are always needed. Red blood cells must be used within 42 days, platelets within five days, and plasma can be frozen and used for up to one year. For more information on the New York Blood Center, log onto www.nybloodcenter.org.

VIDEO AND PICTURE AFTER THE JUMP...

January is National Eye Care Month and Dr. Harvey Moscot of Moscot Eyewear and Eyecare walked us through what the average eye exam entails. Moscot's was established in 1915 and is the oldest optical store in New York.

Our own PIX Morning Sukanya Krishnan was tested for modern eye condition Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). For more information on Moscot Eyewear and Eyecare, visit moscot.com.

MORE INFO, PICTURE AND VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Dr. Steve, I'm 36-years-old and since I had my second child six years ago, I tinkle when I sneeze, cough laugh or cry. Can anything be done?
Dee, New Jersey

2. Hi Dr. Steve, I have lost a tremendous amount of weight and now have "man boobs!" How can I get rid of them?
J

3. As a taxi driver, I would like to know what kind of vitamins are good for sitting down all day.
Dominic, Queens

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE ANSWERS AFTER THE JUMP...

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I have been loosing weight, but my breast size has stayed the same. I wanted to know why?
Roza, Queens, NY

2. My stomach growls constantly. To the point where I hate going in public because it's so loud! I could eat all day and it still growls, especially when I sit. What is wrong with me?
Allen

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE ANSWERS AFTER THE JUMP...

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Can you get tape worms from eating sushi? Especially tuna.
Hopie, Riverdale, NJ

2. Why do women pay so much for birth control? I used to pay $15 a month, now I pay a whopping $35! Is there anything I can do?
Donna

3. What is the best cure for allergies due to the pollution in the air in Manhattan?
Yves, Manhattan

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

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"Evenflo is recalling about 95,000 of its Majestic high chairs because of fall and choking hazards..

"The problem is that plastic caps and metal screws on both sides of the high chair can loosen and fall out, posing both fall and choking hazards to children.

"The recall involves the following model numbers of Evenflo Majestic high chairs: 3001395A, 3001583, 3001633A, 3001669, 3001700A, 3001713, 3001713A, 3001730A, 3001732, 3001732A, 3001733, 3001742, 3001742A and 3001756.

"The model number and production date can be found on a white label on the seatback. “Evenflo” is printed on the label and on the push button on the front of the tray," according to a WebMD article.

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Click here to read the full recall report from Evenflo.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I exercise everyday and still can not find a way to lose weight! Could it be my thyroid?
John from Allentown, PA

2. I wanted to know what causes your stomach to be bloated? Is there are ways to solve that?
Amy

3. I wanted to know is it true that the common cold is actually caused by germs and not by a drop in the temperature?
Doneesa from Queens, NY

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE ANSWERS AFTER THE JUMP...

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Orange juice is supposed to be an excellent source of Vitamin C. If I have 3 or 4 drinks after work that contain orange juice, is that counterproductive to the Vitamin C?
Aleshia, Harlem

2. How come when drinking coffee there is a need for constant urination?
Nikeya

3. My father was recently diagnosed as a diabetic. what are some great tips that i could give him to stay healthy over the coming years?
Benjamin, Manhattan

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE ANSWERS AFTER THE JUMP...

The doctor is in! The CW11's Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. My back and neck have become curved from crouching over a laptop at work. I am thinking about going to see a chiropractor to get this fixed, but have heard good and back things about them. What do you think?
Renay

2. I just want to know is true liver problem can cause excessive sweating?
Adrianna

3. What blood pressure numbers are actually too low?
Colin, Manhattan

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE ANSWERS AFTER THE JUMP...