Physician

Q: How do I know if I'm having an allergic reaction?

Elizabeth L. Brown, MD

Allergic reactions may occur after exposure to foods, medications, environmental irritants, or even jewelry. Minor allergic reactions typically involve a localized skin rash in the exposed area and can be treated with removal of the offending agent and application of over the counter hydroc…

Q: I have been told I'm "pre-diabetic." What does that mean and what can I do to prevent developing diabetes?

The term pre-diabetes is used to identify patients who are at increased risk for developing diabetes. Most people with pre-diabetes have no symptoms and are identified on routine screening blood tests. A fasting blood sugar between 100-126 typically indicates the need for additional testin…

Q: What is shingles?

Shingles is a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, commonly known as chickenpox. Most adults have been exposed to chickenpox as children and when their immune system declines due to illness or age, the virus reappears as a painful red rash known as shingles. The shingles virus affec…

Attorney

Q: What is the statute of limitations for a medical malpractice claim in West Virginia?

Ben Salango, Attorney

The statute of limitations restricts the amount of time a person has to file a medical malpractice case. In West Virginia, the statute of limitations to file is two years after the date of injury. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes the statute of limitations is “tolled”…

Q: What are the minimum amounts of liability coverage in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, there are different types of coverage your insurance policy must include. These are bodily injury coverage, uninsured motorist coverage and property damage coverage. Bodily injury coverage exists to protect your assets if you are found responsible for the accident. The m…

Q: When Do I Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Generally, it is in your best interest to hire a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to make sure your rights are protected. Car accident cases can become complicated and it is very important to seek out legal representation as soon as possible. Insurance companies realize that many vi…

Audiologist

Q: How can noise damage my hearing?

Bethany Porter, AuD

Each inner ear contains 18,000 hair cells that connect to the brain via the auditory nerve. These hair cells are exquisitely designed to respond to sound so soft that it vibrates less than the diameter of a hydrogen molecule. However, the inner ear is not designed to withstand many of the hi…

Q: What new features do hearing aids have?

Hearing aid technology changes all the time. They cut down on feedback and decrease noise in crowded areas, etc. But the big changes that have been made recently are bluetooth compatibility and rechargeable technology. Bluetooth technology allows a person to control the volume of their he…

Q: Can hearing aids restore your hearing back to normal?

Hearing aids can improve your ability to hear and communicate with the world around you, but they cannot “cure” your hearing loss – just as glasses do not “cure” your nearsightedness or farsightedness. Most Americans with hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids. Medical treatments and…

Automotive Repair

Q: When is a coolant fluid recommended?

All St*rr Car Care and Brakes

Coolant, commonly called antifreeze, removes heat; lubricates and prevents corrosion in your vehicle’s engine. After inspecting for leaks, our process evacuates all original coolant from radiator, hoses and reservoir, fills coolant to proper level with new clean fluid, and finish with bleedi…

Q: Are your headlights dim, hard to see at night, or ruin the look of your newly washed car?

We have an affordable solution for you. Our service consists of resurfacing/refinishing aged headlights that have cracked and oxidized due to enviromental hazards of heat, travel, weather and exposure to cleaning chemicals. This oxidized surface is not safe and is proven to reduce night time…

Q: Is a Brake Fluid Flush needed if my brakes are not squeaking?

The brake fluid flush is one of the most forgotten maintenance services provided.

Brain Health

Q: What is "early stage" Alzheimer's disease?

Sharon M. Rotenberry, MS

"Early-Stage" refers to people, irrespective of age, who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders and are in the beginning stages of the disease. In this stage they retain the ability to participate in daily activities and in a give-and-take dialogue. This includes those p…

Q: What are some of the early signs of Alzheimer's disease?

The hallmark of Alzheimer's disease is memory loss, but not every symptom will affect each person with the disease at the same time or in the same way. In addition to memory loss, you may notice symptoms like:

Q: How do I talk to my family, including someone with the signs of dementia, about challenging but important issues?

The sooner these conversations take place, the better. This way, the person with signs of dementia can be included as soon as possible, and unexpected situations can be avoided in the future. "Finessing" the conversation can help. Ask the individual whether they would like to know if fami…

Chiropractor

Q: What is whiplash?

Mark S. Calfee, DC

Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissue structures of the neck that occurs from a sudden jerking or “whipping” motion of the head and neck. This type of motion injures the muscles and ligaments of the neck when they are forcefully moved beyond their normal range of motion. Whiplash often oc…

Q: Can you explain chiropractic treatment of low back pain

The first step in treating any case of low back pain involves determining the cause of the problem. Low back pain is, in many cases, caused by misalignment of vertebrae. But it may also have a more complex origin, such as bulging or herniated discs. Degenerative joint disease and/or degener…

Q: What is sciatica?

Sciatica is pain which radiates from the lower back into the buttocks and down the back of one or both legs. Caused by irritation of the largest spinal nerve in the body, sciatica usually begins as an acute pain in the lower back and then radiates down the leg. One or more vertebrae in the l…

Dentist

Q: Why do I need a crown?

Craig C. Spicer

A crown is a type of dental restoration used to restore a compromised tooth to it's normal function, shape and size. It is used to strengthen a weakened tooth when there isn't enough tooth structure to give support for a large filling. Crowns can be used to improve and restore the appearanc…

Q: I'm told I need braces. Why are my crooked teeth a problem?

Teeth that aren't in proper alignment can cause what dentists call malocclusion. About three quarters of our adult population are affected by this to some degree. Most people focus on the cosmetic aspect of this situation, which is very important, but there are many other concerns.

Q: How does pregnancy affect my teeth and gums?

When you are pregnant, it's important to take excellent care of your body. The mouth is no exception. Pregnancy causes many hormonal changes within the expectant mom. These fluctuations can increase the risk of gum disease by making the gums more sensitive to dental plaque, and the associate…

Dermatologist

Q: Is there more than one type of skin cancer?

Dr. Kimberly Rossi, MD

There are three main types of skin cancer called malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Most forms of skin cancer are sun related and occur more frequently in those that have a family history, fair complexion, and light colored hair or eyes. However, anyone ca…

Q: When should I bring my child for treatment of their acne?

Very mild acne can be managed initially with over the counter products. I recommend starting with a benzoyl peroxide wash or cream. Benzoyl peroxide may vary from 2.5% to 10% in strength. These products attack the red inflamed pimples by killing the P. acnes bacteria involved in acne. T…

Q: What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a hereditary inflammatory condition which involves the skin and sometimes the joints and cardiovascular system. Psoriasis of the skin has five main types; plaque, guttate, pustular, inverse, and erythrodermic. Plaque psoriasis is the most common and involves red patches and pl…

Elder Law Professional

Q: My physical health is failing and I think I am going to have to move into a nursing home permanently in just a few months. Should I give away my life savings of $65,000 to my children so that I don’t have to spend it paying for nursing home care?

Brent L. Van Deysen

In West Virginia, if you need to go into a nursing home for the rest of your life, Medicaid will pay for nursing home care if you qualify. The Medicaid program’s five-year-look-back imposes harsh penalties if you make gifts of property, vehicles, money or other assets and then apply for Med…

Q: Should I set up an Asset Protection Trust to protect my home and other assets in case I need nursing home care in the future?

In West Virginia, you can establish an Asset Protection Trust to protect your home and other assets from the high cost of nursing home care. This planning option allows you to use and enjoy your home and other assets without these assets being subject to Medicaid spend-down or a Medicaid Est…

Q: If my husband goes into a nursing home and I remain living at home, will we lose our life savings?

In West Virginia, if your spouse needs to go into a nursing home, the West Virginia Nursing Facility Medicaid program will pay for nursing home care for life. To qualify, you and your spouse may keep your home, household furnishings and one automobile. These assets are exempt from Medicaid…

Insurance

Q: How often should I shop for home and auto insurance?

Donteako E. Wilson

My recommendation on that is once every 1-3 years. If you have a broker, then your broker should be able to do the shopping for you. If you have an agent, then you’ll need to contact an insurance broker.

Q: How much life insurance should I have?

My recommendation on life insurance coverage is to purchase at least 7-10 times your gross income. So, if you earn $50,000 per year, you should have between $350,000-$500,000 of coverage. You should also consider your debts that your family will need to cover such as mortgage, student loa…

Q: What's the difference between and insurance agent and an insurance broker?

An insurance agent is a licensed representative that represents the interests of an insurance company.

Jeweler

Q: What’s the best way to clean my jewelry at home?

Scott Petit

Before cleaning your jewelry at home you need to consider the jewelry's metal and stones. In general, red, white, and blue stones (e.g., ruby, diamonds, and sapphires) are considered to be the most durable and can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush mild soap and water; however, you should ne…

Q: My rings and earrings are irritating my skin and causing pain.

This may be occurring for a couple of reasons. First, it could be as simple as an irritant to perfumes, dyes or other chemicals. In other words, a good cleaning could take care of the problem. Another possibility is a nickel allergy. Rhodium plate the inside of the ring or post of the earrin…

Mortgage Lender

Q: What could hold up the approval of my loan?

Josh Wiseman

This is where a good loan officer is worth their weight in gold. There are a myriad of issues, anywhere from credit, appraisal issues, tax liens, private road agreements (to name a few) that can cause delays. A good loan officer with a great team will try to be as proactive as possible to an…

Q: How long will it take to process my loan application?

Typically, once we have pre-approved a borrower and they have a signed contract, our goal is to close within 45 days (or sooner if needed). A competent Loan Officer will listen and set reasonable expectations with the borrower up front.

Q: How do you communicate with your homebuyers?

It really depends on the borrower. While the preferred methods are still phone, email, & fax, younger borrowers tend to rely more on text & Victorian’s phone app. We try to accommodate each borrower’s preference.

Physical Therapist

Q: What about using a TENS unit?

Charleston Physical Therapy Specialist

It may ease your symptoms as a superficial treatment. TENS unit provides a temporary relief because it “masks” the pain. It does not address the pathology. It will take other interventions to address the cause and resolution of your problem.

Q: How long should it take to get better?

The goal of the evaluation / first visit is to determine the directional preference movement to reduce and abolish the internal derangement in the painful joint. When this is achieved, you should be significantly improved in two weeks. Your compliance with posture correction and the perfor…

Q: Is it normal for pain to move?

Yes, pain that is referred, especially from the spine, will move. When there are changes in the joint for the worse, the pain will move farther and farther away from the spine, even into the hand or the foot. As the joint improves, the pain will move to or closer to the neck and back. Thi…

Realtor

Q: What does a REALTOR do?

Peggy White, Realtor

Realtors work worldwide to assist people through the process of buying and selling homes, land and commercial property. A Realtor may also be hired to assist in renting land, homes, offices and other properties. As a buyer or seller, you should have high expectations from your Realtor. Wheth…

Q: How do you stay in contact with your buyers and sellers?

Technology has made it easier to stay in contact with clients and has improved the home buying and selling in process in general. Each of my clients can be contacted in different forms, depending on what they are comfortable with and what is most convenient for them. Phone calls, text messag…

Q: What strategy do you implement after determining your buyers wants and needs?

Purchasing a home is likely to be the largest and most complex financial transaction a person will make in their life. Your real estate professional has the responsibility of providing you the most up to date information on homes for sale, price changes, market/rate movement, etc., to help …

Surgeon

Q: Is it too late to get my flu shot?

Elizabeth L. Brown, MD

It is not too late to get a flu shot. Flu season often persists into April and more cases are currently being diagnosed every day. Many people with the flu suffer serious complications including pneumonia and numerous people die from the flu nationwide. It takes two weeks to develop full …

Q: Why choose Dr. Ranson and his team?

Dr. Ranson is recognized as the area's foremost leader in vascular and general surgery.He has been serving the Mountain State for more than 25 years!As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, you can be assured that you will receive the most appropriate treatment with careful and compa…

Q: Are venous leg ulcers (open sores, wounds or lesions) on the lower legs (below the knee) associated with chronic venous insufficiency?

70% – 90% of lower extremity ulcers are actually venous ulcers. Moreover, 21% of all wounds seen in wound clinics are characterized as venous ulcers.

Veterinarian

Q: When and why should I do bloodwork on my pet?

Good Shepherd Veterinary Hospital

It’s always a good idea to do bloodwork on your pet when they are not acting themselves or when your pet is going under anesthesia. The blood work consist of a CBC (complete blood count) and a chemistry panel. The CBC looks at red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The chemistry l…

Q: What is laser therapy?

Laser therapy is an instrument that is set to different settings depending on what the issue is. It helps with getting blood back to that area and cell growth. It is also use to reduce inflammation with arthritis.