Do you have questions about your health that simply Googling won’t answer? Now you can Ask Dr. Dave. This Weeks Featured Questions: 1. Q: How can you lower blood pressure naturally?   A: Over the past 40 to 50 years as high blood pressure or hypertension has been identified as a serious chronic disorder, research has included non-drug therapies to lower blood pressure. In the 50's and 60's, several research centers studied "bio-feedback," that is attempts to train the body by self relaxation and meditation for individuals to self regulate blood pressure. While some subjects were able to bring down blood pressure by such techniques, it was very inconsistent. Other methods include yoga, meditation and self-hypnosis which are generally unreliable. If you have a family history of high blood pressure, it is likely that you will need medication, and "natural" drugs or nutraceuticals, such a "hawthorne berries," garlic and CoQ 10 are equally unreliable. Some may be able to discontinue medications following weight loss and stress reduction, but these are by no means consistent. Blood pressure must be measured frequently and need regular follow up. Failure to adequately control hypertension leads to an increased risk of heart disease and kidney disease and increase the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease. 2. Q: Please explain "pityriasis rosea". I developed this condition 4 weeks ago and still have it.   A: Pityriasis rosea is a rash commonly seen in adults and adolescents. It generally appears in a symmetrical fashion on the chest and it will resolve after 4 to 6 weeks generally. It is thought to be a viral cause and is not contagious. 3. Q: I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia three years ago. The doctor recently put me on Lyrica which helps a lot but I never feel good. I don’t think the doctors are doing much for me. What can I do to help myself?   A: Be patient with your doctor. The cause of fibromyalgia is not known, and treatment is often difficult. It is now accepted that it is related to chemical or nerve cell dysfunction in the brain itself. Therapies which are most useful are aimed at reducing stress and muscle tension, such as relaxation and massage therapy, as well as mild to moderate exercise. Several drugs have been used with varying success, such as mild pain killers, avoiding narcotics which of course can be addicting. Additionally, the drugs you mentioned have "nerve blocking" effects, that are used for seizures and pain caused by peripheral nerve dysfunction. It may take some time working with your doctor to find an adequate solution to this problem. 4. Q: My husband has Addison’s Disease so he takes steroids every day. When it’s slightly warm outside, he gets overheated. Can this be from the medication?   A: Although fever is often a presenting feature of untreated Addison's Disease, once treated, heat intolerance is not usual. Other causes affecting the endocrine system may be present. Both men and women may experience hot flashes following menopause and treatment of prostate cancer due to lower sex hormones. Intolerance to heat is a cardinal feature of hyperthyroidism. Heat regulation is a function of the hypothalamus in the brain and often accompanies obesity. For more health information check out these sites: Nutritional info on your favorite restaurant: Calorieking.com American Dietetic Association: Eatright.org American Council on Exercise: acefitness.org The Obesity Society: obesity.org Info about how to get/keep your kids healthy: kidshealth.org Check back weekly to see if your question is featured on Ask Dr. Dave. We do our best, however due to the volume of questions, we cannot answer all questions. All content on Ask Dr. Dave. is for educational and informational purposes only, not medical advice. Information provided by Ask Dr. Dave should not be substituted for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your health care professional. You should not delay or forgo consultation with your health care provider because of information you have read on Ask Dr. Dave. If you believe you have a medical emergency, you should contact your health care professional or 911 immediately.