Ask the Expert

Q: How can I help my grandchild who’s afraid of the dark?

A: It’s normal — and very common — for young children to be afraid of the dark. To help your grandchild overcome his or her fears:

• Leave a night-light or a very dim lamp on in the child’s bedroom, or crack open the door to let in light from a hallway or other room. Turn off the light after they fall asleep.
• If grandchildren are afraid of monsters in the dark, offer comfort. Tell them that monsters aren’t real, and that their feelings are OK. Let them know you will protect them and will always be willing to talk about their worries. Don’t check under the bed or elsewhere for monsters, which may only confirm your grandchildren’s fears.

Joseph Miller, Ph.d.
Director of Behavioral Health Services
Meridian Health

Q: My doctor recommends physical rehab. What should I expect?

A: There is no easy answer for that question, because there’s no one-size-fits-all rehab plan. Your plan is built for you. But the goals of rehab are fairly constant: To manage pain, restore your function, and help you be more active in life.

Rehabilitation often relies on exercise. But your plan will be customized to your particular condition, needs, and preferences. Depending on your condition, you may need to attend rehab regularly.

However, keep in mind that the rehabilitation process is not over when the formal therapy sessions end. Once therapy goals are achieved, a fitness program is highly advised to maintain function and overall health. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of a comprehensive rehab approach is the continuity of care.

Q: Do certain kinds of foods offer protection against breast cancer?

A: It’s too soon to say for sure, but some evidence suggests a connection. For example, the following have been linked to a lower breast cancer risk:

• Fruits and vegetables
• High levels of blood lycopene — an antioxidant found in tomatoes and some foods containing tomatoes.
• Soybeans and other sources of soy protein, including tofu, soy milk, tempeh, and soy flour
• Whole grains
• Monounsaturated fatty acids, which are found in dark green, leafy plants, and olive oil

On the other hand, eating lots of very well-done meat is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, as is drinking too much alcohol.

Q: If I’ve already had a stroke, how can I decrease my risk or a second stroke?

A:All stroke patients should become experts in understanding what caused their particular stroke (for example, rapid and irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, high cholesterol leading to a blocked artery, etc.)

Certain medications can significantly reduce the risk of a repeat stroke, including statins (cholesterol-lowering medicines with many other benefits); antiplatelet medicines (aspirin, clopidogrel, and others that make the blood less sticky); and anticoagulants (warfarin) for atrial fibrillation.

Stephen Martino, M.D. Neurologist and Medical Director, Stroke Center Jersey Shore University Medical Center