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Ask a Physician

I'm planning a family reunion picnic this summer. Is it safe to serve food throughout the day, or should I plan a set time to eat and pack the leftovers away?

Meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs and other perishables should be stored at 40 F or below. Keep food cold by bringing along a portable cooler filled with ice or cold packs to store the food. A good rule to follow is not to leave food sit out for longer than one hour.
Linda Daniels, RD, CDE
I work indoors, drive to work and enjoy indoor hobbies. Do I have to wear sunscreen everyday?

Even brief periods of repeated sun exposure, such as walking from your car to the office, can add up to significant sun damage. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays with an SPF 30 or higher.
Nicole Annest, MD
I worry about my 70-year-old mother falling. Are there ways I can make her home safer?

Yes, there are simple “fall-proofing” steps you can take today.

Remove anything that might cause your mom to trip, such as throw rugs, electrical cords, and clutter.

Ensure good lighting in stairways and hallways, and install hand rails along stairs and in bathrooms, if needed.

Meanwhile, realize that you can help “fall-proof” your mom’s body, too. Many health conditions—if not managed properly—can increase her likelihood of falling.

First, help your mom identify medical problems or medications that might make her weak or dizzy. For example, visual problems, low blood pressure, and medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease can affect balance.

 A simple bone mineral density test can also reveal bone strength.

Finally, if any drug or medication she is taking creates sleepiness or dizziness, make sure she tells her doctor.

—Harry White, MD, Kaiser Permanente Geriatrician




My doctor said I have high blood pressure, but I feel fine. Do I really have to check it more often?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is called the “silent killer” for a reason. You can have high blood pressure and feel just fine.

In fact, most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms right up until they have a heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure, so it’s important to check your blood pressure numbers often.

For the majority of patients with high blood pressure, your goal should be lower than 140/90, but if you have a history of stroke, diabetes, coronary artery disease, or chronic kidney disease, we recommend your goal be lower than 130/80.

Knowing those goals helps—and so does home monitoring with home blood pressure monitors. Usually your blood pressure is lower at home than in the doctor’s office, so home monitoring will also lead to the most reliable diagnosis.

—J. Acey Albert, MD, Kaiser Permanente hypertension physician 




I’m getting back into working out after many months on the sidelines. How can I make sure I don’t get derailed by another injury?

Start slow. Ease into your workout regimen.

Stretch before—and after—your workout to improve muscle flexibility and prevent muscles from “tightening up.” And don’t forget to warm up your muscles before stretching.

Use proper mechanics. From golf to running to using fitness equipment, be sure you learn to land, pivot, push, and pull correctly.

Wear the right gear. Wear quality and proper-fitting shoes, pads, helmets, and eyewear.

Listen to your body. If you feel as if you’re overdoing it, you probably are.

—Andrew Stephenitch, MPT, Kaiser Permanente physical therapist


There are so many over-the-counter pain relievers—how do I know which one to take?

Basically, nonsteroidal pain relievers—also called NSAIDs—work better for inflammation.

These include aspirin and products such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve).

However, if you have kidney problems, bleeding risk, or ulcers, NSAIDs can be harmful. So be sure to check with your doctor to find out the best medication for you.

For mild pain and fever, I recommend acetaminophen (APAP or Tylenol) whenever I can because it is generally safer. That said, not taking Tylenol as directed can also be dangerous—especially for your liver.

If you have questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You also can check the drug encyclopedia on kp.org, a great, free resource for side effects and in-depth information about drug interactions.

— Sara Klockars, PharmD, Kaiser Permanente clinical pharmacy specialist




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