Are Hair Dyes Safe?

Q. Are hair dyes safe? Can they cause cancer? A. About one-third of all American women use permanent hair dyes, and through the years, there has been debate over whether the chemicals used in hair dye are carcinogenic. In particular, two compounds formerly used in dark hair dyes – 4 MMPD or 4 MMPD sulfate
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Fainting

Q. Sometimes I faint after eating a very big meal. Why does this happen? Why do some people faint after hearing bad news? A. Fainting is the loss of consciousness, or the complete unawareness of the surrounding world and a lack of any response to stimuli. Fainting is caused by an inadequate blood supply to
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breast pimple illustration

I wear an underwire bra, am I increasing my risk of cancer?

While browsing through a bookstore, I came across a book that claimed that underwire bras can cause breast cancer. I wear an underwire bra, am I increasing my risk of cancer? I searched the medical literature for studies on underwire bras and a possible link to cancer, and I did not find any. I also
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Doctors stethoscope

When Your Plastic Heart Changes It’s Structure and Function to Produce What You Need

A recent report from the National Academy of Science documents (not for the first time!) that we humans have a unique ability to develop our heart’s capacity for stress. The investigators compare us with our relatives, the apes and chimpanzees, and say that these animals, unlike us, don’t have this resource: they are only equipped
People hands with wine glasses

Does Drinking Wine Prevent Heart Attacks?

Q. I have read that drinking a glass or two of wine a day can help prevent heart attacks. Is this true for women? I don’t drink that much, should I start? A.You are referring to the studies that have shown that women who drink one or two glasses of wine – or any kind
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Ravages Of The Covid Pandemic

The ravages of the covid pandemic caused the closing of New York City businesses in mid March. That decision saved countless lives, but  impacted the funding of our Foundation along with all the other non profit institutions in the city. The response of our major supporters to the announcement that our annual gala, originally scheduled for

​Memorial For Harold Burson With Great Sadness

​Memorial for Harold Burson With great sadness, we report the death of one of the  most generous supporters of the Foundation, Harold Burson. He helped shape the first days of our work in gender-specific medicine, and continued to guide us through the following three decades as our program solidified and gained international recognition.  He came
Clinic waiting room

Online Video Medical Consultation

Dear Patients, Families and Friends: I have set up a tele-med system by which you and/or your family can talk to me in a video format at anytime you wish. Simply text me at 1 917-414-4870 that you want a session; I will text you back as soon as I am at my computer. Then enter “doxy.me/legato”
Vaginal Deodorants bottle

Vaginal Deodorants

Q. Should women use vaginal deodorants? A. Absolutely not. If you have a bad vaginal odor or discharge, you should not use a deodorant to cover it up. Go to your gynecologist to make sure that you don’t have an infection. Normal hygiene – bathing or showering daily – should be all you need to
Exercise for an active life

Exercise

Q. I am in my mid-fifties and for the first time in my life, I’m seeing signs of “middle-age spread”. Although I lead an active life, I have never exercised on a regular basis. Is it too late for exercise to make a difference? A. Until recently, conventional wisdom dictated that the human body begins
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