UAB's "Dear Doctors" column, published by the UAB Health System's Office of Medical Publications since 1985, has received numerous state and national awards for excellence in providing consumers reliable, up-to-date health and fitness information. "Dear Doctor" questions are submitted by readers and answers are provided in conjunction with UAB Health System physicians and other health-care professionals. The answers to "Dear Doctors" questions are not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained directly from your physician.