Man faces balance problems after fall

Dear Dr. Roach: I am 79 years old, male and in good shape. Five years ago, I fell off a ladder. The fall was caused because I lost my balance. From that time on, my balance has worsened. Have you any suggestions?

G.

Answer: A comprehensive evaluation is appropriate. This includes a vision assessment, checking the heart and the blood pressure both standing and laying down, a foot inspection and review of medications. A vitamin D blood level may be useful. If the evaluation yields no identifiable cause for falls, my personal practice is to refer to physical and/or occupational therapy. These professionals have expertise in helping prevent recurrent falls.

Dear Dr. Roach: One of my New Age friends claims that our food (meat, fish and even highly processed food) is full of unspecified parasites, therefore a regular cleansing of the digestive system is desired. Wormwood has been mentioned as a treatment. Is there any truth to it? Do we need regular “dewormings”?

K.O.S.

Answer: Parasitic infections are uncommon in the

United States and Canada. Many parasites diagnosed in the U.S. are brought from international travel. Others, such as Giardia, are found in contaminated (untreated) water. Foodborne parasitic infections, such as tapeworms, can be found in beef, pork and fish, but these are rare. Parasitic infections from highly processed foods would be vanishingly rare.

Wormwood is used as a flavoring in alcoholic beverages (Absinthe) and is said to be hallucinogenic, although the dose needed for that toxicity is much higher than one can drink without getting very ill from the alcohol. The name does come from ancient descriptions of the use of Artemisia absinthium as a treatment for worms.

Interestingly, a recent trial did show that wormwood extract is effective for schistosomiasis in Africa, which is caused by a type of worm that is not found in the U.S.

Medication to treat worms is not necessary and potentially toxic and therefore not recommended.