2018 got off to a very cold and snowy start, and a lot of folks kicked off the year with some health issues.

We’re going to try to help you with some of your ailments as we welcome PRMC‘s Chief Informatics Officer and Hospitalist, Dr. Chris Snyder for another round of ‘Ask the Doc.’

Many people are starting off the new year trying to live a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Snyder says people should start by going through their kitchen cabinets and checking their inventory.  He also stresses getting out and doing something physical everyday. Dr. Snyder says if you get into group exercise and group fitness groups, it helps you hold each other accountable.

Dr. Snyder answers the viewers question about a bad cough and which cough medicine to take. He says coughs can last awhile. Dr. Snyder says if it does last a few weeks, to head to the doctor to get someone to listen to your lungs and make sure something more severe isn’t going on.

“As far as cough suppressants go, I am not a fan. Cough is Mother’s Nature’s way of clearing things.”

He says for the average cold, it is good to cough. Another viewer asks about steroids she was given at walk-in clinics and what exactly a steroid does to clear up a cold.

Dr. Snyder says the steroids do help quickly to clear up a cold, but they are short-acting meaning they only last for a short period of time.

“For some people, that may be enough to push them over-the-edge to improvement,” Dr. Snyder says.

A viewer sent in a picture of their hand and said whenever it gets cold, it looks as though the blood is drained from her finger. Dr. Snyder says that many diseases could cause something like this to happen. He says it could be a vascular disease or a rash.

“I’d definitely want to do some lab work on this individual and evaluate their inflammatory process going on in their body,” Dr. Snyder says.

No question is off limits! Send your questions to comments@delmarvalife.com and remain completely anonymous.