Q: How do I teach my 17-month-old that picking foods up off the ground is dirty? Yesterday she picked up a half-eaten strawberry. Should I worry?

A: If you take a toddler to the Grand Canyon, they will be fascinated - by a bug on the ground. I guess it is because the ground is so close to them and full of new materials to touch and taste. You need to accept that your 17-month-old will continue to explore the world, just be vigilant with her. Take anything she shouldn't have away from her promptly. If you teach her a word like "yucky" whenever you take something away and make a face, she may get the idea eventually. Although it is theoretically possible to get sick from eating things off the ground, most children who lick stones, eat bugs or discarded food and other disgusting things do not seem to get sick.
Dr. Loraine M. Stern of Valencia Pediatric Associates 294-2229

Q: I have always wanted a nose job, but the pain, expense and long recovery time deterred me. But now my wedding is weeks away and I'm regretting that I haven't had the work done.

A: In a matter of minutes, with the aid of a topical numbing cream, nasal defects can be painlessly corrected with Restylane and Juvederm fillers. Crooked noses, nasal humps, poor nose-to-lip angles, short noses, scars and other abnormalities can be fixed without general or even local anesthesia and 95 percent of the patients could attend their own prom or wedding on the same day as their procedure. Also good news: The introductory cost of this medical miracle is only $439.
Dr. Craig Ingber of Dermacure Medical Aesthetics 257-8400

Q: It's sandal season and I can't get rid of gross fungus on my toenails. Help!

A: Now we are able to offer the PinPointe foot laser to treat fungus toenails. What is so cool about this is that it has a higher success rate than other treatment choices and there are no side effects. In addition, this 45 minute office procedure is performed without anesthesia. Give us a call; we can help!
Dr. Robert J. Abrams of The Footcare Center of Santa Clarita 253-3668

Q: I'm embarrassed by my excess weight. Diets haven't worked. I feel like a banding or bypass operation may be my only hope for a healthy future.

A: You might be right, but first we need to make sure you're a good candidate for the procedure. We have specialized surgeons in the areas of banding and bypass operations, as well as nutritionists who can set up non-surgical or surgery-complimenting weight loss and nutrition programs. Visit our website (www.beverlyhillsphysicians.com) and sign up for a free, informative seminar.
Dr. Michael Feiz of Beverly Hills Physicians 800-788-1416

Q: I hate my crooked teeth almost as much as I hate the idea of wearing braces for years to fix them. Do you have a better solution?

A: The Powerprox Six Month Braces® Technique was made for you! It's a fast, affordable way to give you the smile you always wanted in just six months. The Powerprox Six Month Braces® Technique will move your front teeth to their most beautiful position, giving you a great smile.
Dr. Bobby Irani of Valencia Dental Arts 799-9989

Q: I've noticed that my mom, who is 67, has been less steady than usual. What can I do to help her stay safe at home?

A: Independence and safety can sometimes feel like competing concerns, but this does not have to be the case! There are thousands of quick, easily installed, fixes that can keep your mom safe in her own home. We have many Home Health Equipment providers in our area ready to offer expert advice on safety necessities. Plus, we can often bill your mom's Medicare directly for the covered products.
Joe Rodriguez of Valencia Pharmacy's Medical Equipment Department 255-7910, extension 4

Q: I have awful looking bunions that hurt but I'm afraid to have surgery because of the long recovery. What can I do?

A: There is a surgical procedure that dramatically reduces the recovery period and decreases post-op pain. The procedure is known as "The Minimal Bunionectomy." This procedure entails a small incision, resection of the medial and dorsal bump, and you can walk the next day - no cast or crutches! Most of my patients are off their pain meds after one week. In fact, I have had patients exercising two weeks post op!
Dr. Tony Avakian of Valencia Foot & Ankle Center 288-2321

Antelope Valley Hospital Now Operating Level II Trauma Center
Antelope Valley Hospital (AVH) began operating a Level II Trauma Center in May 2010. As the only Trauma Center in the Antelope Valley, AVH now offers the same services and specialties that residents traveled out of town for in the past. The Trauma Center has a board-certified surgeon at the hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week, dedicated to caring for trauma patients - and a back-up surgeon on call at all times within 30 minutes of the facility. Additional preparations included having 80 nurses complete the Trauma Nurse Core course. This fall, AVH will break ground on a cancer center in partnership with the City of Hope Medical Group. The full-service cancer center is slated to open in 2011. AVH also offers minimally-invasive surgery with the Da Vinci Surgical Robot, which means quicker recovery and less chance of complications for patients. Further enhancements to patient care will be announced soon; 949-5000 www.avhospital.org