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DO YOU HAVE A HEALTH QUESTION? Send your health questions to elevate@ ebony.com.

Dave Montgomery, M.D., Ph.D., is a board-certified physician and translational researcher. He is also a sought-after workshop presenter, speaker, health coach and CEO of Health Mastery Concepts.

The 2-MinuteCheckup

Dave Montgomery, M.D.

What are the risks of LASIK eye surgery? After a decade of wearing glasses and contacts, I’m ready to get my freedom.

Q :

E L E VA T E Health

I l l u s t r a t i o n b y D A N I E L K R A L L

Millions of Americans have ditched their corrective lenses after suc-cessful LASIK—laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis—and isn’t that a mouthful! The surgical procedure, which is one of the most common done in America, involves raising a flap of the cornea to allow for removal of the corneal undersurface, after which the flap is replaced. This corrects vision quickly with little discomfort, and both

eyes can be treated on the same day. LASIK is generally safe, but like any procedure, it also has risks. The most frequent complaints are trouble with night driving, glare and dryness. And there are people who should not have LASIK: those who have certain pre-existing conditions such as severe eye dryness or specific kinds of vascular and immune diseases, or those taking Accutane. After a thorough exam and

consultation with your doctor, weigh the pros and cons to see if LASIK is right for you.

Q: I’ve heard conflicting reports about when women should be screened for breast cancer. Should I be getting a mammo-gram at 40, and what other ways can I protect myself ?All expert panels agree that mam-mograms should be routinely used for screening in women between the ages of 50 and 70, but there’s disagreement about whether to initiate screening at 40 instead of 50. The sticking point: The potential harm of unnecessary radiation exposure or breast biopsies that come with misdiagnosing a wom-an with breast cancer. Proponents of earlier screening say that missing the diagnosis and the chance to save a woman’s life is quite unsettling. So what does all of this mean for you? It means you must have a conversation with your doctor about your individual risks and agree together when you should start mammograms and annual breast exams. And no matter when you get screened, there are some surefire ways to decrease your breast cancer risk: maintaining a prudent diet and healthy weight, stopping (or never starting) tobacco use and con-sistently exercising.

Q: We’re near the start of flu season, and I’m happy to say, I’m pregnant for the first time. I want to do everything right, but I’m afraid of vaccines. What are my risks while pregnant—and should I really get vaccinated against the flu?This is a superimportant question! Pregnant women have a much higher risk of developing serious flu-related illness, compared to women who are not pregnant. This risk is also extended to the unborn baby and can lead to premature labor and delivery. Many things change in the pregnant woman’s body, including her immune system, and that may alter her ability to ward off infections. The best way to prevent flu from threatening your health and the health of the baby is the flu shot (not the nasal spray).

But one size does not fit all. Talk to your obstetrician in detail about the appropriateness of the flu vaccine for you. Don’t forget to use preventive practices such as frequently washing your hands, limiting the touching of your eyes, nose and mouth, and steer-ing clear of sick people.