Dr. Deborah Josefson

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Liver and kidney: Overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver and kidneys. Extrastregnth tylenol contains acetaminophen. If your ingestion was recent maybe you sho... Read More

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1.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. John Feola agrees1 doctor agrees

A 18-year-old male asked:

I found a small hard but moveable ball like thing on my right uppwr thigh close to my groin area. i need to know if its something serious.

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Go to a doctor : You need to be evaluated on person .This,mmay be nothing or something. You may need a biopsy to find out for sure.

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2.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 34-year-old female asked:

Is there a point that you decide that recovery from anorexia is not possible? 25+ yrs, yrs of treatment, in treatment, motivated, but relapsing. hope?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

There is hope & help: Anorexia nervosa is complex. The fact that you are seeking help and treatment means you will likely recover. It is extremely important that you have ... Read More

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2.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Andrea Brand and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 32-year-old male asked:

Hi i have three days with diarrhea like 6 times in day and 4 times at night i dont have fever and neither abdominal pain, what can i do?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Get checked out: First,, stay hydrated. Drink lots of water and Gatorade or coca cola. You need to exclude an infectious diarrhea so go to a,doctor or clinic and have ... Read More

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2.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A member asked:

My son is taking anti rabies injection and last injection is on 28-3-15. is there any problem on sending him to an amusement park on 30-3-15?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

No reason not to go: Rabies vaccination should not stop your son from going to an amusement park. Did he get bit by a rabid animal? Generally the vaccinations are precaut... Read More

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3.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 35-year-old female asked:

Can i take benadryl (diphenhydramine) and dramamine together, i have seasonal allergies but i am also suffering with a slight inner ear issue that's making me nauseous?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

SAME DRUG: BENADRYL (diphenhydramine) AND DRAMAMINE CONTAINE THE SAME ANTIHISTAMINE. IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO TAKE TOO MUCH OF THE DRUG AS THEY ARE ANTICHOLINERGIC... Read More

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3.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali agrees1 doctor agrees

A 27-year-old female asked:

I found a small painful bump in my arm pit... n when i touch it, it hurts . should i be concerned... its slightly swolllen as well?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Lymphadenitis : Sounds like an inflamed lymph node. It can also be a sebaceous cyst or the beginning of huradenitis suppurvita. The fact that it us painful makes me l... Read More

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2.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Susan Rhoads agrees1 doctor agrees

A 20-year-old female asked:

I have pain in my lower back near the upper part of my buttocks, near my back dimples. it causes my groin and hips to hurt. what could this be?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Lumbar stenosis: Could be sciatica from lumbar spinal stenosis or a herniated disc- an MRI can confirm this

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942 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 76-year-old male asked:

What exactly is a csf culture & what is its purpose? is it difficult to perform and does it take longer than blood cultures for a result to come back?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Spinal tap: CSF is cerebrospinal fluid which is obtained through a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. It would be sent for culture to check for bacterial vs. viral or... Read More

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1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

2 comments

A 52-year-old male asked:

Why doctors also prescribe ppi like nexium (esomeprazole) that reduces stomach acid along with clathromycin & amoxicilln when treating h pylori?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Ulcers: H.pylori can cause gastritis and stomach ulcers so perhaps if you were symptomatic they want to decrease the acidity to promote wound healing and decr... Read More

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1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A female asked:

I had a collapsed lung 4 years ago and they had to glue my lung back up because it would not stay up on its own.my question is can i skydive?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

See a doctor: This is a good question and in part it may depend on the reason for your collapsed lung. Presumably you had a pneumothorax. Do you have bullous lung ... Read More

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688 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Andrew Seibert agrees1 doctor agrees

A 27-year-old female asked:

Is tattoo removal safe on back of neck? 2 inch black home tattoo from 11 years ago. concerned due to location (brain, spine, lymphomas, etc)

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Should be safe: Tattoo removal if done in a sanitary manner should not affect your brain or spinal cord. I do not see what relationship it would have with lymphomas. ... Read More

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731 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A female asked:

I have bronchitis and was originally taking amoxicllin clavulante.switched to levaquin (levofloxacin) but horrible side effects. can i stop levaquin (levofloxacin) and restart amox?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Probably, but see MD: There may have been a reason for the antibiotic switch but both antibiotics are effective for many of the bacteria responsible for bronchitis/

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3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 29-year-old female asked:

I have a phobia of people when there's a crowd my stomach started getting tighter and i feel i'm going to vomit.is there any medication to stop this.

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

See a therapist/psyc: Sounds like social anxiety. You may benefit from talk therapy. In some cases, symptoms may respond to prophylactic Beta Blockers. Johnny Carson and ma... Read More

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3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Tinah Canda agrees1 doctor agrees

A 27-year-old female asked:

I've had a visible, hard bruise and bump on my leg since xmas. suddenly became extremely painful and warm to the touch. what should i do? is this ok?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

HEMATOMA, ? INFECTED: YOU PROBABLY HAVE A HEMATOMA WHICH MAY HAVE GOTTEN INFECTED, GO TO THE DOCTOR FOR AN EXAM AND POSSIBLE ANTIBIOTICS.

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1.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A female asked:

Why am i coughing so hard and then it hurts

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Muscle strain: Coughing hard can produce musculoskeletal pain in the chest and diagpragm as well as possibly induce stretching pain in your lung lining.

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1.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 32-year-old female asked:

40 year old friend has a marble sized hard immobile smooth lump about an inch down from the jaw on neck. is this concerning for malignancy?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

See a doctor & biopsy: It would be difficult to know what this is without e Examining it and sampling for pathology via a biopsy. Important things to know are how long it’s ... Read More

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440 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 31-year-old female asked:

Ttc and noticed a blob of green(snot-like color) cm. i think have ovulated or am at the end of fertile window. happening last 2 weeks, what is it?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

R/o infection: if you are having discolored cervical mucus you shoud go to the doctor and make sure you dont have an infection or cervicitis, espedcially as you are ... Read More

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522 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jeff Livingston and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 38-year-old male asked:

I have normal liver usg but with mild hepatomegaly (i am a daily drinker) - no sign of fat. all blood tests are also normal. if i abstain from alcohol for at least 30 days would it be something significant for liver to shrink back to normal size?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

I don't know the time course for your liver to decrease in size but cutting down on your alcohol would be a good idea since you already have hepatomeg... Read More

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Answered Oct 08, 2022

A 27-year-old male asked:

How significant is this abdominal ultrasound : left kidney: two punctate echogenic foci in the cortex of the mid pole and left lower pole, without definite posterior acoustic shadowing, indeterminate. could it be cancer.? elevated creatinine?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

All findings must be placed in the proper clinical context - you should discuss these findings with the doctor who ordered the test for you. What was ... Read More

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Answered Oct 08, 2022

A 16-year-old male asked:

Smelling paint fume(the smell)is not harmful for height growth,right?it is not harmful to smell it,right?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Paint fumes have volatile organic oils and materials in them some of which are likely carcinogenic. It is not advisable to purposefully inhale such fu... Read More

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Answered Apr 23, 2022

A 74-year-old female asked:

I had a at scan in 2016 for a,cyst on my kidney.all okay i was told today i saw a nephrologist for an unrelated issue.he saw the 2016 test and said i may have adrenal hyperplasia cause the 2916 said my adrenals,were both enlarged .is that cancer?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Hyperplasia means overgrowth or enlargement. Your adrenals elaborate different types of hormones and are responsive to signals in the endocrine sys... Read More

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Answered Jun 23, 2022

1 comment

A 26-year-old female asked:

The following are the remarks after i had my xray. - suspicious densities are seen in both upper lobes - the heart is not enlarged - diaphragm and the rest of the visualized chest structures are unremarkable i would like to ask the first remark?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

You need to ask your doctor about this as the description itself is non specific and needs to be interpreted in concert with your symptoms. A densit... Read More

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Answered Jul 22, 2022

A female asked:

I have heaviness and weakness in both legs i am 47 yrs old. much difficulty getting around.

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Vascular disease: you may have peripheral cascular disease or pedal.edema. SEE a doctor in.prrson.to check it out.

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1.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Al Hegab and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 23-year-old male asked:

I have a lot of belching and farting i also have stomach and duodenum ulcers and gastritis how to fix that?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Check for h. pylori,: You should see a doctor and get checked for a bacteria called H. Pylori. This baceteria can cause stomach ulcers = if you have it you will need to t... Read More

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1.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 43-year-old female asked:

I have a heart check pen that reads single lead ecg. keeps saying wide qrs/ivcd. how reliable is this thing held hand to chest. qrs 13?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Go to MD for ekg: I am not familiar with this particular instrument or with its accuracy.You should get a 12 lead EKG read out by a cardiologist for definitive diagnosi... Read More

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960 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Harinder Gill and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A male asked:

If a growing cyst under a childs skin is said to be calcified. is this bad?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

No: This is common with epidermal inclusion cysts. It may make them a bit harder but generally this a benign process. You should have the cysts removed an... Read More

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1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 18-year-old female asked:

I'm a writer with no desk. i sit hunched over my laptop for hours a day on my bed, my circulation, back, and hands are messed up what should i do?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Stand stretch: Take frequent breaks by standing, strectching and walking and doing neck exercises.

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968 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 36-year-old member asked:

What are polyps, and why are they removed?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

To check for tumors: Polyps are tissue growths that stick up from the surface of the mucosa. There are different types of polyps. Some are benign and some may serve as pre... Read More

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3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Kenny Chuu agrees1 doctor agrees

A 26-year-old female asked:

Marble sized lump in labia next to clitoris. sore to touch. came out of no where in the last 4 days. please help!!

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

R/o bartholin's cyst: this most likely is a Bartoholin's dcut cyst or a blocked sebaceous cyst. You should soak /wash it in arm water and make an appointment with your ob... Read More

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1.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Susan Rhoads and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

5 thanks

A 18-year-old female asked:

Is it healthy for me to be 4'11 and 84lbs?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Underweight: Sounds like you're underweight. See a doctor for evaluation.

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1.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 29-year-old female asked:

Why does my chest or heart "shake" when i yell or laugh really hard?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Muscle cramps: likely this is musculosketeltal strain

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1.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Kenny Chuu agrees1 doctor agrees

A 47-year-old member asked:

How does articular cartilage differ from spongy bone in appearance?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

CARTILAGE &BONE: CARTILAGE &BONE ARE DIFFERENT TISSUES. Articular cartilage occurs at the end of joints and is smooth surfaced and avascular. Cartilage is not bone... Read More

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499 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 23-year-old female asked:

I'm 23 yr old female, with boobs that have randomly been itchy and sometimes burn. i feel no lump. i see "flakes" in my bra. what could be the problem?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Possibly allergic: It sounds a bit like your itchy breasts may be from eczema- the flakes in your bra represent dead skin that has flaked off. Maybe try a new laundry de... Read More

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3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Sue Castleman agrees1 doctor agrees

A 23-year-old male asked:

Having diarrhea (soft stool) for 2 weeks now. eating junk food frequently, i am on probiotics on dr's prescription for the past 3 days, any solution?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Consider testing: Diarrhea can have a number of causes including infection and malabsorption. You might consider eliminating foods such as dairy and wheat from your die... Read More

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3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A female asked:

I've take 6 aleve (naproxen) over 7 hours . not feeling well know. heartburn!!!

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Rule out ulcer: You have taken too much aleve (naproxen) in a short time. This can irritate your stomach ( gastritis) and possibly cause a stomach ulcer. You can try ... Read More

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3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Warren Foster agrees1 doctor agrees

A 20-year-old female asked:

Can you get pregnant if you only had sex maybe 3 or 4 times during your fertility window? one of those times being the night of your ovulation day.

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Yes: The chance of pregnancy in a healthy fertile couple is 25% during each encounter in while in the fertile window. Sperm can survive up to 72 hours in ... Read More

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3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 18-year-old female asked:

Is the first result on a pregnancy test accurate? can it change from a negative to a positive?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Yes, it can: The tests measure a hormone, BhcG, The level increases exponentailly early as the pregnancy progresses, so if you think you might be pregnant, check ... Read More

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3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler agrees1 doctor agrees

A 16-year-old female asked:

I have very dry eyes. i roll my eyes because it makes them feel better but it's becoming a problem. my eyes sting alot but i can't use eye drops?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

See a doctor: You need to rule out Sjorgen's syndrome and other autoimmune disorders. It may just be an allergic condition as well. There are drops such as Restasis... Read More

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3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 46-year-old male asked:

I get pains on my right front lower side after i run or work out. the pains goes after a few days and i only feel it when i lie down.

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Probably muscular: Sounds like a pulled muscle or tendon type injury. Try stretching prior to working out. You can use nonsteroidals like aspirin or advil (ibuprofen) to... Read More

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3.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 38-year-old female asked:

Bleeding vaginally 8 years agter have a complete hysterectomy and having pains on the lower left side of my stomach why is this happening ?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

See a doctor: there are many reasons you may be bleeding ranging from relatively harmless things such as benign polyps, to hematologic disorders to malignancies. Yo... Read More

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3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. John Munshower and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 71-year-old male asked:

I get a dry cough and slight wheeze every winter after a head cold that lasts for about 6 weeks.ok in the summer!what could cause it? thanks!

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Possibly allergic: Sounds like a seasonal allergic response, or senstivity to an inhaled substance however given your age, it's best to get it checked out. Dry cough a... Read More

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3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Andrew Seibert and 3 doctors agree4 doctors agree

A 24-year-old female asked:

24 year old female, concerned about a shortened menstrual cycle, can anxiety provoke an early period? from 28 too 26 days ??

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Yes, not significant: Anxiety is known to cause changes in your period,, A two day change is probably not signficant.

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3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Susan Rhoads and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 20-year-old female asked:

My throat started hurting yesterday and as today went on i felt weaker, about 10 mins ago i saw a small white bump on the back of my throat. ?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

POSSIBLY PUS: Go to the doc and get checked out for strep throat. Most sore throats are viral in origin but strep is a bacterial infection and may warrant antibioti... Read More

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3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Evan Altman and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

3 thanks

A 47-year-old female asked:

My calf musle lock off when i lay down?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Cramp: sounds like a nocturnal leg cramp These are very common. Often they are a result of electrolyte shifts and overworked muscles. I recommend drinking c... Read More

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1.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Philip Miller and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 20-year-old male asked:

I had anal sex with my gf and ejaculated into her anus. about 6hrs later she calls and says a white mass was in her panties. can she get pregnant?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Yes: If she is in her fertile window and not on contracepitves and the ejaculate contained sperm there is a chance that some will migrate up her cervix and... Read More

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1.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A member asked:

When my dad urinates he said it hurts and blood comes along with it also blood from behind sometimes with clots or chunks as he says and side pain?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Needs workup: Your father should see a doctor as soon as possible. It can be Anything from.a benign condition.to.a bladder or Kidney tumor to.a renal disease.

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1.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 32-year-old female asked:

Lower l back, hip and front l groin/low pelvic pain, dull ache goes down front of thigh too. pain for 1 year. what is this?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

R/O SCIATICA.: SOUNDS LIKE SCIATICA . POSSIBLY YOU HAVE A HERNIATED DISC AS WELL, FOR PROPER DIAGNOSIS SEE YOUR DOCTOR - THEY CAN DO SOME SIMPLE TESTS AND ALSO ORDER... Read More

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1.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Susan Rhoads and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

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A 61-year-old female asked:

Uterine lining 6mm thick 6 mos.ago & dr. monitored. did another ultrasound & now 9mm thick & will do d&c. could cancer develop in that amount of time?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Biopsy will tell: there are several causes of a thickened urterine lining: Hyperplasiis, polyps, horomonal ( estrogen excess) can also cause a thicker uterine liniing.... Read More

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1.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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A 26-year-old female asked:

What is the main key to maintaining youthful skin?

Internal Medicine 30 years experience

Stay out of the sun: Sun exposure is the main cause of aging skin. If you stay out of the sunk or use hats and sun block, you will prevent most of the bad effects of ski... Read More

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1.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Frank Kuitems agrees1 doctor agrees