EXPERT
Dr. Samantha Starrett Robinson, M.D.
Family Practitioner
Dr. Samantha Robinson is a family practitioner practicing in Mundelein, IL. Dr. Robinson specializes in comprehensive health care for people of all ages. In addition to diagnosing and treating illnesses, family practitioners also put focus on preventative care with routine checkups, tests and personalized coaching on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Samantha Starrett Robinson, M.D.
- Mundelein, IL
- Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine
- Accepting new patients
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Can I go for a sauna with my blood pressure problem?
That depends on how well your blood pressure is controlled with medication. I would consult with your doctor.
What are the risks in practicing yoga during pregnancy?
In later pregnancy, you may want to avoid lying in savasana/“corpse pose” for long periods as the uterus can compress blood flow in the vena cava due to its size. I would also READ MORE
In later pregnancy, you may want to avoid lying in savasana/“corpse pose” for long periods as the uterus can compress blood flow in the vena cava due to its size. I would also avoid Bikram/hot yoga during pregnancy. Otherwise, yoga is a great way to maintain flexibility and help with relaxation in pregnancy and in general.
Can excess protein cause weight gain?
If you have only increased your protein intake without otherwise changing your diet, this may cause weight gain- you are taking in more calories, which will increase your weight. READ MORE
If you have only increased your protein intake without otherwise changing your diet, this may cause weight gain- you are taking in more calories, which will increase your weight. You may need to look at your diet and decrease carbohydrates, for example, to compensate for the increased protein.
My granny fell down and now there is a black circle around her eyes. What could be the reason?
That’s a hard question to answer without an examination. I’d recommend she see her doctor to be checked out.
My swine flu test is negative but my cough persists. Should I retake the test?
No. There are many other illnesses that can cause cough beyond influenza, and antiviral medication for flu is not effective beyond 48-72 hours of illness in any case.
Is frequent nebulizaiton addictive in the long run?
No, nebulizers are not addictive. I suspect your father is requesting the medicine because it really is making him feel better, in the same way that many people would take Tylenol READ MORE
No, nebulizers are not addictive. I suspect your father is requesting the medicine because it really is making him feel better, in the same way that many people would take Tylenol for a headache.
Is hypertension curable?
There are many factors that play into causing hypertension. For many people, once it develops it is a lifelong issue. However, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a low-salt READ MORE
There are many factors that play into causing hypertension. For many people, once it develops it is a lifelong issue. However, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a low-salt diet can sometimes lower the blood pressure enough to allow people to not have to take medication.
Is it safe for my mother to take CRESP 40 injections by herself?
Patients can learn to do injections on their own (or have a family member help)- the issue may be obtaining the medication if you normally get it from your doctor. I would consult READ MORE
Patients can learn to do injections on their own (or have a family member help)- the issue may be obtaining the medication if you normally get it from your doctor. I would consult with him and see what he suggests.
I have a new pet at home and a baby of 2 years. Are there any precautions to be taken?
In terms of health recommendations, make sure both dog and baby are up to date on recommended vaccines. Additionally, children should always be supervised around pets- even the READ MORE
In terms of health recommendations, make sure both dog and baby are up to date on recommended vaccines. Additionally, children should always be supervised around pets- even the friendliest dog may scratch or bite if surprised or injured by a playful child.
Which thermometer is more accurate?
Technically speaking, a rectal thermometer’s most accurate. However, I generally recommend an oral thermometer for older children and adults. For very young children, an ear thermometer READ MORE
Technically speaking, a rectal thermometer’s most accurate. However, I generally recommend an oral thermometer for older children and adults. For very young children, an ear thermometer is fine- but the placement can sometimes be tricky, so make sure to follow the diagram for your model.
Is there any remedy for hair loss?
Hair loss is common during stressful times. It can also be a sign of iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, and other health problems. If you haven’t had blood tests done recently, READ MORE
Hair loss is common during stressful times. It can also be a sign of iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, and other health problems. If you haven’t had blood tests done recently, see your doctor.
I am lactose intolerant. Is this treatable?
While we sometimes grow out of allergies, most people with lactose intolerance will grow *into* the condition. We rely on an enzyme called lactase to break down milk sugars, but READ MORE
While we sometimes grow out of allergies, most people with lactose intolerance will grow *into* the condition. We rely on an enzyme called lactase to break down milk sugars, but since we don’t really need to consume milk outside of early childhood, many of us lose this ability over time (particularly depending on ethnic background/ancestry.) It does not require treatment per se; lactose avoidance will keep symptoms from occurring, and there are lactose-free dairy products available in most grocery stores including milk, sour cream and cottage cheese.
My lips are turning bluish and are slightly swollen. What could be the reason for this?
This would require an evaluation by a physician- there are many possible causes. I would recommend scheduling an appointment with your doctor.
Is it true that proteins build muscles during a workout?
Our muscles are made of protein, and we can only grow muscle/increase muscle volume if our protein intake exceeds our protein breakdown. A protein supplement can be one way of READ MORE
Our muscles are made of protein, and we can only grow muscle/increase muscle volume if our protein intake exceeds our protein breakdown. A protein supplement can be one way of achieving this, although a diet rich in protein will do the same thing - the timing is not crucial i.e. you don’t have to ingest protein immediately before a workout to have an effect. I don’t generally recommend other workout supplements, but don’t forget to keep hydrated.
I am suffering from extreme fatigue and tiredness. Can I consume health supplements?
I would recommend seeing your physician. Fatigue can be a symptom of many different things, from stress to serious illness, and you may do more harm than good by trying to self-treat READ MORE
I would recommend seeing your physician. Fatigue can be a symptom of many different things, from stress to serious illness, and you may do more harm than good by trying to self-treat with supplements or herbals.
My 24 months old son is suffering from ankle clonus since birth. Is it serious?
Has this been discussed with his pediatrician? Ankle clonus (involuntary muscle contractions) can be normal in very young children, but generally disappears by 2 months of age. READ MORE
Has this been discussed with his pediatrician? Ankle clonus (involuntary muscle contractions) can be normal in very young children, but generally disappears by 2 months of age. He needs further examination and testing, likely by a neurologist.
My daughter is very thin can you please suggest some weight gaining techniques.
Nutrition in general is key here, but have you discussed this with her doctor? Some people are naturally very thin, but there are also many health problems that can make it difficult READ MORE
Nutrition in general is key here, but have you discussed this with her doctor? Some people are naturally very thin, but there are also many health problems that can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. If she’s healthy but simply thin, I’d suggest working with a nutritionist to come up with a meal plan that will help her add weight in a healthy way.
Eggs and flu shots
When flu vaccines are made, part of the process involves replicating the flu virus inside a chicken egg! The virus is then broken down to get the proteins that are used to make READ MORE
When flu vaccines are made, part of the process involves replicating the flu virus inside a chicken egg! The virus is then broken down to get the proteins that are used to make the vaccine. In theory, someone with a severe egg allergy might have a reaction to the shot, though there is no egg in the shot itself.
My second child is 14 months old and hasn't taken her first steps. Is something wrong?
This can be normal (milestones aren’t uniform across every child, even in the same family), but warrants a visit in person to your child’s doctor. Without knowing more about your READ MORE
This can be normal (milestones aren’t uniform across every child, even in the same family), but warrants a visit in person to your child’s doctor. Without knowing more about your child’s other developmental milestones and an examination, this is difficult to answer.
Motion sickness in children?
Motion sickness is a tricky one! It’s very common in children, and though it tends to get better as we age it can make traveling very unpleasant. A light snack before travel sometimes READ MORE
Motion sickness is a tricky one! It’s very common in children, and though it tends to get better as we age it can make traveling very unpleasant. A light snack before travel sometimes helps, as can Sea-Bands or other acupressure type bands. Avoid reading or screens- these tend to make the problem worse. Unfortunately, some people will require medication. For children, I generally recommend Benadryl.
