"This blog was developed to provide medical updates that are important and have my perspective as additional insight."
Colorado is showing regional outbreaks of Influenza. This is the most in the nation currently and is the level just below ‘widespread’…the most that we register as regards flu outbreak. Do look for more cases in the near future given it’s proximity to AZ.
NASH,NonAlcoholic SteatoHepatitis, is a condition also called ‘fatty liver’, in which the liver shows excess fat within the cells. This abnormal situation is generally the result of being overweight, obese, or a defect in the person’s metabolism (Syndrome X, etc..) That NASH is abnormal, is definitely true, that NASH might be harmful, is completely uncertain. …
Statin medications, like Lipitor, Zocor, and Crestor, have been shown in some studies to prevent infection or death from serious infection. This has been one of the ‘added’ benefits I’ve touted for people who were ‘on the fence’ about trying these medications to treat their cholesterol. Unfortunately, in this large study reviewing the history of …
There have been very few documented cases of flu in Arizona and nationwide at this time. Last year, in 2010, by this time there were over 400 cases of documented flu….this year, only 5. This is a 99% decrease. That said, the flu will be here….just later. We have seen no cases of flu yet. …
Bird Flu (H5N1) has the potential to be a dangerous infection if it were to become readily transmissible to humans. In a recent study, researchers used genetic engineering to do just that….to make the flu germ more transmissible for purposes of their special studies of the virus. Given the potential danger of such a change …
Tekturna is a relatively new blood pressure medication from Novartis. It is used in select patients who otherwise may not tolerate or respond to other, more standard blood pressure medications. I have seen it used in these situations to general good effect, but it is only a handful of instances. A recent study in diabetic …
Read More “TEKTURNA (ALISKIREN) POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATION IN DIABETES”
A recent study showed the benefits of Chlorthalidone, and old-time diuretic, in treated elevated blood pressure. Systolic hypertension (top number high blood pressure) is common as we age and often is difficult to treat adequately. Inexpensive diuretics are particularly good for this issue, but results may seem inadequate with little drop in the blood pressure …
Multaq is a newer medication for treating atrial fibrillation. It’s particular benefit is that it does not require a patient to go into the hospital for initiation of the medications, as many other medications in this category do require. A recent study showed that in patients on Multaq who did not ‘convert’ to normal rhythm, …
A recent article in the NY Times decries the use of computers and mobile devices in the care of patients, with the concern that patients are becoming ‘secondary’ to the interaction with the latest gadgetry. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/15/health/as-doctors-use-more-devices-potential-for-distraction-grows.html?_r=2 I know this is a struggle, as I’ve been using the computer in my exam rooms for years. It …
A recent study from Great Britain compared one-on-on nutrition counseling vs. commercial programs such as Weight Watchers or the British equivalent of “Jenny Craig”. It turns out that the commercial programs resulted in superior weight loss and were more effective. Obviously this is one of the most difficult areas for each of us to work …
A recent study reviewed the charts of over 140,000 people and determined that there is no evidence of increased heart attack risk with ADD and ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Adderall. This may seem like minor news, but it is a great reassurance. These medications are ‘stimulants’ and can have the effects similar to …
Good news for patients treated with hormone deprivation therapy for their prostate cancer…..There is no increase risk in heart disease rate from this treatment. This is an important finding and is documented in a 10-year follow-up study out of Sweden. There has been concern that removing male hormone effects, might have a negative effect on …
A new study in the journal Circulation, shows that improving exercise capacity helps you live longer, no matter what weight you are. This study confirms something that I’ve seen…..you can be fat and live long…if you exercise. That said, the opposite is true…..being fat (especially for men) will definitely shorten your life if you don’t …
Prozac is a very effective medication in helping with decreased mood, severe depression, and anxiety. Often these conditions accompany stressful life issues….like when someone has a heart attack. A recent study from Canada, involving 27.000 patients, showed that Prozac, and other SSRI (anti-depressant medications like Zoloft, Lexapro, etc….) and increase the risk of bleeding issues …