"This blog was developed to provide medical updates that are important and have my perspective as additional insight."
A recent study in the British Medical Journal connects the use of Valium and similar medications with developing dementia…..but the conclusions are far from clearcut. Valium comes from a class of medications called Benzodiazepines. Other medications in this category are Xanax, Ativan, Restoril, and a slew of other commonplace meds. It works by stimulating the …
I always liked the phrase I wrote as the headline for this article…..but am not really sure what it means. The visual it evokes is a bit disturbing. Nonetheless, an editorial in the NY Times today focuses on concerns about the next epidemic that could become a concern: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/23/opinion/sunday/anticipating-the-next-pandemic.html?pagewanted=all It turns out that several of …
The NIH (National Institutes of Health) Hospitals have reported the seventh case of a patient death from a superbug. http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/nih-superbug-claims-7th-victim/2012/09/14/09b3742e-fe9b-11e1-b153-218509a954e1_story.html This infectious germ, a highly resistant form of Klebsiella pneumonia, has been an ongoing issue for the NIH hospitals for the past year or two, but they had thought they eradicated it. Now, another case …
I just read a NY Times review on a fascinating new book: BREASTS: A Natural and Unnatural History by Florence Williams. The review describes an interesting take on the female (and male) breasts, both historically and medically, but the review makes the claim that ‘the breast cancer incidence continues to rise,’ and this caught my …
Hantavirus is a contagious infection caused by exposure to infected rodents. Recent cases in Yosemite National Park have increased enough to warrant warnings to 230,000 people who have potential exposure. There are only a handful of cases at the present time, but if you’ve been to Yosemite in late July, August, or September, there is …
Read More “FROM ONE TO FIVE WEEKS AFTER EXPOSURE OF HANTAVIRUS”
Meta Analysis is a term that refers to a study that develops conclusions by combining the data and results from several studies. By employing statistical methods that are valid, the researchers essentially create new conclusions from a variety of data from different studies. The recent study of Omega-3 Fatty Acids is one such study. This …
I have an family member who is on several medications; a very complicated regimen. Keeping track of her medications is a big deal because her health depends on it. Recently her health was in decline. Much of it was related to her conditions, but some of it related to her medications….she was taking them incorrectly. …
Steve Jacobs and his wife Marie are volunteers at our office. You may see them from time-to-time working in the file area. They are a wonderful addition to the staff. As well, Steve publishes a monthly newsletter that is lots of fun and filled with interesting facts. Take a look at it now, for a …
CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) is the heroics employed when a person collapses and stops breathing. CPR can take place anywhere, but is often required in hospitalized patients who have unexpected deterioration. Although CPR protocols are standardized among hospitals and doctors, how long to continue CPR is based on the judgement of the physician ‘running the …
It is great to have new treatments for patients with advanced cancer, and XTANDI has just been approved for patients with progressive disease who have failed Taxotere (an IV chemotherapy medication). XTANDI (Enzalutamide) is very much like Zytiga…..a previously approved medications for advanced prostate cancer. The medication is a pill that maximally suppressed all testosterone …
Read More “XTANDI….NEW MEDICATION FOR ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER APPROVED”
A recent study of 6000 men with localized prostate cancer demonstrated a marked reduction in cancer recurrence with the use of aspirin. A 57% reduction in recurrence was noted. This simple measure is worth employing in anyone with a history of prostate cancer, so tell someone you know who has had either surgery or xray …
Hantavirus is an infection caused by inhaling rat feces contaminated with the virus. This virus had been found a The Grand Canyon before and recently reaappeared at Yosemite Park recently, with two cases reported among people staying at their Tent Cabins. Although there are no current reported cases in Arizona, this is a good reminder …
Read More “HANTAVIRUS FOUND AT YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK…WE’VE SEEN AT GRAND CANYON BEFORE”