eDocAmerica Weekly Health Tip

The Decision to Decline Immunizations

2012-03-02T09:45:00.002-06:00

The decision to postpone or decline childhood immunizations is one that has important implications for the child, his or her family, and others in the community. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control, along with the American Academy of Family Physicians and American Academy of Pediatrics, released a statement outlining the responsibilities of parents who decline to have their child

Help for Tinnitus

2012-02-23T10:43:00.003-06:00

What is tinnitus? Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a symptom that affects around 30 million people in the U.S. Of these, 1 in 5 report that their tinnitus is severe enough to be considered disabling. People with severe cases of tinnitus may find it difficult to hear, work, or even sleep. Tinnitus is not always characterized as ringing. Some people describe it as roaring, clicking, hissing

Assessing and Addressing "Belly Fat" Part 2: What are the best ways to lose "belly fat"

2012-02-17T10:24:00.003-06:00

Last week we looked at the use of the Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference measurement in assessing obesity. Frequently, people are bothered by the presence of visible (subcutaneous) abdominal fat and don't consider the dangerous health consequences of visceral fat, the fat that is deep in the abdomen surrounding the internal organs. Excessive amounts of visceral fat sets the stage for

Assessing and Addressing "Belly Fat" Part 1: The role of the Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Measurement

2012-02-10T21:12:00.008-06:00

According to recent statistics, over two-thirds of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese. While the "middle-age spread" is considered by many to be an inevitable aspect of aging, it should be recognized that along with an increasing waistline comes increased health risks. The development of an "apple shape" to our bodies is an indication of increased deposits of visceral fat. As compared to

What the Tongue Says About Health

2012-02-02T11:03:00.009-06:00

The bulk of the tongue is made of muscle that is covered with a moist tissue called mucosa, the same tissue that lines other parts of the inside of your body, including the nose, mouth, and lungs. Small bumps called papillae cover the upper surface of the tongue and between these are the taste buds. The primary functions of the tongue are to help you form words and to chew and swallow. At any

Unnecessary Medical Practices

2012-01-27T13:17:00.006-06:00

Modern medicine effectively incorporates a multitude of tests and procedures to improve the health of patients. However, an estimated $500 billion a year goes toward unnecessary medical practices - tests, procedures, and treatments - that do not benefit patients. "Promoting Good Stewardship in Medicine" is a project of the National Physicians Alliance that identified a number of unnecessary

The Warm Winter Wardrobe

2012-01-19T09:53:00.006-06:00

For a variety of reasons, people spend time outdoors in the winter. Exercising, shoveling snow off sidewalks, or just getting to work or the grocery all expose our relatively poorly insulated bodies to the cold. This is where wearing the right clothing can make the difference between being protected and comfortable or vulnerable and miserable. The following common sayings related to dressing for

Alternatives to Hysterectomy

2012-01-13T11:03:00.002-06:00

Each year, in the United States, over a half million women undergo removal of the uterus (hysterectomy). Along with removal of the uterus, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are usually taken also. While this procedure may relieve troubling symptoms, loss of these important organs can have adverse long-term consequences on a woman’s health. Fortunately, a number of less invasive and drastic

Different drugs, similar names

2012-01-06T09:49:00.000-06:00

What if you were accidently prescribed Lamisil instead of Lamictal? Or Losec instead of Lasix? Would you notice the prescription error? According to the U.S. Pharmacopeia's (USP) eighth annual national report, more than 1,500 commonly used drugs are involved in errors linked to drug names that "look alike or sound alike" (LASA). In fact, each of the top 10 most prescribed drugs in America can

Health Tips: Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions

2011-12-29T16:42:00.001-06:00

Lose 5 pounds this year? Spend more time with your family? Find a new job? Millions of people make New Year's resolutions, but relatively few are successful in keeping them. This is evidenced by a 2007 study conducted by British psychologist Richard Wiseman who found that 88% of all resolutions end in failure. Not surprisingly, very little research has been published on the reasons why people

Social Connections, an Antidote to Holiday Stress

2011-12-24T00:10:00.000-06:00

While researching today's topic, I ran across a related concept from blogger, Corey Allen, who wrote ‘‘my father-in-law aptly stated it this way: one of the best things about the holidays is seeing the headlights of family members coming up the driveway to visit. The second best thing about the holidays is seeing their taillights as they drive away''. Time spent with family during the holiday

Healthy Holiday Gift Ideas

2011-12-19T09:49:00.000-06:00

For someone in the family, an electronic device, such as a smart phone or iPad, almost certainly tops the "wish list" this holiday season. If you’re searching for a healthier alternative to this type of gift, however, the following suggestions can provide benefits that will last long after the holidays. For her:

Winter Driving Safety

2011-12-08T16:52:00.000-06:00

Statistics indicate that of the more than 6 million vehicle crashes each year, 24% are weather-related. Weather-related crashes are defined as those that occur in adverse weather (i.e., rain, sleet, snow, and/or fog) or on slick pavement (i.e., wet pavement, snowy/slushy pavement, or icy pavement). Data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that a yearly

Who should receive Hepatitis vaccine?

2011-12-02T09:37:00.001-06:00

Almost everyone, but in order to understand why, a little background is necessary. "Hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver, but most people know it as a viral infection affecting the liver. The most common types are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, each caused by a different virus. While Hepatitis A is a self-limited disease that does not cause long-term problems, Hepatitis B and C

Talkin' Turkey Safety

2011-11-23T10:24:00.001-06:00

Untold thousands of turkeys will be prepared for Thanksgiving dinner this year. Safe turkey preparation requires special knowledge since it is a large item that is typically frozen prior to cooking and, with the exception of holidays, is not commonly prepared. Which is best fresh or frozen? This appears primarily to be personal preference. Prepared properly, either will

The Great American Smokeout, November 17

2011-11-18T14:26:00.000-06:00

Recent statistics indicate that over 46 million Americans still smoke despite widespread knowledge that tobacco use is a leading cause of disease and premature death. However, of these, almost four out of every five would like to quit. Why don't they? Most smokers find smoking to be pleasurable. In addition, nicotine is one of the most addicting drugs around. Being addicted does not mean that it

Coping with the "Winter Blues"

2011-11-10T16:56:00.000-06:00

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by the changing of the seasons. In most cases, it occurs along with the shortening of daylight hours in the fall and continues into the winter months. SAD typically resolves with the longer days of spring and stays in remission through the summer months. Other names for SAD include "winter blues" and seasonal depression.Who gets

The PSA Controversy - Why do cancer screening recommendations change?

2011-11-04T09:34:00.001-05:00

Cancer screening is used to detect the disease in its earlier stages when treatment is more successful. But even more importantly, screening is used to reduce cancer deaths. The Pap test is an example of a screening test that has been highly successful in reducing death from cervical cancer. Other tests, such as chest x-rays to screen for lung cancer have not been shown to reduce deaths, even

What to do if you awaken with a stiff neck

2011-10-27T15:19:00.000-05:00

The common problem of awakening with a stiff neck is a topic that is addressed poorly, if at all, during medical training. In fact, it doesn't even have a consistent name in the medical literature. It is sometimes referred to as "torticollis” or "wry neck", but these terms also apply to more serious neurological or congential conditions.What causes a stiff neck? The exact cause of a stiff or wry

Flu Vaccination Update for 2011-2012

2011-10-20T10:20:00.000-05:00

Recently, officials from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released guidance regarding influenza vaccination for the upcoming 2011-2012 influenza season. This included information about the anticipated strains of influenza virus during this year's season, recommendations for special groups of individuals, and announced the release of a flu vaccine delivery method. Here are the highlights

Suffering for Fashion, Part 2 - Faux Pas

2011-10-13T09:39:00.000-05:00

Many women, as well as men, take the position of Billy Crystal's alter ego, Fernando, that "it is better to look good than to feel good". Unfortunately, following the latest fashion trends can also have adverse health consequences. In the name of fashion, women can risk injury and illness, as well as having to endure discomfort. Let's look at some of these health-related fashion faux pas and

Suffering for Fashion, Part 1 - Men are not immune!

2011-10-06T13:58:00.000-05:00

What can cause your center of gravity to be thrown off, constrict blood flow in the neck, put pressure on your back, and predispose you to accidents or cancer? Sounds like something that should be avoided at all costs, right? In fact, these all can be consequences of following the latest styles. Clothing, footwear, and lifestyle trends that many people voluntarily embrace in the name of fashion

Vasovagal Syncope, a fancy term for fainting

2011-09-29T16:22:00.000-05:00

A number of conditions can cause fainting, including heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and anemia. More common than these, however, is a relatively benign condition called vasovagal syncope, also known as the "common faint". Syncope [sing-kuh-pee] is themedical term for "blacking out" and vasovagal refers to the abnormal stimulation

What is Listeria and who is at risk?

2011-09-22T14:26:00.000-05:00

Listeria monocytogenes, or Listeria for short, is a bacterium that causes an infection called listeriosis. A recent outbreak of listeriosis, found to be due to contaminated cantaloupe, has placed Listeria in the news. Today's Health Tip describes the features of Listeria infections and discusses who is at particular risk for developing listeriosis.How does someone contract listeriosis? Listeria

Common Food Allergies

2011-09-15T15:56:00.000-05:00

Over 160 different foods have been identified that can cause allergic reactions in people. Of these, 90% are triggered by the following 8 foods: MilkEggsPeanutsTree nuts (such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, pine nuts)Fish (such as bass, cod, flounder)ShellfishSoyWheat Since 2006, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has

Help with smoking cessation

2011-09-08T00:06:00.000-05:00

A review of interventions to help with smoking cessation, recently published in the Journal of Family Practice offers encouraging news for smokers who are trying to quit. The report relied heavily on the work of the Cochrane Collaboration, a highly respected group of scientists who pool the results of the best-conducted studies on a particular subject in order to draw the most valid conclusions.

Back To School Tip: Your Child May Need A Comprehensive Eye Exam

2011-09-02T15:52:00.000-05:00

In a recent interview with the president of the American Optometric Association (AOA), Dr. Dori Carlson, I learned the surprising statistic that about 1 in 4 school age children have an undetected or undiagnosed vision problem. School vision screenings, while helpful, still miss more than 75% of these problems. And for those kids who are discovered to have a vision problem during a school

Carbohydrates, the latest dietary villain

2011-08-24T16:11:00.000-05:00

A few years back, dietary fats were the scourge of weight reduction efforts. Numerous low-fat and fat-free products appeared on the grocery shelves with claims to help with weight loss. Despite the popularity of these products, obesity rates in the U.S. continued to climb. Today, the blame for the failure for losing weight seems to be directed toward carbohydrates. In fact, many nutritionists

First Aid for Dog and Cat Bites

2011-08-17T16:00:00.000-05:00

An estimated 4.7 million dog bites and 400,000 cat bites occur annually in the United States. Although it is commonly thought that a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's and less likely to cause infection, dogs, cats, as well as humans all harbor bacteria that can cause infection. This is one of the main reasons why treatment of a dog or cat bite (or human for that matter) should be dealt with

Improving Memory - Part 2: Tips to Boost Memory

2011-08-11T11:31:00.000-05:00

"Memory... is the diary that we all carry about with us." -Oscar Wilde Last week we looked at some of the causes for people's memory to "slip". These included medication side effects, ageing, medical conditions, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. By addressing the underlying cause, it is possible that memory can be improved. For example, if medications are responsible for the memory problem,

Improving Memory - Part 1: Is there a reason that your memory is slipping?

2011-08-04T10:59:00.000-05:00

The brain manages memory in a manner similar to a computer. There is an area of the brain that handles short-term memory much like a computer's RAM, and an area that stores remote or long-term memory like the hard drive. A number of conditions may affect the way the brain stores information, causing problems with short-term or long-term memory. These include certain illnesses, ageing,

Appropriate Car Safety Seats for Children

2011-07-27T14:22:00.001-05:00

According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA), nearly 250,000 children are injured every year in car accidents. Car accidents are also the leading cause of acquired disability (e.g., brain injury, paralysis, etc.) for children nationwide. In the United States, injuries and deaths from car crashes have been dramatically reduced with the use of child safety seats and other

"Doctor, I itch all over"

2011-07-20T16:55:00.000-05:00

Itching, known as pruritis in medical jargon, is defined as an unpleasant sensation of the skin that provokes the urge to scratch. Most often, itching involves a small area of the skin affected by a localized condition, such as poison ivy, eczema, or insect bites. On occasion, the itching is generalized, affecting most of the body. If a rash is present with this generalized pruritis, doctors may

Should you be tested for type 2 diabetes?

2011-07-14T10:57:00.000-05:00

There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood and requires treatment with insulin injections. When initially diagnosed, most Type 1 diabetics have distinct, and sometimes severe symptoms. Type 2 is known as "adult onset" diabetes and constitutes over 90% of the cases. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin to keep blood glucose

Smokeless Tobacco, a safer alternative?

2011-07-07T14:33:00.000-05:00

The most commonly used forms of smokeless tobacco are chewing tobacco and snuff. Chewing tobacco, also known as "chew", "spit", or spitting tobacco, is available as loose leaves, plugs, or twists. It is usually placed between the cheek and the lower lip and either chewed or held in place. The saliva generated by the tobacco may be swallowed or spit out. Snuff is a finely cut or powdered form of

Avoiding Fireworks-related Injuries

2011-06-30T18:08:00.000-05:00

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the majority of all fireworks-related injuries occur during the weeks prior to and after the Fourth of July holiday. In 2008, seven people died and an estimated 7,000 were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries in the United States. Children under the age of 15 accounted for the majority of these incidents. This is

Poison Ivy: FAQs and Interesting Facts

2011-06-23T14:49:00.000-05:00

Poison ivy is a common plant found in most areas of the United States that contains highly allergenic oil called urushiol. Approximately 85 percent of the population will develop a skin reaction if exposed to poison ivy. The characteristic rash consists of lines of itchy, red bumps or blisters. Two related plants, poison oak and poison sumac, also contain urushiol, and will produce a similar

Bell's Palsy

2011-06-16T16:38:00.000-05:00

Bell's palsy is the most common cause of facial paralysis, affecting up to 30,000 - 40,000 people each year in the United States. It develops when the nerve that controls facial muscles (7th cranial nerve) becomes inflamed and swollen in the area where it travels through the bones of the skull. What causes Bell's palsy? More often than not, the cause of

Sunglasses: merging fashion with function

2011-06-09T12:30:00.000-05:00

New sunglasses are usually selected for their frames, the size of the lenses, or for a particular coating on the lenses, rather than considering the amount of protection that they afford. It is important to remember that the most important job for sunglasses is to prevent damage to the eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Fortunately, with a little knowledge about Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and

Endometriosis

2011-06-02T14:43:00.000-05:00

Endometriosis is a condition affecting women in which cells similar to those that form the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grow outside of the uterus. Common locations for the abnormal growth of endometrial cells include the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, intestines, and the lining of the pelvic cavity. Unlike the normal endometrial cells lining the uterus that are shed each

Texting may be Hazardous to your Health

2011-05-27T15:05:00.000-05:00

Text messaging has become a preferred method of communication for a large number of Americans, particularly teens and young adults. According to market research performed by the Nielsen Company in 2010, the average teenager sends more than 3,000 texts per month! Amazingly, this number appears to be on the rise, especially among teenagers age 13 to 17. The second highest frequency of texting

New osteoporosis screening guidelines

2011-05-19T13:31:00.000-05:00

Osteoporosis is a condition associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) resulting in increased risk for fractures. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, as many as 10 million people in the U.S. have osteoporosis and almost 34 million are at risk. When detected by screening measures, treatment of osteoporosis has been shown to decrease the risk of developing an osteoporosis-related

Does knuckle cracking lead to arthritis?

2011-05-13T14:14:00.000-05:00

Urban legend would indicate that knuckle cracking leads to arthritis of the joints of the hand. It would be a gross overstatement, however, to say that the medical literature has thoroughly explored this connection. This is one of those quasi-medical issues that is scarcely mentioned in medical school curricula. What causes the knuckles to pop? People

Lawnmower safety

2011-05-05T13:31:00.000-05:00

According to the Insurance Information Institute, lawnmower injuries send approximately 75,000 people to the Emergency Department each year. Of this number, around 16,000 are under 19 years of age, with 600 of these young people sustaining amputations. Sadly, relatively few of these injuries are due to mechanical problems with the lawnmower---most are the result

Colorectal Cancer, which screening test is best?

2011-04-28T09:50:00.000-05:00

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S. That is an alarming statistic, considering that, for the most part, CRC is a preventable disease. CRC usually begins as benign growths called polyps in the colon or rectum, and removing these growths effectively eliminates the possibility that they will develop into cancer. The importance of early

How Accurate Are Devices That Track Calories Burned?

2011-04-21T13:55:00.000-05:00

When accuracy is highly important in determining the number of calories burned with specific activities, a laboratory-based test called indirect calorimetry is often used. This test estimates the amount of heat produced (calories) by measuring the differences in oxygen and carbon dioxide in inspired and expired air. Obviously, this type of testing would be impractical for people to use in a

Jet Lag

2011-04-15T14:52:00.000-05:00

Anyone traveling by rapid transit to more distant locations can be affected by jet lag. Known in medical jargon as desynchronosis, jet lag is caused by the body's internal clock having to be reset to a new time zone. It is typically worse for travelers crossing three or more time zones. Although considered a sleep disorder, jet lag can develop in someone who ordinarily does not suffer from

What causes congestive heart failure?

2011-04-11T13:14:00.000-05:00

The recent death of actress Elizabeth Taylor from congestive heart failure (CHF) has generated a great deal of interest about this condition and its causes. Congestive heart failure is more common than many people realize, currently affecting nearly 5 million Americans, with around 550,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. In fact, for individuals older than 65 years, heart failure is

Antioxidants, Part 2 - What are the best sources of antioxidants?

2011-04-01T09:01:00.000-05:00

Taking antioxidants is claimed to provide a number of potential health benefit By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein may play a role in preventing diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Conclusive research demonstrating their benefits, however, is lacking. One possible explanation for this is

Antioxidants, Part 1 - What role do antioxidants and free radicals play in health and disease?

2011-03-24T09:52:00.000-05:00

Antioxidants are thought to provide protection from damage to cells in the body from unstable molecules known as free radicals. Examples of antioxidants include vitamins (beta-carotene, C, E, and A) and carotenoids (lycopene and lutein). In addition, the mineral selenium, while not technically an antioxidant, is a component of important antioxidant enzymes, and is often mentioned as an

Use of potassium iodide in radiation exposure

2011-03-17T11:24:00.000-05:00

Following the seismic events that damaged several nuclear reactors in Japan, many Americans are concerned about the possibility of exposure to radiation drifting across the Pacific Ocean with the prevailing winds. This has resulted in a buying frenzy of potassium iodide tablets, a known deterrent to certain effects of radiation on the body. In situations such as these, however, it is prudent

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (Silent Reflux)

2011-03-10T09:29:00.000-06:00

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) refers to the backflow of stomach acid up the esophagus and into the larynx (voice box) or the pharynx (throat). It is sometimes called silent reflux because, unlike typical gastroesophageal reflux, LPR can occur without heartburn or indigestion. This is because the stomach acid does not stay in the esophagus long enough to irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn

How well do popular supplements work for treating colds?

2011-03-09T13:47:00.001-06:00

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory system. On average, children have six to eight colds per year, and adults have two to four. The common cold places a heavy burden on society, accounting for approximately 40% of time taken off work and millions of days of school missed by children each year. While medical science has yet to develop a cure for the common cold, many

Choosing the right athletic shoe.

2011-02-24T14:43:00.000-06:00

The choice of the best athletic shoe hinges on a number of factors, including the chosen activity, a person's body structure, and cost. For a large percentage of regular exercisers, the activities engaged in will be walking, running, or court sports. As one would expect, shoe manufacturers have developed specific shoes for each of these activities. Obviously, you could walk in a running shoe or

Pleurisy

2011-02-18T08:29:00.000-06:00

What did Catherine the Great, Benjamin Franklin, and Elvis Presley have in common? Each of them is believed to have suffered from pleurisy. In all likelihood, some of you have had this painful condition also. The word "pleurisy" comes from a Greek word that refers to the "side of the body". Pleurisy involves inflammation of the tissue layers (pleura) lining the lungs and inner chest wall. When

Lessons Learned from Our Clients

2011-02-11T10:45:00.000-06:00

Oftentimes doctors know the answer to their patient's question right off the top of their head. However, sometimes a question can require a little more digging to uncover the correct answer or information that a patient needs. With a wealth of authoritative medical information available at our finger tips, it is possible to find an answer to the most esoteric medical questions. In my

"Earache" or Ear Infection?

2011-02-02T15:27:00.000-06:00

Many ear infections cause earache, but not all earaches are caused by an infection. This is an important distinction, since antibiotics are often needed to treat ear infections, but are not required for earaches that are not caused by an infection, or even for certain types of ear infection. Let's look at several conditions that can cause earaches.Causes of earache: The pain of earache results

Health Tip: Do we need more vitamin D in the wintertime?

2011-01-28T15:31:00.000-06:00

Vitamin D is required by the body for the regulation of the minerals calcium and phosphorus and also plays an important role in maintaining bone integrity. Vitamin D is found in relatively few foods, many of which are not eaten commonly, such as herring, sardines, and tuna. Beef liver, cheese, egg yolks, and mushrooms provide smaller amounts. More commonly, people get vitamin D from foods that