Monthly Archives: February 2011

Wound Care May Matter More Than Antibiotics – NYTimes.com

Want to ward off MRSA? Wash. Wash. Wash. Wound Care May Matter More Than Antibiotics – NYTimes.com.

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Do your bones deserve a density screening?

New update!  Federal recommendations provide more detail on when to screen women UNDER age 65 for osteoporosis.    Osteoporosis is when bones are less dense and therefore, are more likely to break, or fracture. White people are at higher risk of … Continue reading

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Do you need the chicken pox vaccine?

Chicken pox is a hot topic.  What once was a rite of passage has become a much maligned and feared rash.  Should you be vaccinated?  Are you already immune?  Here’s more info. . . Varicella zoster (the chicken pox virus) is … Continue reading

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Vroom. Vroom. Is your engine revving at the right speed?

I’m talking about the thyroid gland.  If it is revved up, you may be anxious, have insomnia, or feel heart palpitations.  Too slow and  depression, sluggishness, and weight gain can result. HYPOthyroidism is when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. … Continue reading

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Viral rash? or child abuse?

I just saw a rash this morning while teaching medical residents.  Have you heard of “fifths disease?”  I saw a slap-cheeked looking kid, at little risk of being abused.  The offending virus is Parvovirus B19.  Interesting questions were brought up.  The mom of this patient  is … Continue reading

Posted in Dermatology, Dermatology, General Medicine- Adults, infections, infections, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Viral rash? or child abuse?

The 411 on pesticides. . . and you!

I was asked by my patient to address pesticides and their safety.  Well, not surprisingly, they are not safe to be drank or rubbed into one’s skin.  But, what and how dangerous are they? Organophosphates are a class of insecticides … Continue reading

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Does taking hormones make you feel “hormonal?”

Imagine that taking hormones is like a cavemen getting clubbed over the head. . . . the hormones have to take over the body’s hormone system.  Here are some side effects to expect. . .and a hint of how long to … Continue reading

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Treatment of herpes isn’t quite like a walk on the beach

How can I treat herpes? (And. . .will effective therapy have me skipping down the beach with a companion like the TV ads show?) Treatment is antiviral medications taken orally. There are three on the market. Acyclovir (Zovirax®)–the oldest and least … Continue reading

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Are those lesions down there. . . herpes? Gulp!

I saw a patient this week.  Bright, engaging, and single. . . . she admits how dirty she feels since genital herpes was diagnosed.  “Good people get this!”  I tell her.  And, indeed it is true.  In a population-based cross-sectional … Continue reading

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