Monthly Archives: September 2011

Doctor and Patient: Is a Well-Rested Doctor a Better Doctor? – NYTimes.com

I have been a physician for 16 years and have seen this monumental change in resident work hours.  Once grueling and life-altering, it has become more humane.  There is more life-balance (I can attest to that blessing as I became … Continue reading

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ooh so common foot pain. . . plantar fasciitis.

Is the first step of the day your worst?    Plantar fasciitis may be your problem. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis are excessive running, high arch, when one leg is longer than the other, obesity, occupations with prolonged standing or walking, sedentary … Continue reading

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New guidelines: Do not screen the healthy for Vitamin D level

The Endocrine Society recently gave guidelines  that vitamin D lab work should only be obtained for those “at risk.”  Risk factors include Obese, African-Americans, pregnant and breastfeeding women, patients with malabsorption syndromes. Not surprisingly, some causes of vitamin D deficiency include … Continue reading

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My husband was chosen as a Wichita “Health Care Hero”

“Health care hero”. . . and my hero.  Congratulations to my husband. Dr. Mark Stovak –  Wichita Business Journal. http://www2.bizjournals.com/wichita/events/2011/health_care_heroes/2011/07/dr-mark-stovak.html

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Packaging Error Leads to Recall of Multiple Lots of Oral Contraceptives

A recent packaging error may make your contraceptive choice unsafe.  Please read the article to assure that your oral contraceptives are not among the recalled.  Read on. . . . Packaging Error Leads to Recall of Multiple Lots of Oral … Continue reading

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Do you think you need your (or your kid’s) tonsils out?

More than 530,000 tonsillectomies are performed annually on US children.  The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery has provided an evidence-based (meaning there is good research) guide to identify patients who may most benefit from tonsillectomy. You may ask. . … Continue reading

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Multivitamins: Do young children need them? – MayoClinic.com

I was asked recently to comment on if multivitamins are needed for children. “The run-of-the-mill child who is thriving does not require a multivitamin,”  says Dr. Jatinder Bhatia, chair of the AAP’s committee on nutrition.   There are a few sets of patients … Continue reading

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Is caffeine harmful to a pregnancy? How much can you safely have?

British Medical Journal published a study of 2,635 low-risk pregnant patients, their caffeine consumption amounts, and pregnancy outcomes.  The results were pretty interesting.   The study was performed because past studies had shown that caffeine use of more than 300 mg a … Continue reading

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Are you interested in the HCG diet?

Have you heard the “buzz” about the HCG diet?  I have.   My patients asked me to research it.  I think this is a great article and I especially love the FDA’s use of the words “fraudulent” and “illegal.”  Read on. . . HCG Diet … Continue reading

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Does acupuncture help headaches?

Yes!  A Cochrane review of 4,419 patients showed that acupuncture is AS effective as traditional migraine headache treatment in the prevention of headaches.  Evidence has shown that acupuncture, when used in addition to, or in place of, routine medical management … Continue reading

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