Monthly Archives: January 2013

I am not a dentist. But, I do want overall health for my patients.

Posted on January 31, 2013 by drlesliegreenberg

Dental care is the most common unmet health need.  Oral disease can severely affect systemic health. Poor oral health is so important and commonplace: dental cavities are the most common chronic disease of childhood (5 times more common than asthma) and … Continue reading →

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Are prunes an effective alternative to fiber for constipation?

Posted on January 28, 2013 by drlesliegreenberg

Yes!  Prunes are a great food to help with chronic constipation.  Six prunes eaten twice a day will help bowel movement frequency double.  It will also help improve stool consistency and constipation symptoms.  Prunes are as effective as psyllium (Metamucil) … Continue reading →

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How long should oral bisphosphonates (an osteoporosis medicine) be taken?

Posted on January 24, 2013 by drlesliegreenberg

Short answer: Five years or less. Studies found little, if any, benefit in reducing fractures after taking bisphosphonates (a class of osteoporosis medicine) for more than five years. Furthermore, oral bisphosphonate use for longer than five years is associated with … Continue reading →

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Can probiotics decrease irritable bowel symptoms?

Posted on January 21, 2013 by drlesliegreenberg

Yes!  The probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 is normally found in the GI tract (along with several hundred other organisms).  And, this strain is found in several over the counter probiotics.  This is an inexpensive safe alternative found to decrease overall bowel symptoms in … Continue reading →

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When should a patient with low back pain get an xray/MRI?

Posted on January 17, 2013 by drlesliegreenberg

I love this question.  The research-tested answer is that routine imaging for patients with low pain is not warranted.  In fact, routine x-rays are associated with increased cost, poorer health in recipients, increased risk of surgery, and no reduction in patient anxiety. … Continue reading →

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How many blood pressure readings are needed to accurately diagnose high blood pressure?

Posted on January 14, 2013 by drlesliegreenberg

Answer:  Several.  The blood pressure measurements should be taken over time.  Your doctor will want the individual blood pressures, but may also average them to get your “true” blood pressure.  Use of a single blood pressure to determine whether blood … Continue reading →

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Want weight loss?

Posted on January 10, 2013 by drlesliegreenberg

“Success travels in the company of very hard work. There is no trick, no easy way.” John Wooden (former long-time successful UCLA basketball coach) Food is for fuel. Eat when hungry, not by the clock. Resist advertising. Be aware of … Continue reading →

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Is stopping smoking on your New Years resolution list?

Posted on January 7, 2013 by drlesliegreenberg

20% of US population smokes, 100% know that smoking is bad. Smokers use 18% more healthcare costs. The number of times smokers tried to quit before they were habit-free: 1 time: 40%, 2-3 times 38%, 4+ times 22%. Stay in … Continue reading →

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Hypnosis for hot flashes? Hooray for complementary medicine.

Posted on January 2, 2013 by drlesliegreenberg

Hypnosis may ease severe postmenopausal hot flashes. Five sessions reduced severity of postmenopausal hot flashes by 80%. Wow! This study had 184 women with moderate to severe hot flashes. Hot flash frequency and severity fell by 70% at 5 weeks … Continue reading →

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