Monthly Archives: May 2013

It’s HIVES season!

Posted on May 30, 2013 by

Poison ivy, oak and sumac are notorious for causing hives.  I’ve seen this a few times this week in my office.  The allergic reaction is due to urushiol, colorless oil in the leaves, stem, root and sap of the plant. … Continue reading →

Posted in allergies, allergies, Dermatology, Dermatology, General Medicine- Adults, Pediatrics, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The red flags of back pain

Posted on May 27, 2013 by

“Red flags” is a term that we physicians use that causes us to ACT.  Frequently back pain will resolve within 2 weeks with conservative management (like rest, ice, over-the-counter pain medicine).  These red flags will be followed up with thorough … Continue reading →

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Frequently I’m asked if “I should get my whole body scanned”

Posted on May 23, 2013 by

Sigh. . . the marketers do a very good job. They market for self-referral.  “The price is coming down. . . “ “Wouldn’t everyone like to know. . .? “  But, there are significant risks and I imagine it would … Continue reading →

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Sleuthing CDC-style

Posted on May 20, 2013 by

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) is inviting all iPad users to help solve disease outbreaks—virually, that is.  So, if you have enjoyed the film “Contagion” or medical detective novels, this new app may be for you. … Continue reading →

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Early detection of lung cancer may be possible

Posted on May 14, 2013 by

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States. It kills 160,000 people per year, accounting for 28% of all cancer deaths nationwide.  The 5-year survival is only about 15%, but when a lung cancer is … Continue reading →

Posted in Cancer, General Medicine- Adults, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Honey as a treatment for cough

Posted on May 10, 2013 by

Over-the-counter cough medicines are often ineffective and may be harmful to children with cough. The FDA warns against cough and cold medicines for children under age 6. So, as an alternative to these medicines, a study was done to show … Continue reading →

Posted in medication issues, Pediatrics, Uncategorized

Why doctors die differently?

Posted on May 1, 2013 by

The short answer would be that we have seen countless fruitless outcomes. As an example, the John Hopkins Precursors Study collated end-of-life decisions of 800 physicians graduating from Johns Hopkins between 1948 and 1964. Indeed this study was done a … Continue reading →

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