Category Archives: Pediatrics

Want fewer wrinkles and avoid skin cancer?

Summer is in full swing  (107 degrees here yesterday in Wichita–ugh!).  There are new labeling rules from the FDA to help consumers select effective sunscreen against wrinkles and skin cancer.    If you read the phrase “Broad Spectrum protection” on the label, … Continue reading

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Are you due for a pertussis vaccine? Read on and find out. . .

I am a family physician who also performs obstetrics.  And, as such, I keep up with  pregnancy-related updates, too.  There is a new indication for the TdaP (Tetanus with pertussis) vaccine. Pregnant women in their third trimester.  The Centers for Disease … Continue reading

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Exercise-induced asthma. . what are our goals?

I saw a young asthmatic having a rare (and mild) wheezing episode this week.  Her mother wanted a note to excuse her from P.E.   Nope!  That’s the opposite from the desired outcome.   My goal is to give medications so she … Continue reading

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Cigarette packaging is getting a dose of reality. . .

Cigarette packaging will be more graphic, starting September 2012.  Manufacturers will be required to devote 1/2 of the front and back of every cigarette package to photos and written warnings about the dangers of tobacco.  There are nine photos showing … Continue reading

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Got an itch? Your doctor should be asking some of the following questions. . .

If you are itching, there is more to the story.  There are other parts to the history and physical to investigate. Any new cosmetics or creams? They can cause allergic contact dermatitis, hives or even sensitivity to the sun. New … Continue reading

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Frogs do not cause warts.

I see warts commonly, today in fact. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 100 types of HPV.  HPV infects the skin where there are nicks in the skin and causes cells to proliferate and … Continue reading

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Childhood obesity. How to help your kids. . .

A recent study of obese 2-11 year olds reinforced some take home points that all of us parents with young children may appreciate. . .First the facts and then how we can change the culture in our own homes. Limit sugar-sweetened beverages … Continue reading

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2.4 million swimmer’s ear visits a year! How to not get one. . .

The Centers for Disease Control forwarded on this astronomical number in a bulletin on external ear infections.  There are simple steps to do before and after swimming (or coming in contact with water), to greatly reduce your risk of this painful … Continue reading

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Considering a tattoo?

Here’s a riddle: What is expensive and painful to get; even more expensive and painful to get rid of; a common source of infection and allergies; and something that you will probably want to have removed some day? Answer: a … Continue reading

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MRSA. Do you have it? How to avoid it? How to treat it!

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to incise and drain this spectacularly large,  red abscess.  Culture is not back yet, but I suspect (and treated for) MRSA, methicillin-resistant staph aureus.  Here are the nuts and bolts about diagnosis and treatment of MRSA. 1/3 … Continue reading

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