Category Archives: Uncategorized

Pneumonia vaccine has been a success!

The seven-strain pneumonia vaccine used in the US since 2000 has been effective in decreasing infections caused by strep pneumonia.  We routinely give this Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine at 2, 4, and 6 months with a booster at age 12 to … Continue reading

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Aspirin has beneficial side effect

Aspirin, when taken every other day for at least 10 years, decreased colon cancer in women by 20%.  Women who took 100 mg of aspirin every other day were found to have this benefit.  The study was specifically performed in … Continue reading

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Obese mothers pass on risk to their babies

New known fact: Children of obese women died earlier and had more heart problems later in life than those of normal weight mothers. The offspring’s risk of death from any cause was 35% higher than individuals born to normal weight … Continue reading

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What you need to know about strokes…

Stroke.  What an awful word.  My father had a debilitating stroke at age 50. 795,000 people have a new or recurrent stroke each year. Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the US.  Stroke ranks fourth as … Continue reading

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Initial obstetrical visit. A great time for myth-busting!

I have performed obstetrics for 18 years and taught medical students and residents to do the same.  It is an honor and a privilege.  Pregnancy advice is fraught with “myths”. . . here are some “truths.” Eat fish!  Fish is high in quality protein … Continue reading

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Practice changer for sore throats!

Steroids may be helpful for sore throats.  This is a new thought. 8 research trials were combined with results showing that for patients with sore throats (with  negative rapid strep test) and painful swallowing that steroids may treat the symptoms.  Patients who … Continue reading

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Why breastfeed?

Too many reasons to list. . . but I’ll try. Benefits for mother: increased physical closeness with baby, decreased risk of breast cancer, decreased risk of ovarian cancer, decreased risk of endometrial cancer, less blood loss after birth which may … Continue reading

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Here’s an app to help with pre-colonoscopy prep!

What will they think of next? There is now a smartphone app that gives bowel prep step-by-step instructions. You can even input the bowel prep prescribed and time of the endoscopy and then instructions and alerts will help guide you. … Continue reading

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Traveler’s diarrhea

Summer is traveling season. . . this brings up the age-old question of … What to do to avoid diarrhea?  What to take?  When to take it? What is traveler’s diarrhea (TD)?  It is defined as passing 3 or more … Continue reading

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Diabetes is rampant. Here are some important statistics and risk factors…

In the past 20 years the prevalence of diabetes among US adults grew by 45%.  The greatest increase is among seniors aged 65 and over. The increase in diabetes is not especially surprising, but the magnitude of the increase is … Continue reading

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