Tag Archives: family physician

Do you need the chicken pox vaccine?

Chicken pox is a hot topic.  What once was a rite of passage has become a much maligned and feared rash.  Should you be vaccinated?  Are you already immune?  Here’s more info. . . Varicella zoster (the chicken pox virus) is … Continue reading

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Viral rash? or child abuse?

I just saw a rash this morning while teaching medical residents.  Have you heard of “fifths disease?”  I saw a slap-cheeked looking kid, at little risk of being abused.  The offending virus is Parvovirus B19.  Interesting questions were brought up.  The mom of this patient  is … Continue reading

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Does taking hormones make you feel “hormonal?”

Imagine that taking hormones is like a cavemen getting clubbed over the head. . . . the hormones have to take over the body’s hormone system.  Here are some side effects to expect. . .and a hint of how long to … Continue reading

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Treatment of herpes isn’t quite like a walk on the beach

How can I treat herpes? (And. . .will effective therapy have me skipping down the beach with a companion like the TV ads show?) Treatment is antiviral medications taken orally. There are three on the market. Acyclovir (Zovirax®)–the oldest and least … Continue reading

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Are those lesions down there. . . herpes? Gulp!

I saw a patient this week.  Bright, engaging, and single. . . . she admits how dirty she feels since genital herpes was diagnosed.  “Good people get this!”  I tell her.  And, indeed it is true.  In a population-based cross-sectional … Continue reading

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Hooked on hookah?

Here in Wichita hookah bars are popping up (seemingly) everywhere!  Waterpipe tobacco or “hookahs” are becoming a popular way to smoke.  Studies have shown nearly 20% of college students have smoked hookah in the past 30 days. My little foray … Continue reading

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. . . still counting sheep?

Insomnia or sleep disorders can affect every facet of your life.  Patients with insomnia have impaired daytime function due to many forms of insomnia: difficulty initiating sleep/ maintaining sleep, or poor quality sleep. By definition, insomnia occurs despite having adequate time and … Continue reading

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Take care of your pearly whites

. . . I  know I’m not a dentist, but I do care for kids (and parents) who need dental advice.  Those pearly whites need some care to stay healthy. . . At physician visits, dental screening should start at … Continue reading

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The low down on food poisoning

I have seen a “rash” of food poisoning patients this week in Wichita.  It’s time for some food safety education.  First off, the CDC defines a foodborne disease outbreak as any cluster of two or more people who develop similar … Continue reading

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How much is a spoonful of sugar?

The National Safety Council’s data shows that non-narcotic and non-hallucinogenic drugs killed over 9,000 Americans in 2003 (most recent data). The importance of the DOSE and the FREQUENCY of medication cannot be understated. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, research … Continue reading

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