I remain mystified by the debate over whether electronic cigarettes and vaping are more safe than harmful. Especially when this debate involves medical professionals. In July, one of my favorite journals, Annals of Internal Medicine, carried pro and con opinion Continue reading
Category Archives: Medical Practice
You are the wind beneath my wings
You may be surprised to find out that normal people pass gas an average of 13.6 times a day (the normal range is between 6 to 20 times a day). We produce and rectally pass between 500 to 2000 ml of flatus per day with the average man passing Continue reading
Prevalence of diabetes: the cup is half empty and half full
In the Sept 8, 2015, issue of JAMA, investigators present new data on the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in U.S. adults as of 2012. A quick scan of the article is an alarming experience, though the authors point out there is some reason for optimism. Continue reading
Not all placebos are created equal
The placebo effect is a very powerful tool, and an intriguing window into the power of the human brain. This blog offered an illuminating post in the past on the power of placebos. We also carried a post on how placebos can mimic the immunosuppressive effect of cyclosporine. Attempting to use placebos in clinical practice is clearly skating out into the Continue reading
The siren call of testosterone supplementation
Testosterone supplementation is a booming business. Direct-to-consumer marketing is expanding, touting the many benefits of testosterone supplements for aging men. If you’re male, over the age of 40, and have experienced tiredness, decreased muscle mass, lower Continue reading
Opening doors: a path to improving access for your patients
Even if you’re a brilliant, up-to-date physician, your patients won’t benefit unless you can get them in the door to your practice. Patients who are at the end of your appointment queue are faced with three options: wait for their time with you and risk their condition Continue reading
Urine drug screening
Urine drug screens (UDS) are a valuable tool in our management of patients on chronic opioid therapy. However, the results can be misleading and clinical judgment is needed in interpreting results. Continue reading
Longevity calculator
The Brits have come up with an interesting on-line calculator which enables people between ages 40 and 70 to estimate their risk of dying within the coming five years. The calculator relies on a massive database looking at 500,000 people living in Britain to assess what factors tend to foretell or forestall mortality. For men, the strongest Continue reading
Can older smokers be motivated to stop?
Older smokers can be a tough group. After decades of tobacco use, it can take a lot to get them to even talk about considering the remote possibility of thinking about stopping their habit. Smoking got them through some hard times, pardner. Their grandfather Continue reading
Sunscreen season
Now that the summer solstice is in the rearview mirror, it is time to start reminding patients about the importance of and appropriate use of sunscreen. People of all ethnicities and skin colorations can benefit from sunscreen, though lighter skinned Continue reading