Proposition 46 will be on the California ballot this November. Prop 46 contains three provisions: (1) drug testing of physicians, (2) mandatory use of CURES before prescribing scheduled drugs, and (3) the measure’s primary intent, which is to increase the cap on the “pain and suffering” component of malpractice suits. The first two provisions poll well Continue reading
The thaumaturgy of caffeine powder
Human beings are endlessly creative. Their quest for innovation is ceaseless. Inquisitive minds toil endlessly in garages and basements to invent the next big thing. Fortune and fame may be around the corner for the tinkerer who develops an ingenious product. Continue reading
Another perspective on childhood vaccines
I’m writing to follow-up on a recent blog post on the subject of childhood vaccines (https://phcprimarycare.org/?p=978). Perhaps I have a different perspective as a practicing pediatrician who works on the front lines of this immunization “controversy.” I recently Continue reading
Epidural steroids for back pain
Treating chronic low back pain is frustrating. Often, first-line treatments like NSAIDs, physical therapy, hot packs, cold packs or, occasionally, muscle relaxers do not seem to work very well. At least, many of our patients voice frustration with the lack of efficacy of these treatments and want “something more” done to Continue reading
Convincing parents to vaccinate their kids
Regular readers of this blog might feel we have an obsession about increasing vaccination rates. Guilty as charged.
Regular readers of this blog also need little or no convincing on this issue. For many Continue reading
We all need to keep moving
We all know exercise is good for us, but did you know that even if we exercise, too much sitting during the day is linked to a greater risk of disability?
A recently published study of more than 2,200 adults ages 60 years and older showed Continue reading
A whopping amount of whooping cough in California
Friday the 13th is rarely a good day. Friday, June 13, 2014, did not disappoint. On that day, California public health officials declared the state is now in the midst of a pertussis epidemic. Over 3,400 cases have been reported state-wide and the year is not even Continue reading
MR. Sam Adams, let’s shake on it. On the other hand, let’s not.
The earliest documented handshake depicts the Assyrian King Shalamaneser III (859 BC -824 BC) shaking hands with Marduk-zakir-sumi I of Babylon in a public display of friendship between the two kingdoms. The handshake is thought by some to be Continue reading
Delayed MMR increases the incidence of post-vaccination seizures
Many counties in PHC’s network have low pediatric immunization rates. This may be due in part to access or transportation issues. But it is also due to misperceptions about the risks of vaccines. While these misunderstandings can be tough to change, it is incumbent Continue reading
Reminder on optimal thyroid lab ordering
The symptoms and signs of hyper- and hypothyroidism are well known to primary care clinicians. When either diagnosis is suspected, the usual next step is to order blood tests to determine whether the clinical impression of thyroid disease can be confirmed. Continue reading