How many of you are terrified at the idea of doing mouth-to-mouth recusitation on strangers? We’ve all seen the doctor TV shows when people drop on the streets from a heart attack, and bystanders start basic life support (hopefully). It’s always a dramatic scene of pounding on the chest and mouth to mouth breathing.… Read the rest
Seat Belts: Are You Sure Your Child Is Strapped in Correctly? Maybe Not…
In our busy lives, it’s easy to be distracted from the basics of safety — take seat belts, for example. Studies show that a surprisingly high number of kids are not strapped in correctly. And all over the world, thousands of kids are still injured and killed needlessly from improper car seat restraints.… Read the rest
The Flu Vaccine: Do You Need It This Year?
It’s that time of year again: flu shot season! Yes, your offices and schools are filled with plans for “flu shot days”. I’m sure you’re debating right now whether or not you or your kids need it. So, here’s my tip on the flu vaccine: It’s basically the same advice I gave last year, which is also consistent with the U.S.… Read the rest
High Cholesterol Hits Home…
I’m in America right now, visiting my family for the first time in over a year. I’ve been having a wonderful time with them – right up until my older brother casually told me how, a year ago, his cholesterol was checked for the first time and “something was high, like I think my triglycerides were over 800, and my good cholesterol was low, and my total was over 300.… Read the rest
Chantix Pills to Stop Smoking: Do Risks Outweigh Benefits?
A few weeks ago I wrote a piece discussing options for smoking cessation, and I specifically plugged varenicline, known as Chantix in most countries, as being perhaps the most effective tool we doctors can now offer. Since my posting, a few drug warnings have come out, and it begs the question: do the benefits still outweigh the risks?… Read the rest
Insomnia: Is Your Lifestyle Causing It?
Since arriving in Beijing I’ve suffered terrible insomnia. I’ve had problems before, but never like this. I’m 55. What can I do to guarantee a good night’s sleep?
Insomnia is a common problem all over the world, but there are many causes for sleeping problems, so we need to dig deeper into your history.… Read the rest