Yes, we are definitely in flu season. And yes, most of it is probably H1N1. But most everyone is doing fine. I still recommend the vaccine for high risk groups that can get it, but it’s a personal decision, and I can’t even convince my wife to get it!… Read the rest
Finish Your Chocolate Milk, It's Good For You!
Here’s a fun new study which kids everywhere can show their parents; chocolate milk is good for your heart! This study, just mentioned in this New York Times column, describes how the study group given skim milk plus cocoa powder had lower levels of inflammatory markers as well as higher levels of the good cholesterol, HDL.… Read the rest
And Now For a Mental Break…
It recently occurred to me that I’ve become a bit of a Doctor Doom and Gloom, so I’m going to lighten things up a little. On weekend posts I’ll focus on what everyone should be doing; relaxing, reconnecting with family, recentering themselves and having fun!… Read the rest
Tylenol & Vaccines: Maybe Not A Good Combo?
There’s a very provocative new study in Lancet which may change my clinical practice. As parents know, vaccines are not a fun time for their children, and many doctors recommend pain medicines like Tylenol or Motrin with the vaccines. Now, unfortunately, there is good data from this new study that Tylenol (AKA acetaminophen, Panadol) may be blunting a very important biological immune response which helps to create protective antibodies.… Read the rest
H1N1 Hospitalizations Occurring at Any Age
Here’s a quick link to a good review from Medscape about the latest H1N1 information regarding hospitalizations and deaths. This latest paper was in November 4th’s JAMA. The gist is that hospitals are seeing complications at all age groups, including the elderly, which seemed previously to be partially immune.… Read the rest
Pregnant Women: Are You Vaccinated Against Flu?
It’s almost like a tidal wave, this outpouring of fear and misinformation regarding flu vaccines. I hope to provide evidence-based data for people to review and provide a basis for a well-informed discussion. Here’s an update: regarding pregnant women, every reputable public health agency is not just recommending but strongly recommending that all pregnant women get both seasonal as well as H1N1 vaccine (when/if available).… Read the rest