The October holiday is approaching, and many people are flying south to enjoy a tropical vacation. It’s important for travelers to be medically prepared so as not to have their trip ruined by diarrhea, fevers, or other illnesses. The mosquito-born illness of malaria is also a concern.… Read the rest
With World Rabies Day approaching on September 28th, the U.S. Center for Disease Control has announced a new website geared towards children which discusses the terrible, fatal viral disease of rabies. It’s an extremely kid-friendly and high yield source for children.… Read the rest
I’m a big believer in patient empowerment — having them researching as much as they can about their conditions. Modern doctor-patient relationships are very interactive, and less patriarchal than in previous generations. I think it’s great when patients come in with a lot of internet information.… Read the rest
There’s a lot of evidence accumulating regarding which meats are good, or bad, for your health. We seem to understand the basics but it’s nice to start getting data to back up what common sense tells us.
A recent study did indeed suggest what many have thought — that a diet high in red & processed meat worsens heart conditions and causes early death, including from cancer.… Read the rest
Nasal congestion, whether from the common cold or flu, or chronic allergies, can be the most annoying symptom for many people. A runny nose is usually treated with over the counter nasal sprays such as oxymetazoline (Afrin), which works well for up to half a day; this medicine is good for 3-5 days maximum.… Read the rest
A child’s fever is one of the most common reasons for doctor visits. There are only a couple of medicines that are safe for infants; ibuprofen (aka Motrin) and acetaminophen (aka Tylenol, paracetamol). Which one works best?
Recent studies show that ibuprofen 10mg/kg is slightly better than acetaminophen 10mg/kg in terms of more rapid effectiveness, as well as lasting a bit longer (over 6 hours).… Read the rest