I’m intrigued by the new Apple 4 watch that has an FDA approved EKG monitor. This is a much more accurate way to measure heart rhythm and is really the first readily available health monitor that provides accurate information that can be shared with the doctor. I’m excited for this ‘new future’ and the Apple …
Read More “AGREED….IT’S A GAME-CHANGER”
I recently had a patient tell me about their friend who had a heart attack shortly after having a flu shot, and this was their reason for not getting a flu shot: That the flu shot can cause heart attacks and strokes. This is a great question. If I heard this story, I too might …
Read More “DOES THE FLU SHOT CAUSE HEART ATTACKS…THE ANSWER: NOPE”
The desire to chew on ice is called pagophagia, and if a person has an intense desire to chew ice they of will often be found to have iron deficiency anemia. It is the iron deficiency that causes this behavior as the person is seeking iron in their environment, and that desire if focused into …
Read More “DO YOU HAVE PAGOPHAGIA?”
Medical research is a difficult undertaking. Exploring new ideas and proving new concepts takes genius and diligence. Reading the story of James Allison, the latest winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine, you hear of all the dead ends and crazy ideas he pursued, until he finally lighted upon the novel method of proving that …
Read More “IT’S GETTING HARDER TO KNOW WHAT’S REAL”
First, it was a few manufacturers of Valsartan..then more and more. As a result, I had switched many patients (myself indcluded) to Irbesartan….a very similar medication. Now there are concerns about small amounts of carcinogen in Irbesartan. It is just starting with only one manufacturer, but probably there will be more. For now…sit tight and …
Read More “NOW IRBESARTAN IS RECALLED”
Doctor Doug: I heard on the news that one of my medications was recalled due to chemical concerns and cancer risk. Can you tell me what you recommend I do? Sid I responded Sid; Right now…..several blood pressure medications are being implicated with concerns of imperfect production with chemical ‘taint’. The studies do not support …
Read More “A PATIENT ASKS ABOUT RECALLED MEDICATION…AND I RESPOND”
Finally, there is an on-line pharmacy that allows you to check the price of a medication so you have a reference point for your own pharmacy charges and costs. In addition, it is a full-service pharmacy that is available in all 50 states and has been sanctioned by Consumer Reports. You can order your medications …
Read More “HALLELUJAH!!!! INEXPENSIVE PRESCRIPTIONS MEDICATIONS”
Zpack (zithromax) is the modern version of erythromycin. Zithromax is easier to use and causes less GI distress than erythromycin. Now Zithromax may help prevent premature death in newborns in Africa.. What ‘Can’t’ Zpak do? See the VIDEO >>>>HERE<<<
Like they used to say about Elvis…our Barbara has retired after 33 years with the practice. Barb has been a beloved fixture in our office and she has decided it’s time to leave ‘show business’ for bigger and brighter (and more relaxing) things. I met her when I was in medical school and she was …
Read More “BARBARA HAS LEFT THE BUILDING……”
Current methods of manufacturing are superb, even for generic medications. That said, there are issues that can develop and a recent concern has been noted by the FDA for Valsartan, a high blood pressure medication. There are concerns that a cancer-causing chemical (NDMA) has tainted the pills in small amounts. Although potentially dangerous, it is …
Read More “RECALLED MEDICATION: VALSARTAN PRODUCED BY CERTAIN MANUFACTURERS”
Aspirin was invented by Bayer Inc. a little over 100 year ago. Some of you may remember that in my previous essay it was expected to be a small seller, compared with Bayer’s more exciting product that had such high hopes….HEROIN! Yes….aspirin and herion were born in the same year. But you are concerned about …
Read More “WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH ASPIRIN?”
The new SHINGRIX VACCINE, is a two shot series (given 2+ months apart). It is the new SHINGLES VACCINE and it will be available beginning January, 2018 If you are interested in getting the two vaccines you may call our office to get on a waiting list, as we do not yet have the SHINGRIX …
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Dementia is the loss of higher intellectual function and memory, and it is extremely common as we age, affecting 37% of the US population by age 85. For families dealing with this issue, it is important to understand the desires of the person who is developing memory issues, and to take steps before their thinking …
Read More “TAKING CONTROL BEFORE DEMENTIA PROGRESSES”
Debbie Landau-West is the premier dieititian/nutritionist in Scottsdale and has been practicing here for the past 30+ years. I recently asked her to provide a patient a list of some quick energy ‘pick me ups’ in between meals and this is the list she provided. It is useful for all of us: TRY THESE SNACKS …
Read More “A QUICK PICK ME UP”
Many of you will recall my excitement at the prospect of Arizona being the test ground for a new lab company called Theranos back in 2013. This company claimed it would revolutionize medicine through simple fingerstick blood testing for 100’s of lab tests; at a fraction of the cost while maintaining superior accuracy. As the …
Read More “BAD BLOOD….THE SKINNY ON THERANOS”