"This blog was developed to provide medical updates that are important and have my perspective as additional insight."
Dr Lakin, I read about new types of flu shots. What do you recommend for me? Ivy Dear Ivy; It used to be simple to get the flu shot…there was only one type and everyone was to get the same one. Now, there are multiple options and it’s a bit confusing, so I’d like …
Read More “A PATIENT ASKS…WHICH FLU SHOT TO GET? OVER 65 IT’S THE HIGH DOSE, TRIVALENT”
Linzess (linaclotide) is a new medication for chronic constipation that has a unique mechanism of action. It binds for receptor sites on the cells lining the intestine, causing and increase in secretion of minerals and chemicals from those cells that result in more fluid entering the bowel, and thus enhancing the bowel movement ….making …
Read More “LINZESS….A NEW MEDICATION FOR CONSTIPATION AND IBS”
Chantix (varenicline) is a great ‘stop smoking’ medication. It works by stimulating nicotine receptors in the brain, but it was given a black-eye when there were concerns that it caused suicidal thoughts in people and might worsen depression in those who are susceptible. Now, a new study, shows this medication to be safe, and that …
Should you take an aspirin daily to prevent strokes and heart attacks? That question seems simple enough, and based on general comments you might think it is a good idea, but the scientific data on daily aspirin remains mixed. Yes….aspirin prevents many heart attacks and strokes, but it does have side effects that are significant. …
Two large studies have shown that screening for colon cancer is an effective tool in reducing your risk for dying from colon cancer. Both articles appeared in the respected New England Journal of Medicine. One study looked at colonoscopy, and found a 70% reduction in your chances of dying from colon cancer. A second study …
Read More “GET YOUR COLONOSCOPY ON….OR AT LEAST CHECK THE BOWELS FOR MICROSCOPIC BLOOD”
Actually….talk up. There is a great new project by MIT students to develop a diagnostic test for Parkinson’s disease using voice pattern recognition. It turns out that the nervous system control of the vocal cords has a strong correlation with nervous system changes, and the students at MIT are in the process of perfecting this …
We have a lot of Podcast information for those who are interested, on Podomatic. Now, I am resuming with new Podcasts and you can hear the latest one I’ve done on the upcoming 2013 flu season RIGHT HERE! Keep looking for updates on a regular basis, to hear the latest from Doctor Doug.
Hi Dr. Lakin– I’m forwarding this message because it speaks to an issue that has concerned me for some time. I have been working out consistently, lifting weights and stretching twice a week, walking or bicycling twice a week and doing yoga twice per week, for several years now, and have felt that I was …
What is CRS? Well…it’s not a scientific term….it stands for “CAN’T REMEMBER SQUAT” …and is shorthand for the memory issues that develop as we get older. Memory issues develop as young as 40 years-old, with the latest research showing that the 40+ brain is in decline as regards memory, and this is 10-20 years earlier …
Patients sometimes say to me….” I like to stay away from the doctor”…in such a way that they don’t want to offend me, but just to let me know. My answer is often….”Yes….we killed George Washington…among other great moves.” In fact, historians do note that blood-letting, common in the age of Washington, was used to …
There is a new focus on the importance of sleep as it relates to our overall health. From concerns that sleep can lead to obesity and diabetes, to questions of medication over-use and safety. This TED TALK, by Russel Foster, explains the importance of sleep and puts the modern view of sleep on trial. He …
Eric Kandel’s article in the New York Times this week, echoes the comments made in by Dr. Jim Schulte in our recent conversation on psychiatry (<<<SEE THE VIDEO HERE>>>) The chemistry of the brain, as complex as it is, is becoming increasingly understandable with the use of fMRI (this stands for functional MRI….a type of …
Read More “BRAIN CHEMISTRY BECOMING INCREASINGLY CLEAR IN DEPRESSION”
Chest pain is among the most common symptoms that brings patients in to the Internist. It’s obvious why this is such a concern….we all know this can be a sign of heart disease and ignoring such symptoms can lead to severe consequences, including sudden death. But….most of the time, chest pains are not related to …
The new E- cigarettes use a vaporization technique with water to deliver nicotine and flavored substances without smoke. It sounds like a good idea in ways: eliminate the over 1000 chemicals in smoke and you will prevent lung cancer and other lung injuries. But it’s not clear just how safe these E-cigarettes are. I actually …
Read More “LISTEN UP….E CIGARETTES…A CURIOSITY AND PROBABLY A HEALTH CONCERN”
Art H has been a patient for a long time and he’s 80. He’s known as ‘the oldest guy playing hockey’ or at least one of the oldest, and he’s a legend to some. Art’s engagement in life is what keeps him young. He recognizes he’s growing older but does not let that stop him …