"This blog was developed to provide medical updates that are important and have my perspective as additional insight."
There have been very few documented cases of flu in Arizona and nationwide at this time. Last year, in 2010, by this time there were over 400 cases of documented flu….this year, only 5. This is a 99% decrease. That said, the flu will be here….just later. We have seen no cases of flu yet. …
Bird Flu (H5N1) has the potential to be a dangerous infection if it were to become readily transmissible to humans. In a recent study, researchers used genetic engineering to do just that….to make the flu germ more transmissible for purposes of their special studies of the virus. Given the potential danger of such a change …
Tekturna is a relatively new blood pressure medication from Novartis. It is used in select patients who otherwise may not tolerate or respond to other, more standard blood pressure medications. I have seen it used in these situations to general good effect, but it is only a handful of instances. A recent study in diabetic …
Read More “TEKTURNA (ALISKIREN) POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATION IN DIABETES”
A recent study showed the benefits of Chlorthalidone, and old-time diuretic, in treated elevated blood pressure. Systolic hypertension (top number high blood pressure) is common as we age and often is difficult to treat adequately. Inexpensive diuretics are particularly good for this issue, but results may seem inadequate with little drop in the blood pressure …
Multaq is a newer medication for treating atrial fibrillation. It’s particular benefit is that it does not require a patient to go into the hospital for initiation of the medications, as many other medications in this category do require. A recent study showed that in patients on Multaq who did not ‘convert’ to normal rhythm, …
A recent article in the NY Times decries the use of computers and mobile devices in the care of patients, with the concern that patients are becoming ‘secondary’ to the interaction with the latest gadgetry. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/15/health/as-doctors-use-more-devices-potential-for-distraction-grows.html?_r=2 I know this is a struggle, as I’ve been using the computer in my exam rooms for years. It …
A recent study from Great Britain compared one-on-on nutrition counseling vs. commercial programs such as Weight Watchers or the British equivalent of “Jenny Craig”. It turns out that the commercial programs resulted in superior weight loss and were more effective. Obviously this is one of the most difficult areas for each of us to work …
A recent study reviewed the charts of over 140,000 people and determined that there is no evidence of increased heart attack risk with ADD and ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Adderall. This may seem like minor news, but it is a great reassurance. These medications are ‘stimulants’ and can have the effects similar to …
Good news for patients treated with hormone deprivation therapy for their prostate cancer…..There is no increase risk in heart disease rate from this treatment. This is an important finding and is documented in a 10-year follow-up study out of Sweden. There has been concern that removing male hormone effects, might have a negative effect on …
A new study in the journal Circulation, shows that improving exercise capacity helps you live longer, no matter what weight you are. This study confirms something that I’ve seen…..you can be fat and live long…if you exercise. That said, the opposite is true…..being fat (especially for men) will definitely shorten your life if you don’t …
Prozac is a very effective medication in helping with decreased mood, severe depression, and anxiety. Often these conditions accompany stressful life issues….like when someone has a heart attack. A recent study from Canada, involving 27.000 patients, showed that Prozac, and other SSRI (anti-depressant medications like Zoloft, Lexapro, etc….) and increase the risk of bleeding issues …
as ifokThe pharmaceutical industry has ‘reloaded’ Ambien in a quick acting form that dissolves in the mouth. This new dosing regimen is to be used for people who awaken in the middle of the night and cannot return to sleep. The medication is just an alternate dose and administration of Ambien. Although the data showed …
Read More “NEW SLEEPING PILL FOR MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AWAKENING….WE SHALL SEE”
A recent study in Sweden showed that you can teach old dogs new tricks. The study involved clamping of the umbilical and asked the question: Why do we clamp the umbilical cord quickly after birth and is this a good thing? They did a small study, but it was quite convincing. It demonstrated better blood …
The FDA has denied Avastin and indication for breast cancer. This medication is used in other cancers and works by preventing growth of blood vessels to nourish the fast-growing cancer cells. Although this medication should, in theory, work in all solid tissue cancers, it appears to be less effective in some. Avastin has shown benefits …
A recent study from shows that prostate biopsy, a test done to confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer and the PSA is elevated, has an increasing risk of serious infection and complications. Since 1996, the risk of significant problems from the procedure has doubled to 7%. This is something I’ve definitely observed over time and …
Read More “MORE CONSIDERATIONS IN PROSTATE CANCER DIAGNOSIS”