Patients frequently ask me how Obamacare will affect the practice of medicine. It is really anybody's guess, and there are many opinions on the subject. It is one of the most hotly debated topics at professional meetings and in the doctor's lounge.No one argues...
This video demonstrates the natural progression of mild frostbite, which heals on its own and does not require surgical cleaning, skin grafts or amputation. If you suspect frostbite in yourself or in someone else, gently warm the affected area with body heat or...
I got a call in the office today from a patient who felt she had chicken pox. She asked a very good question...how long am I contagious?Varicella zoster, or chicken pox, is a viral infection that starts with typical cold symptoms....runny nose, cough and sneezing. 1...
Giardia is a parasite that can cause intestinal symptoms in an infected person. Symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, belching, gas and cramps that occur while camping or traveling in a third world country are highly suspicious of giardiasis. Outbreaks at daycare...
Diaper rash is a common problem that many parents face when taking care of their newborns, infants and toddlers. Although certainly not among the Three Common Pediatric Emergencies Requiring Immediate Medical Care, diaper rash is usually caused by prolonged skin...
A frequent medical office visit is for the complaint of one's heart beating hard, fast and/or skipping beats. This is known as palpitations, and is a very common problem with multiple causes, some of which are serious. Generally, the reasons for this problem falls...
The CAGE questionnaire was developed in 1970 and is widely used by physicians and mental health specialists to determine whether a patient's alcohol or drug use has become problematic. Although there are many other screening tools that have been created, this...
Tuberculosis is a highly contagious respiratory disease, typically spread by coughing. For this reason, health care workers, child care providers, teachers and others who work closely with the public are routinely screened for TB with a PPD skin test. Tests are read...
Shoulder injection with cortisone and a numbing agent are commonly performed in our office to treat shoulder pain, usually with good success. Tendonitis and bursitis of the shoulder are the most common causes of pain and limited range of motion in this joint, and...
Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement less frequently than three times a week. Many people are prone to this common problem, and there are a number of things that can be done to decrease the chance of constipation developing: Drink plenty of fluids,...