Health Pearls – Breast Cancer Survivors and Brain Health; Extreme Prematurity and Future Health Risks
Breast Cancer Survivors and “Chemo Brain” Long after Treatment A large study from University of California, Los Angeles Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, showed a significant decline in cognitive functions even six months after the treatment ended. The study consisted of 581 breast cancer patients and 364 healthy people…
Health News: Pain Medications and Hearing Loss, Social Support Improves Breast Cancer Outcome, Optimism and Longer Life, Hormonal Contraceptions in Diabetes, Fitness and Bladder Incontinence…
Pain Relievers and Hearing Loss A study from Harvard, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, showed an increased risk of hearing loss in patients who used pain relievers on a long term basis. Those who used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as Ibuprofen two or more times a week for six years reported a…
The Positive Health Benefits of Being Outdoors
Although this post is about exercising and associated health impacts, let me begin by stating that being outdoors is good for your mental wellbeing. Even spending a short time outdoors goes a long way to improve focus, creativity and self-esteem! Perhaps, this is what prompted the great Naturalist John Muir to state “In every walk…
Now More Than Ever Our Children Need a Sense of Calm
In these times of conflict and polarization of our society, we need love and compassion more than ever. It doesn’t matter which side you are on politically; you can’t deny the charged and contentious atmosphere. It’s palpable. I, for one, worry for our children. Children are a lot like animals in their ability to sense…
October Health News: Bariatric Surgery and Pregnancy, HPV vaccine and Cervical Screening Frequency, Anger or Heavy Exertion and Risk of Heart Attack
Bariatric Surgery and Safer Interval for Pregnancy A study, published in JAMA, concurs with the recommendation from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology for women with bariatric surgery to wait for two years or more after the procedure before getting pregnant. The authors indeed suggest extending this wait to three years. The researchers, from…
You Have Osteoporosis. What’s Next?
You recently had a DEXA bone density scan. You have been told you have osteopenia or osteoporosis – i.e. mild or more significant bone thinning, respectively – which carry a higher risk of fracture than normal bone density. Your physician recommends treatment with medication. When you go to research options, you are overwhelmed by the…
What’s New In Shingles Vaccines?
When I talk to patients about the vaccines they should get routinely, we review Prevnar 13 and PneumoVax 23, the two pneumonia vaccines that should be given to seniors and other special people, a year apart; a tetanus booster given every ten years, including one adult dose of the tetanus and whooping cough combo (although…
Health News: Obesity and Cancers, FDA Update on Ambien, Preterm Birth Prevention, Vitamin B12 Need and Deficiency
Obesity Increases Risks of 13 Types of Cancer. A review by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed strong evidence that obesity is linked to 13 types of cancer. These 13 cancers are responsible for 42% of all newly diagnosed…
Do No Harm – A Documentary in the Making
August 20th was designated the National Day of Solidarity to Prevent Physician and Medical Student Suicide. There were gatherings at ten cities in the U.S., including at Dupont Circle here in Washington, DC. The announcement for the event arrived with a shocking statistic: each year about 400 physicians and medical students die by suicide –…
Confusing Information About Marijuana
Since marijuana has been legalized in some states for recreational and/or medicinal use, it may be regarded as a safe substance that has been proven to have therapeutic benefits. After very high rates of usage in the ‘70s, rates had declined. Over the past 10 years, however, rates have increased again. This is concerning because…