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…
The Fitness and Wellness Expo in Hyattsville, MD
On Saturday, August 6th, Lady Docs was proud to present our first health fair, Fitness and Wellness Expo, at the Hyattsville Branch Public Library. When we formed our group 4 years ago, we hoped to eventually use our collective knowledge to help inform a broader audience than only our own patients. In the interim, we…
All About Breast Density
In my daily breast imaging practice, I hear this all the time – ”My breasts are so heavy and dense…” The unspoken question often is: “Am I at a higher risk of cancer?” The answer is: “not necessarily.” How your breasts feel to you has nothing to do with “density.” So relax and let’s talk…
June Health News: About Cancers…
Colorectal Cancer incidence increases in Under 50s Age Group A review of more than one million cases of colorectal cancer by researchers at Mount Sinai West Hospital in New York City revealed a 11.4% increase in the last decade. These cancers found in the under 50s age group often were advanced stage cancers. Colorectal cancer…
Vaccinate for Vacations!
As the days get longer and schools let out, the summer travel season is heating up. If you are traveling internationally, be sure to get all the appropriate shots to protect yourself from preventable infections. As a first step, everyone should be up to date on the routine vaccines. The following should be up to…
May Health News: Zofran in Pregnancy, Home Birth after Previous C-Section, Inappropriate Use of Antibiotics
Zofran (Ondansetron): No Link to Fetal Malformation A recent study by Dr. Marlena Fejzo of UCLA, published in the Journal of Reproductive Toxicology, did not find a link between Zofran intake during pregnancy and birth defects, in contrast to previous studies. Earlier studies led the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology to caution their specialists…
Besides the fat and calories in fast food – now we need to think about phthalates
A few weeks ago, there was an article in the Washington Post about consumption of fast foods that I thought would get more press. It reported on a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives that looked at phthalate levels and how they relate to fast foods. First, to explain, phthalates are used to improve flexibility in plastics….
Aspirin and Cancer Prevention, Estrogen Use in Breast Cancer Patients, CVT Risks in Obese Users of Birth Control Pills, Asthma and Obesity…
Aspirin Use and Cancer Prevention Two large studies, reported by Dr. Yin Chao from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, showed how regular use of Aspirin was associated with a moderate to significant lowered risk of certain cancers especially colorectal cancer. Results from these two studies, the Nurses’ Health study (1980-2010) and…