Hypertension Effect in Pre-Pregnancy Period; USPSTF Drafted Recommendation on HCV Screening; Prolonged Topical Steroid Use and Type 2 Diabetes,
Hypertension in Either Partner Can Delay Pregnancy Time A study from China of 2,234,350 eligible couples, spanning from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016, showed that preconception hypertension in either partner (high blood pressure in pre-pregnancy period) would prolonged the time to pregnancy. Women with hypertension were found to have 21% lower rate of…
Lady Docs Field trip to OASIS
Always up for a day out in nature, Lady Docs gathered at OASIS farm in Gaithersburg, MD this weekend to plant and harvest over 150 pounds of produce. OASIS (Organization for Advancement of Services for Individuals with Special needs) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with special needs. It is an amazing…
The Gastric Cancer that Never Was
This blog probably will be among the longest ones you have seen from me. I often warn my women friends whenever I write a long email, to tell them what I think about the week, from political news to social issues to all the “interesting” events happening to me that week. I advise them to…
Measles in 2019, or How Our Success Led to Our Downfall
For decades, in the United States, there has been very little talk about measles – for good reason. Thanks to the effectiveness of the measles vaccine that was initially available in 1963, and improved upon in 1968, rates of measles steadily fell until an outbreak in 1989. After that, the recommendation was updated to require…
Computer Vision Syndrome – dry eyes, neck pain, blue light and more
Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS, is not an actual medical diagnosis, but a term used to describe negative symptoms associated with viewing digital screens such as computers, tablets and smart phones. CVS can present as tired eyes, dry eyes, tearing, blurred vision, eye pain, headaches and neck pain. Tired eyes can result from staring at a computer…
Psychiatry Is Like Retail
Psychiatry, like retail, has busy seasons. Unlike retail, psychiatry’s hectic periods occur secondary to fluctuations in seasonal light exposure, rather than during major holidays. For years, I treated patients for worsening, or new onset depression, around Halloween, October 31. Some of this was Seasonal Affective Disorder, some simply the effects of diminishing light exposure on pre-existing…
Osteoporosis- related spine fractures: Perspective of a Neurosurgeon
Over the past several weeks, we’ve posted a series of articles about osteoporosis, including lifestyle measures for prevention and a 3-part series on exercises to improve bone density and decrease falls and bone fractures. As a neurosurgeon, I am asked to consult on vertebral (spinal) fractures. Osteoporosis is an important risk factor for acute compression fractures….
What’s New in the World of Colon Cancer Screening?
March was colon cancer awareness month. I am a little late in my blog this year but want to give a shout out to getting screened – you can prevent or detect this cancer early with a colonoscopy. Colon cancer is the 2nd most common cause of cancer death in the US, with approximately 50,000…
Osteoporosis: a Review of Bone Loss and Nutrition
Osteoporosis, a Brief Overview. Let’s talk about a process that we should think about when we’re young so we can try to prevent unfortunate events as we age. First, here are a few important definitions. Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone mass leading to fragility of the bones and increased fracture risk. Osteopenia is its less severe sidekick and sarcopenia is…
Social Connections as The Secret of Happiness
Are you alone at this time of the year, or do you plan to spend time with your family and friends? Do you know of the loners in your neighborhood or your work places? If you have, like me, many holiday gatherings to go to, count yourself very lucky. You might complain how you do…