Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

When Values and Experiences Shape Choices

Introduction I’m quite conflicted. From multiple angles, I am seeing both national and African American communities being ravaged by COVID-19. I am also seeing both gripped by mu

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 13, 2020

Next Steps after a Diagnosis of COVID-19

Introduction This Straight No Chaser addresses next steps after a diagnosis of COVID-19. The post addresses those with mild or no symptoms. There have been well over 3.4 million Am

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 15, 2020

An Open Letter to the African American Community about the Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser looks at the African American community and the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine. Indeed, the African American community specifically has deci

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 10, 2020

A Voice in Support of a COVID-19 Vaccine

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser discusses expected challenges in getting the American population to take a COVID-19 vaccine. America has an emerging vaccine problem, and per

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 9, 2020

The NBA’s Model of Restarting Sports

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser looks at the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) approach to restarting sports. In the midst of record numbers of Covid-19, the NBA

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 8, 2020

A Voice for Strategically Reopening Schools

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser addressing the challenge of reopening schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. America’s futility in addressing Covid-19 has left us with

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 7, 2020

Infectious Disease, Toxicology/Drugs

We’re All Making COVID-19 Choices

Introduction This Straight, No Choices address our COVID-19 choices. We’ve focused a lot on our failures getting the fundamentals of public health implemented, both nationally an

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 6, 2020

Dexamethasone in Treating COVID-19

Introduction In the news, this Straight, No Chaser reviews new findings on the use of dexamethasone in treating COVID-19. Dexamethasone is a commonly used steroid tha

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 17, 2020

Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

When a Virus Becomes Politics

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser addresses the notion of when a virus becomes politics, aka you’re too close to the source. I can’t recall a situation (even inc

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 9, 2020

Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

Revisiting the COVID-19 New Normal

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser revisits what could become the COVID-19 new normal. Have you wondered why and how the United States has become comfortable with annual deaths

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 26, 2020

Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

(Relatively) Safe Church Reopening Strategies

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser addresses how you can access safe church reopening strategies. Between Sterling Initiatives and SI Medical Supply, we’re providing co

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 23, 2020

Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

CDC Revision of Advice on COVID-19 Transmission from Touching Surfaces

Information This post addresses COVID-19 transmission from touching surfaces. Today’s advice to you is not to confuse the reporting of science with information. Huh? The screamin

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 22, 2020

Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

Challenges and Guidelines for Returning to School

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser looks at challenges and guidelines for returning to school. First, here are two questions for your consideration. What would happen if all col

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 20, 2020

Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

Your Personal COVID-19 Reopening Checklist

Introduction We are making choices. I asked people on my Facebook page if they would take a vaccine if approved and available this December. 89% said they would not. I asked if peo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 19, 2020

Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

A Call to Adjust Priorities within our Healthcare System

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser makes a call to adjust priorities within our healthcare system. Can we take a moment and reflect on how poorly designed our healthcare system

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 11, 2020

Dr. Sterling’s Recent Media Appearances

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser features some of Dr. Sterling’s recent media appearances. View this, and get answers to many of your questions! Recent Media Appearances

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 5, 2020

Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

CDC COVID-19 Update

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser offers this week’s CDC COVID-19 Update. Weekly Highlights Nationally, the percentage of laboratory specimens testing positive for SARS-C

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 2, 2020

Why Testing for COVID-19 Still Matters

Introduction This Straight No Chaser addresses why testing for COVID-19 still matters. We’ve diagnosed 1 million Americans with COVID-19. The US is testing at a rate of 16.4

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 29, 2020

Available Personal Protective Equipment – Last 2 Days of Free Shipping!

Available Personal Protective Equipment Act now! Secure your families and your health with the following. We’ve been offering 3-layer protective surgical masks for a few weeks no

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 29, 2020

PPE For the Public!

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser asks a straightforward question: Where’s the PPE for the public? Much has been made of the need to care for our first responders. I get

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 27, 2020

Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

Ten Recommendations to Get America Ready to Safely Reopen after COVID-19

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser offers ten recommendations to help us be ready to safely reopen from the COVID-19 pandemic. Question of the Day I received a great question vi

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 26, 2020

The COVID-19 Endgame You Want to Avoid

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser asks you to think about the COVID-19 endgame. Remember the notion that COVID-19 will disappear with the warm weather? It’s a pretty embarras

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 22, 2020

Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

When Stay at Home is the Wrong Choice

Introduction This Straight No Chaser addresses when stay at home shouldn’t be governing your decisions in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. When Time is Tissue Let’s not

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 21, 2020

Questions and Answers about Masks for COVID-19

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser offers five questions and answers about masks to be used against COVID-19. Wasn’t it first recommended that we not wear masks? Yes, but that

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 20, 2020

Mental Health, Public Health, Health Prevention

Reopening America During a Pandemic: Phase One

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser reviews the proposal criteria set by the Trump administration for phased reopening America and restarting the economy. This post reviews gatin

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 17, 2020

The Other Upcoming Pandemic

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser looks at mental health as an equivalent of an upcoming pandemic. The general American population (and perhaps the world in differing amounts)

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 16, 2020

Lingering COVID-19 Questions, from Reinfection to Reopening

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser looks at some lingering COVID-19 questions. Many of these have been prompted by a recent study. According to Reuters, S. Korea has reported th

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 15, 2020

Specific Reasons for Overrepresentation of COVID-19 in African Americans

Introduction We’ve previously quantified the overrepresentation of COVID-19 in African Americans. This Straight, No Chaser offers a few specific reasons for those disparities

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 14, 2020

Unemployment, COVID-19 and Your Health Insurance

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser looks at the emerging relationship between COVID-19 and your health insurance. Over the last three weeks, approximately 10 million Americans h

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 13, 2020

Infectious Disease, Medical Treatment, Public Health, Toxicology/Drugs

We’re Helping Those In Need. You Can Too.

Introduction At Straight, No Chaser, we’re into helping those in need. As we’ve discussed, certain communities are especially disadvantaged when it comes to having acce

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 11, 2020

The Rationale for Not Using Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin to Treat COVID-19

Introduction Before looking at the rationale against the use of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin to treat COVID-19, think about what’s being asked here. There are two option.

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 9, 2020

Infectious Disease, Public Health, Respiratory/Lungs, Toxicology/Drugs

The Rationale for Using Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin to Treat COVID-19

Introduction This is the first of a two-part Straight, No Chaser view at the rationales for and against using hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin to treat COVID-19. Perhaps the dis

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 8, 2020

Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

The New COVID-19 Normal – Three Steps to Safety

Introduction This Straight No Chaser offers you a “Three Steps to Safety” approach for what will become the new normal. Think about the next COVID-19 Outbreak. I’ve b

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 7, 2020

African American COVID-19 Outcomes are Disproportionately Bad

Introduction Very few states have been collecting COVID-19 demographic data based on race. When you look at the data, it’s apparent why some may not wish to be confronted with th

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 6, 2020

General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Health Prevention

The CDC Recommends Facial Masks for the Public

Need Facial Masks? The CDC now recommends everyone wear masks. Courtesy of SI Medical Supply, you have an option to provide 3-layer facial masks for your family and loved ones. You

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 5, 2020

Wear a Mask: The New Normal

The answer really has been in front of our faces all along (no pun intended). I’ve long appreciated the wisdom of foreigners at airports walking around with their masks. It’s r

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 2, 2020

Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

Ten Simple Steps to Lower Your Risk of Acquiring COVID-19

Introduction It’s time for health self-empowerment in the fight to lower your risk of acquiring COVID-19. Here are ten specific recommendations to give you and yours the best cha

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 1, 2020

Uncategorized, Infectious Disease, Mental Health, Public Health

Coping with COVID-19

Introduction How are you coping with COVID-19? This disease has produced and is producing more cases in the U.S. than any other country in the world. Therefore, it’s time to appr

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 30, 2020

Why Isn’t There a Coronavirus Vaccine?

Introduction Creating a coronavirus vaccine seems like such a simple thing, doesn’t it? However, creating any vaccine is among the most complicated and arduous endeavors in medic

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 29, 2020

COVID-19 Update, Actions and Next Steps

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser addresses the latest on COVID-19 and discusses actions and next steps. Number of Cases The United States is now contracting 40% of the new cas

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 25, 2020

Uncategorized, Infectious Disease, Public Health

Actual Criteria for Coronavirus Testing

Introduction Do you have any idea about the actual criteria for coronavirus testing? Even if you don’t want to know, if you’re talking or visiting a physician, you shou

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 22, 2020

The Coronavirus Good News Post

Introduction Would you believe me if told you there was Coronavirus good news? Even in the first of what is likely to be weeks of a shutdown of activity for many places across the

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 21, 2020

Coronavirus Myths, Part I

Introduction Yes, Coronavirus myths are a thing. Coronavirus is not an all-powerful entity that spells the end of mankind. We just have to be diligent in attacking this pandemic. T

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 19, 2020

Uncategorized, Trauma, Health Prevention

Combating Coronavirus: In Support of a Mobilized National Response

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser discusses combating Coronavirus in the midst of the current pandemic. Here’s the question of the day: What’s the best public health re

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 16, 2020

Avoiding Accidents

Introduction Do you ever think about avoiding accidents? We don’t like to believe it, but so many of our ills are self-inflicted. Part of being self-empowered as relates to h

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 9, 2020

Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness, Personal Training, Health Prevention

Self Empowering Weight Loss Strategies

Introduction When you’ve tried, what have been your weight loss strategies? Excuse me for being Straight, No Chaser, but here it goes! Unless you have one of a few medical co

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 2, 2020

Self-Help Through Activity and Exercise

Introduction Today’s topic is self-help through activity and exercise! Let’s start with your take home points: Lesson one is on activity and exercise. Remember, these a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 24, 2020

Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention

Healthy Eating is Healthy Living

Introduction Healthy eating is about as fundamental a proposition as you get on your journey to taking control of your own health. This Straight, No Chaser offers you tips that rep

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 17, 2020

Uncategorized, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention

Ten Questions to Ask Your Physician

Introduction Today’s message is simple: Ask Your Physician! Straight, No Chaser continues this empowerment series with this simple direction. Think about it. When exactly was

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 10, 2020

Stress Management is Health Self-Empowerment!

Introduction Doesn’t it seem logical that if you want to be fully empowered you need adequate coping and stress-management skills? This is the fourth of the Straight, No Chas

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 3, 2020

General Health and Wellness, Public Health, Health Prevention

Cost Effective Self Care

Introduction Cost effective self care is probably something you’ve never verbalized. However, it’s more likely something that’s constantly on your mind, whether c

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 27, 2020

Your Health Screening Guide

Introduction Health screening is a critical part of your self care. This is the third in the Straight, No Chaser series on self-empowerment. Therefore, today’s message should

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 20, 2020

How to Find Health Insurance

Introduction Do you have health insurance? Even if you do, do you still feel like you pay a lot for your medical expenses? Here’s the point: do you know what the #1 cost of perso

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 13, 2020

Wishing You Health and Happiness for the Holidays!

Straight, No Chaser has been offering you health and happiness for seven years. It isn’t a medical encyclopedia. It’s meant to empower you to make choices that best su

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 25, 2019

Health Self-Empowerment: 2020 Vision!

Introduction Straight, No Chaser is committed to health self-empowerment. In this new year, we’re going to help you have 2020 vision. Over the next ten weeks, we will systema

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 6, 2020

Holiday Season Health Considerations

Holiday Season Health Considerations Are holiday season health considerations a thing? Yes! We want the holidays to be a time of happiness and health. Part of that involves being p

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 16, 2019

Avoiding the Most Frequent Causes of Death

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser is all about avoiding the most frequent causes of death because… life! It is interesting and curious to hear everyone obsess over how es

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 9, 2019

It’s Handwashing Awareness Week – You’re Doing It Wrong!

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser is for National Handwashing Awareness Week and its related activities. Yes, we need to have this conversation. I see you all day everyday. Th

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 2, 2019

25 Tips That WILL Increase Your Life Expectancy

Introduction Want to increase your life expectancy and live better longer? You may want to keep this post. I haven’t exactly found the Fountain of Youth, but I do know what activ

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 25, 2019

November is COPD Awareness Month

Introduction November is COPD Awareness Month. Unfortunately, you already know a lot about COPD without realizing it or even having to think about it. You’ve seen patients walki

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 18, 2019

National Diabetes Month – Diabetes Awareness

Introduction November is National Diabetes Month. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has chosen to focus on the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 11, 2019

A Challenge to Prevent Alhzeimer’s Disease

Introduction Who wouldn’t want to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease? We’ve done a few challenges in this space. However, remember that we’re never as interested in the ac

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 4, 2019

It’s ADHD Awareness Month!

Introduction It’s ADHD Awareness Month, and this Straight, No Chaser discusses Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (aka ADD). To begin with, let’s set aside the jokes or c

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 28, 2019

November Is American Diabetes Month

November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country team up to bring attention, to raise awareness, and to improve understanding of diabetes among peopl

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 25, 2019

Mental Health, Health Prevention

National Dental Hygiene Month

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post gives you the information you need for National Dental Hygiene Month. If you ignore your teeth, they’ll go away. You may not think that

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 21, 2019

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Introduction October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, although it doesn’t take a break during other months. Are you concerned about domestic violence? Probably, you shou

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 14, 2019

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser guide acknowledges the important work of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer Awareness How’s your breast cancer awar

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 8, 2019

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Detecting Breast Cancer Early

Each October, we wear pink to show our support for breast cancer awareness. This empowering campaign helps to shed light and bring awareness to this disease that affects one in eig

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 1, 2019

Top Benefits Of Hiring A Healthcare Consulting Firm

If you’re in the healthcare industry, be it your own private practice or you’re part of a hospital group, surely you’ve considered utilizing a healthcare consulting f

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 1, 2019

Cardiology/Heart, Health Prevention

72 Hours Life Time Management Tools

We can all use some extra motivation and inspiration to stay focused and on task, whether that’s at home, with our children, or at work. If only there were more hours in the day

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 1, 2019

Join Our 30-Day Plank Challenge!

Introduction This post introduces the Straight, No Chaser 30-Day Plank Challenge. The Straight, No Chaser challenges are always designed to find the simplest way to directly affect

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 30, 2019

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Health Prevention

September is Pain Awareness Month

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser acknowledges that September is Pain Awareness Month. In the midst of all the conversation about the national opioid epidemic, many of those su

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 23, 2019

Prostate Cancer Awareness for 2019

Introduction This post is for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. We offer answers to a few questions and additional resources. The first is this video from the Center for Disease Con

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 16, 2019

Geriatrics/Elderly Care, Health Prevention

Suicide Prevention and Recognition

Introduction This post is about suicide prevention and recognition. Suicide Prevention: One Conversation Can Save a Life Suicidal thoughts affect individuals of every age, gender a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 9, 2019

September is Healthy Aging Month!

Introduction This post is about healthy aging! 10 Tips for Healthy Aging Here are some ideas, modified for this audience, originally put together by the editors of Healthy Aging®

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 2, 2019

Public Health, Toxicology/Drugs

Push Up and Heart Health: Join Our Push Up Challenge!

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post brings you a push up challenge! It addresses exercise benefits and the link between push-ups and your risk of stroke and heart attacks!

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 26, 2019

Overview of the American Drug Overdose Epidemic

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser guide loses at the drug overdose epidemic in the United States. Drug overdose deaths continue to increase in the United States. Deaths from dr

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 19, 2019

Back To School Tips For A Healthy Transition

Back to school season is an exciting time for children of all ages, from preschool through college, as they head into a new academic year full of new experiences, lots of learning,

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 15, 2019

Reviewing Common Skin Rashes

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post reviews a few common skin rashes. The guide features in-depth discussion on several of them. Common Skin Rashes Here are a few of the mor

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 12, 2019

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

We highlight the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages each August during National Immunization Awareness Month. This is the perfect reminder for you, your family, and

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 1, 2019

Environmental, Infectious Disease, Toxicology/Drugs

The Tortured Mind of a Genius

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser looks at the attributes of genius and focuses on the seemingly tortured mind of many such individuals. Lately I’ve been thinking about a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 29, 2019

Handling the Wide Variety of Bites!

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser guide addresses the different types of bites that we need to address, especially in the summer. How many times have you been bitten so far? Th

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 22, 2019

Increase Your Productivity With The 72 Hours Life

Whether it’s in your personal life, at your job, or as a parent, each of us is looking for ways to be more productive. We all have the same 24 hours in the day to fit in all

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 15, 2019

Summer Conditions You Should Be Able to Address

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post discusses a variety of conditions likely to be present in the summer. A previous post was a guide to avoiding summertime sports injuries.

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 15, 2019

Sports Medicine, Trauma

Avoiding Sports Injuries in the Summer

Introduction This post discusses summertime sports injuries. It’s not just kids that get injured in the summer having fun. Those of you weekend warriors, recreational and act

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 8, 2019

Cardiology/Heart, Environmental, Health Prevention

Stay Sun Safe During UV Protection Month

Every July, we bask in the warmth of the sun’s rays. For some parts of the country, it’s a much-anticipated welcome from the long, cold months of winter. Although, even

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 1, 2019

Heat Awareness: Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Introduction Heat awareness is the topic of this Straight, No Chaser post. With climate change in full effect, “hotter than July” is becoming increasing less likely. Wh

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 1, 2019

General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary, Health Prevention

June is PTSD Awareness Month

Introduction June is PSTD Awareness Month. Let’s get aware! We have become dangerously close to normalizing the amount of stress with which we live as individuals in a societ

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 24, 2019

Men’s Health Awareness Month

Introduction We like to use Fathers’ Day to launch Men’s Health Awareness. Join us, and continue the love and support you offered the men in your life! Take a moment to think t

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 17, 2019

Trauma, Health Prevention, Musculoskeletal System

Healthcare Consulting Services from Dr. Jeffrey Sterling, MD

At Sterling Initiatives, we provide and implement solutions for administrative, operational, financial, and clinical challenges for state governments, healthcare systems, hospitals

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 15, 2019

National Safety Month – Are You Protected?

Introduction June is National Safety Month. Did you know that injuries are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44? There are many things you can do to stay safe and

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 10, 2019

Mental Health, Neurology

Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Awareness Month

Introduction This post discusses Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Do you have a normally functioning brain? Are you concerned about subtle or obvious changes in your me

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 3, 2019

Risks of Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer

The sun on our skin feels good and provides us with a healthy dose of vitamin D. That sounds like a good thing, right? Well, the truth of the matter is that despite how much we l

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 1, 2019

Tips to Curb Your Late Night Snacking

Introduction Need to curb your late night snacking? Straight, No Chaser contributor Sandra Gultry returns with tips to help you! Tips to Curb Your Late Night Snacking After-dinner

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 30, 2019

Empower Yourself During Mental Health Month

Introduction May is Mental Health Month. Accordingly, Straight, No Chaser wants to use this opportunity to empower you. We all have challenges. Therefore, let’s focus on the

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 27, 2019

Public Health, Respiratory/Lungs

Managing a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Introduction Managing a Healthy Work-Life Balance Straight, No Chaser welcomes Laurie Larson to our contributor panel to discuss creating and maintaining your work-life balance. Th

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 23, 2019

National Asthma Awareness Month

Introduction It’s National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month! Let’s get up to speed with some information provided by the American Lung Association. Asthma Awareness M

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 20, 2019

The Benefits of Our International Healthcare Consulting Services

As a healthcare institution, you’re always looking for better ways to serve your patients. How well you balance and optimize the many aspects of your operation can make life-chan

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 16, 2019

It’s National Women’s Health Week. Get Healthy!

Introduction It’s National Women’s Health Week! The life expectancy data already tell the story: women are better at health than men. Still, National Women’s Health W

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 13, 2019

Your Monthly Healthcare in a Minute Business Update

Introduction Welcome to “Healthcare in a Minute” – a new monthly Straight, No Chaser feature that focuses on the business of medicine. We welcome prominent health

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 10, 2019

Discover the 72 Hours Life

All too often, it feels like you just don’t have enough time in the day to get things done. Projects go unfinished, deadlines loom, and hours slip away without accomplishing the

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 9, 2019

Genital/Urinary, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Prevention

American Stroke Awareness Month

Introduction May is American Stroke Awareness Month! Here is information to keep you better informed, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stroke is the fift

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 6, 2019

April is STD Awareness Month

Introduction Yes, April is STD Awareness Month, but you need knowledge that will keep you protected year round. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), t

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 29, 2019

Personal Training, Health Prevention

National Minority Health Month – Get Active!

Introduction April is National Minority Health Month. In this Straight, No Chaser post, we discuss what you can do to get active and stay healthy. Thank you to the Center for Dise

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 22, 2019

Pediatrics/Kids Health, Trauma, Health Prevention

Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness

Introduction April is Child Abuse Prevention Month (and Neglect Prevention Month). Therefore, Straight, No Chaser, with the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventi

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 15, 2019

Mental Health, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Trauma, Health Prevention

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Guide

Introduction It’s Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. For as much as we don’t like having the conversation, we need to have the conversation. This Straight,

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 8, 2019

Promoting Autism Awareness

Introduction It’s National Autism Awareness Month. We want you to have accurate information about the spectrum of disorders. Autism prevalence is now one in every 59 children

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 1, 2019

Quick Tips to Eating Right While Traveling

Introduction To offer a few quick tips to eating right while traveling, Sandra Gultry of It’s All About Choices returns to Straight, No Chaser. After all it is still Nati

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 28, 2019

Gastrointestinal, General Health and Wellness, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Health Prevention

Here are 19 Health Tips for National Nutrition Month!

Introduction In recognition of National Nutrition Month, here are 19 Health Tips for 2019. Special thank you to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for contributing this! 1. Eat

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 25, 2019

It’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Introduction For colorectal cancer awareness month, we go behind the frequent calls for you to get screened. Let’s review the data and remind you why the disease itself is so

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 18, 2019

Diet and Nutrition, Mental Health, Health Prevention

Endometriosis Awareness Month

Introduction It’s endometriosis awareness month, which I’m sure many of you know all too well. Guys, it’s not condescending to note that it’s really tough t

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 11, 2019

Public Health, Sleep

Your Guide to Sleep and Sleep Disorders

Introduction It’s National Sleep Awareness Week, and this Straight, No Chaser is all about sleep and sleep disorders. It’s amazing how many of us suffer through disrupt

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 4, 2019

Eating Disorders Awareness and Screening Week

Introduction It’s Eating Disorders Awareness and Screening Week. We want you to take just a few moments and think about the possibility that someone you care for could be aff

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 25, 2019

Cardiology/Heart, Health Prevention

American Heart Month – Your Guide to Heart Health

Introduction February is American Heart Month! Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Every year, one in four deaths is caused by heart disease. To pre

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 18, 2019

Cardiology/Heart, Environmental

National Condom Week and Your Guide to Safe Sex

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser acknowledges National Condom Week and provides you a guide to safe sex and condom use. We know you think this is a simple topic, and you’

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 11, 2019

Your Guide to Combating Cold Exposure

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser addresses various components of cold exposure. Congratulations! We sincerely hope you and your loved ones have survived the polar vortex and c

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 4, 2019

General Health and Wellness, Public Health, Health Prevention

In The News: What “Medicare For All” Means and Might Look Like

Introduction In the news is a proclamation from no fewer than three prominent candidates for President that they would seek to implement “Medicare For All” as America’s h

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 30, 2019

A Dream of Equal Access to Health Care

Introduction On the day of observation of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., we discuss applying his dream to equal access of health care. On this national day of cele

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 21, 2019

Simple Weight Loss Strategies

Introduction Today’s post, Simple Weight Loss Strategies, brings a guest contributor! Straight, No Chaser welcomes Sandra Gultry, a Registered Dietitian, and o

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 17, 2019

Public Health, Toxicology/Drugs

Stalking Awareness

Introduction Stalking awareness conversations aren’t held very often. However, the scope of stalking is wide enough, and stalking is common enough, that you should know about it.

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 28, 2019

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

Introduction It’s National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. Accordingly, this Straight, No Chaser post provides information you need to know! Let’s start with this simple

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 21, 2019

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Prevention

Cervical Health Awareness Month

Introduction January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. To that end, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) boldly proclaims “No woman should die of cervical cancer

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 14, 2019

Personal Training, Health Prevention

Straight No Chaser’s Guide to Completing New Year’s Resolutions

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post is a guide to help you completing your New Year’s resolutions! You call them New Year’s resolutions. We call it getting your heal

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 7, 2019

The 72 Hours Life Approach to Implementing New Year’s Resolutions

Introduction It’s the beginning of the year and time for implementing your New Year’s Resolutions! You’ve probably been reflective and have done inventory on major parts

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 3, 2019

Toxicology/Drugs, Trauma, Health Prevention

Introducing the New 2019 Straight No Chaser: Happy New Year!

Introduction Welcome to the new 2019 Straight, No Chaser: our seventh year! We hope you’ve enjoyed our over two thousand blogs and vlogs, and thank you to the millions of yo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 1, 2019

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) & New Year’s Eve

Introduction This post is about driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and other illicit substances. Celebrating New Year’s Eve? As I am known to say, risks represent incid

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 31, 2018

Detoxification, Toxicology/Drugs

Eliminating Alcohol from the Body

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post is about eliminating alcohol from the body. We get questions from you all the time. In preparation for New Year’s Eve, here’s

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 30, 2018

Improving Health In The Black Family

Introduction This post addresses challenges and solutions to health in the Black Family. The African-American family is besieged with several challenges. I would suggest the most f

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 24, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer

Your Hygiene and Risk for Illness

Introduction The Straight, No Chaser post looks at the relationship between your hygiene and illness. There are things you know, there are things you know but don’t really kn

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 23, 2018

Basic Questions and Answers about Anemia

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser address your basic questions and answers anemia! What is anemia? Anemia is a condition defined by blood containing a lower than normal number

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 2, 2018

Detoxification, Environmental, Toxicology/Drugs

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Introduction Ladies, have you ever been told that you get urinary tract infections (aka UTIs or “bladder infections”) because you didn’t wipe front to back instead of back to

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 25, 2018

Prevention and Treatment of Lead Poisoning

Introduction This point is about prevention and treatment of lead poisoning. What you need to know about protecting yourself from lead poisoning and its effects is reducible to awa

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 27, 2018

Neurology, Pediatrics/Kids Health, Public Health, Skin/Dermatology, Toxicology/Drugs, Health Prevention, Musculoskeletal System

Frequently Asked Questions About Lead Poisoning

Introduction Medically speaking, it really wasn’t long ago when dozens of cases of lead poisoning in Flint, Michigan occurred. Of course, this was a result of elevated levels

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 26, 2018

Gastrointestinal, General Health and Wellness, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Health Prevention

Colorectal Cancer Screening via Colonoscopy

Introduction This post is about the screening colonoscopy. Two previous Straight, No Chaser posts have highlighted recommended screening examinations for men and women between ages

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 24, 2019

Lactose Intolerance – It’s Explosive!

Introduction So I’m at dinner with a group of friends, and somehow the topic gets to lactose intolerance. For 15 minutes. They were really into it. At dinner! You know what it is

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 22, 2018

Differing Effects of Medications in the Elderly

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser addresses the differing effects of medications in the elderly. The elderly are living longer and more productively. Part of being able to do s

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 21, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness, Toxicology/Drugs, Health Prevention

The Health Benefits of Coffee

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser discusses the health benefits of coffee. It’s so often that I talk about diseases and conditions that are harmful to you that it̵

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 20, 2018

Taking Vitamins and Mineral Supplements

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser discusses the use of vitamins and mineral supplements. If any of you are familiar with the hit comedy The Big Bang Theory on CBS, you may reca

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 19, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Public Health

Questions About Genetically Engineered Foods (GMOs)

Introduction This post discusses and answers frequently asked questions about genetically engineered foods (GMOs). Have you ever bred an animal, say a dog? Have you ever taken a vi

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 17, 2018

Neurology, Orthopedics/Bones, Musculoskeletal System

Low Back Pain

Introduction For many, low back pain begins with a slip and subsequently becomes a slippery slope that never seems to end. This Straight, No Chaser will help you understand why

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 18, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Public Health, Health Prevention

How to Avoid the Most Frequent Causes of Death

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser reviews the most frequent causes of death and how to avoid them. It is interesting and curious to hear everyone obsess over how esoteric and r

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 16, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Sexually Transmitted Infections Vlog

Introduction This is a Straight, No Chaser Sexually Transmitted Infections vlog. The Straight, No Chaser vlog series presents “health care basics” to keep you safe, healthy an

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 15, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Gastrointestinal, Infectious Disease

Fiber and Weight Loss

Introduction Here’s a vlog to discuss the special relationship between fiber and weight loss! Here’s a sterlingmedicaladvice.com “health care basic.” All w

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 14, 2018

Treatment of Food Poisoning

Introduction The vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps and all around bad feelings you may get with food poisoning is extremely unpleasant. We’ve previously discussed prev

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 13, 2018

Detoxification, Gastrointestinal

Understanding Food Poisoning

Introduction We make a decision with everything we place into our mouths. We also exhibit a large amount of trust that the food we eat is safe. Most of the time that’s true, but

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 12, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Infectious Disease

Protecting Yourself From Food Contamination and Foodborne Illness

Introduction This post is about food contamination and minimizing your risk of foodborne illness. Those of you who are regular readers of Straight, No Chaser may have heard me sa

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 11, 2018

Answers to Questions about Vomiting and Diarrhea

Introduction You’ve all been there and done that. It’s always a bad day when you get the so-called stomach flu… First of all ‘the flu’ is a respiratory disease (affec

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 10, 2018

The Holiday Heart Syndrome

Introduction There’s something about the holiday season and flickering. We’re all aware that Christmas lights are meant to do so, but did you know that your heart is more incli

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 9, 2018

Hypertension Vlog: A Ticking Time Bomb

Introduction Welcome to the Straight, No Chaser hypertension vlog! The Straight, No Chaser vlog (video blog) series presents “health care basics” to keep you safe, healthy a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 8, 2018

Frequently Asked Hypertension Questions

Introduction In this post, we answer frequently asked hypertension questions. High blood pressure (hypertension) is so prevalent and such a consequence of the way we live that you

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 7, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Health Prevention

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Introduction Hypertension (aka high blood pressure) is called the silent killer. It’s common for me to see someone who thought they were ‘fine’ drop dead from its effects, ne

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 6, 2018

Flu Prevention without Receiving the Vaccine

Introduction This post discussion flu prevention options. Many people choose not to get the influenza vaccine (the “flu shot”). There are various reasons for this decis

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 5, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Public Health

Flu Myths and Questions

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser addresses flu myths and address a few frequently asked questions.Every year 36,000 people die and over 200,000 are hospitalized each year due

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 4, 2018

Health Promotion – Introducing “Invisible Health”

Introduction This post discusses invisible health: how your healthy habits produce benefits throughout your days! Good habits are just as addictive as bad habits, but they’re

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 3, 2018

Genital/Urinary, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Tips on Buying Safe Toys and Gifts

Introduction If you’re shopping today, don’t you want to make sure you’re buying safe toys? At Straight, No Chaser, we review the literature and give you the goo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 23, 2018

World AIDS Day

Introduction Today is World AIDS day. This isn’t 1983. The mystery of how HIV infection is contracted has come and gone. Be knowledgable to be empowered. This is the first blog i

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 1, 2018

How To Complete End of Life Planning

Introduction Decisions about your final days need to include end of life planning. Now that you’ve had a chance to wrap your mind around the concept of needing to make end of lif

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 29, 2018

End of Life Decision Making

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post addresses considerations related to end of life decision making. Having this conversation when death is staring you or a loved one in th

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 28, 2018

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Introduction This point highlights patient rights and responsibilities. Even if you didn’t know it, you have rights as a patient. In 1998, the U.S. Advisory Commission on Consume

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 27, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease

25 Tips That WILL Increase Your Life Expectancy

Introduction Want to increase your life expectancy and live better longer? You may want to keep this post. I haven’t exactly found the Fountain of Youth, but I do know what activ

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 22, 2018

Preventing and Treating Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Introduction This post addresses preventing and treating urinary tract infections. At some point, you’ve got to be on board with the notion that you need to prevent some of the t

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 26, 2018

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Infectious Disease, Medical Treatment, Neurology

What is a spinal tap, and why is it done?

Introduction A spinal tap (lumbar puncture) induces a lot of angst. Although the reason for the procedure should, the procedure itself really shouldn’t. What is a spinal tap?

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 30, 2018

Detoxification, General Health and Wellness, Toxicology/Drugs

Does drug use cause kidney damage?

Introduction This post addresses your question on drug-induced kidney damage. Drug-Induced Kidney Damage Each kidney filters about 1700 liters of blood per day and concentrates flu

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 24, 2018

Gastrointestinal, Medical Treatment

Tips to Deal with Depression and The Holiday Blues

Introduction Have the holiday blues? I don’t mean to bring anyone down during what is supposed to be the ‘most wonderful time of the year,’ but in reality there are many peop

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 21, 2018

Treatment of Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post addresses the treatment of acid reflux. If you experience heartburn two times a week or more, you may have gerd. Because there are sign

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 20, 2018

Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Introduction Do you have acid reflux? I’m at the point in life where I rarely eat after 8 pm. That has defined health benefits, but it’s also protective from today’s Straight

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 19, 2018

The Frustration of Acute Bronchitis

Introduction We’ve all experienced acute bronchitis. Don’t remember? Imagine what it looks like when someone gets hit in the jaw. There’s the redness, swelling from e

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 17, 2018

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Introduction November is COPD Awareness Month. Unfortunately, you already know a lot about COPD without realizing it or even having to think about it. You’ve seen patients walki

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 18, 2018

The Intersection of Health and Happiness

Introduction – Merry Christmas! Shouldn’t we be pursuing life, liberty health and happiness? That’s why we’re hear. Straight, No Chaser isn’t a medi

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 25, 2018

Lung Health – Know The Signs of Danger

Introduction This post addresses lung health! I would suggest you should be in complete awe of your lungs. Did you know you take over 20,000 breaths a day? Your lungs bring air in

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 16, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Endocrine/Metabolic, Infectious Disease, Skin/Dermatology

Great American Smokeout: Tips for Smoking Cessation

Introduction The Great American Smokeout is a great time to get serious about smoking cessation. Don’t wait to make it a New Year’s resolution. Do it now. Can’t do it

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 15, 2018

Fifteen Tips to Care for Diabetic Skin, Part 2

Introduction This post provides diabetic skin care tips! In the previous Straight, No Chaser, we discussed the frailty of diabetic skin and discussed how that sets one up for

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 14, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Endocrine/Metabolic, Infectious Disease, Skin/Dermatology

Diabetic Skin Problems, Part 1

Introduction Today we begin a discussion on diabetic skin problems. Diabetic Skin Problems If you are diabetic or caring for a diabetic, one of the things you’ve likely notic

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 13, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Endocrine/Metabolic, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser Diabetes Vlog

Diabetes Vlog The Straight, No Chaser vlog (video blog) series presents “health care basics” to keep you safe, healthy and out of the emergency room. Today’s Straight

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 12, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Endocrine/Metabolic, Health Prevention

Diabetes Basics and the Importance of Education

Introduction Today we focus on diabetes basics. Diabetes is a disease in which education is vital. For a diabetic, knowing the disease well allows him or her to better prevent long

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 11, 2018

Prevention and Treatment Considerations for Diabetic Eye Conditions

Introduction This posts addresses prevention and treatment considerations for diabetic eye conditions. Several of you asked about the treatment of the eye conditions resulting from

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 10, 2018

Diabetic Retinopathy and Other Eye Problems

Introduction Unfortunately, if you’re diabetic, diabetic retinopathy is likely in your future. Don’t ignore this. As you likely know, diabetics have a large amount of b

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 9, 2018

Endocrine/Metabolic

Low Blood Sugar – Hypoglycemia

Introduction Low blood sugar is as dangerous as high blood sugars. They just cause danger in different ways. In a previous post, I provided an overview of diabetes. Everyone knows

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 8, 2018

What You Must Know About X-Ray Safety

Introduction X-ray safety is as important as using x-rays for proper evaluation. After the question of “Can I get an x-ray,” the next most common question I get (which should b

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 7, 2018

X-Ray Basics and Your Questions

Introduction In this post, we’ll review your questions and some x-ray basics. “C’mon, Doc. I just want to be sure!” If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a million t

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 6, 2018

Causes of Eye Pain

Introduction Do you ever get eye pain? Look at the picture. What would you do if that was your eye? Would you try to remove the object or be too afraid, fearing that you could perm

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 5, 2018

Questions About LASIK Surgery

Introduction You’ve heard about Lasik surgery, but what do you actually know about it? Typically, you pay attention when you’re about 40 years old. At this point, your eyes

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 4, 2018

Questions About Your Contact Lenses

Introduction You’d likely be surprised to know how often patients are seen in emergency rooms for complications related to use of contact lenses. If you or a loved one are us

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 3, 2018

Questions About Color Blindness

Introduction Do you suffer from color blindness? Have you ever found yourself at school, work or elsewhere and discovered that you were wearing different colored socks or pants tha

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 2, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Toxicology/Drugs, Health Prevention

Questions About Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)

Introduction We all get concerned when it comes to things that damage or put our vision in danger. As such, you should be aware of the most common condition causing visual problems

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 1, 2018

Treating Halloween Mishaps

Introduction In the previous Straight, No Chaser, we offered you tips for a safe Halloween. However, safety tips are only as good as your inclination to use them. Even when an ou

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 31, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Toxicology/Drugs, Health Prevention

Halloween Health Tips

Introduction Have you ever said the phrase “Halloween safety tips?” Well, are you taking the young ones trick-or-treating this year? Straight, No Chaser and the Cent

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 30, 2018

An Introduction to Intersex (aka Hermaphroditism)

Introduction Today we address the challenges faced by intersex individuals. In the past, the term hermaphrodite was more common, but for many reasons that is no longer the case. In

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 29, 2018

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Medical Treatment, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Breast Cancer in Men

Introduction I won’t overstate the case, but you should be aware that breast cancer in men does occur. That said it occurs at a much lower rate than it does in women. I know what

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 28, 2018

Breast Cancer Treatment Options

Introduction The next to last post in this series on breast cancer focuses on breast cancer treatment. Of course, there is no universal treatment of every breast cancer diagnosis.

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 27, 2018

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Prevention

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Introduction A concerning reality is breast cancer risk factors tell the story of acquiring breast cancer. Even as a physician, I am left to think about the horror of risk factors.

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 26, 2018

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Prevention

Even More Breast Cancer Myths!

Introduction We’re continuing from the earlier post with more breast cancer myths, well because you have so many questions! In fact, I’m doubling up on what you received

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 25, 2018

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Health Prevention

Five Breast Cancer Myths

Introduction Breast cancer myths: are you afraid of them? Before I get into the details of what you need to know about breast cancer, it’s important to clear the table of som

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 24, 2018

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Prevention

How to Perform the Breast Self-Exam

Introduction Beginning in their 20s, women should be aware of the benefits and limitations of breast self-exam (BSE) as a screening tool for breast cancer. Women should know

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 23, 2018

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Introduction How’s your breast cancer awareness? Breast cancer affects so many of us. If it doesn’t affect you or your family as well, I hope it’s not because you hav

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 22, 2018

Mental Health, Neurology, Trauma

Domestic Violence Abuse – How to Get Out of an Abusive Situation

Introduction Remember: You are not to blame, and you need not face domestic violence alone. How would you escape eminent domestic violent abuse?. This is the third post in a Straig

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 21, 2018

Endocrine/Metabolic, Mental Health, Surgical Care, Trauma

Identifying Risks of Domestic Violence

Introduction Lower your risks of domestic violence. Today we point to knowledge as the key to preventing potential life-threatening episodes in the household. This is the second i

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 20, 2018

Mental Health, Trauma

Focus on Domestic Violence

Introduction October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, although it doesn’t take a break during other months. Are you concerned about domestic violence? Probably, you shou

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 19, 2018

Genital/Urinary, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology

The Day You Get Diagnosed With HIV

Introduction This blog focuses on the conversation physicians have with patients newly diagnosed with HIV. It is the seventh and final blog in the series on HIV and AIDS. To read

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 18, 2018

HIV and STD Risks From Sexual Activities Other Than Intercourse

Introduction – HIV and STD risks This blog focuses on your HIV and STD risks from sexual activities other than intercourse. It is the sixth blog in an ongoing series on HIV

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 17, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology

HIV and STD Risks From Specific Acts of Sexual Intercourse

Introduction – HIV and STD risks This blog focuses on your HIV and STD risks from specific acts of sexual intercourse. It is the fifth blog in an ongoing series on HIV and A

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 16, 2018

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Infectious Disease

What Are The Symptoms of HIV and AIDS?

Introduction This is the fourth blog in an ongoing series on HIV and AIDS and focuses on symptoms of HIV and AIDS. To read a discussion of HIV being eliminated from the body, click

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 15, 2018

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Infectious Disease

How Do You Contract HIV and AIDS?

Introduction Fortunately, this isn’t 1983, but HIV and AIDS are still far too common. Thankfully, we now know how HIV infection is contracted. Yet, HIV and AIDS awareness are

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 14, 2018

Do You Know the Definition of AIDS?

Introduction This is the second blog in an ongoing series on HIV and AIDS. Click here for the introductory blog. What is AIDS? After all these years, it’s still an interesting a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 13, 2018

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Infectious Disease

HIV Awareness Month – Can HIV Be Eliminated From the Body?

Introduction It’s HIV Awareness Month. Certainly you’ve noticed there’s a lot less chatter about HIV lately. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security.

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 12, 2018

Dental, Health Prevention

How’s Your Dental Hygiene?

Introduction If you ignore your teeth, they’ll go away. You may not think that bad dental hygiene can land you in the emergency room, but it does! One thing in particular I’ve

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 11, 2018

Depression – How to Avoid It, When to Get Help

Introduction This is the third post in a series on depression and suicide. In our first post, we focused on the magnitude of clinical depression and suicide. In the second post,

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 10, 2018

Are You Depressed and/or Suicidal?

Introduction In our first post on clinical depression and suicide, we looked at the scope of the disease, and in the next post we will provide tips for you to address depression a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 9, 2018

Personality Disorders Screening Quiz – Now It’s Your Turn!

Introduction – Personality Disorders Screening Quiz First of all, it’s been an interesting week of responses from you on the series of personality disorders. The most commo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 8, 2018

Obsessive-Compulsive, Avoidant and Dependent Personality Disorders

Introduction – Personality Disorders Part 4 The final group of personality disorders we will review involves excessive fears expressed through thoughts or behaviors. They inc

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 7, 2018

Narcissistic, Histrionic, Antisocial and Borderline Personality Disorders

Introduction – Personality Disorders Part 3 Again, we must start with a disclaimer about personality disorders. We don’t want all the armchair psychiatrists out there t

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 6, 2018

Paranoid, Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorders

Introduction – Personality Disorders Part 2 First of all, what do you really know about paranoid and other personality disorders? Maybe you are reading this because you may b

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 5, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Ophthalmology/Eyes

Understanding Personality Disorders

Introduction – Understanding Personality Disorders, Part 1 Personality disorders are a much bigger deal than we make them. In fact, we really take mental health for granted.

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 4, 2018

Challenges to Your Mental Health and Happiness

Introduction You all have challenges to your mental health and happiness. We are mindful that there are as many of you unsuccessful as there are successful in navigating these cha

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 3, 2018

Pediatrics/Kids Health, Surgical Care, Health Prevention

Tips to Avoid SIDS and SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths)

Introduction Whether you’re expecting, a parent or even a grandparent, most have heard of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Unfortunately, what you’re really concerned about

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 2, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Respiratory/Lungs, Toxicology/Drugs

Your Questions About E-Cigarettes (Vaping)

Let’s talk about using E-cigarettes, aka vaping. Here are five questions you commonly ask. What is vaping, and how is it different from smoking cigarettes? E-cigarettes are batte

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 1, 2018

Use and Effectiveness of CBD (Cannabidiol) Oil

Let’s talk about cannabidiol (aka CBD) oil. There’s a huge fervor for this, which is understandable given the wave of states having legalized marijuana. CBD oil has become wide

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 30, 2018

Getting Your Pain Treated in the ER in the Midst of an Opiate Epidemic

Both the American College of Emergency Physicians and the American Chronic Pain Association have worked diligently to offer information and recommendations to protect patient inter

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 29, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Neurology, Health Prevention

Your Questions About Chronic Pain and Management

Chronic pain and its management are complicated topics, both for sufferers and those who care for them. Thank you for your feedback on the previous post and appreciating the spirit

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 28, 2018

Chronic Pain – What You and Your Physicians Can Do To Really Help

The notion of a pain awareness month is an odd thing; probably even more so to those suffering from chronic pain. Typically the idea with these periods of recognizing diseases and

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 27, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Neurology

Fibromyalgia – Facts and Controversies

Previously, Straight, No Chaser has discussed the frustration of uncertainty some patients have with having symptoms and not being given a diagnosis (much less a cure). Imagine i

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 26, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Ovarian Cancer – Frequently Asked Questions

You are likely aware that the ovaries produce a women’s eggs as well as being the main source of the female’s sex hormones. Ovarian cancer is not the most common gynecologic

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 25, 2018

Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

Flu Prevention

It’s time to get your flu shots! Of course, many people choose not to get the influenza vaccine (the “flu shot”) for various reasons, some more reasonable than ot

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 24, 2018

Geriatrics/Elderly Care, Orthopedics/Bones

Quick Tips for Fall Prevention

We’ve missed the first day of Fall, but for all of you DIYers (do it yourself-ers) ready for a weekend project to help a loved one, here you go. The beginning of Fall is a go

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 23, 2018

Concussion, Part II

Your son is a star in Friday Night Lights (actually football, not the TV show) and has been concussed. Amazingly, the most common question I get asked is not “Will he be ok

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 22, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Health Prevention

Concussions, Part I

It’s probably not a coincidence that National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month occurs at the same time as the onset of the NFL season in the U.S. However, it’s a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 21, 2018

The Other Side of 40 – Cerebrovascular System Health (Your Brain)

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post is about cerebrovascular system health after age 40. Last but not least, in the last part of this series, let’s talk about your brain.

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 20, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Prevention

The Other Side of 40 – The Cardiopulmonary (Heart and Lungs) System – Changes, Challenges, Solutions

Introduction The fourth part of this series looks at your heart and lungs. Click here for the post on changes in your skin. Click here for the post on changes to your musculoskele

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 19, 2018

The Other Side of 40 – The Genital System: Changes, Challenges, Solutions

Introduction The third part of this series is about genital system changes after age 40. There’s a lot here both for the ladies and the gentlemen, but everyone should want to kno

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 18, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention, Musculoskeletal System

Straight, No Chaser: The Other Side of 40 – The Musculoskeletal System – Changes, Challenges, Solutions

The second part of this series on how your body changes with age is about your muscles. This section combined with the previous skin section explains why you wrinkle. As before,

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 17, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Public Health, Skin/Dermatology

Straight, No Chaser: The Other Side of 40 -The Skin – Changes, Challenges, Solutions

September is Healthy Aging Month. A big part of healthy aging is prior healthy living, particularly as you reach the age at which your unhealthy habits begin to catch up with you o

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 16, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Arthritis – Response to Reader Question

Does joint cracking cause Arthrtis? I actually understand the question. You would think all that snap, knuckle and pop would represent bad things happening to your bones,

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 15, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Arthritis – Prevention & Treatment

The thing about treating arthritis is you’d better do it. If you’re not lucky enough to have a form that readily responds to treatment or if you didn’t get early treatment, y

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 14, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, Diet and Nutrition, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Arthritis – Symptoms & Causes

Arthritis is one of a few different “inevitable” diseases humans have. Today we’re discussing one form of Arthritis, specifically, degenerative joint disease (osteo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 13, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Cholesterol – What you should know.

Most people know just enough about cholesterol to be able to do something about it should they choose. Still, seventy-one million American adults have abnormally high cholesterol,

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 12, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Lowering Your Risk for Infection

There are things you know, there are things you know but don’t really know, and there are still other things that you think you know that you don’t know at all. When it

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 11, 2018

Suicide Risks on College Campuses

Introduction This post looks at suicide risks on college campuses. I had the privilege of spending time at my alma mater addressing issues on behalf of students and mental health

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 10, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: What is MRSA? Causes, Prevention & Treatments

One of the things that’s changed a lot from when I first started practicing medicine is people show up every day to the emergency room for mosquito and spider bites. The lo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 9, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Questions About Abscesses (Boils)

Whether you call them boils, pus pockets or abscesses, they hurt. Abscesses are infections that localize and collect pus beneath the skin. Although previous Straight, No Chaser pos

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 8, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Recommendations for Early Detection of Prostate Cancer

Every so often, controversies regarding medical treatment recommendations get in the news and seemingly only serve to confuse the public. Every blog, article or research paper is a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 7, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Facts About Prostate Cancer – 2018 Update

Men (and those who care for men – meaning everyone) should be knowledgeable about prostate cancer. I don’t mean physician-level knowledgeable, but there are just a few fac

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 6, 2018

Gastrointestinal, General Health and Wellness

Straight, No Chaser: Questions About the Prostate

This is Prostate Cancer Awareness month, and as such, this Straight, No Chaser explores the prostate (no pun intended). Prostate cancer and screening will be addressed in an addi

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 5, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Tips for Treating & Preventing Gas

So… you have problems with gas. What are you to do? Well, given that gas production is a natural occurrence, it’s not like you’re going to eliminate having gas (no pun intend

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 4, 2018

Medical Treatment, Respiratory/Lungs

Straight, No Chaser: The Gas You Pass-Eructation (Belching) and Flatus (The Other One)

It seems like Straight, No Chaser is unafraid to address any topic! Here’s one of those conversations that everyone wants to have but rarely does. Gas is a natural phenomenon. Th

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 3, 2018

Asthma Basics – Control and Treatment

Introduction This post discussions asthma basics – control and treatment. The previous post discussed asthma triggers and symptoms. As we move into discussing asthma treatmen

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 2, 2018

Respiratory/Lungs, Health Prevention

Asthma Basics – Triggers and Symptoms

Introduction This post is on asthma basics, including triggers and symptoms. Asthma concerns me. I’ve had many close friends and family suffer with the disease. In fact, a very

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 1, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, Endocrine/Metabolic, Genital/Urinary, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Respiratory/Lungs, Skin/Dermatology

From the SterlingMedicalAdvice.com Health Library: “My Doctor Said I Was a High-Risk Asthmatic. What Does That Mean?”

If you have an asthmatic in your life, it’s important to know that asthmatics die. The risk of death is higher in certain asthmatics. If you or your loved one is in this su

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 31, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Five Frequently Asked Questions on Lupus

What is lupus? What causes it? In general terms, lupus is a disease in which your immune system malfunctions and attacks your healthy tissue. This is known as an autoimmune dis

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 30, 2018

Medical Treatment, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: The Health Risks of Urban vs. Rural Living

What’s your flavor, city vs country living? Regardless as to wear you live your life, each decision comes with defined risks to your health, and yes, these effects go beyond

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 29, 2018

Treatment of Fire Related Injuries

Introduction This post addresses your questions on fire related injuries. Questions, you’ve got questions (Why are you so shy about posting them?). Here we go. Today, you

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 28, 2018

Trauma, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: The Roof Is On Fire – The Trauma of Residential Fires

As Trauma Week winds down on Straight, No Chaser, we work our way back home, which sadly is the site of most traumatic injuries. In fact, about 85% of all U.S. fire deaths occur

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 27, 2018

Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: National Minority Organ Donor Awareness Month

August is National Minority Donor Awareness Month, which brings attention to the more than 118,000 people nationwide waiting for lifesaving organ transplants. Of the these men, wom

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 26, 2018

Understanding and Avoiding Golf Injuries

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post is about golf injuries. As we watch Tiger Woods’ body continuing to crumble before our eyes, it’s a good time to review golf

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 25, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Your Teens Are Healthier Than You!

Your teens are healthier than you. From the department of good health news – on some very important measures, somehow it seems as if our youth have actually received and read

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 24, 2018

Aspirin – It’s Not Just for Heart Attacks Anymore

Introduction Should you take an aspirin a day? If so, why? Aspirin isn’t just for heart attacks anymore… not that it ever was! Aspirin has been known to be a pain relie

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 23, 2018

Geriatrics/Elderly Care, Mental Health, Neurology

Straight, No Chaser: The Tortured Mind of a Genius

Thinking back to the suicide of Robin Williams brings to mind a saying I’ve heard for years: “Genius lives on the other side of the fence from insanity.” This has been demon

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 22, 2018

Self Assessment for Signs of Early Dementia or Alzheimer’s

Introduction This post offers tools for self assessment for signs of early dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Each of us has elderly family members for whom we may be concerne

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 21, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Neurology

Dementia – When Brain Health Goes Bad

Introduction This post discusses dementia. In case you didn’t pick up on it, the posts regarding brain health served two purposes. First of all, we want you to give yourself the

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 20, 2018

Medical Treatment, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Toxin and Detoxification Series Summary

I want to thank you for all the positive responses to the series of posts on toxins and detoxification. You have shared many personal stories and asked many great questions. I gues

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 19, 2018

Detoxification, General Health and Wellness, Medical Treatment, Toxicology/Drugs

Straight, No Chaser: Natural Colon Cleansing (Colonics) as a Means of Detox

C’mon. Be honest. You knew we’d end up here (no pun intended). Isn’t colonic cleansing one of those things that makes you wonder who the Greek guy was who first thought of

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 18, 2018

Detoxification, Medical Treatment, Toxicology/Drugs, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: A Look at Detox Diets

Introduction In this post we take a look at detox diets. Everyone who talks to me about detox is motivated and sincere about making an improvement in his or her health. Therefore

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 17, 2018

Detoxification, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Quick Tips to Detoxify Yourself Naturally

Here are 3-4 Quick Tips for each of the organs involved in naturally detoxifying you; I’ve limited what I’m giving you to do in the effort to make this manageable for y

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 16, 2018

Toxicology/Drugs, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Our World is Filled with Toxins

You can’t escape all toxins, but you can certainly minimize your exposure to them. A handy way to classify them involves reminding you of the organ systems that help us detoxif

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 15, 2018

Detoxification, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Natural Methods of Detoxification

It seems that at least once a week I get asked to comment on colonics, detox diets, juice fasts, etc. It seems to me that these are all rather extreme places to start. How abou

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 14, 2018

Respiratory/Lungs, Toxicology/Drugs

Introduction to Club Drugs and Date Rape

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post is about Club Drugs and Date Rape. A little knowledge goes a long way, particularly when it comes to the habits of teens and young adults

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 13, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Hookahs and Health

I love the responses I get from you. Even the spam is entertaining. Most recently, when I posted this, the most common response was some variation of this theme: “What’s a hook

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 12, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Bath Salts – Seen Any Zombies Lately?

You can have an idea how bad a drug is when it has more street names than is remotely necessary. Today’s Straight, No Chaser is about bath salts, which are another group of tho

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 11, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Steroid Abuse

In the conversation about drugs of abuse, anabolic steroids hold a unique position. They work very differently from other drugs of abuse, and they do not have the same acute effect

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 10, 2018

Sedative Abuse – Sleeping and Anxiety Pills

Introduction This post discusses sedative abuse. Recent Straight, No Chaser posts have focused on the scope of the danger of medicines and other drugs/chemicals you keep around y

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 9, 2018

Prescription Drug Abuse

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post discusses prescription drug abuse. I often have to explain to patients such as chronic sufferers from migraines, low back pain and other

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 8, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Inhalants – Effects and Actions to Take

Straight, No Chaser previously reviewed various forms of inhalants used to get intoxicated. Many kids think inhalants are a harmless, cheap, and quick way to “get high.” Becau

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 7, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: When Your Kids Huff and Puff – Learn about Inhalants

Over the course of several posts, we’ve described how difficult it is for you to keep abreast of the activities of teens. In this and a subsequent Straight, No Chaser post, we

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 6, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Keloids

Have you ever seen a keloid? Do you suffer from keloids? Do you know someone with them and wonder what’s occurring? Here are some answers. Some people, more commonly African-Amer

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 5, 2018

Pediatrics/Kids Health, Skin/Dermatology

Straight, No Chaser: Contact Dermatitis, Diaper Rash, Poison Ivy and the Like

Let’s pick up where we left off. In our discussion of eczema and psoriasis, we described the common theme of underlying inflammation manifesting in rashes of different appea

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 4, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Rashes on Your Palms and Soles; It's Not Always Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

In the world of rashes, there aren’t an abundance of rashes that appear on the palms and soles. However, there are a few of note, so here’s some Quick Tips to point y

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 3, 2018

Head/Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat, Ophthalmology/Eyes, Health Prevention

Itchy Rashes: Eczema and Psoriasis

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser looks at eczema and psoriasis. Rashes are very frustrating for patients. They itch, burn, get infected, aren’t pleasant to look at and

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 2, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: When that Eye Problem Could Be an Eye Emergency

Now you may look at the topic and think, “Well, isn’t that obvious?” I’m here to tell you that as many people who come to the emergency room for seemingly minor things, the

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 1, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Endocrine/Metabolic, General Health and Wellness, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser: The Gallstones of Some People

Pain is no fun. It’s always a good time to discuss topics related to your goals of eating less, eating healthier and exercising more. Let’s start with a condition especially as

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 31, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Early and Delayed Puberty

The onset of puberty is an anxious enough time without it being complicated by being early or late. You may be familiar with the changes related to puberty, but you also should kno

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 30, 2018

Environmental, Respiratory/Lungs

Quick Tips to Save a Drowning Victim

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post offers you quick tips to save a drowning victim. Hopefully you’ll never have to use these tips, but knowledge is life! Can you swim

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 29, 2018

Environmental, General Health and Wellness

Swimmer’s Ear (Acute Otitis Externa)

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post is about swimmer’s ear, formally known as Acute Otitis Externa. It’s that time of year. Whether you’re getting purified in Lake

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 28, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions About Dehydration

Introduction Dehydration is one of those topics that illustrates the adage “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing”— except I would adjust that to suggest a little of the wr

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 27, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, Neurology

Straight, No Chaser: When Fainting is Deadly

1. So can faints be deadly? Potentially. There are three separate sets of considerations. The brain can’t survive very long without adequate oxygen. Whatever caused that fai

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 26, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: You’re Way Too Comfortable With Fainting

Don’t faints seem mysterious? It’s as if your computer crashed and had to reboot. Although we never seemingly figure out why computers are so crazy, fainting (syncope) is r

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 25, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Geriatrics/Elderly Care, Mental Health, Neurology

Straight, No Chaser: Amnesia and Severe Memory Loss

In a previous post, we discussed forgetfulness and mild memory loss. We’ve also discussed Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. If you noticed and remember (no pun intended), we

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 24, 2018

Geriatrics/Elderly Care, Mental Health, Neurology

Straight, No Chaser: Self-Assessment for Signs of Early Dementia or Alzheimer’s

Each of us has elderly family members for whom we may be concerned about their memory or other possible signs of dementia. You don’t have to stand by powerless and let them dwin

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 23, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Geriatrics/Elderly Care, Mental Health, Neurology

Straight, No Chaser: Questions About Memory Loss and Forgetfulness

Are you the type that has a bad memory? Is your memory good when you “want it to be?” Do you just have problems paying attention? Are you concerned about elderly family

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 22, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Sealed with a (Wrong Type of) Kiss – Zoonotic Diseases

It’s interesting how we take animals for granted. Many of us touch and handle them, play with them. Some people keep their pets in their faces, allowing them to kiss and lick the

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 21, 2018

Extracting Ticks and Preventing Tick Bites

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser will discuss prevention and removal of ticks. An additional post will discuss tick-borne diseases. Springtime is the beginning of the outdoor

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 20, 2018

Infectious Disease, Neurology, Public Health

Avoiding Mosquito-Bourne Diseases

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post is about avoiding mosquito-bourne diseases. Sometimes things occur so frequently that you become sensitized to the real danger they prese

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 19, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Emergency Room Adventures – The Risk of Rabies

Depending on the circumstances of your life, sometimes risks are theoretical, and other times risks become occurrences… You can’t make this stuff up. It’s another bu

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 18, 2018

Environmental, Infectious Disease, Toxicology/Drugs

Do’s and Don’t of Snake Bites

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post is about snake bites! So you’ve been snake bitten. What will you do next? First things first. Stay calm. Call 911. Realize that

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 17, 2018

Infectious Disease, Medical Treatment, Skin/Dermatology

Managing Animal Bites

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser discusses managing animal bites. We love our pets, and animals in general. Is there one about which a movie hasn’t been made? In most ca

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 16, 2018

Your Questions about Human Bites

Introduction The votes are in, and it appears that Jaws (from James Bond fame) found the previous post, well… biting. Here’s your questions and answers about human bi

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 15, 2018

Types and Treatment of Human Bites

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post is about different types and treatment of human bites. I have had weird experiences with humans biting humans, as have most physicians. T

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 14, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite!

There’s nothing pleasant in talking about bedbugs, but’s it is even worse to have to deal with them, so let’s get you some information to help you prevent and address these b

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 13, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Lou Gehrig’s Disease (aka Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

There’s no longer an ice bucket challenge, but the disease known as Lou Gehrig’s disease still is around. However, I have to ask… Do you have any idea what the d

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 12, 2018

Skin/Dermatology, Trauma

Straight, No Chaser: Questions You Should Ask When You Have a Laceration

I wonder if any of us avoid lacerations over the course of our lives. It seems that everyone I know or every patient I have cared for has a scar and a story to accompany it. Fortun

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 11, 2018

Tips for Surviving Motor Vehicle Collisions

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post discusses surviving motor vehicle collisions. As you drive the expressways of some cities, you can now see signs displaying how many tra

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 10, 2018

Orthopedics/Bones, Sports Medicine

Motor Vehicle Crashes – Risky Behaviors, Injuries and Prevention

Introduction This post discusses the risky behaviors related to motor vehicle crashes. Also, it discusses associated injuries and prevention. ‘Tis not our task to preach but to

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 9, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Total Knee Replacement Surgery

When you’re at the big game, whether it’s football, basketball, soccer or otherwise, it’s likely you’re watching a group that includes someone who may requi

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 8, 2018

Orthopedics/Bones, Sports Medicine

Straight, No Chaser: The Role of Gunshot Wounds in a Nation at War with Itself

Apparently there is going to be an ongoing need to address this… Somewhere in the midst of reconciling the parts of me that are physician, public health professional and Afr

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 7, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: The Curse of the Weekend Warrior – Achilles Tendon Rupture

In high school I led the league in stolen bases, and in college my cohorts and I loved inventing ever more creative ways to dunk a basketball. Apparently, my calf muscles worked we

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 6, 2018

Sports Medicine, Trauma, Musculoskeletal System

Avoiding Summertime Sports Injuries

Introduction This post discusses summertime sports injuries. It’s not just kids that get injured in the summer having fun. Those of you weekend warriors, recreational and act

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 5, 2018

Environmental, Trauma

Straight, No Chaser: Fireworks Safety

For many, the Fourth of July is a time of celebration, happiness and creation of good family memories. In the emergency room it’s one of the two worst days to have to work (exclu

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 3, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Medical Treatment, Pediatrics/Kids Health, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Your Guide to Fighting Childhood Obesity (Works for Adults, Too!)

Would you start your child on a fad diet? Of course not. Combating obesity means consistently applying principles that bear fruit (and include fruits over time). So you have an ove

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 2, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness, Pediatrics/Kids Health

Straight, No Chaser: Childhood Obesity

Here’s the thing. Adults have control over and choices about how to live their lives. In the overwhelming majority of cases, children do not. Yet, in the overwhelming majorit

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 1, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Your Questions About Gunshots and Stab Wounds

There has been a lot going on in the news this entire year related to trauma, particularly gunshot wounds. This Straight, No Chaser answers your questions related to penetrating

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 30, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Neurology, Trauma, Musculoskeletal System

Straight, No Chaser: Penetrating Trauma (Gunshot and Stab Wounds)

Penetrating trauma (PT) is of such magnitude in this country that it is nearly impossible to do it justice in short form. This is primarily a medical blog, and as such I’ll defer

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 29, 2018

Do’s and Don’ts of Treating Electrical Injuries

Introduction This post is about treating electrical injuries. In a previous Straight, No Chaser, we discussed the “what” of electrical injuries and lightning. In this post, we

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 28, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Electrical Injuries and Lightning Strikes

As I watch lightning lighting up the sky, it makes me wonder if anyone out there is unlucky enough to be getting struck. The annual probability of being struck by lightning is app

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 27, 2018

The Straight, No Chaser Guide to Health Screenings for Men

At some particular point you will start to inventory all the things for which you’re thankful. In the event health or your family comes to mind, you might be interested in pres

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 26, 2018

Genital/Urinary, Medical Treatment

Straight, No Chaser: Sickle Cell Disease/Anemia

I don’t type this post with any amount of joy. Can you imagine an existence in which your blood cells are deformed to the extent to which they resemble pointy knives poking at

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 25, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: The Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Well, here’s what many of you’ve been awaiting. Assuming the preventative efforts I mentioned didn’t work for you, there are several different treatment approac

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 24, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Erectile Dysfunction, Part Two – Causes

In my last post on erectile dysfunction (ED), I gave a simplistic way to understand and address it. However, the truth of the matter is the overwhelming majority of cases of ED a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 23, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Erectile Dysfunction, Part One

It seems appropriate to follow-up a post on age-related changes in your genitourinary system with a discussion on erectile dysfunction (ED). The nature of the topic is such that

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 22, 2018

Endocrine/Metabolic, Genital/Urinary

Straight, No Chaser: Straight Talk About Vasectomies

A couple’s conversation about having a vasectomy can either be a tense one or it can be a display of trust and cohesion. The decision by a man to have a vasectomy can be a so

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 21, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Maintain Healthy Testosterone Levels Without Replacement Therapy

Male virility is a fascinating topic medically. It is truly an example of how confidence and mental fortitude (or the absence thereof) can directly translate into physical performa

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 20, 2018

Endocrine/Metabolic, General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary

Straight, No Chaser: Male Menopause (aka Andropause)

Manopause? Male Menopause? Yes, andropause is a thing (at least according to many medical authorities). Most of us are roughly familiar with menopause. You may or may not be su

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 19, 2018

Endocrine/Metabolic, General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary

Straight, No Chaser: Low Testosterone

Are you someone who had never heard of Low-T until recent commercials starting telling you that you weren’t normal? Let’s review what all the fuss is about. As most people know

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 18, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary, Geriatrics/Elderly Care

Straight, No Chaser: Men’s Health Week, Fathers Day and Health

Fathers’ Day falls right at the tail end of Men’s Health Week, but we don’t like that – and we’ll begin our own Men’s Health Week by starting with Fathe

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 17, 2018

Detoxification, General Health and Wellness, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: The Cancer Prevention Workbook

We continue with simple principles to avoid various forms of cancer, but in today’s Straight, No Chaser, we add some detail about the what’s and whys of the conversation. T

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 16, 2018

Detoxification, General Health and Wellness, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Quick Tips for the Diabetic in Your Life

Per your requests, we occasionally feature quick tips for healthy living. Here’s an important example. If you have diabetics in your life, here are three things they should d

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 8, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: The Cancer Prevention Checklist

I’m going to present this information two separate ways: today a checklist, as simple as possible; and tomorrow with the same information explained briefly but with detail. You l

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 15, 2018

Gastrointestinal, General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Syndrome

TMJ. Those of you who have TMJ syndrome are likely already shaking your head in understanding. Those of you who don’t, be thankful. Take the advice of those who do and read this

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 14, 2018

Traveler’s Diarrhea

Introduction This Straight No Chaser discusses traveler’s diarrhea. This is the time of year in the U.S. when you wished you were somewhere else. (Hawaii, Africa, Australia o

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 13, 2018

Endocrine/Metabolic, Head/Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat, Skin/Dermatology

Straight, No Chaser: Spotlight on Health Concerns When Traveling – Vaccines and Illnesses

Traveling is exciting, but it presents multiple challenges to your health. To best meet these challenges, preparation is everything. Before you travel and every time you travel, yo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 12, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: What Would You Do If Your Tongue Suddenly Swelled? Learn About Angioedema

Here at Straight, No Chaser, we want you to know how to prevent disease and injury because that’s a lot easier than the alternative. However, if and when the time comes, you

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 11, 2018

Orthopedics/Bones, Trauma

Straight, No Chaser: Open Fractures

I don’t think you need especially gory illustrations for this. I think you get the picture. In a previous Straight, No Chaser, we discussed broken fingers. If you get a “f

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 10, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Broken Fingers

Don’t the tips of your fingers drive you nuts? Our leading edges cause so much drama for us. We’ve previously discussed injuries to nails and nail beds, but many of you who wor

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 9, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Broken Noses (Nasal Fractures)

It’s curious how many patients with broken noses come into the emergency room smiling. Usually they’re kids whose parents “just want to be sure.” In these cases not mu

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 8, 2018

When Your Jaw Pain Could Be a Heart Attack

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser looks at when your jaw pain could represent a heart attack. Several Straight, No Chaser posts have addressed jaw pain. We’ve separately di

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 7, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Reacting to Broken or Dislocated Jaws

Should you ever suffer the misfortune of getting hit or falling onto your jaw, would you know what to do? Trauma to the jaw is more dangerous than you might imagine. The risk for b

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 6, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Orthopedics/Bones

Straight, No Chaser: Hangnails and Paronychia

Aren’t hangnails annoying? Well, it gets worse. The things we do in an effort to get rid of them cause even bigger problems, and that’s the focus of this Straight, No Chaser. �

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 5, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Step on a Nail? What Happens Next?

What would you do if you stepped on a nail? What if the nail was rusty? Does it make a difference if you were wearing shoes? Is stepping on a nail dangerous? Why does everyone pron

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 4, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: When Your Headache is Life-Threatening

All headaches are not created equal. Earlier we discussed migraines, but there’s a lot more to headaches than those. In fact, when you come to an emergency room with a history o

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 3, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Migraine Headaches Questions and Answers

There are 30 million migraine sufferers in the U.S. alone. Women are three times as likely to have them, but both sexes have to address the issues raised by them. Here are som

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 2, 2018

Trampoline and Hoverboard Trauma

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post discusses trampoline and hoverboard trauma. People love trampolines and more recently, hoverboards. Yet, the only time I hear the word tr

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 1, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Do You Have Moles?

Odds are you do, but we’re not talking about the animal variety. It’s Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, and so if you do have moles, you should

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 31, 2018

The Effects of PTSD on Children

Introduction This post discusses the effects of PTSD on children. This is part of a series on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For a review of PTSD signs, symptoms and those

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 30, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment

Review this previous Straight, No Chaser post for a review of PTSD signs, symptoms and those at risk. Fortunately, not every traumatized person develops post-traumatic stress di

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 29, 2018

Pediatrics/Kids Health, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – Signs, Symptoms and Those at Risk

Memorial Day serves to honor our fallen heroes. Part of that involves caring for our soldiers still with us. Understanding and acknowledging the mental components of their sufferin

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 28, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Healthy and Safe Swimming

Did you know this is National Healthy Safe and Swimming Week? Whether you’re an avid swimmer or only deal with it on a vacation, it’s important to be reminded how to be safe wh

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 27, 2018

Endocrine/Metabolic, Neurology, Health Prevention

Heat Illnesses Awareness (Heat Exhaustion, Heat Cramps, Heat Stroke)

Introduction Heat Awareness Day occurs the last Friday in May instead of the first weekend in July because prevention is better than cure. Once the rains calm down across America,

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 26, 2018

Genital/Urinary, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser: Living With An Incurable Sexually Transmitted Infection

You’ve requested it, and it’s only fair. We’ve spent a lot of time discussing sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDs, STIs). It’s reasonable to discuss living w

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 25, 2018

Genital/Urinary, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser: STDs – Treatment of Pubic Lice (Crabs)

There’s no dishonor in needing help. A pubic lice infestation is one of many types of conditions that can lead to a complete disruption of your life. These are full-time parasite

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 24, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: STDs – Pubic Lice (Crabs)

Unfortunately, there’s no pleasant way around this topic. I hope the topic doesn’t make you crabby. There is a story of legend in the medical community regarding the trends

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 23, 2018

Geriatrics/Elderly Care, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: What To Do If You Suspect a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

It’s been a long and productive sex week here at Straight, No Chaser. We’ve run the gamut of common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other genital conditions, and li

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 22, 2018

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Prevention

Cervical Cancer – The Sexually Transmitted Cancer

Introduction This post is about cervical cancer, its causes and a great opportunity for prevention. Let’s put this take home message up front: here’s a pretty good demo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 21, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Endocrine/Metabolic, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer

Straight, No Chaser: Prevention and Treatment of Food Allergies

Whether or not you personally have a food allergy, it is likely you will find yourself in a situation with someone who does. Food allergies affect approximately 15 million American

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 20, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Endocrine/Metabolic, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer

Straight, No Chaser: Food Allergies

I often say whatever you put in your mouth either helps or harms you. Today, we discuss food allergies, which sounds like a cruel trick or something out of a horror movie, but unfo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 19, 2018

Genital/Urinary, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser: Endometriosis

Guys, it’s not condescending to note that it’s really tough to be a woman. There are so many different medical conditions women have to deal with that men don’t. Many

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 18, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Bacterial Vaginosis – No, That’s Not a STD

I try to give you straight talk but never crudely. As I’ve discussed conditions involving the genitalia, I’ve been mindful of the reality that large numbers of you have

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 17, 2018

Endocrine/Metabolic, Medical Treatment, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser: So… You Skipped Your Period? Let’s Discuss Secondary Amenorrhea

It happens all the time, but one thing that makes both men and women anxious is a missed menstrual period. Everyone’s always worried about being pregnant (and you should be). Wh

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 16, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Twenty Questions on Menopause (Plus One)

Menopause (aka “the change of life”) seems to be one of those things that everyone knows about but many don’t understand well. Let’s approach the topic by r

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 15, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser: Advanced Maternal Age

Times have changed. Marriages are increasingly career-focused, and couples more and more choose to have babies later in life. It is helpful that these decisions can now be aided by

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 14, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: In Honor of Mothers and All Women

At Straight, No Chaser, our posts aim to inform and encourage you to manage your health. In doing so, we would do well to learn about early recognition, diagnosis and management o

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 13, 2018

Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser: When Sex Hurts Her – Vaginismus

The human body is fascinating and mysterious in so many different ways. Unfortunately, that’s not always a good thing. Not every medical condition has to be life threatening

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 12, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Toxic Shock Syndrome

Straight, No Chaser has addressed Staphylococcus (aka Staph) infections on several occasions; in fact, Staph is the microorganism that is responsible for all those MRSA (methicilli

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 11, 2018

Genital/Urinary, Head/Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser: About Cold Sores and Herpes

Some of you are consumed with fear. Maybe for some it’s stricken with guilt. In any event this topic is simply another example of not being adequately armed with the knowledge yo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 10, 2018

Genital/Urinary, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser: STDs – Questions About Herpes

If you’re in a room, look around. Look to your left, then to your right. Look behind and in front of you. Then look deep inside yourself. Statistically, one of the people you

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 9, 2018

Head/Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat, Neurology

The Straight, No Chaser Guide to Health Screenings for Women

This Straight, No Chaser looks at current health screening recommendations. Whether it’s an ounce of prevention or early detection, you’re much better off knowing what your hea

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 8, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Bell’s Palsy

We’ve spent some time focusing on stroke recognition, but today we focus on a condition that often gets confused with a stroke. Bell’s palsy is a paralysis of the facial ne

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 7, 2018

Neurology, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser Vlog: Stroke – How to Save a Life

The Straight, No Chaser vlog (video blog) series presents “health care basics” to keep you safe, healthy and out of the emergency room. Today’s topic is stroke (cerebr

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 6, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness

Straight, No Chaser: Stroke Awareness Month

This content of this post is so simple yet important that it really warrants taking up space in a few of your brain’s cells. Most of us know someone who has suffered from a strok

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 5, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: About Stuttering

How do you respond when you hear someone stutter? Are you a stutterer, and if so, how do you handle it? Let’s answer 7 frequency asked questions to facilitate some understand

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 4, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Ruptured Eardrums

The manufacturers of Q-Tips used to run a commercial in which they said “Never place anything in your ear smaller than your elbow.” I wonder why they stopped the comm

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 3, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Head/Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat

Straight, No Chaser: Addressing Hearing Loss and the Use of Hearing Aids

Prevention and protecting your hearing is easy; the decision to do so seems not to be so easy. Remembering this hearing thermometer is a good way to know what activities hurt your

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 2, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Can You Hear Me Now? Let's Discuss Hearing Loss

If you think about it, it shouldn’t surprise you to hear that hearing loss is the third most common ailment. Pump up the volume could be the motto for a period of our lives lasti

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 1, 2018

Genital/Urinary, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toxicology/Drugs

Straight, No Chaser: Female Reproductive Health and Workplace Hazards

Considerations of female reproductive health are important in the work environment. Many different work settings pose risks to women’s reproductive systems. Generally effects can

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 30, 2018

Genital/Urinary, Occupational Health

Straight, No Chaser: Male Reproductive Health and Workplace Hazards

Yes, you read that correctly. We’re discussing men’s reproductive health. Of course there is a preoccupation with women’s reproductive health (and we addressed that in anothe

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 29, 2018

Occupational Health

An Overview of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses

Introduction This post discusses workplace injuries. Many of us work in fields in which it is accurate to state “My job makes me sick!” Accordingly, occupational illnesses and

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 28, 2018

Neurology, Occupational Health, Orthopedics/Bones

Straight, No Chaser: Prevention and Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If you have carpel tunnel syndrome (CTS) or are at significant risk for developing it, you really should learn strategies to either prevent, limit progression or treat the conditio

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 27, 2018

Neurology, Occupational Health, Orthopedics/Bones

Straight, No Chaser: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Do you spend much time typing at work? Are you a construction worker who operates a jack hammer? Do you have arthritis that affects your wrist? Do you have occasional or constant n

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 26, 2018

Mental Health, Pediatrics/Kids Health, Public Health, Trauma

Straight, No Chaser: Learning the Risks and Signs of Abusive Head Trauma

This part of the conversation is not about spanking. It’s not even about abuse. It’s about learning who is most likely to cause harm to your child, intended or not, and what pl

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 25, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Pediatrics/Kids Health, Public Health, Trauma

Straight, No Chaser: Abusive Head Trauma aka Shaken Baby Syndrome

The discussion regarding the line between parental discipline and child abuse has proven to be a passionate one. Without wading into opinions, let me elaborate and give a concrete

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 24, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Pediatrics/Kids Health, Trauma

The Emotional Signs of Child Abuse

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post addresses the emotional signs of child abuse. In a previous Straight, No Chaser, we provided a pictorial demonstration of the physical

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 23, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Pediatrics/Kids Health, Trauma

The Physical Signs of Child Abuse

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post addresses the physical signs of child abuse. Given how often this topic is in the news, we must continue to drill certain points home. Th

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 22, 2018

Genital/Urinary, Pediatrics/Kids Health, Public Health, Trauma

Recognizing Sexual Abuse in Children

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post is about recognizing sexual abuse in children. The Scope of Sexual Abuse in Children Child. Sexual. Abuse. Those words shouldn’t go

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 21, 2018

Genital/Urinary, Medical Treatment, Mental Health, Trauma

Lowering Your Sexual Assault Risk

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post is all about lowering your sexual assault risk. Rape occurs in many different situations. Although the stereotype involves a stranger p

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 20, 2018

Genital/Urinary, Infectious Disease, Public Health, Trauma

Sexual Assault (Rape): What To Do If You’re a Victim

Introduction In this series on sexual assault (aka sexual violence, rape), I’m going to lean on best practices largely provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 19, 2018

Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser: Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The irony of the name “irritable bowel syndrome” (IBS) is found in the connection between stress (in some cases, irritability) and symptoms. This can become a vicious cycle. Yo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 18, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Straight, No Chaser has discussed several sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at length, including gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes. One thing that often gets overlooked

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 17, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser: STDs – Syphilis, The Great Mimicker

Today, Straight, No Chaser will present two phrases that you may not have previously heard: The Great Mimicker and MSM, and that means we’re discussing what has historicall

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 16, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: STDs – Chlamydia Infections

For most people, NGU isn’t a college in South Carolina. In fact, non-gonococcal urethritis isn’t really even that anymore, meaning it doesn’t need to be defined b

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 15, 2018

Genital/Urinary, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser: STDs – Multidrug Resistant Gonorrhea

This post is the second of two discussing gonorrhea. Today we discuss multidrug resistant gonorrhea. That’s right. There are new strains of gonorrhea emerging and spreading

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 14, 2018

Genital/Urinary, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser: STDs – Gonorrhea

Some of you are old enough to remember when Gonorrhea was called ‘The Clap’, but do any of you know why it was called that? Read on for the answer. In the meantime, rea

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 13, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: The Doctor/Patient Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Talk

As an emergency physician, my first consideration is to eliminate life threats. Along the way, I cure disease and provide a ton of information. With all of these efforts, I pro

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 12, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Uterine Fibroids

Straight, No Chaser has spent quite a bit of time on conditions involving abnormalities of male and female sex hormones. We do so again today in discussing fibroids (aka fibroid tu

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 11, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Kidney (Renal) Failure

We take our kidneys for granted. They are truly remarkable organs. In this Straight, No Chaser, we will review kidney function and explain kidney failure. Additional posts will ad

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 10, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, Toxicology/Drugs, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Public Health Has Saved More Lives Than Medical Care

When I tell most people I have a degree in public health, the typical response involves an assumption that public health involves caring exclusively for the indigent. I guess if yo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 9, 2018

Your Questions on The Health Benefits of Red Wine

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post answers your questions about the health benefits of red wine. So alcohol is good for me now (especially after all those other blog posts

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 8, 2018

Alcoholism and Alcohol-Related Deaths Are on the Rise

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post reviews the rate of rise of alcohol-related deaths. Does it seem that alcoholism isn’t discussed much anymore, or is it that the public

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 7, 2018

Gastrointestinal, Toxicology/Drugs

Self-Assessment of Alcohol Dependency

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post focuses on your self-assessment of alcohol dependency. The number one response to the post on acute alcohol poisoning was pretty simple

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 6, 2018

Alcoholism Treatment and Complications

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post addresses alcoholism treatment and complications. There are interesting commonalities of certain drugs like alcohol and cigarettes. On

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 5, 2018

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post discusses problem drinking, alcohol abuse and alcoholism. With all the focus of late on other forms of drug use and abuse (e.g., methamph

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 4, 2018

How Alcohol Toxicity and Poisoning Becomes Deadly

Introduction Does the thought of alcohol toxicity creep into your mind during a massive party or celebration? Well, forewarned is forearmed. It’s not my intention to spoil the �

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 3, 2018

The Spectrum and Specter of Autism

Introduction It’s National Autism Awareness Month. Let’s get informed. Autism. It’s a small word. However, it has big effects on families. Previously, we discusse

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 2, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Health Disparities

In large part, this blog exists to inform individuals of all backgrounds about the risks that lead to abnormal health outcomes. Our hope is that once you discover the risks, you’

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD April 1, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Questions and Answers About Problem Gambling

Whether or not you’re willing to admit to a gambling addiction, the presence of a gambling problem should concern you. This Straight, No Chaser takes information adapted from t

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 31, 2018

Environmental, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention

National Doctors’ Day!

National Doctors’ Day is held every March 30th in the U.S. It celebrates the contribution of physicians who serve our country by caring for citizens. The first Doctor’

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 30, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Treating Your Seasonal Allergies / Hay Fever

You’re miserable from seasonal allergies (aka hay fever, allergic rhinitis)? You’ve seemingly tried everything, and nothing seems to help? Did you read the introductory post on

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 29, 2018

Environmental, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Do You Suffer from Hay Fever?

Hay (fever) there! If any of you don’t suffer from seasonal allergies (aka hay fever, allergic rhinitis), consider yourself lucky. As nuisances go, this has to rank high on the l

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 28, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: A Foot Glossary and Introduction to Conditions Affecting Your Feet

We talk a lot about health in Straight, No Chaser. We also try to help you recognize potentially troubling signs and symptoms. It’s appropriate to do so from the bottom u

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 26, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Skin/Dermatology

Straight, No Chaser: Ingrown Toenails

The overwhelming majority of cases of ingrown toenails I see come from people chewing on their toenails. So the really, really Quick Tip is keep your feet out of your mouth. If onl

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 26, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Foot Corns and Calluses

It’s really not my intention to be corny or callous here, but it’s almost in the name. This Straight, No Chaser looks at two very common problems of the feet. First things fi

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 25, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Skin/Dermatology

Straight, No Chaser: Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)

Athlete’s foot is one of those topics that everyone seems to know a little about but not enough to really understand. If your level of knowledge is “scaly, itchy rash on

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 24, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Expiration Dates on Food, Medicines and Cosmetics

We’re all faced with the decision. When you’re sick, have you ever rummaged through the medicine cabinet and discovered an old prescription? Perhaps you wanted to wear your ext

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 23, 2018

Skin/Dermatology, Toxicology/Drugs, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: First Steps to Take If Someone Gets Poisoned

How would you respond if you or someone in your home became a victim of an accidental poisoning? What if you stumbled across a family member who intentionally swallowed a bunch of

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 22, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, Detoxification, General Health and Wellness

Straight, No Chaser: What Should NOT Be in Your Medicine Cabinet

In the previous Straight, No Chaser, we discussed the ideal use of your medicine cabinets to prepare for life’s nagging aches and pain. However, has it ever occurred to you

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 21, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: What Should Be in Your Medicine Cabinet

You’ve all done it. I’ve caught a few of you doing it. Why do you rummage through someone else’s medicine cabinet? Are newer homes even built with medicine cabine

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 20, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Why Are Athletes At Such Risk For Pulmonary Embolus?

Let’s begin today’s Straight, No Chaser by being sure not to overstate the case. All things being equal, young healthy individuals and superbly conditioned athletes have di

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 19, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Respiratory/Lungs

Straight, No Chaser: Pulmonary Embolus (A Blood Clot in the Lungs)

When I was a young, wide-eyed medical student, I learned that in a large number of cases, when people died from unexplained cases, the autopsies would often show the patient died f

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 18, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Blood Clots in Your Legs – Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)

If you’re a sports fan, you’re likely aware of the death of a 52-year-old former star of the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers, Jerome Kersey, followed two days after

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 17, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, Detoxification, Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness

Straight, No Chaser: Beeting Back High Blood Pressure and Poor Blood Flow to the Brain

Writing this makes me feel like your mother telling you to eat your spinach, but that’s another conversation. We’ve been talking a lot lately about brain health, and we’re al

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 16, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Neurology

Straight, No Chaser: Dementia – When Brain Health Goes Bad

In case you didn’t pick up on it, the posts regarding brain health served two purposes. The first is to ensure you give yourself the best opportunity to live a healthy, happy men

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 15, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Neurology, Health Prevention

Brain Health – Brain Exercises to Keep You Vibrant

Introduction This post is part of a Straight, No Chaser series on brain health and discusses brain exercises that will keep it vibrant. I always found it odd that we assume our bra

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 14, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Neurology

Brain Health – Foods and Brain Healthy Habits

Introduction This post is part of a series on brain health and discusses foods and brain healthy habits. I only get asked about this everyday, so let’s review keeping your br

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 13, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Neurology

Brain Health – How Your Brain Works

Introduction This post is a part of a Straight, No Chaser series on brain health and discusses how your brain works. Everyone at Straight, No Chaser and www.sterlingmedic

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 12, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Way Too Simple Questions and Answers on Intermittent Fasting

What is it? It’s in the name: intermittent fasting represents scheduled eating efforts to diet/lose weight. Basically, you eat within specified timeframes, and you fast at all ot

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 11, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Understanding the Keto(genic) Diet

Certainly you’ve heard the saying “before you (perform a certain activity), consult with your physician.” That’s very applicable with many different types of diets.

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 10, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Sleep

Straight, No Chaser: Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis)

In the emergency room setting, women are vicious when it comes to how men handle pain. It’s really humorous to see the female nurses’ attitudes change when a large or otherwise

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 9, 2018

Sleep

Insomnia – You Are Not Getting Sleepy

Introduction This post on insomnia is part of a Straight, No Chaser series on sleep disorders. So the pendulum swings from hypersomnia to insomnia. Talking about insomnia makes

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 8, 2018

Sleep

Why Are You So Sleepy (Hypersomnia)?

Introduction This post on hypersomnia is part of a Straight, No Chaser series on sleep disorders. Are You Always Tired and Sleepy? Are you one of those individuals who is always ti

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 7, 2018

Sleep

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post on Sleep Apnea is part of a series on sleep and sleep disorders. What is Sleep Apnea? We’ve discussed many components of sleep and slee

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 6, 2018

Narcolepsy – The Sleep Attack

Introduction This post on narcolepsy is part of a Straight, No Chaser series on sleep disorders. When you hear about narcolepsy, it’s usually in the context of some joke, but i

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 5, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Sleep

Late Night Shift Work and Shift Work Sleep Disorder

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post on late night shift work and shift work sleep disorder is part of our sleep and sleep disorder series. I used to love to work third shift

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 4, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Sleep

National Sleep Awareness Week: What’s Normal Sleep?

Introduction It’s National Sleep Awareness Week, and Straight, No Chaser wants you to wake up, pay attention and learn why sleep is such an important part of your life! Why

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 3, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness, Public Health

Here are Your Healthy Eating Tips

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post is all about offering your healthy eating tips! If you want to eat healthy, you really must learn about and try to eat in accordance with

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 2, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Do You Believe? What You Eat Will Affect You!

We’re all convinced that drinking a gallon of booze will alter something or other in our bodies. We believe that doing daily deep breathing exercises in front of an old bus&

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 1, 2018

Neurology, Orthopedics/Bones

Heart Attacks in Women

Introduction Heart attacks in women may not be the same as in men. This Straight, No Chaser places a spotlight on the differences. Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attacks At the beginn

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD March 1, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: When Back Pain Could Be Life Threatening

Back pain hurts, but there are various causes of that pain that will kill or cripple you. Here’s some information on some diseases that present with back pain representing life

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 28, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Orthopedics/Bones

Straight, No Chaser: Management of Herniated Disks

Approximately 40 million Americans have low back pain. Odds are the presence of low back pain is not associated with a herniated disk. Truthfully, herniated disks are more commonly

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 27, 2018

Orthopedics/Bones, Musculoskeletal System

Straight, No Chaser: My Back and Neck Pain Has a Name – Herniated Disks

It’s quite common for someone to come to me and say, “I have a herniated disk.” I used to ask how they knew, but I came to realize the answer to be unimportant. The pain a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 26, 2018

Neurology, Musculoskeletal System

Straight, No Chaser: Sciatica

My pain has a name, and it’s sciatica. There’s always a sense of relief in patients when a name is given to a medical sign or symptom. This Straight, No Chaser places sciati

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 25, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: About Hair Loss and Male Pattern Baldness – Alopecia

I tell people all the time, “I’m shaved, not bald.” Whether or not that’s a distinction without a difference, alopecia (defined as partial or complete hair

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 24, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Skin/Dermatology

Straight, No Chaser: Hirsutism (Abnormal Female Hair Growth)

Have you ever wondered how and why some women develop more hair on their face and bodies than other women? That’s called hirsutism and is the topic of this Straight, No Chaser

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 23, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Why You Get Grey Hair

This is a lot simpler than people make it. Gray hair is a happenstance of life. At the end of the day, genetic, racial and chemical considerations determine when you go gray. �

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 22, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Gastrointestinal, General Health and Wellness

Straight No Chaser: Gluten, Wheat and Celiac Disease

One of the reasons I enjoy writing this blog is it brings me closer to understanding you. As you respond to posts or query me, I get to better appreciate the breadth of your conce

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 21, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Gastrointestinal, Mental Health

Straight, No Chaser: When Eating Goes Wrong, Part II – Bulimia

If you read Part I of this conversation on eating disorders (anorexia nervosa), you will recall that eating disorders are a mix of an abnormal body image combined with abnormal b

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 20, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Mental Health

Straight, No Chaser: When Eating Goes Wrong, Part I – Anorexia

Simply put, our society doesn’t do the job it should in promoting a normal image of health at either end of the body size spectrum. The typically promoted American ideal of b

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 19, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Blood Transfusions – Facts About Giving and Receiving

When was the last time you saved a life? I’m not talking about an Internet game. There are many ways in which your efforts can make a significant difference in the life of someon

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 18, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Tips to Limit Your Risk of Contracting The Most Deadly Diseases

It is interesting and, even more, curious to hear everyone obsess over how esoteric and rare conditions can potentially kill you. Word to the wise: Common things happen commonly.

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 17, 2018

Genital/Urinary, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Sexual Deviances and Perversions (Paraphilias)

This is a serious conversation that I won’t sensationalize or joke about. The mental health disorders known as paraphilias (commonly referred to as sexual deviancies or perversio

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 16, 2018

The Straight, No Chaser Comprehensive Safe Sex Guide

This edition of Straight, No Chaser is a keepsake, whether for your own reference or as a conversation piece/teaching guide for others. I suspect that due to the volume and wealt

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 15, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, Detoxification, Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate, aka Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day! Got Dark Chocolate? As you may know if you’re a regular reader, Straight, No Chaser is big on you enjoying life and making healthy choices while doing so

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 14, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: What Will You Do If Your Baby Starts Choking?

We’ve previously discussed how to address choking in adults. Today, we address the twin horrors of needing to save a baby’s life (those younger than 12 months old) from choking

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 13, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness, Respiratory/Lungs

Straight, No Chaser: How Can I Save Myself If I’m Choking?

If you’re the type that is cool under pressure, you’re well positioned to think your way out of many dangerous situations. If you’re the type that’s

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 12, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: What Will You Do If You See Someone Choking?

So … what would you do if someone around you starting choking. Or if they choked, then lost consciousness? What would you do if you choked and no one else was around? Don’t you

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 11, 2018

Medical Treatment, Neurology

Straight, No Chaser: Quick Tips – Learn the ABCDEs of Hiccups

Three question sets on hiccups of all things Why do I get hiccups? You get hiccups because everyone gets them. You get them because basically you’ve agitated your main breathin

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 10, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, Medical Treatment, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Should I Take a Daily Aspirin?

So… I’m stuck on a desert island, and I’m allowed to take two medications. I’m pretty sure aspirin is going to be one of them. This begs the question “Who should take a d

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 9, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention

The Straight, No Chaser Heart Disease Vlog

Introduction Enjoy this Heart Disease Vlog! This week, the Straight, No Chaser vlog (video blog) series presents “health care basics” to keep you safe, healthy and out of th

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 8, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention

Heart Attack Recognition – Time is Tissue

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser is about heart attack recognition. Heart Attacks. Myocardial Infarctions. Acute Coronary Syndromes. Coronary Artery Disease. Unstable Angin

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 7, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Malnutrition

Do you know someone so poor that eating is a constant concern? Do you have a child who is a finicky eater? Have you ever been concerned that your child might become malnourished? W

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 6, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Healthy, Sustainable Weight Loss – Let’s Get Started

How to Lose Weight, and What is Healthy Weight Loss (AKA, How Much, How Soon and How)? Let’s start with the How. Commercial voice: “You should contact your physician before st

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 5, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: The Adverse Health Effects of Obesity and Why You Gain Weight

Earlier, we identified the differences between a ‘normal’ weight and being overweight and/or obese. Today’s goal is to help you understand specific risks of carrying ext

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 4, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Let’s Boost Your Metabolism

It would be improper for me to have dragged you through the mud for three days and depressed you into thinking you can’t improve your situation. Hopefully, you’re not f

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 3, 2018

Straight No Chaser: From the Heart

Are you making ho-hum lifestyle decisions because your heart is slowing you down? Remember how much fun running used to be? What if you could still scale all four flights to visit

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 2, 2018

Head/Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat, Pediatrics/Kids Health, Skin/Dermatology

Winter Blues: Just Don't Feel Like It

DON’T SUCCUMB! GO, and work out. COOK, and don’t try to chase the blahs away with junk food. TURN UP THE MUSIC, and DANCE like spring is already here. Keep it moving! T

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD February 1, 2018

From the Health Library of SterlingMedicalAdvice.com: What steps should I take if there's an outbreak of head lice?

Check your child’s hair for lice and nits (lice eggs) every three to four days. Nits commonly look like dandruff, but they cannot be easily brushed off the hair. Also check b

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 31, 2018

Reviewing Alcohol Facts vs. Fiction

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser reviews common alcohol facts and fiction. Today’s Straight, No Chaser puts a personal spin on an old favorite because well, frankly som

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 30, 2018

Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Do You Drink Too Much?

It’s one of those Straight, No Chaser (literally) days. Lets address substance abuse. The problems with most intoxicating substances revolve around the same consideration. Yo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 29, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Spice Drugs aka Herbal High aka K2 aka Synthetic Marijuana

So have you ever wondered why incense seems to relax you so? In our ongoing effort to keep you up to date with the latest drug teens may be using, today’s topic introduces “Spi

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 28, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Marijuana Facts and Fiction, Part 2

The issues surrounding marijuana use are serious and need full examination, particularly with decriminalization legislature passing and being considered in various parts of the cou

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 27, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Marijuana Facts and Fiction, Part 1

The truth of it all is that politicians are generally a terrible source of scientific and medical information. There are actually legitimate concerns about the use and legalization

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 26, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Weeding Through the Basics of Marijuana Use and Intoxication

As we survey the landscape, marijuana use is become legal in more parts of the United States. In this series, we will review the facts (and only the facts) on its clinical effects

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 25, 2018

Cigar Smoking: Facts and Fiction

It’s the latest, greatest, coolest past-time. Endorsed and practiced by celebrities the world over, cigar smoking has clearly and successfully marketed itself as a convenie

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 24, 2018

Smoking Cessation RESOLVED

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post is about smoking cessation. Ok. On our New Year’s resolutions list, we’ve covered diet and exercise. Now what? Of course. Several of

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 23, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Smoking Cessation – Find Your #OneGoodReason

In a rather amazing decision by a multinational corporation, in September 2014 CVS Health became tobacco-free. It ended the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products at its

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 22, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Moving Toward a Vegetarian Diet

Ok… I’m glad to have finally come across a diet option that has struck a nerve. The post on principles of vegetarianism has raised a lot of questions, and I’ll take this spac

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 21, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Personal Training

Straight, No Chaser: An Introduction to Vegetarian Diets

If you are on a vegetarian diet, congratulations to you, but if you’re not, you still should be interested in the principles that make a vegetarian diet a healthy choice.

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 20, 2018

Straight, No Chaser Vlog: Exercise

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPxgweahi4c] The Straight, No Chaser vlog series “health care basic” aims to keep you safe, healthy and out of the emergency room. Toda

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 19, 2018

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Prevention

Straight No Chaser: Examining Obesity – Is It Really a Choice Between Health and Happiness

Obesity in the United States places many at a crossroad between self-esteem and health. Often, larger frames are celebrated as more desirable. Other times, they are celebrated

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 18, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Cervical Health Awareness

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and to that end, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) boldly proclaims “No woman should die of cervical cancer.” It�

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 17, 2018

Environmental

The Do’s and Don’ts of Treating Frostbite

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser focuses on the do’s and don’ts of treating frostbite. There’s a cold front coming. You can’t avoid the exposure. Some

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 16, 2018

Environmental

What You Can Do To Manage Frostbite and Serious Cold Exposure

Introduction This post empowers you in managing frostbite and other serious cold exposure. I’ll admit that my orientation is different than yours. I’ll argue that your

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 15, 2018

Environmental

Managing Hypothermia and Serious Cold Exposure

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post discussing managing hypothermia and serious cold exposure. Is this the most famous illustration of frostbite? Do you remember the movie r

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 14, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, Environmental

Shoveling Snow and Other Dangerous Winter Chores

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser addresses dangerous winter chores. Yes, Your Chores Can Kill You You have probably heard it said, but you’d be surprised to know how often p

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 13, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: Thyroid Awareness and Neck Self-Examination

Is your thyroid something you know exists but know very little about? Let’s change that. The thyroid gland lives in your neck and produces hormones that help you regular your bod

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 12, 2018

The Straight, No Chaser Guide to Completing Your New Year’s Resolutions

We’ve spent the last week addressing your health-related New Year’s resolutions involving healthy eating, exercise routines, smoking cessation and stress reduction. None of the

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 11, 2018

Your Stress Management Plan

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser give you the tools for a stress management plan. The path to “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” isn’t as simple as the old song suggests, but if

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 10, 2018

Stress Management Saves Lives

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser shows you why you need a stress management strategy. Let’s agree not to go into the New Year filled with last year’s tension or without a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 9, 2018

Here’s How You Stop Smoking

Introduction Don’t pick your birthday to stop smoking when New Year’s has just passed. Do it now. Can’t do it now? Do it Monday. In fact, do it every Monday. It’s a fight.

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 8, 2018

Straight, No Chaser: How Many Calories Do You Need a Day?

Let’s put this post (at least the end of it) under the category of things you do but really don’t think about. How many calories should you take in per day to function

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 7, 2018

Diet and Nutrition Tips

Introduction Let’s give you some diet and nutrition tips! Today, we move from explaining how to eat (as we did here), to giving you practical steps and choices to make in se

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 6, 2018

Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention

Do You Even Know How To Eat Healthy?

Introduction Let’s ask again: Do you even know how to eat healthy? This topic is a common part of the New Year’s resolutions pack of promises! Previously we introduced you

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 5, 2018

Straight, No Chaser US Dietary Guidelines

The guidelines on eating recommendations are jointly released every five years by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Ov

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 4, 2018

Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness, Personal Training

Straight, No Chaser: Fat Burn vs. Cardio – How Do I Best Exercise?

You’re working out. Congratulations! But do you know what you’re doing? If you’ve ever been to a gym, perhaps on an elliptical, a treadmill or stationary bike, perhaps you’

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 3, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Personal Training

The Benefits of Exercise and Other Physical Activity

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser addresses exercise benefits! At Straight, No Chaser, we understand it’s the most optimistic time of the year. You’ve made many New Year�

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 2, 2018

General Health and Wellness, Personal Training

Get Active! Starting Your Workout Regimen

Introduction Straight, No Chaser wants you to get active as we discuss starting a workout regimen. If you’re currently inactive, worried about becoming active or worried about bo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD January 1, 2018

Toxicology/Drugs, Trauma, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Driving Under the Influence and New Year's Eve

Celebrating New Year’s Eve? As I am known to say: risks represent incidences of occurrences. Today of all days during the year, you must act to lower your risk of a fatal motor v

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 31, 2017

Detoxification, Environmental, Toxicology/Drugs

Straight, No Chaser: Prevention and Treatment of Lead Poisoning

What you need to know about protecting yourself from lead poisoning and its effects is reducible to awareness, baseline testing, prevention and treatment. We covered what you neede

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 30, 2017

Public Health, Toxicology/Drugs, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser In the News: Lead Poisoning

In the news is the story of dozens of cases of lead poisoning in Flint, Michigan, resulting from elevated levels of lead in the city’s drinking water supply. This followed inad

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 29, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Preventing and Treating Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

At some point, you’ve got to be on board with the notion that you need to prevent some of the things that ail you. All men who have UTIs are at higher risk for having another one

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 28, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Ladies, have you ever been told that you get “bladder infections” because you didn’t wipe front to back instead of back to front? Men, have you ever been told that this could

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 27, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Five Frequently Asked Questions About Hangovers…

If you’re planning on enjoying the end of 2017 with alcohol, you probably don’t want to let things get out of hand! So… Let’s get this part of the conversatio

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 26, 2017

Diet and Nutrition, Gastrointestinal, Infectious Disease

Straight, No Chaser: The Intersection of Health and Happiness, aka Merry Christmas!

Straight, No Chaser isn’t a medical encyclopedia. It’s a tool to empower you to make choices that best suit your lifestyle – the intersection between health and

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 25, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Treatment of Food Poisoning (Foodborne Illness)

The vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps and all around bad feelings you may get with food poisoning is extremely unpleasant. We’ve previously discussed preventative meas

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 24, 2017

Detoxification, Gastrointestinal

Straight, No Chaser: Understanding Food Poisoning (Foodborne Illness)

We make a decision with everything we place into our mouths. We also exhibit a large amount of trust that the food we eat is safe. Most of the time that’s true, but unfortunately

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 23, 2017

Diet and Nutrition, Infectious Disease

Straight, No Chaser: Food Contamination and Protecting Yourself From Foodborne Illness

Those of you who are regular readers of Straight, No Chaser may have heard me say that everything you place in your mouth either harms or helps you. Your mouth is the direct poin

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 22, 2017

Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness

Straight, No Chaser In The News: U.S. Life Expectancy Drops for the Second Straight Year

Imagine how significant the change must be to cause a change across a nation of over 360 million people. For the second straight year (after two decades of trending in the opposite

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 21, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: The Holiday Heart Syndrome

There’s something about the holiday season and flickering. We’re all aware that Christmas lights are meant to do so, but did you know that your heart is more inclined to flicke

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 21, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Tips on Safe Toys and Gifts

At Straight, No Chaser, we review the literature and give you the goods. While you’re out and about shopping for toys, print out this list to help you select safe toys, then pos

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 20, 2017

Gastrointestinal, General Health and Wellness, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser Vlog: Fiber and Weight Loss

Here’s a sterlingmedicaladvice.com “health care basic.” All week, we’re switching to a vlog format to give you tips to keep you safe, healthy and ou

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 19, 2017

Colorectal Cancer Screening via Colonoscopy

Introduction This post discusses screening for colorectal cancer via colonoscopy. The last two posts have highlighted recommended screening examinations for men and women between a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 18, 2017

The Straight, No Chaser Guide to Health Screenings for Women

Typically, this is the time of the year when you start to inventory all the things for which you’re thankful. In the event health or your family comes to mind, you might be inter

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 17, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Health Prevention

The Straight, No Chaser Guide to Health Screenings for Men

Typically, this is the time of the year when you start to inventory all the things for which you’re thankful. In the event health or your family comes to mind, you might be inter

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 16, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: The Cancer Vlog

Introduction – The Cancer Vlog The Straight, No Chaser vlog (video blog) series presents “health care basics” to keep you safe, healthy and out of the emergency room.

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 15, 2017

Diet and Nutrition, Endocrine/Metabolic, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser Vlog: Diabetes

The Straight, No Chaser vlog (video blog) series presents “health care basics” to keep you safe, healthy and out of the emergency room. Today’s Straight, No Chaser a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 14, 2017

Diet and Nutrition, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer

Basic Questions and Answers about Anemia

What is anemia? Anemia is a condition defined by blood containing a lower than normal number of red blood cells or if the blood cells present don’t contain sufficient hemoglobin

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 13, 2017

Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser Vlog: Hypertension: A Ticking Time Bomb

The Straight, No Chaser vlog (video blog) series presents “health care basics” to keep you safe, healthy and out of the emergency room. Straight, No Chaser has addr

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 13, 2017

Neurology, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser Vlog: Stroke – How to Save a Life

The Straight, No Chaser vlog (video blog) series presents “health care basics” to keep you safe, healthy and out of the emergency room. Today’s topic is stroke (cerebr

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 12, 2017

Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser Vlog: Heart Disease

This week, the Straight, No Chaser vlog (video blog) series presents “health care basics” to keep you safe, healthy and out of the emergency room. Heart disease has been th

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 11, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser Vlog: Sexually Transmitted Infections (Diseases)

The Straight, No Chaser vlog series presents “health care basics” to keep you safe, healthy and out of the emergency room. If you’ve been a regular or even an infrequent

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 10, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Public Health, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser In The News: The Life Expectancy of Americans Drops for the First Time in 20+ Years

This is not a quirk, coincidence or mistake. Accordingly to the National Center for Health Statistics, for the first time in over two decades, life expectancy for Americans decline

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 9, 2017

Cardiology/Heart, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Questions About High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure (hypertension) is so prevalent and such a consequence of the way we live that you must already have an understanding of some basic principles if you care at al

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 8, 2017

Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure is called the silent killer. It’s common for me to see someone who thought they were ‘fine’ drop dead from its effects, never knowing it was about to happ

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 7, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Ruptured Eardrums

The manufacturers of Q-Tips used to run a commercial in which they said “Never place anything in your ear smaller than your elbow.” I wonder why they stopped the comm

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 6, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Influenza Prevention

It’s time to get your flu shots! Of course, many people choose not to get the influenza vaccine (the “flu shot”) for various reasons, some more reasonable than ot

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 5, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Flu Myths and Questions

Every year 36,000 people die and over 200,000 are hospitalized each year due to the flu—in the U.S. alone. If you’re not getting a vaccine every year, you are subjecting yourse

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 4, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Health Promotion – Introducing “Invisible Health”

Good habits are just as addictive as bad habits, but they’re much more positively rewarding. Good health is a journey, not a destination. Stop acting like what you are is wha

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 3, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Hygiene and Illness

There are things you know, there are things you know but don’t really know, and there are still other things that you think you know that you don’t know at all. When it

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 2, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: About That Vomiting and Diarrhea…

You’ve all been there and done that. It’s always a bad day when you get the so-called stomach flu… First of all ‘the flu’ is a respiratory disease (affects the lungs,

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD December 1, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Medical Treatment, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Here’s How You Complete End-of-Life Planning

Now that you’ve had a chance to wrap your mind around the concept of needing to make end of life decisions, let’s discuss some specific mechanisms by which you can ensure your

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 30, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: End of Life Decision Making

Having this conversation when death is staring you or a loved one in the face is not the most ideal situation. Do you have a living will? Do you know what advance directives are?

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 29, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Even if you didn’t know it, you have rights as a patient. In 1998, the U.S. Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry adopted a Consumer

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 28, 2017

Gastrointestinal, Medical Treatment

Straight, No Chaser: 25 Tips That WILL Increase Your Life Expectancy

You may want to keep this post. I haven’t exactly found the Fountain of Youth, but I do know what activities lead to a longer life expectancy. In honor of Thanksgiving, and in th

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 27, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Treatment of Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

If you experience heartburn two times a week or more, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Because there are significant differences in the severity of GERD, you s

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 26, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

I’m at the point in life where I rarely eat after 8 pm. That has defined health benefits, but it’s also protective from today’s Straight, No Chaser topic: gastroesophageal re

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 25, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Depression – How to Avoid It, When to Get Help

This is the third post in a series on depression and suicide. In our first post, we focused on the magnitude of clinical depression and suicide. In the second post, we provided�

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 24, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Tips to Deal with Depression and The Holiday Blues

I don’t mean to bring anyone down during what is supposed to be the ‘most wonderful time of the year,’ but in reality there are many people hurting. For some, life’s traged

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 23, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Are You Depressed and/or Suicidal?

In our first post on clinical depression and suicide, we looked at the scope of the disease, and in the next post we will provide tips for you to address depression and an inclina

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 22, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Cigar Smoking

It’s the latest, greatest, coolest past-time. Endorsed and practiced by celebrities the world over, cigar smoking has clearly and successfully marketed itself as a convenience

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 21, 2017

Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness

Straight, No Chaser: The Frustration of Acute Bronchitis

Imagine what it looks like when someone gets hit in the jaw. There’s the redness, swelling from excess fluid in the area, warmth and pain. Those are the components of inflammatio

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 20, 2017

From the Health Library of SterlingMedicalAdvice.com: “If I stop smoking, what does this do to my risk for heart disease and stroke?”

There are immediate and long term benefits to smoking cessation that extend beyond just lowering your risk for lung cancer. I challenge you to consider the following regarding lo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 19, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: COPD

November is COPD Awareness Month. You already know a lot about COPD without realizing it or even having to think about it. You’ve seen patients walking around with the oxygen ta

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 18, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Lung Health – Know The Signs of Danger

I would suggest you should be in complete awe of your lungs. Did you know you take over 20,000 breaths a day? Your lungs bring air into your body and eliminates waste (carbon dio

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 17, 2017

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Respiratory/Lungs, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Great American Smokeout – Quick Tips to START Smoking Cessation

The Great American Smokeout is a great time to get serious about smoking cessation. Don’t wait to make it a New Year’s resolution. Do it now. Can’t do it now? Do it M

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 16, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Does Cuba Hold the Key to Lung Cancer Treatment and Prevention?

For many, some of the first things that come to mind when you think of Cuba are smoking and cigars. For many others, the one of first things that come to mind when you think of cig

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 15, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Eye Pain

Look at the picture. What would you do if that was your eye? Would you try to remove the object or be too afraid, fearing that you could permanently damage it? Does the amount of p

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 14, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: LASIK Surgery

So you’re 40-ish, and your eyes are starting to act up on you. Or perhaps you’re younger and/or too vain to wear glasses. Or you have a phobia about having anything in your eye

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 13, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Important Things to Know About Your Contact Lenses

You’d likely be surprised to know how often patients are seen in emergency rooms for complications related to use of contact lenses. If you or a loved one are using contact l

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 12, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Questions About Color Blindness

Have you ever found yourself at school, work or elsewhere and discovered that you were wearing different colored socks or pants than you’d thought? If so, you may be experiencing

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 11, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Questions about "Lazy Eye" (Amblyopia)

We all get concerned when it comes to things that damage or put our vision in danger. As such, you should be aware of the most common condition causing visual problems in children.

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 10, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: X-Ray Safety

After the question of “Can I get an x-ray,” the next most common question I get (which should be the first) regarding x-rays is “Do I need this x-ray?” The answer is not ju

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 9, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: X-Ray Basics

“C’mon, Doc. I just want to be sure!” If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a million times. You love x-rays. They’re cool, and they sometimes tell you what’s wrong. H

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 8, 2017

Endocrine/Metabolic

Straight, No Chaser: Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

In a previous post, I provided an overview of diabetes. Everyone knows about diabetes, and most understand how dangerous diabetes is over the long-term. However, as an emergency ph

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 7, 2017

Prevention and Treatment Considerations for Diabetic Eye Conditions

Several of you asked about the treatment of the eye conditions resulting from diabetes. This last Straight, No Chaser addressing Diabetes Awareness Month will focus on treatment

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 6, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Diabetic Retinopathy and Other Eye Problems

As you likely know, diabetics have a large amount of blood glucose (sugar) circulating in their blood. The high level of glucose can cause damage to many cells, including your eyes

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 5, 2017

Diet and Nutrition, Endocrine/Metabolic, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Quick Tips for the Diabetic in Your Life

Per your requests, we occasionally feature quick tips for healthy living. Here’s an important example. If you have diabetics in your life, here are three things they should d

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 4, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Diabetes Basics and the Importance of Education

Diabetes is a disease in which education is vital. For a diabetic, knowing the disease well allows him or her to better prevent long-term consequences of the disease. It also allow

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 3, 2017

Endocrine/Metabolic, Skin/Dermatology

Straight, No Chaser: Fifteen Tips to Care for Diabetic Skin, Part 2

In the previous Straight, No Chaser, we discussed the frailty of diabetic skin and discussed how that sets one up for skin infections, abscesses, ulcers, amputations and even

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 2, 2017

Diet and Nutrition, Endocrine/Metabolic, Infectious Disease, Skin/Dermatology

Straight, No Chaser: The Skin Problems of Diabetics, Part 1

If you are diabetic or caring for a diabetic, one of the things you’ve likely noticed is that the skin doesn’t always seem to look, feel or perform normally. Perhaps th

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD November 1, 2017

Diet and Nutrition, Toxicology/Drugs, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Treating Halloween Mishaps

In the previous Straight, No Chaser, we offered you tips for a safe Halloween. However, safety tips are only as good as your inclination to use them. Even when an ounce of preven

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 31, 2017

Diet and Nutrition, Toxicology/Drugs, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Halloween Health Tips

Are you taking the young ones trick-or-treating this year? Straight, No Chaserand the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) want you to have a safe halloween. Today an

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 30, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Medical Myths, Health Fraud Scams and Your Boogie Men

I feel your frustration everyday. You call me, and you text me. You send me articles and ask my opinion on the newest health claim on the Internet. That’s right, I’m your infor

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 29, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Neurology, Skin/Dermatology

Straight, No Chaser: Patient Psychology, Expectations and Communication

I’ve always found the psychology of patients to be fascinating. Patients who present to emergency rooms most often are consumed with the fear of the unknown and are ultimately f

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 28, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Tetanus (Lockjaw)

If there could possibly be anything cool about tetanus, it’s that the overwhelming majority of us have never seen it and never will. At first thought, that could seem odd becaus

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 27, 2017

Genital/Urinary, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser: The Day You Get Diagnosed With HIV

I’ve had many occasions to tell a patient they were HIV(+). Over the last 20 years of my doing so, that message has changed from a death sentence to the acknowledgement of a chro

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 26, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Your HIV and STD Risks From Sexual Activities Other Than Intercourse

Today, your sexual IQ goes up, and hopefully your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, goes down. This is the fifth post in a series on HIV and AIDS. F

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 25, 2017

Genital/Urinary, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser: Your HIV and STD Risks From Specific Acts of Sexual Intercourse

Let’s be clear that we’re explicitly discussing the types of sexual behaviors that will lead to transmitting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Over

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 24, 2017

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Infectious Disease

Straight, No Chaser: What Are The Symptoms of HIV and AIDS?

This is the third in an ongoing series on HIV and AIDS. For an explanation of what AIDS is, click here. For an explanation of how HIV is contracted, click here. The National Insti

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 23, 2017

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Infectious Disease

Straight, No Chaser: How Do You Contract HIV/AIDS?

This isn’t 1983. The mystery of how HIV infection is contracted has come and gone. Yet HIV and AIDS awareness are still critical. You need to be knowledgeable to be empowered

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 22, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: What Exactly Is AIDS?

This is the second blog in an ongoing series on HIV and AIDS. After all these years, it’s still an interesting and important enough question to ask and to know how to answer. Mo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 21, 2017

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Infectious Disease

Straight No Chaser: HIV Awareness Month – Can HIV Be Eliminated From the Body?

It’s HIV Awareness Month. Have you noticed there’s a lot less chatter about HIV lately? Don’t be lulled into a sense of false security; no, it hasn’t been e

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 20, 2017

Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Infection Prevention

There are things you know, there are things you know but don’t really know, and there are still other things that you think you know that you don’t know at all. When it

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 19, 2017

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Medical Treatment, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser: Breast Cancer in Men

I won’t overstate the case, but you should be aware that breast cancer occurs in men. That said it occurs at a much lower rate than it does in women. I know what you may be think

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 18, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Breast Cancer Treatment Options

The next to last post in this series on breast cancer is on management. Of course, there is no universal treatment of ‘breast cancer’; everything is based on the specif

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 17, 2017

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: How to Perform the Breast Self-Exam

Beginning in their 20s, women should be aware of the benefits and limitations of breast self-exam (BSE). Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any n

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 16, 2017

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: This is How You Self-Assess For Breast Cancer, Part 1

When I started this series, my first thought was “Why reinvent the wheel? There is a massive amount of information available on the web about breast cancer, and surely itR

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 15, 2017

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: The Reach of Breast Cancer and Your Risk Factors

Even as a physician, I am left to think about the horror of being a woman with a lifetime risk of acquiring breast cancer that’s 1 in 8. The only thing I can think of off-han

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 14, 2017

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser In The News: President Trump Eliminates Low-Income Subsidies for Obamacare

President Trump just removed federal funding for Affordable Care Act (aka ACA, Obamacare) subsidies. Here are five quick answers to questions you should have about this action R

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 13, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Even More Myths Regarding Breast Cancer

Continuing from the earlier post with additional myths, well because you have so many questions! In fact, I’m doubling up on what you received earlier in Part I of Breast Canc

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 13, 2017

Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser In The News: New Public Health Consequences & Lessons from Puerto Rico – Leptospirosis

This is a post on a public health matter, not a political one. Please appreciate the difference. Three weeks after Hurricaine Maria rendered the nearly 3.5 million US citizens livi

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 12, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Five Myths Surrounding Breast Cancer

Before I get into the details of what you need to know about breast cancer, it’s important to clear the table of some of the persistent myths and fears that exist. The diseas

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 12, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer disturbs me deeply, and if it doesn’t affect you as well, you haven’t been paying attention. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their life

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 11, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Dental

Straight, No Chaser: Artificial Sweeteners

It’s always struck me as somewhat odd when people approach me with concerns about sugar substitutes. What I mean by that is my first response is something akin to “Whatever you

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 10, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: What To Do If Your Tooth Comes Out

There’s nothing pleasant about having a tooth fall out of your mouth (aka avulsed tooth, dislocated tooth). Whether from trauma (e.g. a punch or other facial injury, a fall) or d

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 9, 2017

Dental

Straight, No Chaser: Sensitive Teeth

What goes through your mind when your teeth hurt (other than whether or not all of that Valentine’s Day candy is worth it)? Is it fleeting or constant? Are you easily agitate

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 8, 2017

Dental, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: How’s Your Dental Hygiene?

If you ignore your teeth, they’ll go away. Working in an emergency department is interesting for many different reasons. One thing in particular I’ve noticed over the years is

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 7, 2017

Mental Health, Public Health, Sports Medicine, Trauma

Straight, No Chaser: Battered Woman Syndrome and Why Victims Stay In Abusive Relationships

Domestic violence has been in the news quite a bit lately, and among the many questions asked, perhaps the most frequent is beguiling to many: “Why do the victims stay in the abu

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 6, 2017

Mental Health, Neurology, Trauma

Straight, No Chaser: Domestic Violence – How to Get Out of an Abusive Situation

Remember: You are not to blame, and you need not face domestic violence alone. With the recent attention in the news on domestic violence and debates about responses and responsibi

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 5, 2017

Public Health, Trauma

Straight, No Chaser In the News: Again with the Gun Violence?

Why are we being willfully ignorant? This public health conversation is not about the right to bear arms. It’s about failure to address a major cause of death. Injury from trauma

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 4, 2017

Endocrine/Metabolic, Mental Health, Surgical Care, Trauma

Straight No Chaser: Identifying Risks of Domestic Violence

Today we point to knowledge as the key to preventing potential life-threatening episodes in the household. This is the second in a three-part series on domestic violence. The prev

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 4, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Ophthalmology/Eyes

Straight, No Chaser: Focus on Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, although it doesn’t take a break during other months. Are you concerned about domestic violence? You are not alone. Domestic vio

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 3, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Keys to Mental (Un)Health and (Un)Happiness

Straight, No Chaser is mindful that there are multitudes of us excessively happy and unhappy. Everyone has thoughts about the keys to happiness, but we can objectify the conversat

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 2, 2017

Pediatrics/Kids Health, Surgical Care, Health Prevention

Tips to Avoid Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected

Whether you’re expecting, a parent or even a grandparent, most have heard of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). What you’re really concerned about is Sudden Unexpected Infant

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD October 1, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Traumatic Brain Injuries (Concussion), Part II

Your son is a star in Friday Night Lights (actually football, not the TV show) and has been concussed. Amazingly, the most common question I get asked is not “Will he be ok

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 30, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Traumatic Brain Injuries (Concussions), Part I

It’s probably not a coincidence that National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month occurs at the same time as the onset of the NFL season in the U.S. However, it’s a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 29, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: MRSA, the Big, Bad Staph Infection

One of the things that’s changed a lot from when I first started practicing medicine is people show up every day to the emergency room for mosquito and spider bites. The lo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 28, 2017

Diet and Nutrition, Gastrointestinal

Straight, No Chaser: Abscesses (Boils)

Whether you call them boils, pus pockets or abscesses, they hurt. Abscesses are infections that localize and collect pus beneath the skin. Although previous Straight, No Chaser pos

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 27, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Treating Your Gas and Gas Pains

So… you have problems with gas. What are you to do? Well, given that gas production is a natural occurrence, it’s not like you’re going to eliminate having gas (no pun intend

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 26, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Public Health, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser in the News: Evaluating the Next Version of Trumpcare – The Graham-Cassidy Bill (Includes Numbers for Your Senator)

The newest effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare, ACA) is called the Graham-Cassidy Bill. Although the actual legislation has been clouded in secre

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 25, 2017

Geriatrics/Elderly Care, Orthopedics/Bones

Straight, No Chaser: Eructation (Belching) and Flatus (The Other One)

It seems like Straight, No Chaser is unafraid to address any topic! This, here’s one of those conversations that everyone wants to have but rarely does. Gas is a natural phenomen

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 25, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Fall Prevention

We’ve missed the first day of Fall by a few days, but for all of you DIYers (do it yourself) ready for a weekend project to help a loved one, here you go. The beginning of Fa

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 24, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Prostate Cancer Screening

Every so often, controversies regarding medical treatment recommendations get in the news and seemingly only serve to confuse the public. Every blog, article or research paper is a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 23, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Prostate Cancer – 2017 Update

Men (and those who care for men – meaning everyone) should be knowledgeable about prostate cancer. I don’t mean physician-level knowledgeable, but there are just a few fac

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 22, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer

Straight, No Chaser: Prostate Awareness

This is Prostate Cancer Awareness month, and as such, this Straight, No Chaser explores the prostate (no pun intended). Prostate cancer and screening will be addressed in an addi

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 21, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Ovarian Cancer

You are likely aware that the ovaries produce a women’s eggs as well as being the main source of the female’s sex hormones. Ovarian cancer is not the most common gynecologic

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 20, 2017

Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Influenza Prevention

It’s time to get your flu shots! Of course, many people choose not to get the influenza vaccine (the “flu shot”) for various reasons, some more reasonable than ot

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 19, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Malnutrition

Do you know someone so poor that eating is a constant concern? Do you have a child who is a finicky eater? Have you ever been concerned that your child might become malnourished? W

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 18, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: When Your Headache is Life-Threatening

All headaches are not created equal. Earlier we discussed migraines, but there’s a lot more to headaches than those. In fact, when you come to an emergency room with a history o

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 17, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Getting Your Pain Treated at the Emergency Room

Both the American College of Emergency Physicians and the American Chronic Pain Association have worked diligently to offer information and recommendations to protect patient inter

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 16, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Neurology

Straight, No Chaser: Migraine Headaches Questions and Answers

There are 30 million migraine sufferers in the U.S. alone. Women are three times as likely to have them, but both sexes have to address the issues raised by them. Here are som

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 15, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Fibromyalgia

Previously, Straight, No Chaser has discussed the frustration of uncertainty some patients have with having symptoms and not being given a diagnosis (much less a cure). Imagine i

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 14, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Neurology, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Chronic Pain

The notion of a pain awareness month is an odd thing; probably even more so to those suffering from chronic pain. Typically the idea with these periods of recognizing diseases and

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 13, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Introducing the Vagina Warrior Workshops

Women’s health is more than just taking care of your body parts. Pap tests and mammograms are important screening tests. However, it is important to also care for your heart, min

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 12, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Your Questions About Chronic Pain and Management

Chronic pain and its management are complicated topics, both for sufferers and those who care for them. Thank you for your feedback on the previous post and appreciating the spirit

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 12, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Quick Tips for The Newborn Addition to Your Family

You’re excited. You have a newborn, or maybe you’re a new grandparent caring for the baby for the first time. I get more ‘deer in the headlight’ looks from these folks than

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 11, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Life Begins (To End) at 40 (Unless It Doesn’t) – The Cerebrovascular System (Your Brain)

Last but not least, in the last part of this series, let’s talk about your brain. But first a summary comment. Life after 40 poses both opportunity and obstacles. 35 to 40 is eit

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 10, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Life Begins (To End) at 40 (Unless It Doesn’t) – The Cardiopulmonary (Heart and Lung) System

The fourth part of this series looks at your heart and lungs. Click here for the post on changes in your skin. Click here for the post on changes to your musculoskeletal system. C

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 9, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Life Begins (To End) at 40 (Unless It Doesn’t) – The Genital System

The third part of this series is about your genital system after 40. There’s a lot here both for the ladies and the gentlemen, but everyone should want to know all the informatio

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 8, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention, Musculoskeletal System

Straight, No Chaser: Life Begins (To End) at 40 (Unless It Doesn’t) – The Musculoskeletal System

The second part of this series on how your body changes with age is about your muscles. This section combined with the previous skin section explains why you wrinkle. As before,

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 7, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Public Health, Skin/Dermatology

Straight, No Chaser: Life Begins (to End) at 40 (Unless It Doesn’t) – The Skin

September is Healthy Aging Month. A big part of healthy aging is prior healthy living, particularly as you reach the age at which your unhealthy habits begin to catch up with you o

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 6, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Pediatrics/Kids Health, Public Health, Health Prevention

Flu Vaccine Recommendations for 2017-18 and a Quick Influenza Primer

The American Academy of Pediatrics has released its recommendations for the upcoming flu season. There is no equivocation in these recommendations, and we strongly support your com

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 5, 2017

Diet and Nutrition, Medical Treatment, Pediatrics/Kids Health, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Your Guide to Fighting Childhood Obesity (Works for Adults, Too!)

Would you start your child on a fad diet? Of course not. Combating obesity means consistently applying principles that bear fruit (and include fruits over time). So you have an ove

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 4, 2017

Cardiology/Heart, Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness, Pediatrics/Kids Health

Straight, No Chaser: Childhood Obesity

Here’s the thing. Adults have control over and choices about how to live their lives. In the overwhelming majority of cases, children do not. Yet, in the overwhelming majorit

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 3, 2017

Cardiology/Heart, Medical Treatment, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Should I Take a Daily Aspirin?

So… I’m stuck on a desert island, and I’m allowed to take two medications. I’m pretty sure aspirin is going to be one of them. This begs the question “Who should take a d

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 2, 2017

Cardiology/Heart, Detoxification, Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness

Straight, No Chaser: Aspirin – It’s Not Just for Heart Attacks Anymore

…not that it ever was! Aspirin has been known to be a pain reliever for thousands of years. Let’s take a brief look at the additional qualities that should make aspirin

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD September 1, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Beeting Back High Blood Pressure and Poor Blood Flow to the Brain

Writing this makes me feel like your mother telling you to eat your spinach, but that’s another conversation. We’ve been talking a lot lately about brain health, and we’re al

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 31, 2017

Cardiology/Heart, Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness

Straight, No Chaser In The News: A "Smart Drug" That's Actually Safe and Effective

When I hear medical news that’s too good to be true, it usually is. However science evolves, and new discoveries must be evaluated. Typically my first thought is “consider the

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 30, 2017

Straight, No Chaser In The News: Omega-3 Supplements Do Not Protect Against Dementia

Today’s Straight, No Chaser continues our ongoing conversation about your health not being found in a (supplement) bottle. In the news is new research reaffirming that taking ome

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 29, 2017

Diet and Nutrition, Personal Training

Straight, No Chaser: Implementing a Healthy Happy Hour in Pieces

At Straight, No Chaser, we talk a lot about the intersection of health and happiness. In fact the roads run together for as far as the eyes can see. Have you ever thought about wh

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 28, 2017

Straight, No Chaser Reader Request: What’s a Healthy Approach to Gaining Weight?

If you are even an occasional reader of Straight, No Chaser, you likely never thought you’d see the day when promoting weight gain was the topic of discussion. However, there are

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 27, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Pediatrics/Kids Health, Public Health

Straight, No Chaser In the News: Enacting Laws to Enforce Childhood Immunization

In the news is vaccination. Again. A decision by the State of California now bars parents from citing religious and other “personal-belief exemptions” for opting out of childho

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 26, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary, Mental Health, Ophthalmology/Eyes

Straight, No Chaser: Suicide and Suicide Risks in College Students

I just had the privilege of spending time at my alma mater addressing issues on behalf of students and mental health services. Among many other things discussed, I was shocked by t

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 25, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Quick Workouts for the Couch Potato

Hey you! Yes, you: the ones about to enjoying the return of the NFL; the ones who have spent the last 3 months on the couch. Let’s turn your couch time into something (relati

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 24, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: The Health Risks of Urban vs. Rural Living

What’s your flavor, city vs country living? Regardless as to wear you live your life, each decision comes with defined risks to your health, and yes, these effects go beyond

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 23, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Tips to Limit Your Risk of Contracting The Most Deadly Diseases

It is interesting and, even more, curious to hear everyone obsess over how esoteric and rare conditions can potentially kill you. Word to the wise: Common things happen commonly.

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 22, 2017

Medical Treatment, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Introduction to Club Drugs – Date Rape and Other Adverse Effects

A little knowledge goes a long way, particularly when it comes to the habits of teens and young adults. Those who partake in the club scene, parties, concerts or other social setti

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 21, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Toxin and Detoxification Series Summary

I want to thank you for all the positive responses to the series of posts on toxins and detoxification. You have shared many personal stories and asked many great questions. I gues

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 20, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Medical Treatment, Toxicology/Drugs

Straight, No Chaser: Natural Colon Cleansing (Colonics) as a Means of Detox

C’mon. Be honest. You knew we’d end up here (no pun intended). Isn’t colonic cleansing one of those things that makes you wonder who the Greek guy was who first thought of

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 19, 2017

Medical Treatment, Toxicology/Drugs, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: A Look at Detox Diets

Everyone who talks to me about detox is motivated and sincere about making an improvement in his or her health. Therefore, it’s important that they be shown respect and encoura

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 18, 2017

Detoxification, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Quick Tips to Detoxify Yourself Naturally

Here are 3-4 Quick Tips for each of the organs involved in naturally detoxifying you; I’ve limited what I’m giving you to do in the effort to make this manageable for y

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 17, 2017

Toxicology/Drugs, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Our World is Filled with Toxins

You can’t escape all toxins, but you can certainly minimize your exposure to them. A handy way to classify them involves reminding you of the organ systems that help us detoxif

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 16, 2017

Detoxification, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Natural Methods of Detoxification

It seems that at least once a week I get asked to comment on colonics, detox diets, juice fasts, etc. It seems to me that these are all rather extreme places to start. How abou

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 15, 2017

Respiratory/Lungs, Toxicology/Drugs

Straight, No Chaser: Hookahs and Health

I love the responses I get from you. Even the spam is entertaining. Most recently, when I posted this, the most common response was some variation of this theme: “What’s a hook

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 14, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Bath Salts – Seen Any Zombies Lately?

You can have an idea how bad a drug is when it has more street names than is remotely necessary. Today’s Straight, No Chaser is about bath salts, which are another group of tho

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 13, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Steroid Abuse

In the conversation about drugs of abuse, anabolic steroids hold a unique position. They work very differently from other drugs of abuse, and they do not have the same acute effect

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 12, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Sedative (Sleeping and Anxiety Pill) Abuse

Recent Straight, No Chaser posts have focused on the scope of the danger of medicines and other drugs/chemicals you keep around your home. These substances are because of the inc

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 11, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Prescription Drug Abuse

Many times over the years, I’ve had to explain to patients such as chronic sufferers from migraines, low back pain and other conditions that even if they weren’t “drug-seekin

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 10, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Inhalants – Effects and Actions to Take

Straight, No Chaser previously reviewed various forms of inhalants used to get intoxicated. Many kids think inhalants are a harmless, cheap, and quick way to “get high.” Becau

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 9, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: When Your Kids Huff and Puff – Learn about Inhalants

Over the course of several posts, we’ve described how difficult it is for you to keep abreast of the activities of teens. In this and a subsequent Straight, No Chaser post, we

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 8, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Facts About Drug Misuse and Overdose

Would you be surprised to know that drug overdoses are now the leading cause of injury deaths in the United States? That’s right, more people die from overdoses than car crashes

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 7, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Keloids

Have you ever seen a keloid? Do you suffer from keloids? Do you know someone with them and wonder what’s occurring? Here are some answers. Some people, more commonly African-Amer

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 6, 2017

Pediatrics/Kids Health, Skin/Dermatology

Straight, No Chaser: Contact Dermatitis, Diaper Rash, Poison Ivy and the Like

Let’s pick up where we left off. In our discussion of eczema and psoriasis, we described the common theme of underlying inflammation manifesting in rashes of different appea

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 5, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Rashes on Your Palms and Soles; It's Not Always Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

In the world of rashes, there aren’t an abundance of rashes that appear on the palms and soles. However, there are a few of note, so here’s some Quick Tips to

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 4, 2017

Cardiology/Heart, Detoxification, Diet and Nutrition, Endocrine/Metabolic, Environmental, General Health and Wellness, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Public Health, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Eczema and Psoriasis

Rashes are very frustrating for patients. They itch, burn, get infected, aren’t pleasant to look at and never go away rapidly enough. Another problem is no one ever seems t

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 3, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Reviewing (the Claims Made within) the Netflix Documentary "What The Health"

Per your request, I’ve looked at the movie “What the Health,” which apparently is all the rage and significantly promoting conversion to a vegan diet. Now I reall

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 2, 2017

Gastrointestinal, Dental

Straight, No Chaser: Understanding and Appropriately Stopping Thumbsucking

At first glance, you may be wondering what’s so significant about thumb-sucking that we need to discuss it. And then, I show you these two pictures. In most instances, thumb-suck

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD August 1, 2017

Cardiology/Heart, Neurology

Straight, No Chaser: When Fainting is Deadly

1. So can faints be deadly? Potentially. There are three separate sets of considerations. The brain can’t survive very long without adequate oxygen. Whatever caused that fai

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 31, 2017

Cardiology/Heart, Neurology

Straight, No Chaser: You’re Way Too Comfortable With Fainting

Don’t faints seem mysterious? It’s as if your computer crashed and had to reboot. Although we never seemingly figure out why computers are so crazy, fainting (syncope) is r

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 30, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Sealed with a (Wrong Type of) Kiss – Zoonotic Diseases

It’s interesting how we take animals for granted. Many of us touch and handle them, play with them. Some people keep their pets in their faces, allowing them to kiss and lick the

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 29, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Extracting Ticks and Preventing Tick Bites

Springtime is the beginning of the outdoor season for many. Whether you’re camping, hunting, playing paintball, hiking or engaged in other activities in the woods or tall grass,

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 28, 2017

Infectious Disease, Neurology, Public Health

Straight, No Chaser: Avoiding Mosquito-Bourne Diseases

Sometimes things occur so frequently that you become sensitized to the real danger they present. This thought occurred to me when I saw Bill Gates talking about efforts to elimin

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 27, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Emergency Room Adventures – The Risk of Rabies

Depending on the circumstances of your life, sometimes risks are theoretical, and other times risks become occurrences… You can’t make this stuff up. It’s another bu

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 26, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Stop, The Life You Save May Be Your Own – Snake Bites

So you’ve been snake bitten. What will you do next? First things first. Stay calm. Call 911. Realize that most snake bites are non-venomous (A really quick tip regarding

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 25, 2017

Infectious Disease, Medical Treatment, Skin/Dermatology

Straight, No Chaser: Animal Bites

We love our pets, and animals in general. Is there one about which a movie hasn’t been made? In most cases they are sources of entertainment, if not love. Unfortunately, they

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 24, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Your Questions About Human Bites

A boxer’s fracture is a misnomer because boxers don’t get them. This describes a fracture at the base of the small finger (5th metacarpal), often caused from poor form throw

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 23, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Human Bites

I have had weird experiences with humans biting humans, as have most physicians. There are several different types of human bites, which can range from harmless to surgically serio

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 22, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite!

There’s nothing pleasant in talking about bedbugs, but’s it is even worse to have to deal with them, so let’s get you some information to help you prevent and address these b

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 21, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Geriatrics/Elderly Care, Mental Health, Neurology

Straight, No Chaser: Lou Gehrig’s Disease (aka Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

There’s no longer an ice bucket challenge, but the disease known as Lou Gehrig’s disease still is around. However, I have to ask… Do you have any idea what the d

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 20, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Questions About Memory Loss and Forgetfulness

Are you the type that has a bad memory? Is your memory good when you “want it to be?” Do you just have problems paying attention? Are you concerned about elderly family

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 19, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Neurology

Police and PTSD Production in Communities

Introduction This post reviews the effect of police and PTSD production in communities. Just a month ago, Straight, No Chaser discussed Mass Trauma, Community Stress and Post-Traum

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 18, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Dementia – When Brain Health Goes Bad

In case you didn’t pick up on it, the posts regarding brain health served two purposes. The first is to ensure you give yourself the best opportunity to live a healthy, happy men

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 17, 2017

Geriatrics/Elderly Care, Mental Health, Neurology

Straight, No Chaser: Self-Assessment for Signs of Early Dementia or Alzheimer’s

Each of us has elderly family members for whom we may be concerned about their memory or other possible signs of dementia. You don’t have to stand by powerless and let them dwin

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 16, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Geriatrics/Elderly Care, Mental Health, Neurology

Straight, No Chaser: Amnesia and Severe Memory Loss

In a previous post, we discussed forgetfulness and mild memory loss. We’ve also discussed Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. If you noticed and remember (no pun intended), we

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 15, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Neurology, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Brain Health – Mental Gymnastics to Keep You Vibrant

I always found it odd that we assume our brain will simply perform in every way we need it to once developed. It seems reasonable to me that if we choose to diet and exercise in an

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 14, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Neurology

Straight, No Chaser: Brain Health – Foods and Brain Healthy Habits

I only get asked about this everyday, so let’s review keeping your brain healthy. Unfortunately too often some of you only ask at the point when early dementia or Alzheimer�

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 13, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Neurology

Straight, No Chaser: Brain Health – How Your Brain Works

Everyone at Straight, No Chaser and www.sterlingmedicaladvice.com is into brainpower. This is the first of a series of posts on brain health and brainpower. The purpose of thes

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 12, 2017

Skin/Dermatology, Trauma

Straight, No Chaser: Questions You Should Ask When You Have a Laceration

I wonder if any of us avoid lacerations over the course of our lives. It seems that everyone I know or every patient I have cared for has a scar and a story to accompany it. Fortun

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 11, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: How to Survive a Motor Vehicle Collision

As you drive the expressways of some cities, you can now see signs displaying how many traffic deaths have occurred during the year. I’m sure the purpose of these a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 10, 2017

Orthopedics/Bones, Sports Medicine, Trauma, Musculoskeletal System

Straight, No Chaser: Motor Vehicle Crashes – Risky Behaviors, Injuries and Prevention

‘Tis not our task to preach but to inform. Maybe you think you’ve heard it all before, but let me lay it all out for you so you can truly be an informed consumer. Forewarned i

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 9, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: The Curse of the Weekend Warrior – Achilles Tendon Rupture

In high school I led the league in stolen bases, and in college my cohorts and I loved inventing ever more creative ways to dunk a basketball. Apparently, my calf muscles worked we

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 8, 2017

Orthopedics/Bones, Sports Medicine

Straight, No Chaser: The Role of Gunshot Wounds in a Nation at War with Itself

Apparently there is going to be an ongoing need to address this… Somewhere in the midst of reconciling the parts of me that are physician, public health professional and Afr

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 7, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Total Knee Replacement Surgery

When you’re a the big game, whether it’s football, basketball, soccer or otherwise, it’s likely you’re watching a group that includes someone who may requi

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 6, 2017

Sports Medicine, Trauma, Musculoskeletal System

Straight, No Chaser: Avoiding Summertime Sports Injuries

It’s not just kids that get injured in the summer having fun. Those of you weekend warriors, recreational and actual athletes are very much at risk also. Now, professional at

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 5, 2017

Environmental, Trauma

Straight, No Chaser: Fireworks Safety

For many, the Fourth of July is a time of celebration, happiness and creation of good family memories. In the emergency room it’s one of the two worst days to have to work (exclu

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 3, 2017

Environmental, General Health and Wellness

Straight, No Chaser: Kids Summer Fun Gone Wrong – Trampoline & Hover Board Trauma

With this long holiday weekend upon us, let me share a story…. It starts with me back in the emergency room with a little girl who looks like her forearm is going to fall off

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 2, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Dehydration – When You’re Too Dry to Cry

Dehydration is one of those topics that illustrates the adage “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing”— except I would adjust that to suggest a little of the wrong type of k

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD July 1, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Your Questions About Gunshots and Stab Wounds

There has been a lot going on the news this entire year related to trauma, particularly gunshot wounds. This Straight, No Chaser answers your questions related to penetrating inj

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 30, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Penetrating Trauma (Gunshot and Stab Wounds)

Penetrating trauma (PT) is of such magnitude in this country that it is nearly impossible to do it justice in short form. This is primarily a medical blog, and as such I’ll defer

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 29, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Understanding an Actual Conservative Point of View on Healthcare

I am not attempting to speak for any group as much as I am hoping to enlighten those needing it regarding how others could seemingly vote for or support what appears to be in their

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 28, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Neurology, Trauma, Musculoskeletal System

Straight, No Chaser: Sickle Cell Disease/Anemia

I don’t type this post with any amount of joy. Can you imagine an existence in which your blood cells are deformed to the extent to which they resemble pointy knives poking at

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 27, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Do’s and Don’ts of Treating Electrical Injuries

In a previous Straight, No Chaser, we discussed the “what” of electrical injuries and lightning. In this post, we discuss the “what-to-do” and “what-not-to-do” if and

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 26, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Electrical Injuries and Lightning Strikes

As I watch lightning lighting up the sky, it makes me wonder if anyone out there is unlucky enough to be getting struck. The annual probability of being struck by lightning is app

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 25, 2017

Genital/Urinary, Medical Treatment

Straight, No Chaser: Straight Talk About Vasectomies

A couple’s conversation about having a vasectomy can either be a tense one or it can be a display of trust and cohesion. The decision by a man to have a vasectomy can be a so

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 24, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: The Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Well, here’s what many of you’ve been awaiting. Assuming the preventative efforts I mentioned didn’t work for you, there are several different treatment approac

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 23, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Erectile Dysfunction, Part Two – Causes

In my last post on erectile dysfunction (ED), I gave a simplistic way to understand and address it. However, the truth of the matter is the overwhelming majority of cases of ED a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 22, 2017

Cardiology/Heart, Endocrine/Metabolic, Genital/Urinary

Straight, No Chaser: Erectile Dysfunction, Part One

It seems appropriate to follow-up a post on age-related changes in your genitourinary system with a discussion on erectile dysfunction (ED). The nature of the topic is such that

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 21, 2017

Straight, No Chaser In the News – Testosterone Therapy Doubles the Risk of Heart Attacks

Over the last few days, Straight, No Chaser featured discussions of low testosterone and male menopause (which often includes low testosterone levels as a component of the

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 20, 2017

Endocrine/Metabolic, Genital/Urinary

Straight, No Chaser: Maintain Healthy Testosterone Levels Without Replacement Therapy

Male virility is a fascinating topic medically. It is truly an example of how confidence and mental fortitude (or the absence thereof) can directly translate into physical performa

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 19, 2017

General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary, Geriatrics/Elderly Care

Straight, No Chaser: Men’s Health Week, Fathers Day and Health

This year, Fathers’ Day falls right at the tail end of Men’s Health Week, but we don’t like that – and we’ll begin our own Men’s Health Week by starting

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 18, 2017

Endocrine/Metabolic, General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary

Straight, No Chaser: Low Testosterone

Are you someone who had never heard of Low-T until recent commercials starting telling you that you weren’t normal? Let’s review what all the fuss is about. As most people know

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 17, 2017

Endocrine/Metabolic, General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary

Straight, No Chaser: Male Menopause (aka Andropause)

Manopause? Male Menopause? Yes, andropause is a thing (at least according to many medical authorities). Most of us are roughly familiar with menopause. You may or may not be su

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 16, 2017

Gastrointestinal, General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Travelers’ Diarrhea

This is the time of year in the U.S. when you wished you were somewhere else. (Hawaii, Africa, Australia or Mexico for a Valentine’s Day cruise, anyone?) Unfortunately, somet

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 15, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Spotlight on Health Concerns When Traveling – Vaccines and Illnesses

Traveling is exciting, but it presents multiple challenges to your health. To best meet these challenges, preparation is everything. Before you travel and every time you travel, yo

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 14, 2017

Cardiology/Heart, Head/Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat, Dental

Straight, No Chaser: Life, Death and Grief

It’s never easy discussing death. Bereavement is the state of mourning and sadness we endure after the death of a loved one. Grief is that process we endure, either in antici

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 13, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: When Your Jaw Pain Could Be a Heart Attack

Several Straight, No Chaser posts have addressed jaw pain. We’ve separately discussed jaw trauma and TMJ syndrome. Unfortunately, that’s not the most important story of ja

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 12, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Reacting to Broken or Dislocated Jaws

Should you ever suffer the misfortune of getting hit or falling onto your jaw, would you know what to do? Trauma to the jaw is more dangerous than you might imagine. The risk for b

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 11, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Syndrome

TMJ. Those of you have TMJ syndrome are likely already shaking your head in understanding. Those of you who don’t, be thankful. Take the advice of those who do and read this post

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 10, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Broken Noses (Nasal Fractures)

It’s curious how many patients with broken noses come into the emergency room smiling. Usually they’re kids whose parents “just want to be sure.” In these cases not mu

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 9, 2017

Orthopedics/Bones, Trauma

Straight, No Chaser: Open Fractures

I don’t think you need especially gory illustrations for this. I think you get the picture. In a previous Straight, No Chaser, we discussed broken fingers. If you get a “f

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 8, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Broken Fingers

Don’t the tips of your fingers drive you nuts? Our leading edges cause so much drama for us. We’ve previously discussed injuries to nails and nail beds, but many of you who wor

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 7, 2017

Detoxification, General Health and Wellness, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser Reader Submission: Does Joint Cracking Cause Arthritis?

I actually understand the question. You would think all that snap, knuckle and pop would represent bad things happening to your bones, and over time, it could cause damage to th

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 6, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: The Cancer Prevention Workbook

We continue with simple principles to avoid various forms of cancer, but in today’s Straight, No Chaser, we add some detail about the what’s and whys of the conversation. T

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 5, 2017

Detoxification, General Health and Wellness, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: The Cancer Prevention Checklist

I’m going to present this information two separate ways: today a checklist, as simple as possible; and tomorrow with the same information explained briefly but with detail. You l

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 4, 2017

Diet and Nutrition, Gastrointestinal, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer

Processed Meats Cause Cancer

Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post discusses the links between processed meats and cancer. Perhaps this should be filed under things you already know, think you know, or k

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 3, 2017

Environmental, Public Health, Trauma

Straight, No Chaser: Mass Trauma Alert – Your Disaster Preparedness Strategy

If you’ve become a regular reader of Straight, No Chaser (thank you!), you will note the recurring theme of prevention. There’s often just not enough time to act in the midst

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 2, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Mass Trauma, Community Stress and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

If you’ve been following the Straight, No Chaser series on post-traumatic stress disorder, it may have occurred to you that episodes that some might be able to handle when

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD June 1, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: The Effects of PTSD on Children

This is part of a series on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For a review of PTSD signs, symptoms and those at risk, click here. For a review of PTSD diagnosis and treatment

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 31, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment

Review this previous Straight, No Chaser post for a review of PTSD signs, symptoms and those at risk. Fortunately, not every traumatized person develops post-traumatic stress di

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 30, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – Signs, Symptoms and Those at Risk

Memorial Day serves to honor our fallen heroes. Part of that involves caring for our soldiers still with us. Understanding and acknowledging the mental components of their sufferin

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 29, 2017

Pediatrics/Kids Health, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Do You Have Moles?

Odds are you do, but we’re not talking about the animal variety. It’s Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, and so if you do have moles, you should

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 28, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Healthy and Safe Swimming

Did you know this is National Healthy Safe and Swimming Week? Whether you’re an avid swimmer or only deal with it on a vacation, it’s important to be reminded how to be safe wh

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 27, 2017

Head/Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat, Neurology

Straight, No Chaser: Bell’s Palsy

We’ve spent a few days focusing on stroke recognition, but today we focus on a condition that often gets confused with a stroke. Bell’s palsy is a paralysis of the facial n

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 26, 2017

Endocrine/Metabolic, Neurology, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Heat Illnesses Awareness (Heat Exhaustion, Heat Cramps, Heat Stroke)

Heat Awareness Day occurs the last Friday in May instead of the first weekend in July because prevention is better than cure. Once the rains calm down across America, it’s p

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 25, 2017

Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness, Pediatrics/Kids Health

Straight, No Chaser Vlog: Stroke – How to Save a Life

It’s stroke awareness month. We understand that being confronted with a family member in the midst of a stroke can be terrifying. Somehow, you have to muster the courage to a

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 24, 2017

Straight, No Chaser In the News: New Guidelines on Fruit Juice and Fruit Intake for Kids

The American Academy of Pediatrics has offered revised recommendations regarding children’s intake of fruits and fruit juice. If you’re wondering why such a thing is necessary,

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 23, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Bone Health and Osteoporosis

A big deal is made about elderly individuals breaking bones – and reasonably so. Bone health is kind of important, given that you need your bones to stand and move around! In to

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 22, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Treating Arthritis

The thing about treating arthritis is you’d better do it. If you’re not lucky enough to have a form that readily responds to treatment or if you didn’t get early treatment, y

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 21, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Arthritis, The Inevitable Disease

Actually, humans have a few different “inevitable” diseases, but today we’re discussing arthritis, specifically degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis). For this conversa

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 20, 2017

Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: When Sex Hurts Her – Vaginismus

The human body is fascinating and mysterious in so many different ways. Unfortunately, that’s not always a good thing. Not every medical condition has to be life threatening

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 19, 2017

Straight, No Chaser In The News: HIV Vaccine Awareness and Update

The first (and at that point only) vaccine developed to date that has shown any significant effectiveness was demonstrated to be so in Thailand back in 2009. It was shown to cut th

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 18, 2017

Endocrine/Metabolic, Medical Treatment, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Straight, No Chaser: Stroke Awareness Month

This content of this post is so simple yet important that it really warrants taking up space in a few of your brain’s cells. Most of us know someone who has suffered from a strok

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 17, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: So… You Skipped Your Period? Let’s Discuss Secondary Amenorrhea

It happens all the time, but one thing that makes both men and women anxious is a missed menstrual period. Everyone’s always worried about being pregnant (and you should be). Wh

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 16, 2017

Obstetrics and Gynecology, Public Health, Health Prevention

Straight, No Chaser: Twenty Questions on Menopause (Plus One)

Menopause (aka “the change of life”) seems to be one of those things that everyone knows about but many don’t understand well. Let’s approach the topic by r

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 15, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Hoping for Health, Happiness and Healthcare Reform that isn't Sexist On Mother's Day

Apologies in advance for this not being the Mother’s Day post you might have expected, but in the current environment, it’s perhaps a more valuable gift than your typical set o

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 14, 2017

Diet and Nutrition, Endocrine/Metabolic, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer

Straight, No Chaser: Prevention and Treatment of Food Allergies

Whether or not you personally have a food allergy, it is likely you will find yourself in a situation with someone who does. Food allergies affect approximately 15 million American

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 13, 2017

Diet and Nutrition, Endocrine/Metabolic, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer

Straight, No Chaser: Food Allergies

I often say whatever you put in your mouth either helps or harms you. Today, we discuss food allergies, which sound like a cruel trick or something out of a horror movie, but unfor

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 12, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: About Stuttering

How do you respond when you hear someone stutter? Are you a stutterer, and if so, how do you handle it? Let’s answer 7 frequency asked questions to facilitate some understand

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 11, 2017

Straight, No Chaser: Addressing Hearing Loss and the Use of Hearing Aids

Prevention and protecting your hearing is easy; the decision to do so seems not to be so easy. Remembering this hearing thermometer is a good way to know what activities hurt your

By Jeffrey Sterling, MD May 10, 2017