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Category Archives: 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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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