Tag Archives: Straight No Chaser

Straight, No Chaser: Defending Yourself From Medication Errors

General Health and Wellness, , , ,

medication-buble

Every time you take medication or allow someone to administer it to you, you are taking a significant leap of faith. Think about it. How many individual things do you do daily that are as potentially dangerous as ingesting medicines that, if taken in the wrong dose, have effects that can include death?
These types of adverse drugs reactions resulting from medication errors are commonly seen in emergency departments. There are many other examples.

  • Diabetics commonly have low sugar reactions (hypoglycemia) from unintentionally overdosing on their insulin.
  • Patients on blood thinners commonly bleed when the dosage is too high. They often present with bleeding from their stomach, nose, in their stools and brain.
  • Patients taking medication for erectile dysfunction occasionally have heart attacks. Over-exuberance can lead to taking higher doses, thus increasing the risk.
  • Taking higher-than-prescribed doses of pain-killers can lead to failure of your lungs and death.

Sometimes these mistakes result from medicines resembling each other or having similar names. Some patients may have poor eyesight or be slightly confused. These errors occur at home, in the doctor’s office and in the hospital. Misuses that lead to adverse drug events include taking incorrect doses, taking doses at the wrong times, forgetting to take doses, or stopping the medication too soon. The point is you need intentionally know all you can about your medicines and protect yourself when taking them. At least you can control that aspect of things.
Unfortunately, many medication dosing errors don’t occur in a hospital or doctor’s office setting where effects can rapidly be discovered and treated.  Even worse, some errors lead to circumstances that aren’t easily identifiable when you come into the ER for treatment, especially if you’re suffering from altered mental status as a result. If this occurs while you’re taking a dangerous medicine, those errors can become fatal.

errors_intro

Here are some simple tips to help you minimize your risks and maximize your ability to recover when medication errors occur.

  • When you’re about to take a new medicine, actually make an effort to get to know the medication. Ask questions about why you’re taking it, what to expect and how you should respond. Learn what should prompt you to stop the medicine and/or get reevaluated when on the medication. This isn’t a long list. Usually the tips are short but critical for you to know.
  • Follow the directions that come with your medicines. Develop a habit of discussing your new medicine with the pharmacist and your physician.
  • Discuss the effects of the combination of any new medications your doctor prescribes with medications you were already taking.
  • Keep a list of the names, doses and frequency with which you take your medicine. Keep this list in your wallet or purse. This list should include supplements, herbals and over-the-counter medications. This list could save your life. Trust me, we spent a lot of time in emergency rooms looking for these lists. Your family won’t always be around when you become sick and/or are found unconscious.
  • Never take medications prescribed for someone else.
  • Never allow a child to have access to a medicine not prescribed for him or her.
  • Go to whatever lengths are necessary to secure the medicines in your home. This not only childproofs your home, but it also protects others who may use your medicines.

Take these simple steps because you just never know. Medicines heal, but they also can kill.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
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Soft As A Baby's Butt

General Health and Wellness, , ,

baby stethWouldn’t it be fabulous to have skin like that again?
No ifs, ands or butts, live chat 24/7 with a dermatology expert, your Personal Healthcare Consultant, at 844-SMA-TALK or www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com. Get advice on how you can improve the condition of your skin. If your concern is not urgent, you can also email us and receive a personalized response within 24 hours.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what  http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
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Straight, No Chaser: Do You Have Moles?

Skin/Dermatology, , , , , ,

 moles

Odds are you do. If you do, you should know when to be concerned. Let’s review some basic and critical information you should know.

common-moles

1. What are moles? The term common mole is applied to hyperpigmented skin growths. Typically, colors are pink, tan or brown. They tend not to grow beyond the size of a pencil eraser and are usually oval or round. Moles are most commonly seen above in the waist in sun-exposed areas.
2. Do moles develop more commonly as you age? Hopefully not in your case. Moles develop until approximately age 40, then they tend to fade away.
3. How many moles would be considered normal? Most people with moles have between 10-40. Those with more than 50 have an increased risk of developing melanoma, which is a form of skin cancer. It is important to note that most moles do not turn into melanoma.
4. What are abnormal moles? The medical term for an abnormal mole is a dysplastic nevus. This term refers to moles that tend to be larger with possibly different colors, borders and texture. The relevance of these moles is that they are more likely to develop into melanomas, although most do not.
5. When should I be concerned about moles? You should discuss your moles if you notice any of the following:

  • The color of the mole changes.
  • The mole gets smaller or bigger.
  • The mole changes in shape, texture or height.
  • The skin on the surface becomes dry or scaly.
  • The mole becomes hard or feels lumpy.
  • The mole starts to itch.
  • The mole bleeds or oozes.

ABCDChart

I’m going to reconfigure what I just explained in a way that may be easier for you to remember. Characteristics of melanoma can be remembered by ABCDE:

  • A: The mole of melanoma tends to be asymmetric (as opposed to round or oval).
  • B: The mole of melanoma has irregular borders.
  • C: The color of melanotic moles is uneven, and may include multiple colored shades.
  • D: Most melanomas are larger than six millimeters wide (i.e., larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser).
  • E: The mole has been evolving over a matter of weeks or months.

6. What factors increase the risk of melanoma?


 People with the following risk factors have an increased chance of melanoma:

  • The presence a dysplastic nevus
  • Having more than 50 common moles
  • Excessive exposure to UV radiation: Our greatest exposure to UV radiation is sunlight. Also, tanning (e.g., use of tanning booths and sunlamps before age 30), an increased lifetime sun exposure and having had at least one blistering sunburn (especially during adulthood), a past history or a family history of melanoma all increase the chance of developing melanoma.

7. How can the risks of moles becoming melanoma be reduced? The best way to prevent the development of skin cancer is to limit your time in the sun. When in the sun, you should use sunscreen and wear clothing that covers your skin.
We recommend that you be mindful, not only of the existence of moles, but of other matters that affect your health. Feel free to ask your SMA personal healthcare assistant any questions you have on this or any medical or healthcare topic.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what  http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
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Walk On By-yy

General Health and Wellness, , ,

Walk on by
If Burt Bacharach, Hal David AND Dionne Warwick told us to walk, I think we’d do best to get steppin’ … briskly … for about 20-30 minutes … everyday … or as much as we can. We’ve even included the video in case you like to walk with music in your ears (not too loud).  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0wCuwUneSM
Need any more reasons to walk? Contact your Personal Healthcare Consultant at 844-SMA-TALK or www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com. We’re here for you 24/7.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what  http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
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Straight, No Chaser: Expiration Dates on Food, Medicines and Cosmetics

General Health and Wellness, , ,

expired-medication-by-HazPhotos

We’re all faced with the decision. We’re sick, rummage through the medicine cabinet and discover an old prescription. Perhaps you want to wear your extra special makeup and discover the expiration date has passed. You come back from out-of-town, reach into the refrigerator to cook your favorite meat and it’s a few days past the expiration date.
No lectures today. Let’s engage in some straight talk and answer the questions you have.

 Expiration_Date

1. Why do foods have an expiration date?
Expiration dates provide an assertion of a guarantee of freshness, assuming the absence of other considerations. In other words, expiration dates are meant to suggest “best quality.”
2. Why do some stores sell foods beyond their expiration date?
Because they can. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require the coordination of expiration dates with assertions of safety (or lack of safety).
3. So is it safe or not safe to eat foods beyond their expiration date?
This is where things get tricky. The problem with “bad food” is contamination to the extent where sufficient bacteria are present to cause an infection. An expiration date is only a rough measure of that. If you leave food unrefrigerated or exposed to heat, it will go bad well before the expiration date. Even after the expiration date, sufficient bacteria may or may not be present to cause problems, but it becomes more likely as time passes.
4. Are there different considerations for different foods?
Use this list as a quick reference.

  • Countertop food (e.g., bakery goods containing custards, meat, vegetables, or frostings made of cream cheese, whipped cream, or eggs) should be kept refrigerated. Others not containing these (e.g., breads, muffins) can be kept at room temperature for a few days, but watch for mold that will develop over time.
  • Unprocessed pantry foods (e.g., cereal, dry beans, grains, mixes, nuts and pastas) should be good up to a year if unopened. Once opened they must be stored in air-tight containers.
  • Processed pantry foods (e.g., canned foods, cake mixes, crackers, dried foods) are safe until opened. Discard cans that are cracked, bulging or squirt liquid when opened.
  • Refrigerated foods (e.g., milk, chicken) may have both sell-by and use-by dates. Although generally safe to eat after both dates, the risk of problems is higher, so check for odor, discoloration or a bad flavor.
  • Freezer foods, according to the FDA, are safe indefinitely as long as they haven’t partially thawed. In this example, the sell-by and use-by dates apply to quality and retained nutritional value. For best results, if you’re going to freeze, do so early.

cosmexpdate

5. So cosmetics expire? I’ve never noticed an expiration date.
The FDA doesn’t require cosmetic manufacturers to print expiration dates on the labels of cosmetic products, but they do have the responsibility to determine shelf life for products, as part of their responsibility to substantiate product safety. The issue isn’t “expiration” as much as increasing risk for infections (of the eyes in particular).
6. For how long can I safely use cosmetics?
The better question is what increases the risk when using cosmetics. Here are some guidelines:

  • Manufacturers usually recommend discarding mascara two to six months after purchase.
  • If mascara becomes dry, discard it. Do not attempt to prolong its usefulness by adding water or saliva. Doing so will introduce bacteria into the product and onto your eyes when applied.
  • If you have an eye infection, stop using all eye-area cosmetics and discard those you were using when the infection occurred. Seek medical attention.
  • “All-natural” (i.e., plant-derived cosmetics) are more likely to have a shorter shelf life and to be conducive to bacterial growth with subsequent infection.
  • Poorly stored (e.g., exposed to high temperatures, previously opened) cosmetics may deteriorate before the expiration date. Conversely, those stored under optimal conditions may be acceptable long after the expiration date has been reached.
  • Sharing makeup increases the risk of contamination. A good example of this are the “testers” commonly found at department store cosmetic counters. If you feel you must test a cosmetic before purchasing it, apply it with a new, unused applicator, such as a fresh cotton swab.

expdatemedicine-19

7. What happens after a medication expiration date?
When it comes to antibiotics, I hope you never find out. You should always take your medications as prescribed, which generally means until all pills are gone. The medication date actually is more of a “freshness” (actually, safety and potency) consideration than a danger warning. However, in the wrong patient, a medicine that has less than the 100% guarantee of its needed strength, as the expiration date represents, could have fatal results. The expiration date doesn’t really indicate a point at which the medication is no longer effective or has become unsafe to use, with significant exceptions (e.g., tetracycline, nitroglycerin, insulin, and liquid antibiotics).
Feel free to ask your SMA personal healthcare consultant any questions you have on this topic.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what  http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
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Walk This Way!

General Health and Wellness, , ,

There are many different ways to walk. We advise you try these:

Find your dog and walk.

walk with dog

Find your kid and walk.

walk with boy

Find friends and walk.

walk hike

Find a neighborhood and walk.

walk lot

Find a golf course and walk.

golfers_walking_470

Find the moon and walk.

walk briskly

Find yourself.

walk alone

You deserve it.

Feel free to ask your SMA personal healthcare consultant any questions you have on this topic.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what  http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.

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

General Health and Wellness, Orthopedics/Bones, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 up because so much weight is placed on your feet (no pun intended). Also, many people take their feet for granted and allow different types of conditions to progress before doing anything about them.

Today’s blog, done in conjunction with the American Podiatric Medical Association, aims to give you a working knowledge of conditions that affect your feet. Please use the posts over the next few weeks as a starting point for understanding various entities, conditions and diseases that relate to your feet. Once you finish this blog, you may want to review the past Straight, No Chaser post on the maintenance of healthy feet.

Arthritis

rheumatoid-arthritisfeet

Arthritis Arthritis is inflammation of your joints, which are the spaces where various bones meet. The inflammation typically leads to pain, swelling, warmth and redness. As we age or as disease strikes, we are even more subject to arthritis in our feet, in the same way other joints are affected, because each foot has nearly three-dozen joints (33 to be exact). Straight, No Chaser has previously addressed the treatment of arthritis here.

heel-bone-spur

Bone Spurs Osteophytes (aka bone spurs) are bony projections that extend along the edges of bones. The main cause of bone spurs is the wear-and-tear damage associated with osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease).

Cardiovascular Disease

Pvdfeet

High Blood Pressure Your feet are especially susceptible to the effects of hypertension (aka high blood pressure), because they represent the most distant point from your heart. As your heart’s function worsens–a manifestation of hypertension–your feet suffer from the effects of poor circulation (e.g., receiving suboptimal amounts of the oxygen and nutrients supplied by healthy blood). Check here for the Straight, No Chaser review of high blood pressure.

Peripheral Arterial Disease When fatty deposits (i.e., plaques) partially or completely block our arteries, the blood supply to various organs is compromised. This becomes even worse as the arteries become hardened with prolonged exposure. With the feet’s location being as far from the heart as it is, they are at higher risk.

Diabetes

DM foot ulcer

Diabetic Wound Care We have described diabetic foot ulcers here in Straight, No Chaser. You must be aware of the risks of losing limbs if you’re diabetic, as this occurs in approximately 15% of diabetics.

Diabetic (Peripheral) Neuropathy 
The effects of high blood glucose (sugar) levels include damage of our peripheral nerves, called peripheral neuropathy. This phenomenon is most prevalent in the fingers and toes.

Foot & Ankle Injuries

calcaneal fracture

Sprains, Strains & Fractures
 These injuries compromise the ability of the feet to support and move the body.

  • A sprain is an injury to the soft tissue of a structure such as the foot.
  • A strain (aka a pulled muscle) is an injury that results from excessive stretching and/or tearing of a structure’s supportive muscles.
  • A fracture is a disruption (e.g., break) in a bone.

Muscle & Tendon Problems

HaglundsDeformity

Haglund’s Deformity 
If you’ve ever heard the term “pump bump,” you know what Haglund’s Deformity is. This bony enlargement on the back of the heel often occurs in women who wear pumps. 

Heel Pain 
The heel bone (the calcaneus) is the largest of the 26 bones in the human foot. Due to size and stress, it is especially susceptible to injury.

Tendinitis 
We have previously discussed disruption to the Achilles tendon. Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon prior to that disruption and represents one of the most common causes of foot or ankle pain.

Plantar_Fasciitis1

Plantar fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot. This occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overstretched or overused. Plantar fasciitis is usually quite painful, and that pain makes walking difficult.

Skin Disorders

toes+athletes+foot

Athlete’s Foot 
This fungal infection is the result of conditions favorable to fungal growth: dark, warm and humid conditions. It itches and hurts, but treatment is readily available when
preventative measures don’t control it.

cornscalluses

Corns and Calluses
 Irritation to a part of the foot will prompt the body to form thicker skin to prevent irritation and injury. These present as corns and calluses.

psoriasis

Psoriasis We have discussed 
psoriasis here in Straight, No Chaser. It represents abnormally rapid production and replacement of skin cells. This causes a build up of dead cells on the surface that is recognized as scaly, dry and silver patches.

Skin Cancers of the Feet
 Although more common on exposed areas of the body, skin cancer can develop anywhere, including on the feet. Skin cancers of the feet tend to present as recurrent cracking, bleeding or ulceration more so than with pain.

Sweaty Feet 
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. This often presents on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

Planters Warts

Warts 
When warts present on the feet, they tend to be painful. These are fleshy manifestations of a virus infection.

Toe Joint & Nerve Disorders

bunion

Bunions
 Bunions occur at the base of the great toe and is an enlargement of the joint that forms when the bone or tissue actually moves out of place.

Hammer-Toe-3

Hammer Toes
 A hammer toe is a bending (contracture) of the toe at its first joint, (i.e., the proximal interphalangeal joint). This produces an appearance of an upside-down V.

Neuroma

Neuromas
 A neuroma (aka “pinched nerve”) is a non-cancerous growth of nerve tissue, most commonly located between the 3rd and 4th toes (the two next to your pinkie toes). Given that this involves growth of nerve tissue, it shouldn’t surprise you that neuromas are painful.

Toenail Problems

ingrown_toenail

Ingrown Toenails  We discussed 
ingrown toenails in Straight, No Chaser. They represent the most common nail impairment and involve a condition when the corners of the nail dig painfully into your soft tissue, producing signs of infection and inflammation.

toenail-fungus

Toenail Fungus
 When you notice an ongoing change in the color and quality of your toenails, you should suspect toenail fungus. These infections occur under the nail’s surface and require antifungal medications.

Treatment Terms

orthotics

Shoe Inserts Inserts are simply foot supports that are placed inside your shoes. Shoe inserts don’t require a prescription.

Orthotics
 Orthotics are typically custom-designed and prescribed devices designed to support and comfort your feet.

Feel free to ask your SMA personal healthcare consultant any questions you have on this topic.

Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what  http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.

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Let Us Help.

General Health and Wellness, , ,

panic 1Sometimes the worry can overwhelm. Sometimes your attempts to handle difficult situations on your own leads to stress that can paralyze.
Let us help. We’re hear to listen, inform and advise 24/7. Contact us today at 844-SMA-TALK or www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what  http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
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Straight, No Chaser: About Cold Sores and Herpes

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

cold_sores
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 you need. I know exactly what you fear about the topic, so let’s clarify things for you. Let’s discuss cold sores, aka fever blisters. Since this can be bad news, I’ll answer 13 questions you either have or should have about cold sores. You’re welcome to ask more if you have any.

colsore

1. What are cold sores?
Cold sores are those painful little blisters you get on or near your lips. You may have single blisters or a small grouping of them.

katieholmescoldsore

2. What causes cold sores?
Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex viruses (HSV). Yes. Herpes. Let’s focus on this, and get it straight for you. There are two types of herpes viruses: HSV-1 and HSV-2.

  • HSV-1 is the usual cause of oral herpes (cold sores).
  • HSV-2 is the usual cause of genital herpes.

Yes, HSV-2 can cause cold sores and HSV-1 can cause genital herpes.
Let me repeat that. Both forms of HSV can cause oral and genital herpes, although that is not usually the case.

Kim Kardashian Returns From The Middle East Make-Up Free With Cold Sores

3. Why do I get cold sores?
Cold sores are transmitted from contact. That usually means kissing, but it could mean oral sex, mouth-finger-mouth contact, shared razors or utensils.

cold-sores-stages

4. Are there other symptoms I should expect to get with the cold sores?
There are two considerations here:

  • The cold sores themselves pass through stages, including tingling and itching, followed by blistering, following by oozing and crusting.
  • Additional symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes in your neck.

5. How long do cold sores tend to last?
Even without symptomatic treatment, cold sores are likely to resolve within two weeks.
6. Can I get genital herpes from oral sex?
Yes. Consider using a dental dam or abstaining if you’re uncertain about your partner’s safety.
7. Is there a cure for cold sores?
No, but symptomatic treatment is available.

Cold-Sore triggers

8. What makes cold sores recur?
Some form of physical or psychological stress may prompt recurrences. Such stressors may include extreme fatigue, fever or infection, menstruation, mental stress and sun exposure.
Additional risk factors for recurrences and complications include severe burns, eczema, cancer chemotherapy, chemotherapy (i.e., anti-rejection drugs) for organ transplants and HIV/AIDS.
9. Can I have problems elsewhere on my body related to cold sores?
Herpes simplex viruses may also create symptoms on the brain, eyes, fingers, liver, lungs and across the skin, particularly in those with weakened immune systems.

rihanna-cold-sore

10. How can I tell if my partner has this?
You should assume that to be the case. Approximately 90% of adults across the world test positive for herpes simplex virus, which is not the same as saying everyone is in the midst of an active infection. Even still, the virus can be transmitted even when no blisters are present.  The presence of a cold sore is suggestive of at least the presence of an active HSV-1 infection.
11. What can I do at home to reduce my risk?

  • Avoid skin contact with those displaying the blisters of cold sore.
  • If you have cold sores, limit touching other parts of your body, and wash your hand frequently and thoroughly.
  • Avoid sharing items, particular those that involve the lips, such as lip balm and utensils.

 12. Are there over-the-counter medications and remedies available to help against cold sores?
Docosanol is an over-the-counter cream approved by the Food and Drug Administration for cold sore treatment. It may shorten the duration of symptoms by a day. Other remedies that have shown mixed results in the research include lemon balm, drying agents that include alcohol, lysine stress reduction and simple application of ice or cold water to the blistered area.

coldsoreJT

13. When should I seek medical assistance for cold sores?
The presence of prolonged (e.g., more than two weeks), especially painful or unusually frequent cold sores or the presence of blistering that occurs in other parts of the body are prompts for seeing your physician. The presence of cold sores, if you have a weakened immune system, is another prompt that should not be ignored.
Feel free to contact your SMA expert consultant with any questions you have on this topic.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what  http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
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Happy New March!

General Health and Wellness, , ,

flowers
March is the perfect month to check in on your resolutions toward your good health. It’s not too far away from the promises you made to yourself at the beginning of the year–in case you need to dust them off a little bit. It’s far enough away to make serious progress toward your summer goals.
Our nutrition and fitness experts, your Personal Healthcare Consultants, are more than happy to advise you on next steps. Contact us 24/7 at 844-SMA-TALK or www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what  http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
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Straight, No Chaser: Would You Consider Acupuncture?

General Health and Wellness, Neurology, , , , , ,

acupuncture

I will start by saying this about Western medicine. The presumption is not that complementary and alternative methods of treatment engaged around world, such as herbals, are ineffective. The premise is that any treatment measure needs thorough research, testing and analysis before approval and adoption. The scientific method simply asks for proof to be established prior to recommending a course of treatment. This approach is taken for your safety. If you appreciate that sentiment, you should understand how and why the practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is allowed but not necessarily recommended as a first line treatment. Physicians have no stakes in pharmaceutical companies’ profit aspirations; in fact, we’re quite aware of them.
Acupuncture is among the oldest treatment modalities in the world, having been practiced in several Asian countries for thousands of years (most notably China). It’s obvious effectiveness in the Far East has generated a call for it to be subjected to the scientific method to better define how to integrate its use into Western medicine.
Here are some frequently asked questions on acupuncture.

Acupunctureface

What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a series of procedures that stimulate various anatomical points of the body. To accomplish that, the skin is penetrated with thin metallic needles. Alternatively, electric stimulation may be used. Theoretically, this stimulation releases internal pain-reducing hormones and other chemicals we use to heal ourselves.

acupunctureback

Why is it used?
The treatment of pain is a pretty big reason for the use of acupuncture, including the following conditions:

  • persistent acute lower back pain
  • headache and migraine
  • chronic pain, particularly neck and back pain
  • joint pain
  • dental pain
  • post-operative pain

Some acupuncturists use acupuncture to treat additional considerations not related to pain, including the following conditions:

  • post-operative nausea and vomiting
  • allergies, including hay fever and eczema
  • fatigue
  • depression and anxiety
  • digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • infertility and menstrual disorders
  • insomnia

acupunctureelectrodes

Is it safe?
In the hands of a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is associated with relatively few side effects. However, there are multiple potentially serious consequences if not performed properly, including infections and rupture of organs through puncture. To that end, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires acupuncture needles to be sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use by qualified practitioners.
Is it being used in the U.S.?
According to the National Institutes of Health and a National Health Interview Survey conducted in 2007, over 3 million adults and 150,000 children had used acupuncture in the previous year. That’s one of every 100 people!
How does it work?
This is the answer being sought by current research efforts. Research is investigating methods of actions, appropriate medical indications and performance of different instruments used in the process.
What should I expect from a visit to a qualified acupuncturist?

  • You should expect to provide a picture of your overall health.
  • You should not expect much pain. These needles are hair-thin.
  • You should expect to feel energized or relaxed.
  • You should not expect a medical diagnosis. Acupuncturists are therapists, not physicians.

Most treatments require at least a few weeks of sessions. If you’re a sufferer from chronic pain and are at wit’s end, consider acupuncture. I prefer you did that than become a chronic and habitual user of narcotics.
Feel free to contact your Personal Healthcare Consulltant with any questions you have on this topic.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
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Straight No Chaser: Saluting African-American Healthcare Pioneers

General Health and Wellness, , , ,

Here’s a quote that I enjoy:

“History favorably remembers those that do things first and those that do things exceedingly well.”

                                                                                                                                                –Anonymous

On this last day of Black History month, allow me to use our little corner of the world to recognize and pay tribute to a few of the many African-Americans whose work has impacted the lives of millions around the globe. Even if you are not familiar with these individuals or their work, learning about their existence and pioneering endeavors may prove meaningful.
Dr. James McCune Smith (1813-1865), the first Black to hold a medical degree

Smith_JamesMcCune_2x2

James McCune Smith (1813 – 1865) was the first African-American to hold a medical degree, having graduated at the top in his class at the University of Glasgow, Scotland. He was also the first African-American to own and operate a pharmacy in the United States. He has been most well-known for his leadership as an abolitionist, and, along with Frederick Douglass, he helped start the National Council of Colored People (1853), the first permanent national organization for Blacks. Douglass said that Smith was “the single most important influence on his life.”
James Derham (1762-1802?), the first recognized Black physician in the U.S.

drjamesderham

James Derham, the first recognized Black physician in the United States, was born a slave in Philadelphia. Owned by a number of physicians, Derham ended up in New Orleans with a Scottish physician who hired him in 1783 to perform medical services. When he turned 21, he bought his freedom, went to New Orleans and established his own medical practice. In 1788, he was invited to Philadelphia to meet Dr. Benjamin Rush, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Rush was so impressed with Derham’s success in treating diphtheria patients that he read Durham’s paper on the subject before the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
In 1789, Durham returned to New Orleans, establishing his legend; he saved more yellow fever victims than any other physician in colonial Philadelphia. During an epidemic that killed thousands, he lost only 11 of 64 patients. He moved back to New Orleans and was lauded by prominent local doctors. Despite his demonstrated expertise and his flourishing practice, his practice was restricted in 1801 by new city regulations because he did not have a formal medical degree and was unable to get formal training. He disappeared after 1802, and his fate was unknown.
Dr. David Jones Peck (1826-1855), the first Black to graduate from an American medical school

davidjonespeck

Between 1844 and 1846, David Peck studied medicine under Dr. Joseph P. Gaszzam, a white anti-slavery doctor in Pittsburgh. He then entered Rush Medical College in Chicago in 1846, three short years after the institution opened. Upon graduation in 1847, Peck became the first Black man to graduate from an American medical school.
In 1849, Peck established his practice in Philadelphia. Peck’s medical practice, however, was not successful. Few doctors recognized his status, referred patients to him or consulted with him. He returned to Pittsburgh in 1850. Peck was notable in having toured Ohio with William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass, promoting abolitionist ideals. Peck moved to Nicaragua in early 1852 where he was killed in 1855.
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams (1858-1931), physician, pioneer of heart surgery and founder of National Medical Association

daniel hale william

Daniel Hale Williams was born in Hollidaysburg, PA, and he earned his M.D. from Northwestern University in 1883. He organized the Provident Hospital and Training School for Nurses in 1891, the first black-owned hospital in the United States.
In 1893, Williams performed the first successful closure of a wound of the heart and pericardium (the layer immediately surrounding the heart). President Cleveland appointed him surgeon in chief of Freedmen’s Hospital, Washington, D.C. During his five-year tenure there, he reorganized the hospital and established a training school for African-American nurses.
Williams helped form the National Medical Association in 1895, though African-Americans were denied membership at that time. He was a charter member of the American College of Surgeons, being the first and only Black member for many years. From 1899 until his death, he was professor of clinical surgery at Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN.
Mary Eliza Mahoney (1845-1926), groundbreaking nurse

marymahoneylg

America’s first Black professionally trained nurse, Mary Eliza Mahoney, was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts. She graduated from the New England Hospital for Women and Children Training School for Nurses in 1879, having worked there for 15 years before being accepted into its nursing school.
After gaining her nursing diploma in 1905, Mahoney worked for many years as a private care nurse, serving as director of the Howard Orphan Asylum for Black children in Kings Park, Long Island, NY. In 1896, Mahoney was one of the original members of a predominantly white Nurses Associated Alumnae of the United States and Canada, which became the American Nurses Association (ANA) in 1911. In 1908, she was cofounder of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN).
Dr. Charles R. Drew (1904-1950), physician, pioneer of blood transfusions

Charles_Drew

Charles Richard Drew was born in Washington, D.C. As a surgeon and a professor at Howard University, he developed a means of preserving blood plasma for transfusion. During World War II he headed the program that sent blood to Great Britain. Among his noteworthy accomplishments, Drew started and was the first Director of the American Red Cross Blood Bank.
Dr. Louis Sullivan (1933- ), Physician and 17th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

SullivanLouis

Louis W. Sullivan was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Sullivan earned his medical degree, cum laude, from Boston University in 1958. Dr. Sullivan held positions at Harvard Medical School and other facilities. In 1967, he founded the Boston University Hematology Service at Boston City Hospital and later was director of the Boston Sickle Cell Center.
Dr. Sullivan left Boston in 1975 to become the founding dean and director of the Medical Education Program at Morehouse College. In 1985, the Morehouse School of Medicine was fully accredited as a four-year medical school. In 1989, Dr. Sullivan took a leave of absence from Morehouse to become the 17th Secretary of Health and Human Services. As Secretary, Dr. Sullivan championed causes among vulnerable populations. He was a strong advocate for increased medical research pertaining to racial and ethnic minorities and the illumination of racial healthcare disparities.
Dr. Ben Carson (1951- ), Groundbreaking neurosurgeon

Carson Scholars Fund

Dr. Carson is a contemporary addition to this list because of his achievements, including successfully detaching twins conjoined at the head in 1987 and his groundbreaking surgery on a twin suffering from an abnormal expansion of the head — conducted while the baby was still in the mother’s uterus. Dr. Carson has performed operations which have greatly expanded scientific knowledge of the brain and its functions. Dr. Carson was the youngest and long-time director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. His clinical expertise in treating rare neurological conditions is unquestioned and largely unparalleled. 
Congratulations to these and the many other who are pioneers and leaders. Let’s support and encourage the many who continue this proud tradition.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what  http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
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Straight, No Chaser: Rashes on Your Palms and Soles – Pay Attention!

General Health and Wellness, Skin/Dermatology, , ,

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 you in the right direction. This doesn’t take long for you to learn, so commit this to memory, and you could save yourself a lot of drama down the road. Don’t forget to wear gloves and wash your hands!
There’s actually an entity called hand, foot and mouth disease, commonly seen in children and caused by the Coxsackie A virus.  It’s rather benign.
Hand-Foot-and-Mouth-Disease-3hand-foot-mouth-disease1hand-foot-mouth
If you’ve spent any time in the woods of the Southeastern U.S. (usually between April and September), you may recall being bitten by a tick (which will transmit an infection from a bacteria named Rickettsia Rickettsii).  If you contract Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (yes, it’s misnamed – the Rocky Mountains aren’t in the Southeastern U.S.), your rash may look like this.

RMSFRMSFfeet

If you’re a child with five or more days of fever, pink eye, dryness in the mouth, big lymph nodes in the neck and this rash, your physician should consider Kawasaki’s disease.  This is caused by an inflammation of blood vessels, and demographically, it is seen more often in those of Asian descent.

kawasaki

Sometimes in Kawasaki’s disease, the tongue may look like a strawberry.

Kawasaki2

And yes, secondary syphilis presents with rashes on the palms and soles.  The real take home message is this.  Primary syphilis is so overlooked (because the initial genital lesion is painless and may come and go without much announcement), the development of rashes on the hands and feet may be the first time you get diagnosed.  Trust me, you want to get treated before tertiary syphilis develops.  Here’s what that rash looks like.

2ndsyphilis2ndarysyphilis

The long and short of it, is if you or a loved one develop a rash on the palms and/or soles, get it evaluated.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what  http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
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Panic Often Resolves with Sound Advice

General Health and Wellness, , ,

panicOne of the most common facial expressions we see in the ER is panic.
The good news is that oftentimes patients only need to hear the facts and sound advice before they can leave the ER resolved and prepared to take care of their health on their own.
The bad news is that buyers’ remorse often follows, sometimes at the cashiers’ stations on the way out, sometimes when the bills come in the mail, sometimes in front of the physician: “I waited all night for that?!”
Don’t panic about your health. Don’t panic about your healthcare budget. Contact your Personal Healthcare Consultant at 844-SMA-TALK or www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what  http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2014 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Trauma Quick Tips – How to Survive that Motor Vehicle Crash

General Health and Wellness, , ,

mvc

As you drive the expressways of some cities, you can read how many traffic deaths have occurred that year. I’m sure the purpose of these announcements is to keep drivers alert to the real dangers of driving and to remind us to drive safely. However, when prevention hasn’t kept you out of harm’s way, what you do next can make a world of difference. Here are 10 quick tips to keep you upright.
If you see an accident happening in front of you …
1) Move away from the steering wheel/dashboard. That airbag will be coming at you at approximately 200 MPH. It can cause burns and other injuries on its own. You want both hands on the wheel as loose as possible during impact.
2) If possible, angle the car for a glancing blow. Try to avoid the head-on collision, especially with the bigger object. Similarly, the ‘T-bone’ side impact collision is especially dangerous, as the car is structurally weaker on the side, and the side is closer to passengers.
3) Slow down as best you can, but also try to control your deceleration. The faster the impact, the worse the damage will be.
4) If there’s time and you haven’t already, get that seat belt on.
5) If there’s time, get any potential projectile from where it may strike you. That’s off the seat, dashboard and cup holders. Hot coffee in your face or being slashed by your phone won’t feel good.
After the crash …
6) Call emergency medical services as your first move after a crash.
7) If you have any neck pain, as best you can, do not move. Period.
8) If you are pregnant, get onto your left side while you wait.
9) After a crash, switch off your engine, do not smoke, and stop anyone else from smoking. You will not be in a position to put out any fire you start and if flammables are in either car, you could be setting up an explosion.
10) Do not attempt to remove injured people from a vehicle yourself; leave that to the paramedics. You could be aggravating a neck (spinal) injury that is not obvious at that point.

Don't Worry. Call.

General Health and Wellness, , ,

worry2
It stands to reason that you would feel this way. Something’s not right, and you can’t explain it. Your searches on the Internet have given you all the worst case scenarios, though you know by now that you can’t trust everything you read.
Don’t worry. Much of what ails us does not require an expensive ER or doctor’s office solution. Contact us. We’re here for you 24/7 at 844-SMA-TALK or www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what  http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
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Straight, No Chaser: Maintaining Healthy Feet

General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention, Musculoskeletal System, , ,

foothealth

Your feet are a very good barometer of your overall health. The fact that your feet are further away from your heart than any other part of your body means you must be at your physical best for you to get everything you need to them. Remember your heart has to pump blood with its oxygen and nutrients around the body. Conversely, problems with your overall health easily show in this most distant part of the body. Plus, they’re your feet. You walk all over them by definition.
In this conversation about your feet, we’ll look at foot health first. Subsequently, we’ll review various foot problems. Joining me in this conversation is my good friend and noted Milwaukee Podiatrist Dr. Warren McIver.

foothealth1

Let’s start by going to those most at risk. If you’re diabetic and/or have peripheral vascular disease, foot care is a must – not an option. I’ve seen too many infected diabetic foot ulcers and amputated feet to tell you otherwise. If you fall in these categories (and even if you don’t), you must check your feet every day. The decreased sensation in your feet combined with poor circulation can have you walking about with cuts or sores on your feet, or with foreign objects in your feet without you being aware. These circumstances often lead to infections with potentially devastating complications.
Try these tips to improve your circulation and reduce the risk of damage to your feet, regardless of your status:

  • When sitting, place your feet up.
  • Form the habit of stretching your feet, legs and thighs.
  • Practice gently massaging your feet (or have someone else do it).
  • Soak your feet in warm water. Foot baths provide multiple health benefits.
  • Make sure your feet are dry before you put on your shoes.
  • Wear shoes when you’re outside.
  • If you are sitting for a long time, get up and move around every now and then.
  • If you cross your legs, reverse or uncross them often.
  • Don’t smoke.

 shoe1

A big deal is made of shoes. Are you dressing for fashion to the exclusion of your health? Sometimes the phrase “pay it forward” refers to negative consequences, meaning you’re going to “pay for it.” There is an ongoing battle between comfort and appearance. Pressure and ill-fitting shoes are the genesis of a lot of different disorders. Think about these simple, common sense tips. Do you follow these every time?

  • Have your feet measured before you buy a new pair of shoes. Every time. Did you know you likely have one foot that’s bigger than the other? Buy for the bigger foot. Also, your feet are generally bigger at day’s end, so that’s the best time to measure.
  • Never buy shoes without trying them on. That’s the ultimate quality control measure. While you’re walking, pay attention to the heel and make sure it’s not sliding.
  • Buy shoes that are shaped like your feet. High heels and pointy-toed shoes can hurt your feet and are invariably less safe and less comfortable.
  • Leave approximately ½ inch between your toes at the end of the shoe. I’ve heard many people say they buy tight shoes anticipating they will stretch. Don’t do that. That stretching is coming at the expense of your feet.
  • Buy shoes that are soft and flexible in the upper part.
  • Wear thick soled shoes. They cushion your feet when walking on hard surfaces, and this is a good thing.

Your feet carry you around all day, every day. Take care of them. It would be a shame if you had to do without them.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you have.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what  http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
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Happy Dance with Me

General Health and Wellness, , ,

happy dance running manI know. The weekend’s over.
That only means it’s time to put your inner rebel to good use and keep the dance party going! Any day of the week, any time of the day, your body will thank you.
happy dance SnoopyNeed a dance partner? Puppies work well.

happy dance tutu

Add years to your life. Keep it moving! And when you need help, contact your Personal Healthcare Consultant like Dr. Smith here for dance moves or for information and advice about your health and wellbeing at 844-SMA-TALK or www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what  http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
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Straight, No Chaser: Hip Pain

Orthopedics/Bones, Musculoskeletal System, , , , , , , ,

hip-illustration

The hip bone’s connected to the … If you remember this song, you’re dating yourself. You’re also anatomically incorrect. There is no hip bone. The hip is a joint connecting the thigh bone (the femur) with the pelvic bone.
Today, we are going to discuss hip pain. This is going to be quite straightforward. My goal is to give you a simple approach to think about when confronted by hip pain or injury.
First, let’s appreciate how stable the hip is compared to many other joints. The head of the femur fits into the joint like a ball would fit into a cup that closes in around it. This promotes a huge amount of stability, meaning you have to go out of your way to hurt that area. Of course we do, particularly during trauma or excessive sporting activities (and of course, it’s subject to the wear and tear that occurs with time).
Here are the various ways we tend to hurt the area involving and surrounding the hip.

  • Strains: Commonly known as a pulled muscle, a strain involves the stretching and tearing of muscles in an area.
  • Dislocations: These injuries involve displacement of the ends of bones from the joints in which they normally meet.
  • Fractures: These are disruptions (e.g., breaks) in your bones.
  • Bursitis: This is inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that normally cushion joints (as well as muscles and tendons).
  • Osteoarthritis (aka degenerative joint disease) usually results in a loss of the range of motion and produces pain.
  • Osteoporosis is a weakening of the bones that leads to breaks.

Pain in the hip doesn’t always originate from the hip. It can start from the buttocks or knees and refer to the hip through nerves. Your physician will evaluate these areas for abnormalities. Treatment is pretty straightforward and involves rest and pain medications. In more advanced cases, you may need physical therapy and hip replacement therapy. These options are discussed at www.sterlingmedicaladvice.com.
The important thing for you to take from this is what you need to do in order to prevent hip pain and how you can help yourself when you have pain.

  • Rest: The mantra “feel the pain (or burn)” doesn’t apply to your joints. Those are warning signs of potentially imminent injury. If you’re feeling pain, rest. Don’t sleep on that side and avoid placing pressure on it. When you’re in pain, avoid overuse of the hip, including routine activities such as bending.
  • Ice/heat: Use heat to loosen your muscles, especially when exercising. This will make injury less likely. Ice serves to dull any inflammation you’ve experienced.
  • Pain meds: Know the proper doses and usage of over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol), ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin) and naproxen sodium (e.g., Advil).
  • Exercise: It’s usually about the weight. The more weight you’re carrying, the more stress you’re placing on the hips. Unless already injured, exercise will always produce benefits.

Finally, when you can’t move your leg, can’t bear weight, note a deformity (including rapid, massive swelling) or are in excruciating pain, that’s the time to get to the emergency room as soon as possible. When these things occur, don’t delay. Significant injuries can have devastating consequences.
Feel free to contact your SMA expert consultant with any questions you have on this topic.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what  http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.

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