Sun and Surf

I'll be blogging from a vacation site. (If I have the time and creativity).  Nothing too exotic this year...can you guess where EverythingHealth will be?

Bystander CPR Saves Lives

Nearly 450 people die each day of sudden cardiac arrest. Many times the bystanders, who witness a person collapse don't know what to do. They are afraid they will hurt the victim or they feel nervous about doing traditional Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with mouth to mouth breathing and chest compressions.

New information is published in the New England Journal of Medicine that

Irritable Bowel Syndrome From Structural Brain Changes

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects women twice as often as men.  It is commonly seen in a general medicine practice.  It is thought to be chronic and involves cramping, abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea and constipation.  An old term for it is "spastic colon".   It is one of those frustrating conditions where we "don't know what causes it" and that means doctors often

The Pesticide Dirty Dozen

The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit focused on public health.  We know that the long term consequences of eating chemicals from pesticides used on our foods is damaging to our health.  The EWG analyzed data from the FDA and  found that people who eat five fruits and vegetables a day from the dirty dozen are eating 10 pesticides a day.  We want people to eat more fruits and vegetables,

Caffeine is OK for Pregnant Women

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have issued a statement that moderate caffeine consumption (<200mg/day - about a cup of coffee) does not increase a woman's risk for miscarriage or preterm birth.  The review of recent studies was published in Obstetrics and Gynecology and should reassure women about drinking coffee when pregnant.

Caffeine does cross the placenta but there

When a Professional Turns His Back

A few weeks before Christmas, Eutisha Rennix, a pregnant restaurant worker,  collapsed while working.  She started having a seizure and her co-workers were screaming for help. There were two EMT workers in line at Au Bon Pain shop in Brooklyn and they refused to help.  They told on-lookers to call 911 and they walked out of the store after picking up their bagels, presumably because they were on

The Most Amazing Flower in the World

This Agave Century Plant has the most amazing flower in the world.  I've been photographing the initial bloom spike since early June.  The plant takes about 15-20 years to finally put out a flower. Because so much of the plant's energy goes into this amazing bloom, the plant dies afterward.  But in nature's amazing way there are new daughter plants spreading from the original to keep the

How to Recognize a Competitive Medical Student

This cartoon is from a clever medical student blog.  I love finding out what medical students in 2010 are up to,  and reading about their struggles brings back my own nostalgic (read: horrific)  memories.  This cartoon of a Med School Gunner shows me that not much has changed and this type of student is still with us. 

(thanks Doc Cartoon)

19th Century Obesity Cure

I really really want to know what the treatment is that this "regular practicing physician" will send to the patient to reduce the surplus flesh. "Eat as much and as often as you please" and no "bandaging or tight lacing."  Bring it on!

(click on image to enlarge)

The Answer

The answer to yesterday's medical challenge is...(drum roll)...insect bites.  Many of you diagnosed correctly.  We don't know what type of insect caused the reaction because mosquito and chigger bites can look the same with red, indurated wheals.  The fact that they were on the exposed skin, and not under clothing gives a clue to insects too.

The photo here shows one of our nurses in Haiti with

What is the Diagnosis?

This 24 year old patient had the onset of these very itchy lesions on both upper arms.  She takes no medication and has no other medical problems.  She had just returned from a vacation where they had lots of outdoor dining.  She recalls eating shellfish and strawberries.  You are the doctor.  Make a comment and tell us what is the diagnosis?  Can it be treated?

The answer will be posted

Tips for Men Using Viagra

One of my journals, Mayo Clinic Proceedings,  (I read every night to keep up with the latest medical information) contained some clinical pearls that I wanted to pass on to my men readers who take medication for erectile dysfunction (ED).  They reported on a healthy 67 year old male who took 2 25mg doses of Viagra (sildenafil) but still did not get erections.  He was frustrated and inquired about

Obama Makes Don Berwick Head of CMS

In a slick move, President Obama appointed Donald Berwick, a pediatrician, to the top post at CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid).  I am happy about this because Dr. Berwick is eminently qualified and has been a leader in the quality and safety movement and patient protection for decades.   With his focus on quality and his passion for improving health care, he is the right person at this

Doctor Sues for Lousy OnLine Ratings

I must say I think Dr. Kimberly Henry, cosmetic surgeon,  has made a big professional mistake.  She has filed a lawsuit to stop online reviewers from badmouthing her on the Internet.  She is seeking injunctions against at least 12 reviewers from sites such as Yelp.com  and DoctorScorecard.com.  Dr. Henry claims libel and defamation, invasion of privacy and interference with prospective economic

Top Ten Things Going through Isner's Mind

 

Did you see the mental and physical strength these player's demonstrated during the historic tennis match?  It shows just how important the mind is.  RESPECT!

Rare Condition of Lizzie Velasquez

 


Lizzie Velasquez is 21 years old and lives in Austin, Texas.  She suffers from a rare condition that prevents her from gaining weight, even thought she eats up to 60 small meals and consumes between 5,000 and 8,000 calories daily. 

She was born premature at 2 lbs. 10oz and remained tiny as a child.  She has a syndrome that prevents her body from gaining weight and putting on body fat.  She

Attack of the Dust Mites

Have a happy 4th of July Holiday!