I don’t think that dog is smiling

Out for exercise, running into the path of a dog remains an occasion not to be celebrated.  Here’s a little article about ways to deal with such an encounter, with a few comments of mine concerning what to do if the unexpected happens.

Get exercise, not a dog bite

It may work for some, it may not

Hardly a day goes by without some patient reciting a list of supplements, vitamins or “natural” remedies that he or she is taking, firm in the belief that they are safe, effective, and necessary.  That most, if not all, of the proffered list is composed of substances without any proven benefit is not an issue; that one or more of the items on the list may have drug interactions or side effects is not acknowledged; and I am cast into the role of an agent of Pharma, trying to push DRUGS, when supplements are really the way to go.  Here is a little article looking at some of the most common products taken, along with a little dose of reality.

Supplements for Pain:

Some Patients Find Relief, But Don't Expect Miracles

Antibiotics - sometimes you need them, sometimes you don’t

We live in a “fix it now” world, and too many times patients feel that taking an antibiotic for a viral cough or cold won’t hurt, and just might help.  Only it does not help, and, over time, it does hurt.  Here is an article from the Self website by my friend Korin Miller that looks at just how pervasive this situation is

Way Too Many People Are Taking Antibiotics They Don’t Need

And lest you think that this is a new, hot, issue, here is a post from the blog from August, 2013, where I was interviewed in Oprah Magazine addressing a similar question.  Some things just don’t get old!

Do you really need something for it?

It’s for men, too

Over the years, I have been impressed by the observation that, in general, men don’t seem to pay as much attention to their health as women do.  Sure there are exceptions in both extremes, but many men have the feeling that they can “work through” a problem, or ignore it - and it will go away.  Only thing is, that’s often not the case, with the resultant “if only we had seen it sooner” discussion taking place.  So here is a little piece stressing the need for preventative medicine in men.  Maybe it will put a bug in your ear to go see your doctor!

Why Men Need Preventive Care

What color is your urine?

For years, we have all heard that urine color depends on degree of hydration, well hydrated, lighter urine, dehydrated - darker urine.  And while that may be true for many people, a recent study suggests that this common observation is not accurate for some of the most vulnerable among us, older adults.  Here is an article which looks at that recent study and puts the information into context.

URINE TESTS UNRELIABLE FOR ASSESSING DEHYDRATION IN OLDER ADULTS