Back in the day, it was common to enter a hot, steamy room, which was called a “schvitzbad” in Yiddish, and sit and sweat for your health for a short time. Even Al Jolson was a fan of such activities. Time and fashion passes, and few do this any more, other than the occasional sauna, which is usually dry heat. Well, Selena Gomez talked about her way of having a schvitz, and how it makes her feel. But is there a real benefit to it? I joined a few physicians in sweating out the answer.
The ache or pain that is common, wear and tear, arthritis is an annoyance, but to those people with an inflammatory arthritis, such as psoriatic arthritis, that destroys the joint, not paying attention to simple things can have severe consequences. Here is an article from the Everyday Health site that looks at a group of issues. Although directed at those with psoriatic arthritis, these tips would be well advised to be incorporated into just about anyone’s practices
The uneasy fact is that most men, and likely some women, pay better attention to their cars than their bodies. We all know you have to take that car in for servicing, fill the gas tank, and check the tires. But how about that body of yours? Is there a need for periodic checks on this or that? Here is a little article that explores the need to check a few things as prevention.
In the scheme of things, Boxers v. Briefs may not sound like much of a problem, but to many guys, it is one of those vexing issues of life! Here is a little article from Community Health Magazine that allows me to expound on the topic, along with another physician, to try to debunk some myths.
It's not common, but it is dramatic. Maybe you've read about the brain eating ameoba and maybe not, after all, your risk of getting hit by lightning while being eaten by a shark are probably higher than contracting this rare disease, but it is scary. Other organisms can be problematic, though, and using non-sterile water in a Neti Pot is one way to push your luck. So, here is a practical article from the Self.com website which looks at the practice, with some good advice.
As a physician, I find myself directing people every day to take this or that medication. Sometimes for a long term regimen, others more limited. But what does the patient think? Do you really have to take them all, exactly as prescribed? Is twice a day really needed, or do you have to take all ten day's worth? Here is a little piece from the Reader's Digest Online that addresses some of these issues. I would happily expand the discussion if there is interest.
Ben Franklin told us this hundreds of years ago, and we still don't get it. Adults and children alike shortchange themselves when it comes to sleep. But with teens, the damage can result in poor grades to a traffic wreck. Here is a little article that looks at the questions, with some solutions as well.
Here is a little piece from the March, 2017, issue of Dr Oz Magazine. It's one of those questions, this one about helping to trigger a sneeze, where "Dr. Oz says" the answer. But he does not say the answer, he quotes me! This was only in the print magazine, so an image of the article is below for you to enjoy.
