Baby, It's Cold Outside

Once again this winter, an arctic cold wave is gripping much of the nation, with temperatures plunging lower than in memory.  It may seem obvious, but how to you let people know about this, how to you help to prevent the potential injuries or deaths that may occur from such extreme weather?  MedPage Today included me in a discussion of this issue, in this Friday Feedback segment:

When Weather Becomes a Public Health Issue

This is not a new problem, though.  Two years ago, in January, 2016, our area was in the icy grip of winter, and our local CBS affiliate interviewed me for some

Bone Chilling Advice

Things Guys Gotta Do

Back in the day, every time you got your car’s gas tank filled, you checked the oil, tire pressure and the like.  Although we may not do it every time these days, people still often take better care of their cars than themselves.   Because of redundancy of the body's systems, and the incredible capacity of the body to adapt to change, early pathology may not be noticed, while it is still in a correctable stage.  Wait until symptoms develop and that may not be the case.  Everyone, men and women, should have periodic surveillance to watch for potential problems.  This article, from Men's Health, details some specifics for men, but all can benefit from most of these tips.

8 Health Tests Every Guy Under 40 Should Get In 2018

Buddy up to lose!

While there are many ways to lose weight, having a buddy lose with you can be most helpful.  Here is a little piece I did for Ivanhoe Communications, a national media outlet that screens these clips on TV stations across the country.  Kudos as well to Dan Collins, who served as the patient for this piece.  You can watch the video here, entitled: 

Losing Weight with Peer Pressure

New thoughts on a serious medical issue

Recently, new guidelines were published on the management of an old medical problem, hypertension.  High blood pressure is responsible for strokes and heart attacks across all strata of the population.  With these guidelines, physicians will try to maintain tighter, healthier, control to help their patients.  Here is a video from MedPage Today where I was asked to comment on this new method of blood pressure management.

Other Voices on the BP Guidelines

Do you have to blow off the candles?

Of all the things to fear in this world, are germs spread by blowing out birthday candles high on the list?  Apparently, to some people, they are!  Here is a look at the question from the NBC Today Show website, where I join with the voices of reason to protect this time honored tradition.

Does blowing out birthday cake candles spread germs? Experts say...

Don't forget this on your trips to the mall

Catching colds and other infections may not be on the top of your list when you go shopping, but it may well be the bargain that you bring home that you were not bargaining for!  Turns out that germs on your hands may be the major vector for viruses to gain entry into your system.  While washing your hands with soap and water is clearly the best way to wash your hands, using a hand sanitizer prudently can also help prevent these infections.  Here is a little article from the Health.com magazine with a quote on this topic.

A Foggy Brain Can Get You Down

Brain Fog is not a meteorologic phenomenon, but that feeling of just not being able to think clearly.  It can roll in after sleep deprivation, difficult work, or just for no good reason at all.  Here is a little article, which includes some tips by me, about ways to clear out that foggy feeling.

Why You Have a ‘Foggy Brain’ If You Don’t Get Enough Sleep