"This blog was developed to provide medical updates that are important and have my perspective as additional insight."
The desire to chew on ice is called pagophagia, and if a person has an intense desire to chew ice they of will often be found to have iron deficiency anemia. It is the iron deficiency that causes this behavior as the person is seeking iron in their environment, and that desire if focused into …
Medical research is a difficult undertaking. Exploring new ideas and proving new concepts takes genius and diligence. Reading the story of James Allison, the latest winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine, you hear of all the dead ends and crazy ideas he pursued, until he finally lighted upon the novel method of proving that …
First, it was a few manufacturers of Valsartan..then more and more. As a result, I had switched many patients (myself indcluded) to Irbesartan….a very similar medication. Now there are concerns about small amounts of carcinogen in Irbesartan. It is just starting with only one manufacturer, but probably there will be more. For now…sit tight and …
Doctor Doug: I heard on the news that one of my medications was recalled due to chemical concerns and cancer risk. Can you tell me what you recommend I do? Sid I responded Sid; Right now…..several blood pressure medications are being implicated with concerns of imperfect production with chemical ‘taint’. The studies do not support …
Read More “A PATIENT ASKS ABOUT RECALLED MEDICATION…AND I RESPOND”
Finally, there is an on-line pharmacy that allows you to check the price of a medication so you have a reference point for your own pharmacy charges and costs. In addition, it is a full-service pharmacy that is available in all 50 states and has been sanctioned by Consumer Reports. You can order your medications …
Read More “HALLELUJAH!!!! INEXPENSIVE PRESCRIPTIONS MEDICATIONS”
Zpack (zithromax) is the modern version of erythromycin. Zithromax is easier to use and causes less GI distress than erythromycin. Now Zithromax may help prevent premature death in newborns in Africa.. What ‘Can’t’ Zpak do? See the VIDEO >>>>HERE<<<
Like they used to say about Elvis…our Barbara has retired after 33 years with the practice. Barb has been a beloved fixture in our office and she has decided it’s time to leave ‘show business’ for bigger and brighter (and more relaxing) things. I met her when I was in medical school and she was …
Current methods of manufacturing are superb, even for generic medications. That said, there are issues that can develop and a recent concern has been noted by the FDA for Valsartan, a high blood pressure medication. There are concerns that a cancer-causing chemical (NDMA) has tainted the pills in small amounts. Although potentially dangerous, it is …
Read More “RECALLED MEDICATION: VALSARTAN PRODUCED BY CERTAIN MANUFACTURERS”
Aspirin was invented by Bayer Inc. a little over 100 year ago. Some of you may remember that in my previous essay it was expected to be a small seller, compared with Bayer’s more exciting product that had such high hopes….HEROIN! Yes….aspirin and herion were born in the same year. But you are concerned about …
The new SHINGRIX VACCINE, is a two shot series (given 2+ months apart). It is the new SHINGLES VACCINE and it will be available beginning January, 2018 If you are interested in getting the two vaccines you may call our office to get on a waiting list, as we do not yet have the SHINGRIX …
Dementia is the loss of higher intellectual function and memory, and it is extremely common as we age, affecting 37% of the US population by age 85. For families dealing with this issue, it is important to understand the desires of the person who is developing memory issues, and to take steps before their thinking …
Debbie Landau-West is the premier dieititian/nutritionist in Scottsdale and has been practicing here for the past 30+ years. I recently asked her to provide a patient a list of some quick energy ‘pick me ups’ in between meals and this is the list she provided. It is useful for all of us: TRY THESE SNACKS …
Many of you will recall my excitement at the prospect of Arizona being the test ground for a new lab company called Theranos back in 2013. This company claimed it would revolutionize medicine through simple fingerstick blood testing for 100’s of lab tests; at a fraction of the cost while maintaining superior accuracy. As the …
Many patients have heard me refer to Dr. Raj Singh as the best single doctor in Arizona. Why is that? Well, Raj, a neurologist specializing in rehabilitation, embodies all of the attributes of the ideal physician. 1. Humanity: Raj is beloved by his patients because he has a natural empathy and an ability to communicate …
Men don’t see the doctor as much as women, nor do they report symptoms that are bothering them nearly as much. This is due to the male ‘mystique’….something that probably should change in guys want to stay healthy. Like I just told one fellow who came in for his physical, your labs are GILLETTE. “How’s …