blog

My "Set List" for Radio Show 3/20/10

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:05:19 +0100

When you listen to the show, you might think that I pull ideas to talk about out of the air. Actually, the Sunday after my Saturday show, I am preparing for the next one. I read scientific articles, headlines, etc. I do not just read a headline, but read the articles and may run research studies on related articles. On Friday night I pretty much select the articles and headlines that I will use on the show and then I finish bullet points which I have been enetering all week long. On air, I expand on the headlines weich I have reserached .I might choose cetain topics on the list depending on how the listeners respond, but, I NEVER get close to covering all the topics and my listeners frequently ask what else I might not have covered. So, the actual list is below. Different fonts may represent different days that I have entered points, but, this is what I actually am looking at when I do the show. I will do my best to get this to you weekly IF you find it helpful.Please email me at PrimaryCare@KTAR.com with feedback.

High-Dose Zocor (Simvistatin) Boosts Muscle Injury Risk: FDA
People taking the cholesterol-lowering drug should consult their doctor if problems arise, the agency says

Arizona Drops Children's Health Insurance Program

Nearly 47,000 low-income children in Arizona will no longer have health coverage after the state became the first in the country to eliminate its Children's Health Insurance Program.

The budget signed Thursday by Republican Gov. Jan Brewer also rolls back Medicaid coverage for childless adults, a policy change expected to eventually remove more than 310,000 people from the rolls, The New York Times reported.

State leaders said they had to make the cuts to deal with a $2.6 billion projected shortfall next year.

However, critics say children could suffer long-term developmental problems because of inadequate medical care, and hospital emergency rooms may be deluged by patients with few other options for health care, The Times reported.

Loneliness Boosts Blood Pressure

Loneliness and lack of connection with others can increase the risk of high blood pressure in people age 50 and older, says a new study.

High Lead Levels in Some Indian Food Spices: Study

Frequent use of some imported Indian food spices and religious powders may expose young children to high levels of lead, say U.S. researchers.

For example, one 12-month-old boy in the study was found to have lead poisoning from regular consumption of spices such as turmeric, black mustard seed and asafetida. His family stopped using the spices, and the boy's blood lead levels went down within six months, ABC News reported.

Religious powders such as red "sindoor" -- which is applied on the skin -- are another major concern, said the researchers at the Pediatric Environmental Health Center at Children's Hospital Boston.

They found that some of the religious powders imported from India are 47 to 64 percent lead, ABC News reported.

The study appears in the journal Pediatrics.

High Fructose Corn Syrup Linked to Liver Scarring
Study ties the ubiquitous sweetener to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Low-Fat Diet Does Little to Alter Cholesterol Levels
But researcher adds it's still a good choice for losing weight

Common Pesticide Tied to Development Delays in Kids
Chlorpyrifos, used on fruits and vegetables, affects mental and motor skill development, researchers say

Learning May Be Tougher for the Teen Brain
When puberty hits, mastery of new skills declines, but research in mice might lead to a solution someday

Common Pesticide Tied to Development Delays in Kids
Chlorpyrifos, used on fruits and vegetables, affects mental and motor skill development, researchers say

The pesticide chlorpyrifos is associated with delays in the physical and mental development of young children, a new study shows.

Herbicides, Fibrate Drugs May Block Taste Receptors
More research needed to determine the health consequences of compounds in question, experts say The receptor helps the body detect sweetness and the savory taste known as umami. It's found on the tongue and also appears to be in the intestine and pancreas.

Avandia Researchers' Financial Ties Questioned
Review of studies on controversial diabetes drug points up conflicts of interest

A new review of studies on the controversial diabetes drug Avandia finds that most of the researchers who reported positive results had financial ties to pharmaceutical companies, but it's not clear if being paid by drug makers directly leads to supportive research.

The review authors found that 94 percent of the researchers who penned positive studies about the drug Avandia (rosiglitazone) had been paid by pharmaceutical companies. The drug, which treats type 2 diabetes, has been linked to heart attacks.

Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it was reviewing documents that examine whether Avandia raises the odds for heart attack and heart failure and should be removed from the market. The agency said it plans to hold a public hearing on the evidence in July.

The review authors, who looked at more than 200 studies, wrote that "there was a clear and strong link between the orientation of authors' expressed views on the rosiglitazone controversy and their financial conflicts of interest with pharmaceutical companies."

Selenium Could Shield Against Diabetes
High levels in men appear to be beneficial, study finds

Scientists have found evidence that older men with higher levels of selenium are less likely to suffer from dysglycemia, or improper blood-sugar metabolism.

Bitter Melon Extract May Slow, Stop Breast Cancer
But lab test results must be repeated in animals and humans, experts say

Omega-3 May Safely Treat Precancerous Bowel Polyps
The nutrient could help those at genetic risk for the growths, study finds

Treatment with a specific type of omega-3 fatty acid can shrink the number and size of precancerous polyps in people at high genetic risk of developing bowel cancer, British researchers say.

The study authors reported that the new treatment appears to work as well as a drug called celecoxib (Celebrex), which is prescribed for patients with bowel polyps linked to their genetic risk, but it doesn't cause heart-related side effects

Music Soothes Anxiety as Well as Massage Does
Listening to relaxing tunes might be more cost-effective, researchers add

Massage can reduce anxiety, but no better than a cheaper approach -- simply relaxing while listening to soft, soothing music.

A new study shows that patients, on average, had half the symptoms of anxiety three months after getting a series of 10 hour-long massages. But researchers were surprised to find that massages didn't reduce anxiety anymore than lying down and listening to enjoyable music.

Kraft Reduces Salt in Food Products

Over the next two years, Kraft Foods Inc. will cut the amount of salt in its North American products by an average of 10 percent.

The changes will affect more than 1,000 products and remove more than 10 million pounds of salt, Kraft said Wednesday. The company is the largest U.S. food maker, the Associated Press reported.

The salt reductions include a 17 percent cut in Oscar Mayer bologna, a 20 percent decrease in Easy Mac Cups, and a 10 percent drop in Velveeta.

"We are reducing sodium because it's good for consumers and, if done properly, it's good for business," Rhonda Jordan, president of health and wellness at Kraft, said in a news release, the AP reported. "A growing number of consumers are concerned about their sodium intake, and we want to help them translate their intentions into actions."

Reports of Pine Nut Syndrome Increasing

As more Americans use pine nuts in salads, pesto and other foods, reports are increasing of pine mouth syndrome -- a bitter metallic taste that can develop a few days after consuming pine nuts and last for up to two weeks.

Study Links Early Baldness, Reduced Prostate Cancer Risk

Men who go bald by age 30 may be less likely to develop prostate cancer, according to researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Mediterranean diet tied to fertility treatment success

Women who closely adhere to a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, vegetable oils and fish may have a higher likelihood of becoming pregnant after infertility treatment, a new study suggests.

Herb shows no added benefits for women's bones

Exercise may help older women maintain their bone density, but adding the supplement black cohosh to the routine does not bring any extra benefits, a new study suggests.

Vitamin D helps fend off flu, asthma attacks: study

In a study of Japanese schoolchildren, vitamin D supplements taken during the winter and early spring helped prevent seasonal flu and asthma attacks.

Key Things That You Should Know

Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy- Ultarsouns, MRI, stereotactic guided thin needle biopsy.

High Definition Colonoscopy

Laser Throat Polyp

Endometrial Ablation for Fibroids and Excessive Uterine Bleeding

Hip Resurfacing for Hips Damaged By Arthritis

Laser Dentisry

Back Pain Should Still Have Low Tech and RARE surgery!!!

Tests You Should Have- 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D every 6 mos, Hemoglobin A1C for diabetes (fasting glucose is not definitive at all), baseline electrocardiogram), DNA with PAP test Papiloma Virus or HPV

Check The Hospital You May Use for What You Have To Have Done

FRUSTRATION/SADNESS

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:40:45 +0100

My wonderful 86 year old father- in- law, a war hero in a B17 bomber, is fading away before my eyes. Lawyer, wonderful dad, good soul he had a stroke that left him dizzy for a while but left all of his faculties- cognition. Nonetheless, like most of us, he fears death and he has PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) from his war days and now his stroke. The result is that he is depressed, keeps his head down, does not really sleep, is not eating (starving with weight loss each day), complains of pain that migrates and is phantom, cries spontaneously, can barely walk because his muscles are in atrophy from disuse, feet are swelling because he is either recumbent or seated (sort of) and as each day passes he is emotionally more detached- ready for death. As a son in law that loves him dearly I can accept his passing, BUT, I am REALLY having a hard time dealing with how we as a medical profession deal with him. Hospice is great but getting him ready to die. His primary care doctor is arrogant and wants us to be sure that we all understand that he is dying. Psychiatrists have offered little and the medications that he is getting are near useless for his behavioral issues which are what is killing him. Physiologcally he has time left, but his MIND is destroying him and we are dong a LOUSY job of either trying to help him have more time OR helping him so that the time that he does have is worthwhile.By the way, I have tried acupuncture, IV Vitamin C and just about anything that I can think of in conventional care (not my area of expertise) and alternative medicine to no avail. With all the money spent on drug reserach for useless pharmaceuticals that are copies of already existing drugs- duplicate research required by the FDA, wouldn't it be nice if the pharma companies actually developed NEW drugs that could help those who are suffereing with issues the rip apart the quality of their lives and the lives of their families? We all meet end of life issues. I guess its not a big enough market for the pharmaceutical industry!

ACNE SECRETS

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:53:36 +0100

Do NOT use powder makeup that contains TALC. Talc is REALLY bad for your lungs- even if you inhale small amounts and it clogs pores. This adds to any acne problem that you might have. Oh and by the way, while milk produicts SUPPOSEDLY add to acne, low fat or no fat milk products increase acne breakouts. In my home we have NO 2% or low fat milk and, yes, when my kids sleptver in a "no fat" house, their acne did get worse.

Update Cosmetics

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:40:51 +0100

Cosmetics oxidize after you have opened the jar or removed the seal on the dispensng container. They pick up germs and in the end- lose their effectiveness and COULD be the harbinger of infections. I advise all my patients who use my special VITAMIN C CREAM that they use the contents DAILY (so they get their money's worth) and discard the jar after six months because it's efficay will probably start to decrease at that point. Another example would be MASCARA which comes in contact with your eye, skin and lashes frequently. It's a geat place for germs to grow- sort of a culture.LIPSTICK, TONER,even SKIN COLORANTS like ROUGE or powder and liquid EYE SHADOWS are great place for bacteria to grow.
I know that they are expensive, but,applicators like make up brushes deserve to be changed. As frequently as you can afford to. Oh yes, NEVER, loan beauty poducts or their applicators to your friend in a powder room or anyplace else for that matter. You are sharing germs! How do you know what is on your companion's face?

I know that many folks in the entertainment business read this blog locally and I want to warn of the dangers of using shared brushes and make up for stage and TV. Do like I do, I consulted with a cosmetologist regarding what I need for my TV show and I bought what she suggested and I keep it in its own place before filming.

Why I Have Frozen My Practice To NEW Medicare Patients and MAY drop the rest in the near future

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:49:11 +0100

What this means is a DRAMATIC drop in Medicare if rates are fixed for 5 years and inflation in medical costs continue.Add to this horror the notion that the feds COULD cut rates 21%! Keep in mind that the feds SAY they want more preventive care and an emphasis on primary care which saves lives and cuts costs but any of these "fixes"would essentially KILL primary care by cutting the docs that make the LEAST amount of $ from Medicare. The domino effect is already happening throughout AZ. Many primary care docs have dropped Medicare in Phoenix and even more have done so in Northern Arizona.Your health care benefits where it counts the most are and will be DRAMATICALLY cut. Forget the notion that a LEFT or a RIGHT congress and President will fix this. This will come down to a battle of those who have (extremely rich and governemnt employees, the Congress, etc.) and those who will not have (the middle class- even the so called upper middle class and working class and the poor). Don't kid yourself thinking that YOU will escape.

From Medscape Medical News

Senate Sets Stage for SGR Fix to Freeze Medicare Pay for 5 Years, Followed by Massive Cut

.

February 1, 2010 — Physicians who were hoping for a permanent solution to the notorious sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula for setting Medicare rates may have to settle for another temporary fix that would freeze their pay for 5 years at 2009 levels and then cut it by 25% to 30% in 2015.

This possible scenario emerged from legislation that the Senate passed last week to raise the federal debt ceiling from $12.4 trillion to $14.3 trillion, as well as requiring Congress to make spending and tax cut proposals budget-neutral. The latter provision, called the pay-as-you-go — or pay-go — rule, would force lawmakers to finance new outlays by cutting the budget elsewhere or raising taxes. Likewise, any move that decreases federal revenue would have to be offset with spending cuts or tax hikes.

The legislation came as organized medicine and lawmakers scrambled to avert a 21.2% reduction in Medicare reimbursement that is scheduled to take effect March 1. Physicians warn that such a draconian decrease, which is triggered by the SGR formula, would force them to stop seeing Medicare patients.

The Senate bill calls for exempting a 5-year Medicare rate freeze — which would replace the scheduled rate cut — from the pay-go rule, meaning that lawmakers could finance the freeze through deficit spending. The cost of freezing Medicare rates for 5 years instead of cutting them comes to $82 billion, according to the American Medical Association (AMA).

The debt ceiling legislation that the Senate passed last week only makes this SGR fix possible — a second bill is needed to actually avert the March pay cut and freeze rates for 5 years. Plus, the House would have to concur, noted Neil Kirschner, PhD, a senior associate in regulatory and insurer affairs for the American College of Physicians. "The House is expected to go along with it."

The Senate plan differs greatly from a bill that the House passed last fall that would scrap the SGR formula entirely and institute a new one with the promise of Medicare pay hikes. That bill would add $210 billion to the deficit, according to the Congressional Budget Office. However, the Senate has already indicated that it is not willing to go into the hole that much. Last fall, a Senate version of the House SGR bill that would have cost $247 billion was defeated in a procedural vote.

"Short-Term Fix Is Not Acceptable"

The move toward a more frugal solution to the SGR crisis, although understandable in the current debate about deficit spending, has alarmed leaders of organized medicine. "Such a short-term fix is not acceptable," William Jessee, MD, president and chief executive officer of the Medical Group Management Association, told Medscape Medical News. "Failure to address this issue at this time will surely lead to far more serious patient access problems."

Lori Heim, MD, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, said that a 5-year freeze was better than a 21.2% pay cut, but that Congress shouldn't stop there. "I appreciate that we have to control deficit spending, but the Senate bill is short-sighted," Dr. Heim told Medscape Medical News. Failing to permanently fix the SGR problem now, she said, will only make it more expensive to do so in the future.

Created by Congress to control Medicare costs, the SGR formula sets an annual target for expenditures on physician services based on growth of the gross domestic product. If expenditures overshoot the target, Medicare cuts physician pay the following year to recoup the difference. Organized medicine considers the formula flawed because the cost of operating a medical practice typically grows faster than gross domestic product.

The SGR formula has triggered rate decreases going back to 2003, but each time Congress has postponed them with a 1-year "patch." However, the difference between targeted and actual spending on physician services accumulates from year to year, making the next year's pay cut even bigger.

That same math would play out with the proposed 5-year freeze of Medicare rates beginning this year. In 2015, the SGR formula would trigger a rate decrease of roughly 25%, according to Dr. Kirschner. The AMA puts the pay cut at roughly 30%.

By scrapping the SGR formula, Congress would not only avert the deep pay cut but also retire years of SGR "debt." However, the longer Congress waits to do so, the more debt there is to retire. Earlier this month, internist Nancy Nielsen, MD, the AMA's immediate past president, stated that if Congress had eliminated the SGR in 2005, it would have cost only $49 billion, as opposed to more than $200 billion in 2010.

Your Hospital May Be Unsafe

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:24:06 +0100

Check these sites:

http://www.consumerreports.org/health/doctors-hospitals/hospitals/hospital-ratings/scottsdale-healthcare-shea-6860395-general-information.htm

http://www.leapfroggroup.org/cp

http://www.healthgrades.com/

Teas I Like and Suggest To Patients- Calming/Healthy

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 07:16:02 +0100

Sencha Green Tea

Genmalcha

Earl Grey

Sur le Nil

Vanilla rooibos

Honey phoenix oolong

Wood Dragon oolong

Cassis

High mountain oolong

Genmaicha

MY Favorite Plants

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 07:12:34 +0100

English Ivy- absorbs volatile organic compounds and air pollutants

Lemon Balm- scent improves moods

Peppermint- enhance alertness and improves memory. MIGHT suppress appetite

Gardenia- antidepressant effectively

Golden Pothos- decreases ozone

Areca Palm- filters airborne particles

From My Last Show on 12/5/09

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:39:32 +0100

ALWAYS discuss what I say with your doctor! I am NOT trying to treat or diagnose- just give you information that you may have missed or I did not have time to educate you during my show.

NO data to support weight loss with Acai

Vit D3 for back pain - talk to your doc but up to 3,000IU is safe. So many in my practice are Vut D deficient. Your doc should check your levels. It's a simple blood test!

I use High dose Vit C (IV), my Vit C cream and acupuncture for facial rejuvenation and the IV Vit C really gives people energy safely.

Butterbur or Feverfew for migraines

Natto Kinase MAY be an option instead of aspirin. No risk ( so far) of GI bleeds as with aspirin.

Coumadin may soon be replaced by Pradaxa (Dabigatran). Much easier to use. less danger of unwanted bleeds. No monthly INR checks and had been used for years in Europe.

EVERYONE- men, women, kids, pregnant women should be on fish oilEat asparagus when you drink to cut riosk of hangovers.

Dark chocolate (grter than 70% cacao) dilates blood vessels and is good for you IN MODERATION.

Try evening primrose oil for thinning hair- that's Andrew Weil's pick.

Cough for palpitations and to stop a possible heart attack. It's worth a try!

Learn the new CPR developed in AZ. Don't breathe for victim who has arrested. Instaed pump their heart quickly. DO NOT TRY THIS WITHOUT TRAINING!!!!!!!!!

Women and Urinary Tract Infections- What You Ought to KNow

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:07:11 +0100

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when certain bacteria invade the urinary tract. Symptoms may include itching, burning, and painful urination.Women are most susceptible to these infections because of how they are "plumbed". Diagnosis of a UTI can be performed quickly and easily in a doctor's office or medical laboratory using a specimen of the patient's urine Here are some reasons women might get these infections:

Wiping from back to front after a bowel movement.
Having sex.
Wearing panties that do not have cotton crotches to absorb sweat and other bodily fluids
Holding urine for too long.
Being diabetic.
Having a kidney stone or other factor that makes it difficult to urinate.
Producing less estrogen, such as after menopause.
Having recently had a catheter inserted.

While treatment with antibiotics is the gold standard when you acquire an infection, you might find taking PURE cranberrry juice (not cocktail) or cranberry capsules an effective way to prevent or at least decrease the frequency of UTI's.