I Bumped My Head- Now What?

The recent death of famed pitchman Billy Mays was tragic (he convinced me to spend $19.95 for not one, not two, but six tubes of “Mighty Putty”). He apparently died from heart disease, but initial speculation blamed his death on a head injury he suffered during a rough airplane landing the night before. While the head trauma seemingly did not cause Billy May’s death, it raises the question: what worrisome signs should I be looking for if I bump my head?

One Good Decision can Lead to Another

There are many foods that are healthier than cereal bars (like fresh fruits and vegetables), and I am not endorsing Nutri-Grain products, but I am a big fan of their new ad campaign. Watch their commercial here and be inspired to make a small change today.

This Week’s Health Headlines

Bone density tests not needed once osteoporosis meds are started Diet high in red meats and dairy linked to pancreatic cancer FDA approves generic morning-after pill for girls 17 and under One in 25 deaths worldwide blamed on alcohol Right ear is better for hearing

A Simple Cure for Vertigo

One of my favorite Alfred Hitchcock movies is Vertigo. Jimmy Stewart plays the detective who becomes an unwitting foil in a complex murder scheme, then goes too far in orchestrating a second chance to absolve his gnawing guilt for failing to save a woman’s life. The twisting plot and gripping finale will make your head spin.

Where President Obama is wrong about health care reform

I don’t have all the answers to health care reform. American medicine is a complicated web of economic, political, and social factors. I believe that everyone engaged in this debate wants the best health care for the most people; we just disagree about how to accomplish that goal. President Obama’s recent statements about Medicare tipped me off that he is about to damage our health care system in ways that may not be reversible.

Use Listerine to fight… mosquitoes?

Some of you have possibly seen the e-mails going around that tout Listerine as an effective mosquito repellent. I decided to try it myself and… it seems to work. Most mouthwash products contain eucalyptus oil, which is known for its insect repelling properties. The only caveat: because the concentration of eucalyptus in the mouthwash is much lower than in commercially available repellents, the Listerine must be sprayed more frequently to keep up the effect.

This Week’s Health Headlines

Small study shows green tea may slow prostate cancer Nestle voluntarily recalls raw cookie dough Nearly one quarter of suicides linked to alcohol Many women fearful of cancer screening: study Taking the stairs to fight obesity

Lessons from a Broken Alternator

About 2 weeks ago, the “Check Engine” light began to appear each time I started my car. When this happens, my emotions go through several stages. First, denial. “There’s probably nothing wrong, the light is just malfunctioning.” Next, anger. “I don’t have time to take my car in! Doesn’t it know this is a crazy week for me?!” Then I move into bargaining. “OK, car, if you can hang on for one more week, I’ll make sure to never again go over 3000 miles before changing your oil.” And finally… well, back to denial. “Hey, the light went off- I knew nothing was wrong.”

This Week’s Health Headlines

WHO declares first pandemic in 41 years
Children under 4 are safest in rear-facing car seat
Colon cancer rates increasing worldwide; blame obesity
Low thyroid linked to longer life- just like the elephant?

Fight Empty Stairwells!

A few months ago, I decided to start taking the stairs at the hospital instead of the elevator. I make rounds on the 4th floor of Advocate South Suburban Hospital at the inpatient unit for Advocate Hospice.

Next Page »