-
Archives
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
-
Meta
Monthly Archives: February 2011
Are full-body airport scanners safe?
Air travel has not been the same since September 11, 2001, when 3 commercial airplanes were hijacked and transformed into lethal weapons. Air passengers have since become accustomed to increased security, but the latest attempt to detect would-be terrorists has … Continue reading
Posted in Cancer, General Health
Tagged airport scanners, radiation
Comments Off on Are full-body airport scanners safe?
Taking small breaks from sitting may help heart and metabolic health
Does lunch in front of a computer make us eat more? Two of my recent blogs warned of sitting too long in front of a computer at work: Does lunch in front of a computer make us eat more? Computer … Continue reading
Update on Anastasha’s Family — Exciting news!
Readers of this blog were deeply touched by the journey of family physician, Craig DeLisi, his wife, Tonya, and their children during the prenatal life, birth and death of their daughter and sister Anastasha. (You can read the series here)
Posted in Marriage and Family Health
Comments Off on Update on Anastasha’s Family — Exciting news!
Scalp cooling may help patients undergoing chemotherapy save their hair
One of the more disturbing parts of some chemotherapy regimens, at least for my female patients, is the partial or complete loss of their hair. There’s been almost nothing we physicians could do about this problem … but that may … Continue reading
Posted in Cancer
Tagged chemotherapy, hair loss
Comments Off on Scalp cooling may help patients undergoing chemotherapy save their hair
Shingles vaccine dramatically reduces risk of outbreaks
Readers of this blog know of my fondness for immunizations. For my patients, I recommended the shingles vaccine for people 60 years of age or older and the chicken pox vaccine for children. Unfortunately, both vaccines are quite underutilized. For … Continue reading
Posted in Children's Health, General Health, Parenting
Tagged Chicken Pox, chicken pox vaccine, PHN, post-herpetic neuralgia, shingles, shingles vaccine, varicella, varicella vaccine
Comments Off on Shingles vaccine dramatically reduces risk of outbreaks
Screen time (TV and computer) may be linked to increased heart risks
In multiple past blogs (see below) I’ve told you of the harms of too much screen time (TV, computer, video games, etc.) for your children. Many experts join me in encouraging you to limit your children to no more than … Continue reading
Posted in Children's Health, Heart Health, Mental Health, Parenting
Tagged screen time, screen time and health, TV, TV and children, TV and health, TV and teens, TV and violence
Comments Off on Screen time (TV and computer) may be linked to increased heart risks
Spoilage and labeling errors with some omega-3 and -6 supplements
A new report on the quality of omega-3 and -6 fatty acid supplements made from seed oils was recently released by ConsumerLab.com. Only 11 of 17 products selected for testing met quality criteria for freshness and labeling.
Posted in Alternative Medicine, Nutritional Health
Tagged ALA, black currant oil, borage oil, DHA, EPA, EPO, evening primrose oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, omega-3, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6, omega-6 fatty acids
Comments Off on Spoilage and labeling errors with some omega-3 and -6 supplements
“Eggsploitation” documentary tells women of egg donation risks
Advances in medical technology frequently come with ethical problems, as well as scientific concerns and issues. Egg donation, for women, is no different. Jennifer Lahl of the Center for Bioethics and Culture has been one of the leading advocates for women … Continue reading
Posted in Bioethics, Woman's Health
Tagged egg donation, Eggsploitation
Comments Off on “Eggsploitation” documentary tells women of egg donation risks
Music really does effect the brain
It turns out pople like music for the same reason they like eating or having sex: It makes the brain release a chemical (dopamine) that gives pleasure,” according to a study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience.
Posted in Mental Health
Tagged music, music therapy
Comments Off on Music really does effect the brain
Bright light therapy may benefit older patients with depression
The New York Times “Well” blog reported that, according to a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, bright light therapy, currently used to help patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), may also benefit older patients with depression.
Posted in Mental Health
Tagged depression, light therapy, SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder
1 Comment
Study warns that splitting pills can be dangerous
Physicians frequently recommend that caregivers split pills to give patients smaller doses than are available by prescription, but that process can produce wide variation in dosages, particularly if a commercial pill-splitter is not used and often even if one is … Continue reading
Posted in General Health
Tagged pill splitting
Comments Off on Study warns that splitting pills can be dangerous
Physical activity helps improve walking speed in those with osteoarthritis
MedPage Today reported that, according to a paper in Arthritis & Rheumatism, “increasing physical activity over two years can improve function and even walking speed among adults with osteoarthritis of the knee — regardless of their level of activity.”
Posted in General Health, Joint Health
Tagged inactivity, knee osteoarthritis, OA, osteoarthritis, physical activity, walking
Comments Off on Physical activity helps improve walking speed in those with osteoarthritis
Even More Evidence That the BCP Causes Unrecognized Abortions
I’ve published two academic articles on the likely association between the birth control pill (BCP) and unrecognized abortions (the so-called “post-fertilization effect” of the pill):
Posted in Bioethics, Woman's Health
Tagged abortifacient, abortifacient contraceptives, abortifacient effect, BCP, birth control pill
Comments Off on Even More Evidence That the BCP Causes Unrecognized Abortions
Pop Star’s Use of Salvia Puts Hallucinogen in the Spotlight
After a video surfaced on the Internet of pop star Miley Cyrus — giggling and semi-coherent, holding a bong — many wondered what the 18-year-old singer had inhaled. According to Cyrus, her addled state was the effect of taking in smoke … Continue reading
Posted in Children's Health, General Health, Parenting
Tagged hallucinogen, Miley Cyrus, Salvia divinorum, salvinorin A
Comments Off on Pop Star’s Use of Salvia Puts Hallucinogen in the Spotlight
New clinical guidelines on tonsillectomies in children published
I find that most parents and many primary care physicians are confused about when a child should and should not be considered for a tonsillectomy. The CNN “The Chart” blog is reporting that, according to Richard M. Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, … Continue reading
Posted in Children's Health
Tagged recurrent sore throat, T&A, tonsillectomy
Comments Off on New clinical guidelines on tonsillectomies in children published
Anger at God Common During Times of Crisis
Although people rarely talk about it, almost everyone experiences anger toward God at some point in their lives, commonly after the diagnosis of a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a trauma.
Posted in General Health, Mental Health, Spiritual Health
Tagged anger, anger at God, God, relationship with God, religion, religion in medicine
Comments Off on Anger at God Common During Times of Crisis
FDA advises against purchasing drinks sold as supplements for sexual enhancement
It seems that there are new warnings almost weekly from the FDA regarding potential dangers of certain over-the-counter natural medications (herbs, vitamins, or supplements). The reason is that these substances are virtually unregulated here in the United States and unscrupulous … Continue reading
Taking low-dose aspirin and NSAIDs can be a challenge
I have many patients who are taking low-dose (81 mg) aspirin (ASA) daily and who wonder if they can take a Non-Steroidal Ant-Iinflammatory Drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) for pain or fever.
A Dozen of My Blogs About Chocolate
Here are my last dozen blogs about chocolate from over the last year or so. Enjoy! Literally!! And, Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
Posted in Nutritional Health
Tagged chocolate, dark chocolate
Comments Off on A Dozen of My Blogs About Chocolate
Is Chocolate the Next Super Food?
Giving your sweetie chocolate for Valentine’s Day may show you care for their health as well as their heart.
Posted in Mental Health, Nutritional Health
Tagged antioxidants, cacao beans, chocolate, cocoa, dark chocolate, flavonols, polyphenols
Comments Off on Is Chocolate the Next Super Food?
Chocolate: The Love Drug . . . And Why It’s Good for You
For many, Valentine’s Day is the greatest of holidays, because it celebrates love and ardor. One of the most widely offered Valentine’s Day gifts is chocolate. Chocolate is a complex material possessing numerous compounds, which act upon the brain, producing … Continue reading
Posted in Mental Health, Nutritional Health
Tagged caffeine, chocolate, dark chocolate, libido, phenethylamine, serotonin, theobromine
Comments Off on Chocolate: The Love Drug . . . And Why It’s Good for You
What Natural Medications are Possibly Effective for the Common Cold?
Possibly Effective: ANDROGRAPHIS (Possibly Effective) View ALL Products Containing: ANDROGRAPHIS Common cold Some clinical research shows that taking a specific andrographis extract, in combination with Siberian ginseng (Kan Jang, Swedish Herbal Institute) orally, significantly improve symptoms of the common cold … Continue reading
Posted in Alternative Medicine
Tagged American ginseng, andrographis, ascorbic acid, Bifidobacterium, colds, colds and children, common cold, common cold prevention, common cold treatment, Echinacea, Lactobacillus, nasal irrigation, OTC cold medications, Siberian ginseng, Thymus extract, vitamin C, zinc
Comments Off on What Natural Medications are Possibly Effective for the Common Cold?
Echinacea demonstrates little benefit in treating common cold
In my book, Alternative Medicine: The options, the claims, the evidence, how to choose wisely I write, “Millions of people take echinacea because they’re convinced it works to combat the common cold, for which there of course, is no cure.”
Posted in Alternative Medicine
Tagged cold, common cold, common cold prevention, common cold treatment, Echinacea, OTC cold medications
Comments Off on Echinacea demonstrates little benefit in treating common cold
Patients knowingly given placebo report relief
Placebo treatment, it turns out, can actually significantly influence subjective symptoms.
Posted in Bioethics, Medical Economics
Tagged placebo
Comments Off on Patients knowingly given placebo report relief
Tips for parents: Do NOT use children’s medicine cups
Wouldn’t you think that the measuring cups that come with childhood medications would be accurate? Apparently that’s NOT the case.
Posted in Children's Health, Parenting
1 Comment
Update On Anastasha’s Family – 3 months after birth and death
Many of you followed my blog series on Anastasha. Here’s the most recent information I’ve received from her daddy, family physician Craig DeLisi, about how their family is doing since the loss of their newborn daughter, Anastasha, who passed away … Continue reading
Posted in Children's Health, Parenting
Tagged Anastasha, anencephaly, grief, grieving
Comments Off on Update On Anastasha’s Family – 3 months after birth and death
Interview: Dr. Walt Says Opportunities Abound To Bring Faith Into Medicine
Here’s an interview with me, from HCJB Global, about my teaching time at a large international medical conference in Quito, Ecuador, last month.
Posted in International Health, Medical Missions
Tagged doctor-patient relationship, HCJB Global, positive spirituality, saline solution, spirit, Spiritual Health, spiritual history, spirituality, spirituality in medicine
Comments Off on Interview: Dr. Walt Says Opportunities Abound To Bring Faith Into Medicine
Dr. Walt Teaches “Spirituality Plays Key Role” at Annual Medical Conference in Ecuator
Last month Barb and I were privileged to travel to Quito, Equator to participate in a medical mission trip and for me to teach at a large international medical conference. Here’s an article from HCJB Global about my teaching and … Continue reading
Posted in International Health, Medical Missions
Tagged positive spirituality, Spiritual Health, spiritual history, spirituality, spirituality in medicine
Comments Off on Dr. Walt Teaches “Spirituality Plays Key Role” at Annual Medical Conference in Ecuator
Investigator Planned to Make Vast Profit From Autism/MMR Vaccine Scare
Andrew Wakefield, the lead author on the 1998 study that reported a link between the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and a new condition of regressive autism and bowel disease called autistic enterocolitis (AE), was planning to market a prestudy diagnostic testing … Continue reading
Posted in Bioethics, Children's Health, Medical Economics, Parenting
Tagged autism, autism spectrum disorder, mmr, MMR vaccine, vaccine myth, vaccine safety
Comments Off on Investigator Planned to Make Vast Profit From Autism/MMR Vaccine Scare
Does lunch in front of a computer make us eat more?
Many of us eat lunch parked in front of a computer, but that habit might be boosting our appetite for dessert, a small study suggests.
Posted in Nutritional Health
Tagged nutrition, Nutritional Health, Obesity, preventing obesity
Comments Off on Does lunch in front of a computer make us eat more?