Doctor Column

“Coming up with the right diagnosis for constant itching is difficult, frustrating and maddening,” according to Cecilia.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) on August 30, 2019 issued a health advisory warning the public and clinicians about severe pulmonary disease associated with using e-cigarette and vaping products.

Recently, Shirley, a 75 year old neighbor rang my doorbell at approximately 9:30 p. m. and said, “I fell.” She was holding a handkerchief against the right side of her forehead and blood was streaming down the right side of her face.

Nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the inside of the nose. The blood vessels in the nose dilate causing nasal congestion and a clear, watery nasal discharge. This condition is primarily seen in adults and is not due to an allergy. It is separate and distinct from allergic rhinitis (AR) such as hay fever.

Vitamin supplements are a goldmine for the manufacturers of these products. More than 30 billion dollars a year is forked over for these pills. The irony is that most people taking supplements follow good dietary habits and don’t need them. But are there situations that demand supplementation?

Many people regard the appearance of the tongue as an indicator of their general health. Imagine waking up in the morning, looking in the mirror and seeing your tongue resembling the photo below?

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Columbus, Magellan, Vasco da Gama and their sailors lived at sea for months at a time. On these challenging voyages, fresh fruits and vegetables were not available. As a consequence, the seamen suffered from malnutrition and the reality that 50% of the men onboard would not return home alive.

I attended a lecture given by a surgeon who said, “If you plan to do microsurgery and you’re right hand dominant, you need to be skillful using the other hand as well.” To become more comfortable using the left hand he suggested, “Start by shaving with your left hand and use it more frequently.”

The B complex vitamins are a group of water soluble nutrients that are found in animal proteins, leafy green vegetables and whole grains.

According to the CDC, “Every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning in the United States. Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States.” About two out of ten people who die are children 14 and younger.