Doctor Column

Gluten Aware

The media has focused a lot of attention on gluten free diets and the role of gluten in inflammatory disease. The important thing to remember is that one should be “gluten aware”, not terrified of gluten. Only those with Celiac diesaese have to be strictly wheat free.

THE DIGITAL WORLD IN CARDIOLOGY

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is responsible for the highest percentage of morbidity and mortality in the Unites States. At the present time, institutions such as the American Heart Association devote major efforts to promote wellness and prevent arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Winter is Coming

Winter months tend to bring on more illness for your children, but in fact just being at school or daycare can significantly impact on your child’s overall health risk, especially when they are first starting out. This is because children do not know how to practice health hygiene (many adults do not either) and many children are sent to school sick because of childcare issues.

HIDDEN EARACHES — THE TEN “T’s” OF REFERRED EAR PAIN

Pain (otalgia) is a symptom that makes patients rush to doctors to seek medical help. Primary ear pain due to infections of the outer or middle ear is common and readily diagnosed upon examination by your doctor. But, as noted above, not all ear pain originates within the ear. Referred ear pain poses more of a challenge to properly diagnose and treat since the source of pain is “hidden” at a distance from the ear.

Telemedicine: A “Win-Win” game. Medicine without borders and doctors without waiting room

A 53 year old woman was examined by a Cardiologist and diagnosed as having atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm). The episodes increased in frequency and duration causing shortness of breath, fatigue, and at times lightheadedness and dizziness. She eventually had a small (the size of a finger nail) cardiac loop recorder implanted just under the skin into the left side her chest. When she experiences an episode, she presses a button, and places the Medtronic device against the left side of her chest. A cardiogram is recorded and transmitted to her Cardiologist for evaluation.