Doctor Column

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) — The “Chickenpox Sequel”

Shingles is a common viral infection that targets the skin, and nerve fibers. It causes a painful rash-blister due to the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus). After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus usually remains dormant or inactive in the body for the rest of his life; but for an unknown reason it can become reactivated later in life causing shingles. The rash typically involves one side of the body, and takes the shape of a band-like pattern.

Vasectomy: An Uptick In Demand

The United States Supreme Court in June of 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade and a woman’s choice concerning abortion. Subsequent to the Court’s “Dobbs” decision, over the past six months there has been an increase in requests for information about vasectomy, as well as an uptick in the number of vasectomies.

Damar Hamlin: Sudden Cardiac Arrest (“Commotio Cordis”) and The Game of Life

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on January2, 2023 after tackling Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins in the first quarter of the game broadcasted on “Monday Night Football.” People in the stands at Paycor Stadium and those at home were stunned as they watched Hamlin stand up from the tackle and a few seconds later crumbled to the ground, stretched out on his back, lying motionless.

Seizure First Aid .. What ‘You’ Can Do to Help a Person Having a Seizure

When I was an undergraduate, the University organized an October field trip to Vermont for a long weekend. On the second day of the trip, a bunch of us were having lunch on wooden tables and benches. I was seated next to and chatting with Mike, whom I met for the first time the previous day. When I asked him a question and he didn’t answer, I turned, and saw a stiff body staring ahead. I caught him as he keeled over towards me.

A Peek at Pee: What Do the 8 Urine Colors Mean?

The kidneys make urine when they filter your blood. Water makes up 95% of urine. The other 5% consists of materials such as creatinine, urea, ammonia and the ions of sodium, calcium and potassium. This ratio is noteworthy because too much or too little water, plus other factors, affect the color of your urine. What are the different colors of the urine? What do they mean? When should I see my doctor?