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Infectious Diseases Stories and Local Doctors
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Is Alcohol A Potential Cold Remedy?
When it comes to colds, many people insist that a glass of brandy or whisky, with lemon juice, can provide an effective cure. However, studies so far had not been able to show that alcohol can kill germs in the bloodstream or stop a cold dead in its tracks. And while alcohol may provide temporary relief from symptoms, it can also prolong the cold by increasing dehydration. (Read more about Is Alcohol A Potential Cold Remedy?)
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Cold and Flu Questions Answered
Each year, as many as 20% of Americans get the flu, and close to one billion Americans suffer from colds. Despite the prevalence of these seasonal infections, people continue to have numerous misconceptions. A report from Harvard Medical School debunks common myths and dishes the facts you need to know during this year's cold and flu season. (Read more about Cold and Flu Questions Answered)
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Coughing May Be a Serious Sign
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), waking up coughing or having a prolonged cough that lasts for weeks should receive serious medical attention. Alan Goldsobel of AAAAI explains, "Coughing protects the body by removing mucus and irritating particles from the respiratory tract. Coughing is a useful function that does not always mean there is a problem. However, coughing at night, after going to sleep indicates the need for medical attention." (Read more about Coughing May Be a Serious Sign)
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Risk of Heart Attacks and Stroke Doubled by Flu
A recent study from the London School of Hygiene has found that winter infections such as influenza can double the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The effects were found to be independent of age or gender. Victims are twice as likely to be affected during the week following a respiratory infection. The extensive study included two million patients.. Scientists believe that infections such as the flu dislodge fatty deposits and/or blood clots that accumulate in the arteries, leaving them free to move around the body and potentially clog the circulation of the brain or heart where they may block blood flow. There are also cases where viral infection causes short-term abnormalities in blood clotting, with thrombosis and embolism occurring in both sexes and all ages immediately following infection. This research has prompted calls from experts to encourage all who have cardiovascular diseases to have an annual flu shot to minimize their risk. (Read more about Risk of Heart Attacks and Stroke Doubled by Flu)
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Seven Tips for Men's Health and Safety
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have some useful men's health tips for the summer months.
Practice Water Safety - In 2004, men accounted for 78% of accidental drowning deaths. Learn how to swim, and never swim alone. Also, don't mix alcohol and boating.
Protect your skin - Skin cancer effects men as well as women, so most should consider wearing sunscreen with a SPF factor of 15 or more. (Read more about Seven Tips for Men's Health and Safety)
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E. Coli Prevention | Nutrition
This is a dirty problem we have on our hands.
According to the center for science in the public interest, in the U.S. alone, there are 76 million--that’s right, million-- illnesses due to food borne pathogens each year, and five thousands deaths.
That means roughly one in four of us get sick from our food each year.
Less than heart-healthy foods are what we come to expect from many fast food chains. But life-threatening bacteria… No. (Read more about E. Coli Prevention | Nutrition)
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Your First Visit
By Tauseef Ahmed, MD, FACP
Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Oncology / Hematology at New York Medical College
Your tests have come back. The news is not good and your doctor refers you to a specialist. Oncologist, Orthopedist, Neurologist, each one trusted by your doctor, each one trained to help you, whatever your problem might be. Each one can and should be helped by you.
Here are a few tips to help your caregiver help you: (Read more about Your First Visit)
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Emergency Rooms and STDs
A new medical study raises an important question: should anyone who is seen in an emergency room be automatically screened and treated for other essential problems and conditions that in the end affect society as a whole—such as sexually transmitted illnesses?
Some experts are saying a visit to the emergency room should mean much more to many patients besides ice, ace wraps, and sutures.
“Unfortunately without a primary care physician they are missing out on a lot of important services,” says second-year pediatric resident Dr. David Kessler and supervising physician Dr. Karin Sadow at Mt. Sinai Hospital.
They recognized that once a patient is finally seeing a doctor in the E.R., for whatever reason, while it’s certainly not an ideal or inexpensive place to have a patient visit, at least they’re there.
And maybe, screening for other health issues that are costly to society as a whole makes sense.
The researchers had young males coming in for any reason, complete an anonymous questionnaire on sexual behavior.
They also performed urine-screening tests for gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
They found a high frequency of high-risk sexual behaviors and sexually transmitted illness among those who use the E.R. as their only means of health care, and did not go to a regular doctor--like Knemal Moore, who doesn'’t have a doctor, came in for a sore throat and didn’'t know he was, by chance, also carrying a sexually transmitted illness. (Read more about Emergency Rooms and STDs)
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Bird Flu Overblown
The reports of potential human to human transmission of the bird flu in one Indonesian family have the world on edge.
From health officials to financial markets, the trickle down effect has been significant.
This bird flu virus has potential to be a disaster…but as of right now, it’s truly not a huge threat to humans from Indonesia to America.
Dr. Stephen Baum, an infectious disease expert at beth israel hospital, says, “It is completely probable that within a year a bird will land in America carrying H5N1 avian flu virus because birds don’t need passports and they don’t need visas and they’re migrating. Of somewhat lesser probability but still quite probable is that one of those birds will infect an American domestic bird. Of slightly lesser probability is that bird will infect a human being in exactly the same way as in Asia. And then of lowest probability certainly in the short run but possible is that in fact human to human spread will take place.” (Read more about Bird Flu Overblown)
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Hepatitis C Update
A new study shows viral hepatitis C--a deadly liver infection--is becoming more prevalent in those over 40--among the baby boomers who are aging.
And that means, many people in this age group are at risk now for the complications that come with it.
This disease can in many instances remain silent for literally decades, and then the potentially deadly complications can happen suddenly.
And it’s the aging youth of the 60s and 70’s who are now facing this and a lot of them don’t know it.
Steve Crohn, for instance, is 59. It was six years ago, at the age of 53, when he first learned he had hepatitis C. “On my next physical just when they were pulling blood I was like oh yeah test me for Hep C,” says Steve. “I was probably infected in 79’ from a tattoo. You know they never changed the needle, there was no HIV, there was nothing, it really wasn’t sanitary.” (Read more about Hepatitis C Update)
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