Why Antibiotics Are Bad

Why Antibiotics Are Bad

“Can’t you just give me a Z-pak?”

I wish I had a quarter for every time I heard this question. Giving the Z-pak in this situation is the problem.  It has created a rise of a new epidemic called antibiotic resistance.

A big problem health care providers face is our limited time to educate every patient about possible side effects caused by taking these medications and about antibiotic resistance. Blogs like this and continued exposure to the problem may help remedy the situation.

Continue reading “Why Antibiotics Are Bad”

Unlocking Your Inner Superhero

Unlocking Your Inner Superhero

Merriam-Webster defines a superhero as:

“A fictional hero having extraordinary or superhuman powers,”  also defined as:

“An exceptionally skillful or successful person.” 

I would find it hard to believe that at some point in your life, you haven’t in one way or another dream’t of having some superpower or superhuman strength or ability.   I would even go as far as to say that you have tested your strengths in one way or another.  My son is 5 years old.  Tonight I asked him which superhero he would be if he had the chance.

Continue reading “Unlocking Your Inner Superhero”

Feeling Burnt-out?

Feeling Burnt-out?

I have had many requests to begin blogging again.  I really appreciate all of the interest and support.  Thank you!

My journey back to blogging began with me searching for controversial topics in medicine.  “Doctor Burn Out” kept coming up over and over again in my search.  What interested me most was a statistic that was repeated in many articles.  Approximately “60%” of all doctors are experiencing job dissatisfaction and/or a feeling of being “burnt-out” at this current time.  Sadly, this number is generous; most list percentages in the 75-80% range.

So what does it mean to be burnt-out?

Continue reading “Feeling Burnt-out?”

HAPPY

HAPPY

We all search for happiness every day of our lives.  What good is searching if you don’t have a proper map?

For a long time, I bought into the crap people spew about “enjoying the moment, living in the now, appreciating what you have, and gratitude.”  These are all wonderful things, but in my opinion, happiness does not happen unless you take action. Continue reading “HAPPY”

Treatment for Colds and Sinusitis

Treatment for Colds and Sinusitis

Doesn’t getting sick always happen at the worst time?

A great majority of people suffer from at least 2-3 sinus infections per year. They are uncomfortable and always inconvenient.  Fatigue, nasal drip, sore throat and hocking up green loogies do not fit into our business model.  These symptoms disrupt our daily activities and are a major cause for sick leave during the year.

Why do they happen?  How can we avoid them?  And, how can we get rid of them quicker?  Continue reading “Treatment for Colds and Sinusitis”

Tired? Can’t Sleep?

Tired? Can’t Sleep?

Insomnia is a very common complaint. It was once thought to be a result of other preexisting medical conditions. But, sleep difficulties can occur in any individual regardless of their age or health.

One of the first things to do is determine if it is actually insomnia, anxiety, or something else.  An important question to ask, “is it a problem going to sleep or staying asleep?”  We live in a stressful world. Who can actually say with certainty that they never get anxious?  Anxiety affecting your daily activities and or your sleep can be the problem. It can also be a symptom of underlying depression, more so in men. Continue reading “Tired? Can’t Sleep?”

Why I Became a PA

Why I Became a PA

When are you going to become a doctor?

I wish I had a quarter for every time I heard that question.  Occasionally, I still get that person who requests to “only see a doctor.”  No problem, I respond, but before I get the doctor for you, may I tell you what a P.A. is and see if there is anything I may do for you while you are waiting?

After a brief education, a genuine concern for the patient’s complaint, and by offering a service, I find that the majority of patients no longer require that extra time with a physician.  Trust can be obtained by describing our experience, training and capabilities. Continue reading “Why I Became a PA”

Laughter is Happiness

Laughter is Happiness

I sprung into my fighting position. It all started with a man screaming on the subway platform followed by a crowd of people pushing me.  The man was the quintessential hipster – tall, thin, skinny jeans, hiking boots, a vintage coat covering a collared shirt, finger less gloves and a bomber hat. His mustache was perfectly shaped like attached integral function symbols, stretching into a chin strap beard. He was irate and screaming at a man next to him. Continue reading “Laughter is Happiness”

When to Have the Sex Talk

When to Have the Sex Talk

“I can get gonorrhea of the throat, how is that possible?”

Sorry to startle you with a possible offensive first line on a Thursday but I want to discuss something that I have found to be very important.

Many of us have been to college.  Even those who have not – they have a pretty good understanding of the possible exposures a student may have pertaining to their social life and or recreational activities.  Being sure that I have heard it all, I’m still staggered by some of the stories and practices of some young adults. Continue reading “When to Have the Sex Talk”

Vaccinations, Are They Safe?

Vaccinations, Are They Safe?

What do you think about vaccinations?

Practicing as a Physician Assistant, I receive multiple questions regarding this inquiry.  Rarely does a day go by that I am not confronted by an individual and given their opinion on the subject.

One thing I have learned in over ten years practicing medicine is knowing the difference between what I know and what I do not know. I strive daily to be the best clinician.  Believing that there is NO way to know everything about medicine – the next most important thing is finding the information from a VALUABLE SOURCE. Continue reading “Vaccinations, Are They Safe?”

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Somehow I ended up by my window.  Am I awake?  Through my squinted eyes, I see the snowfall glaring by the street light.  My car, barely visible, taunts me.  HaHa, you have to come dig me out dude.  I question the DNA makeup of the humans who live on my block. Do they ever sleep?  Looking to the right and left, I see two of them already being pulled by their snow blowers. Continue reading “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)”

Why Blog?

Why Blog?

Something had been missing, hidden in the far reaches of my abdominal abyss, only to be stumbled upon by chance, I found blogging.  For those of you who have not seen by gut lately, trust me, it’s deep and was not easy to find. There in my midsection were elicited emotions and the taste of what it feels like to write.  I have become dependent on this time because it is different and discrete, like the savor of truffle pizza. Continue reading “Why Blog?”