Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Why Not Get a Flu Shot?

Public health advocates contend that everyone should get annual flu shots.  However, only 41% of all adults received flu shots last year.  It is thought that the reasons for not getting the shots are “access, price, and education”.  Wrong!  People are more concerned with ineffectiveness, toxicity, requirements for annual boosters, and reactions to the shots.  Alternatives to flu shots are homeopathics like mucococcinium and vitamin D supplements.  Mercury-free shots are also available.

See the Toledo Blade, Nov. 7, 2016, section D

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Anxiety Doubles the Risk of Death Due to Cancer in Men

Generalized Anxiety Disorder in men greater than 40 y.o. doubled the risk of death due to cancer in men over a 15 year study.  Similar effects were not found in women.  This confirms that anxiety is not just a personality trait, but that it is important to treat it effectively.


Thursday, February 16, 2017

When is it Time to Stop Hormone Replacement Therapy in Women?

The median time for taking bio-identical HRT to control symptoms of menopause is 10-11 years.  Longer periods of time might be indicated in slender white or Asian women or in those with a family history of hip fractures.  As menopause symptoms decrease, every year or two, the patient might try to reduce the dose or switch to an intra-vaginal prescription.  Natural progesterone might be used instead of estrogen-containing preparations, especially if the indication is osteopenia or osteoporosis.

See Menopause. 2014 Jun; 21: 679-81.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

CABG Surgery Reduces Mortality for Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease

A European study confirmed that there is some benefit for bypass surgery coupled with optimal drug therapy to help patients live longer.  There is some doubt as to the benefit in elderly patients due to non-cardiovascular risks.  And there are risks with the surgery as well.  Chelation therapy was not included in the study, but TACT showed that chelation was at least as effective as the surgical approach without the concomitant risks.  If surgery is performed, follow-up chelation is likely to be very helpful indeed.

See Family Practice News, Nov 1, 2016, p. 8.

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Midlife Hypertension Leads to Cognitive Impairment

Poorly treated hypertension in midlife can result in dementia latter in life with devastating implications, according to a report from the American Heart Association.  Blood pressure is sometimes difficult control without taking multiple drugs with potential side effects.  The use of natural supplements, lifestyle changes, and stress reduction measures can be very effective to reduce the reliance on drugs.  One way or another, the blood pressure must be controlled.

See Family Practice News, Nov 1, 2016, p. 7.