,

Should Screening Mammograms Start at 40 or 50 years old?

,

Current guidelines state: “The decision to start regular, biennial screening mammography before the age of 50 years should be an individual one and take patient context into account, including the patient’s values regarding specific benefits and harms.” So how do you decide when to begin screening?

Gut Feelings

Gut Feelings

Some posit that the process of communication between the gut and the brain occurs largely without conscious awareness and plays an important role in emotional function.  This unconscious emotional response of the gut, may have an influence on decision-making. Perhaps this can help explain what we would call intuition or a premonition, sometimes called a “gut feeling.”

,

How Drug Companies Influence Your Doctor

,
How Drug Companies Influence Your Doctor

Did you know that healthcare providers take a staggering amount of money from  pharmaceutical companies?

Multivitamin Musings

Multivitamin Musings

Many people ask me if they need to take a multivitamin every day, or report to me guiltily that they don’t remember to take their vitamins.  In the aisles of drug stores, I see signs saying “doctor’s recommend daily use of a multivitamin.” Vitamin and supplement use in the U.S. is BIG business. My experience is that many people believe that it’s clear that taking a vitamin is the right thing to do.  I would posit it warrants a bit more thought.

,

Don't Fear Fever.

,
Don't Fear Fever.

I still remember as a child, my mom’s face, full of loving concern as she apologetically carried me to a cool bath when my fever was “too high.” The fear of a fever getting so high it could cause brain damage or seizures is quite pervasive.

Welcome

Welcome

In this blog, I want to share my thoughts on health.  I want to dive deeper into topics I am confronted  with every day.  But mostly, this blog is for you.  I want to empower you to get the most out of the health care system.  I want to help you explore the failings and victories of modern medicine.  I want you to know how to ask your doctor questions, how to get what you really need out of your experience with your physician.  I want you to understand the magic and danger of modern technology and it’s intersection with health.  I love feedback, please help me answer the right questions for you.