Scroll through social media for five minutes and you might come away believing that the ultimate picture of health is a body with bulging veins, and visible abdominal muscles. In today’s fitness culture, “ripped” has become synonymous with “healthy.” But medically speaking, those are not the same thing.There is no question that reducing excess body fat improves health. Carrying too much visceral f...  Read More

This is something that is being asked frequently due to the measles outbreaks we are seeing around the country recently.It's important to know that the measles vaccine is one of the most effective and long lasting vaccines we have. Two doses are thought to provide lifelong immunity for most people without the need for boosters later in life. Initially one dose was felt to be sufficient but in 1989...  Read More

Low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening are one of the more important advances we have made in preventive medicine over the last two decades. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, largely because it is often discovered late, after symptoms develop and the disease has already spread. The idea behind screening is simple: find lung cancer early, when it is sm...  Read More

Why You Should Get Tested for a Penicillin AllergyYou may have lived most of your life with the belief that you are allergic to penicillin, afraid that a prescription for this drug could result in dangerous side effects or even death. It’s a common belief, and many people walk around with that belief and that label. But here’s a surprising fact: You are most likely not allergic to penicillin after...  Read More

Homeopathic medications are often confused with herbal remedies or supplement but they are two entirely different things. Herbal remedies and supplements have actual ingredients which may or may not have some benefit for patients. That can't be said for homeopathic remedies.Homeopathy was developed in the late 18th century by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician. The central idea behind homeopathy...  Read More

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can affect both men and women. In fact, it's so common that nearly everyone who is sexually active will get infected at some point in their lives. This is because the virus is highly contagious through sexual contact and even if you have had only one sexual contact that person may have had others. While most HPV infections resolve on their own with...  Read More

Many people have had the experienced of being on a plane as it descends for a landing and feeling a sharp pain in the inner ear. Even if you have been lucky enough to avoid that sensation most people know what it like to have ear pressure when changing altitude. This happens when the eustachian tube is not functioning properlyThe Eustachian tube is a small passageway that connects your middle ear ...  Read More

What is a Carotid Doppler Test?A carotid Doppler test is a non-invasive ultrasound exam used to evaluate the blood flow through the carotid arteries in the neck. These arteries supply blood to the brain, and any blockages or narrowing can increase the risk of stroke.During the test, a technician applies gel to the skin over the neck and uses a handheld device called a transducer to emit sound wave...  Read More

There have been a lot of ads on TV lately promoting a new colon cancer screening test called Cologuard which is presumably a more convenient way to screen for colon cancer but is it a good substitute for a colonoscopy?Colon cancer is a significant health concern. It's the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women in the U.S.. The fact that almost all colon cancers begin years before as p...  Read More

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) might sound like a mouthful, but understanding them is important for your health. Picture your aorta as a big, stretchy hose carrying blood from your heart to your belly and legs. If there is a weak spot the pressure in the aorta can cause it to balloon out and if it stretches far enough it can rupture. This is an abdominal aortic aneurysm. It can be dangerous if i...  Read More

Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, can be a complication of a cold or allergy. But what exactly are sinus infections, and why do they often follow weeks of sinus congestion from a cold or allergy?Firstly, what are sinuses? Your sinuses are air-filled cavities located behind your forehead, cheekbones, and nose. They're lined with a thin layer of mucus-producing cells and are connected to yo...  Read More

A number of companies are currently marketing whole body MRI's directly to the public. They claim that these tests can detect cancer and other diseases at an early stage and they imply that this test can save lives. They often showcase futuristic offices and equipment reminiscent of a scene from Star Trek. Some of their promotions feature convincing stories from individuals who claim their lives w...  Read More