Doctor Column

Ten Key Differences Between Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes April 25, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are chronic conditions that damage the body’s ability to metabolize sugars; that is, break down sugars from our diet into glucose. Consequently, blood levels of glucose become and remain elevated unless treated with diet, lifestyle changes and medications. We need the energy of glucose in our cells for our bodies to function. In-Patient (Hospital) Advocates: An Underutilized Resource April 15, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Being admitted into a hospital — one, is stressful. Whether it’s an elective or an emergency admission, the uneasiness of the unknown, unanswered questions, heighten anxiety. In-patient advocates work in hospitals and help to lessen a patient’s apprehension and ease the transition from admission to discharge. Hypercalcemia or High Calcium Levels, and the Parathyroid Glands: What Are They? What Do They Do? April 5, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Linda, a 52 year old homemaker, complained of being “tired all the time.” Over the past few years, besides being tired, she experienced trouble concentrating, mood swings, loss of appetite, and forgetfulness. She thought it was connected to the “empty nest syndrome” after her daughter got married, and she was left alone in her apartment. All that changed after she fell and hurt her back. Intense Exercise for Parkinson’s Disease March 25, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Parkinson Disease (PD) is a disorder of muscle coordination, not muscle weakness. It accounts for approximately 80% of movement disorders and it is the second most common neurodegenerative brain disease trailing only Alzheimer’s. This condition happens when nerve cells (neurons) in part of the brain called the substantia nigra die and don’t produce enough dopamine. Type 2 Diabetes PS: Watch Your “Ps & Ss” March 15, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects 37 million Americans. Nine out of ten times diabetes it’s caused by T2D. Approximately eight per cent of the time it is due to type 1 diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes — “Four Key Players” March 5, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Deaths in the United States due to diabetes have exceeded 100,000 for the years 2020, and 2021. The CDC reports, “37.3 million” Americans of all ages have diabetes. “And the percentage of adults with diabetes increased with age, reaching 29.2% among those aged 65 years or older.” Parkinson Disease Treatment Options February 25, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an adult onset, progressive, nerve wasting, movement disorder of the brain causing a depletion of the hormone dopamine. PD attacks a part of the brain called the substantia nigra, which produces dopamine. This chemical messenger in the brain, dopamine, plays a key role in muscle tone and movement. Treatment is primarily focused on replenishing the brain with dopamine. Colon Cancer Home Tests: “What To Know — What To Do?” February 15, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Nick, a 20 year veteran of the Cleveland Fire Department said: “My family has a history of colon cancer. When I was 50 years old, I started to get routine colonoscopies. I told the nurses in my doctor’s office that I’m a healthy guy and don’t take any medicines. They told me to strictly follow the colonoscopy preparation instructions which went something like this:” COVID Tests: “Which Is The Right One For Me?” February 5, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD COVID-19 and its variants continue to dominate the news media and the front burners of medical researchers. There is confusion about COVID tests among the general population and there are differences of opinions among medical experts causing head-scratching — ‘What’s going on?’ Rib Fractures — Broken Ribs What to Know What to Do January 15, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Rib fractures are common injuries, and ordinarily heal on their own after four to six weeks. However, if you, or someone you know has had a broken rib(s), you are familiar with severe pain.