Doctor Column
From Treadmill to Marathon Julie’s Story — “I Did It!”
February 25, 2021
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
You don’t have to be, as if anyone could be, Haile Gebrselassie to be a good runner. Haile is considered, by many, to be the greatest distance runner in history. This 5 foot 5 inch and 119 pound dynamo, in his prime, shattered 61 Ethiopian national records ranging from 800 meters to the marathon, established 27 world records and captured two Olympic gold medals. An Ethiopian national hero recognized by New African magazine in 2011 as being one of the 100 most influential Africans.
“Is the Loss of Smell and Taste a Sure Sign of COVID-19?”
February 15, 2021
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Over the past several months, problems with a person’s ability to smell or taste has been in the news for different reasons. Increasing evidence suggest that a loss of smell or taste is an early warning sign of Covid-19.
“Is Vitamin D Deficiency a Risk Factor for COVID-19?” Know Your Vitamin D Level
February 5, 2021
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
In a previous article, I touted the benefits of Vitamin D. I wrote: “Besides helping the intestinal absorption of calcium and bone health, there are other benefits of maintaining the vitamin D level within a normal range.
Different Face Masks and How They Protect Us Against COVID-19
January 25, 2021
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Two hairstylists in Springfield, Missouri complaining of respiratory symptoms tested positive for COVID-19 in May of 2020. They continued working at their job for approximately one week until they got back the positive test results for the virus.
Mask-On: The Reasons I “Don’t Leave Home Without It”
January 15, 2021
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Face masks are “the most powerful public health tool” the country has against COVID-19. CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield continued: “We have clear scientific evidence they work and they are our best defense. I might even go so far as to say this face mask is more guaranteed to protect me against COVID than when I take a COVID vaccine.”
Top Ten Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines by the ‘Average Joe’
January 5, 2021
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
“Kindly roll up your sleeve, I’m going to clean the area with an alcohol swab. You’ll feel a pinprick and it’ll be all over. I just want you to remain here for 15 to 30 minutes before leaving.” We’ve heard this spiel many times in the past before getting an injection.
Must Things to Do Before and After Total Knee Replacement Surgery
December 25, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Having total knee replacement surgery (TKR) is a major undertaking that most likely you’ve been putting off for years. Over time, the pain might now persist throughout the day and even interfere with sleep. You could find it painful to walk, getting up from a chair or out of a car or climbing up and down stairs.
Pets and the Pandemic: Seven Benefits of Pets During COVID-19
December 15, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Karen and Peter looked forward to celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this past September in Europe. They planned to spend three weeks in Italy beginning in the Lake District of Northern Italy, then onto Venice and from there to Florence and Rome. They were crestfallen when the European Union put a “Do Not Enter Europe” sign on American tourists because of high incidence of COVID-19 in the United States
The “Twindemic” Has Landed: COVID-19 and Influenza
December 5, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Health experts have predicted the next few months of 2020-2021 will be a “dark winter” in the United States. The confluence, the explosive “twindemic” of COVID-19 and the Flu will cause millions of new cases, a surge in hospitalizations and thousands of additional deaths in this country.
The Importance of Push-Ups as a Risk Factor in Heart Health
November 25, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
I was watching TV and saw this diminutive 99 year old man, drop to the floor and began doing push-ups. It’s rare that anyone can reach the age of 99 but to do push-ups is another matter indeed. Could push-ups be a link to his longevity and good heart health?
