Doctor Column
The COVID-19 Sweepstakes: The International Race for a Coronavirus Vaccine
August 5, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
The COVID-19 Sweepstakes has become the most famous international, scientific race in history. From China to the United States, from Canada to Australia, scientists are off and running to be the first to get a COVID-19 vaccine to the market. Forget the roses. The prize money in the COVID’s winner circle is worth billions of dollars to the pharmaceutical company that wins this race.
Pros and Cons of Blood Thinners: Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
July 25, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Blood thinners, (anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications), are designed to treat blood clots that have formed, prevent the formation of new blood clots and stop blood clots from getting bigger.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): How It Can Prevent Low Blood Sugar Emergencies
July 15, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Vanessa is an 11 year old with type 1 diabetes who presented to the emergency department for the third time within the past 12 months because of “problems with her sugar.” She was unconscious, in hypoglycemic shock (extremely low blood glucose level) and clinging to life.
Eight Steps to Mitigate a COVID-19 Medical Tsunami
July 5, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
According to a June 23, 2020 report by Johns Hopkins University, there were 34,700 new cases of the coronavirus in the U. S. Five days later, that number jumped to 45,000 new cases of the virus.
Dexamethasone Reduces COVD-19 Deaths Off-Label Use of Drugs
June 25, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
The current pandemic has energized scientists around the globe to come up with targeted treatments and effective vaccines for COVID-19. Investigators in the U. S. are searching for off-label uses of pharmaceutical drugs.
Parotid Gland Swelling Causes and Symptoms: What You Can Do About It?
June 15, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Larry put his fork down, got up from the kitchen table and walked to the mirror in the bathroom with his wife close behind. Sure enough, the right side of the face was swollen, in front of the ear and at the angle of the jaw. It felt warm, soft, looked a little red and didn’t hurt.
The Tribulations of Nick Cordero COVID-19 is Not Just a Number
June 5, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Several years ago, my wife and I saw a N. Y. Broadway play titled, “The Bronx Tale.” In it, the fine actor and singer Nick Cordero played the gangster character Sonny, the “Capo” of the Bronx neighborhood.
Caregiving: The Bitter and the Sweet
May 15, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Margo is a 52 year old housewife, lives in a two story brick house with an unfinished basement. She has two sisters who live nearby, yet, when her mother was diagnosed with colon cancer, Margo became the sole 24/7 caregiver for her mom who lived by herself.
What to Do If You Suspect You’re Sick from COVID-19?
May 5, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Americans have been bombarded with information about COVID-19. There have been mixed messages as to what you should do to protect yourself from getting it and how you should behave to prevent transmitting the disease to others.
Hospital ‘Guidelines’ for Visiting Patients
April 25, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
There are certain guidelines that are helpful when visiting patients in the hospital. It doesn’t take much effort to be considerate and it can go a long way in making patients feel better. On top of everything, it just might hasten their recovery.
