Doctor Column
E-cigarettes, Pulmonary Sickness and Death: U. S. vs. UK
October 5, 2019
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) on August 30, 2019 issued a health advisory warning the public and clinicians about severe pulmonary disease associated with using e-cigarette and vaping products.
“Afraid of Falling?” It’s Common, Costly and Preventable
September 25, 2019
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Recently, Shirley, a 75 year old neighbor rang my doorbell at approximately 9:30 p. m. and said, “I fell.” She was holding a handkerchief against the right side of her forehead and blood was streaming down the right side of her face.
Triggers of Nonallergic Rhinitis: “What Are They?”
September 15, 2019
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the inside of the nose. The blood vessels in the nose dilate causing nasal congestion and a clear, watery nasal discharge. This condition is primarily seen in adults and is not due to an allergy. It is separate and distinct from allergic rhinitis (AR) such as hay fever.
The Case for Taking Dietary Supplements
September 5, 2019
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Vitamin supplements are a goldmine for the manufacturers of these products. More than 30 billion dollars a year is forked over for these pills. The irony is that most people taking supplements follow good dietary habits and don’t need them. But are there situations that demand supplementation?
Black ‘Hairy’ Tongue
August 25, 2019
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Many people regard the appearance of the tongue as an indicator of their general health. Imagine waking up in the morning, looking in the mirror and seeing your tongue resembling the photo below?
Benefits of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
August 15, 2019
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
In the 15th and 16th centuries, Columbus, Magellan, Vasco da Gama and their sailors lived at sea for months at a time. On these challenging voyages, fresh fruits and vegetables were not available. As a consequence, the seamen suffered from malnutrition and the reality that 50% of the men onboard would not return home alive.
Facts and Myths About Left-Handed People
August 5, 2019
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
I attended a lecture given by a surgeon who said, “If you plan to do microsurgery and you’re right hand dominant, you need to be skillful using the other hand as well.” To become more comfortable using the left hand he suggested, “Start by shaving with your left hand and use it more frequently.”
“Why Do We Need B vitamins?”
July 25, 2019
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
The B complex vitamins are a group of water soluble nutrients that are found in animal proteins, leafy green vegetables and whole grains.
“Ten” Teen Water Safety Tips
July 15, 2019
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
According to the CDC, “Every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning in the United States. Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States.” About two out of ten people who die are children 14 and younger.
Sunscreens, SPF and the Importance of Being “Sun Smart!”
July 5, 2019
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Years ago, while walking on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, I noticed stretches of women sitting on benches facing the ocean in their bathing suits. They held metal-like reflectors under their chins while gathering the noonday sun and aiming it at their faces. Today, women at the beach or pool are protecting themselves from the sun.
