Doctor Column

Family Doctors Don’t Die — “They Just Fade Away” — Six Reasons Why Family Doctors are Disappearing June 25, 2018 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD A new wave in medicine is rippling across the United States and many conclude it doesn’t bode well, neither for patients nor family doctors. A recent conversation with a family doctor demonstrates his concern about the future care of patients. Six (“6”) Crucial Functions of Dietary Fiber June 15, 2018 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD I’ve heard this as a kid and maybe you have as well. Moms may not have known about the different kinds of fibers in vegetables, but they knew vegetables are a healthy part of the family’s diet. “7” Facts about the “Hormone of Darkness” — Melatonin June 5, 2018 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD In 1958, with the help of a team of researchers, a Yale dermatologist, Dr. Aaron Lerner discovered the hormone Melatonin, which regulates the sleep-awake cycle (circadian rhythms). The hormone promotes sleep and is produced by the pea-sized pineal gland which is located in the middle of the brain. What follows are 7 selected facts, among many, concerning the “Hormone of Darkness.” Jet Lag, Jet Pilots, Athletes and You May 25, 2018 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD I was speaking with a friend who told me, “Several months ago my wife and I boarded a plane bound for London from JFK. The flight left New York in the early evening and landed at Heathrow around 7:29 a.m. London time. We gathered our luggage at the baggage claim, flagged a cab and were driven to our hotel foolishly expecting to get to our rooms, wash up and relax. Meningitis A Medical Emergency May 15, 2018 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges--the thin membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be a deadly infection if untreated. In November, 2013 a freshman student at the University of California had both feet amputated as a result of poor blood supply to his lower limbs after he contracted meningitis. Melatonin. What You Need to Know — Blue Light, Electrosmog, and the Third Eye May 5, 2018 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Matthew is a 43 y/o software salesman who travels internationally because of his job responsibility. He recently made a round trip flight from New York to Tokyo. It was a stressful trip and upon returning to N.Y. he experienced jet-lag—extreme tiredness experienced by an individual after a flight across several time zones. Five (“5”) surprising reasons why fats are important April 25, 2018 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Fats get a bum rap! Many chastise the person who is obese. But most of us ignore or are unaware of the nutritional and other beneficial attributes of fats. What follows are five reasons why fats are useful: Building Blocks, Cell Membrane, Insulation, Protection (padding), Energy (fuel, storage). Spotlight on ‘good’ fats — ‘bad’ fats! April 15, 2018 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Overheard in a grocery store’s checkout counter: “Can you understand the labels on food packages? It’s hard to know what’s healthy and what’s not. Good fats — bad fats. Today they’re good. Tomorrow they’re bad.” The Story of Emily and the Birth of a New Era in Cancer Treatment: Genetically Modified T-cells (GMTs) April 5, 2018 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD The journey of a five year old child is a glittering example of bravery in the struggle against leukemia. Emily “Emma” Whitehead was the first child in the world to receive T-cell therapy (GMTs). “Is It Alzheimer’s or Normal Aging?” Six (6) Red Flags of Alzheimer’s March 26, 2018 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD All of us have misplaced our keys, glasses or watch at one time or another. But what does it mean if someone tells you that they found your eyeglasses in the refrigerator?