Doctor Column
“I Feel Stressed Out” Stress, Weight Gain and Sleep Loss
October 17, 2017
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
James Comey Jr., former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made a “gut wrenching” decision that made him “feel nauseous”. He seemed tense, anxious and probably didn’t get his usual good night’s sleep.
The Basics of Medicare: The A, B, C, and Ds of Medicare
October 5, 2017
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
In 1965, Medicare was signed into law by President Lyndon Baines Johnson. It is a federal health care insurance program to help Americans 65 and older pay their medical expenses. At the same time, Medicaid was created for low income families.
Non-Pulmonary Chronic Cough: A Dangerous ‘Impostor’
September 26, 2017
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Chronic cough is a common and puzzling symptom. It hides behind many masks, some more deadly than others. Patients have bounced from one specialist to another in an unsuccessful and costly attempt to get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
Fentanyl and the Chinese Connection: Prince of Opioids
September 16, 2017
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Cancer patients who require round the clock opioids (e.g. morphine drip) for excruciating pain can become opioid tolerant and experience “breakthrough” pain. In this situation, fentanyl has been useful to relieve severe pain.
Opioids: Dope and Dopamine — Are Doctors the Pushers?
September 5, 2017
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
The first opioid epidemic in the United States came after the Civil War (1861-1865). This problem was caused, in part, by the administration of morphine to soldiers for their pain and injuries. The civil war ended, but the morphine habit has persisted.
Has Soda Belly Overtaken Beer Belly? The ‘Belly Fat’ Pandemic
August 25, 2017
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
A whopping seven out of ten Americans are either overweight or obese! Belly fat is bulging across America (and the world) and it’s dragging several diseases along with it.
Has Soda Belly Overtaken Beer Belly? The ‘Belly Fat’ Pandemic
August 25, 2017
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
A whopping seven out of ten Americans are either overweight or obese! Belly fat is bulging across America (and the world) and it’s dragging several diseases along with it.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) and Antibiotics — “You Need the Right Diagnosis!”
August 16, 2017
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
During the summer months, parents and their kids often go swimming to cool off and have a good time. Consider 9 y/o Johnny who emerges from the swimming pool one Saturday afternoon with “bloodshot eyes.” What to do?
Yin and Yang of Hunger & Satiety — ‘Ghrelin and Leptin’
August 6, 2017
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
One aspect of Chinese philosophy declares there are two forces in the universe yin and yang. Yin is said to be characterized as being a negative force and yang a positive force. At first glance, these forces seem to be diametrically opposed to each other.
Electronic Cigarettes — Can They Be Helpful?.. The Pros and Cons
July 25, 2017
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
The use of electronic cigarettes is a critical public health issue. The increased use of e-cigarettes by teenagers and middle school children and the potential, harmful long term effects are especially worrisome.
