Doctor Column
Understanding How Sleep Works: Non-REM Sleep and REM Sleep
June 5, 2022
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Healthy sleep is as essential to our wellbeing as is a healthy diet. A massive one third of American adults get inadequate sleep described as less than seven hours of sleep per night In the mid-20th century, many scientists thought the brain to be fundamentally dormant during sleep. Recent studies paint a picture. of the brain’s vibrant activity.
The Liver: How It Looks and How It Works
May 25, 2022
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
The liver is the largest internal organ in the body. It weighs 3 to 3.5 pounds and is located mainly on the right side of the body below the lungs and diaphragm. It extends approximately from the right fifth rib to the lower border of the rib cage. The sickle shaped falciform ligament separates the liver into the much larger right lobe and a smaller left lobe.
Similarities Between Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes
May 15, 2022
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Type 1& 2 diabetes result from problems with insulin causing high blood glucose levels. Previous discussions highlighted the differences between both types of diabetes mellitus. What follows are several highlighted similarities.
Erectile Dysfunction and the Heart and Stroke Connection
May 5, 2022
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
“There is a very strong link between erectile dysfunction (ED)and heart disease. Having ED is as much a risk factor for heart disease as a history of smoking or a family history of coronary artery disease,” says the Cleveland Clinic.
Ten Key Differences Between Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes
April 25, 2022
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are chronic conditions that damage the body’s ability to metabolize sugars; that is, break down sugars from our diet into glucose. Consequently, blood levels of glucose become and remain elevated unless treated with diet, lifestyle changes and medications. We need the energy of glucose in our cells for our bodies to function.
In-Patient (Hospital) Advocates: An Underutilized Resource
April 15, 2022
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Being admitted into a hospital — one, is stressful. Whether it’s an elective or an emergency admission, the uneasiness of the unknown, unanswered questions, heighten anxiety. In-patient advocates work in hospitals and help to lessen a patient’s apprehension and ease the transition from admission to discharge.
Hypercalcemia or High Calcium Levels, and the Parathyroid Glands: What Are They? What Do They Do?
April 5, 2022
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Linda, a 52 year old homemaker, complained of being “tired all the time.” Over the past few years, besides being tired, she experienced trouble concentrating, mood swings, loss of appetite, and forgetfulness. She thought it was connected to the “empty nest syndrome” after her daughter got married, and she was left alone in her apartment. All that changed after she fell and hurt her back.
Intense Exercise for Parkinson’s Disease
March 25, 2022
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Parkinson Disease (PD) is a disorder of muscle coordination, not muscle weakness. It accounts for approximately 80% of movement disorders and it is the second most common neurodegenerative brain disease trailing only Alzheimer’s. This condition happens when nerve cells (neurons) in part of the brain called the substantia nigra die and don’t produce enough dopamine.
Type 2 Diabetes PS: Watch Your “Ps & Ss”
March 15, 2022
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects 37 million Americans. Nine out of ten times diabetes it’s caused by T2D. Approximately eight per cent of the time it is due to type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes — “Four Key Players”
March 5, 2022
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Deaths in the United States due to diabetes have exceeded 100,000 for the years 2020, and 2021. The CDC reports, “37.3 million” Americans of all ages have diabetes. “And the percentage of adults with diabetes increased with age, reaching 29.2% among those aged 65 years or older.”
