Doctor Column
Dizziness and Vertigo: How Do We Keep Our Balance?
November 5, 2019
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Dizziness is an imprecise word people use to describe symptoms of feeling lightheaded, the sensation that the room is spinning or unsteadiness. Most of the time the problem is not serious or long lasting but it can make your life miserable. Less frequently, it can lead to a permanent loss of hearing or the diagnosis of a life threatening disease.
‘Beware’ of Drug Reactions and Interactions
October 25, 2019
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
With every new drug on the market, there’s one more chance that you’ll suffer an unwanted reaction that ranges from mild to severe. However, such reactions are not limited to drugs. Food, herbs and supplements can be as dangerous as drugs.
Persistent Itching: A Misery Go-Round
October 15, 2019
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
“Coming up with the right diagnosis for constant itching is difficult, frustrating and maddening,” according to Cecilia.
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.”
