Doctor Column

Omicron Booster Shots Save Lives! Updated COVID-19 Shots October 5, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the emergency authorization requested by the pharmaceutical companies Moderna, and Pfizer- BioNTech to distribute their reformulated versions of the COVID — 19 vaccines to be distributed in September 2022. It is estimated that delaying the roll-out of the vaccines till November of this year would result in more than100,000 additional hospitalizations and in thousands of additional deaths. How To Avoid Medication Errors — Speak Up! September 25, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Before you swallow that pill — Are you sure it’s the right one for you? Medication errors are more prevalent than you think. Errors can happen from the time a physician prescribes the medication to the time you pick up the medicine. Drug Disposal: How to Get Rid of Expired or Unused Medications September 15, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Unused or expired medications pose a health risk to you and your family. Safe disposal of unneeded medications lessens the likelihood of unintended poisonings. One option is to find a drug-take back location and deposit the medicines at that location which might be a hospital, pharmacy or police station. If drug-take back programs are not available, you can get rid of medicines at home by properly placing them in your trash or by flushing them down the toilet or sink. Drug Expiration Controversy: “Is it Safe to Take Expired Medications?” September 5, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Melissa, a three year old, has a history or recurrent ear infections. It’s the weekend, it’s one o’clock in the morning and Melissa is irritable, tugging at her right ear and has a slight temperature. This has been the prelude to a spike of 103 F temperature, crying and piercing screams due to her painful ear infections. Her mother has left over liquid antibiotic medication that the child’s pediatrician prescribed six weeks ago for her ear infections. Her mother thinks it over, “Should I give the baby the antibiotic. Is it safe to do so?” Diverticular Disease: Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis August 25, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Diverticular disease is a disease of the large intestine characterized by tiny outpouchings in the wall of the colon called diverticula, which can become inflamed (red, swollen) and infected. This colonic disease affects approximately half of the population over the age of 60 in advanced western countries. It was thought to be a disease of the elderly, but recent reports indicate an increased prevalence in persons younger than 60 years of age. The disease is divided into diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Number “988” Hotline: The New Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline August 15, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD On July 16, 2022. the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) established 988 as the new, nationwide phone number that connects individuals with the Suicide Prevention and Mental Crisis Lifeline. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or a substance abuse-related emergence or if you are at your wits end, you’re encouraged to call or text 988 and speak directly to a trained counselor for advice. Hot Tips for Preventing Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion August 5, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD The recent heat wave has placed climate change on the front burners of public health officials across the globe. Record temperatures in many parts of the world has scorched the earth leaving in its wake droughts, fires, famine and deaths. In July of 2022, more than 20 states in America have recorded more than 200 high temperatures breaking heat records in the process. Government and state agencies have issued guidelines to prevent heat related illness. 269T Who Needs to Get Tested for COVID-19? July 25, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD People are getting mixed signals from the authorities concerning who should get tested, and treated for COVID-19? Also, there is confusion as to when is the best time to be tested for COVID-19? Annabella was delighted to be her sister’s bridesmaid. She had a wonderful time at the wedding, dancing, and chatting with many guests. The next day, she wondered, “Should I get tested for COVID?” She didn’t complain of any symptoms, and decided not to test for the virus. 268T Gun Violence A Public Health Crisis, and An American Tragedy July 15, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Gun violence is endemic in the U. S., and is increasing at a lunatic rate. In 2020, a record 45, 222 Americans were shot dead especially from gun murders, and gun suicides. Gun murders accounted for 47% of gun deaths, suicides 54%, and three per cent were due to other causes such as unintentional gun deaths, and those involving law enforcement, according to the CDC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 270T Monkeypox An Under Reported Virus in the U. S? July 5, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Monkeypox (MPX) is a rare, viral, infectious disease that’s related to, and distinct from smallpox, and cowpox. It is caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPXV). The disease occurs primarily in the tropical rainforest areas of central and west Africa, and is exported to other regions. Of particular concern is the surging number of cases since May of this year. The outbreaks have emerged, as of this writing, in forty-seven countries where the disease is not usually found, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

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