Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can affect both men and women. In fact, it's so common that nearly everyone who is sexually active will get infected at some point in their lives. This is because the virus is highly contagious through sexual contact and even if you have had only one sexual contact that person may have had others. While most HPV infections resolve on their own with...  Read More

Many people have had the experienced of being on a plane as it descends for a landing and feeling a sharp pain in the inner ear. Even if you have been lucky enough to avoid that sensation most people know what it like to have ear pressure when changing altitude. This happens when the eustachian tube is not functioning properlyThe Eustachian tube is a small passageway that connects your middle ear ...  Read More

What is a Carotid Doppler Test?A carotid Doppler test is a non-invasive ultrasound exam used to evaluate the blood flow through the carotid arteries in the neck. These arteries supply blood to the brain, and any blockages or narrowing can increase the risk of stroke.During the test, a technician applies gel to the skin over the neck and uses a handheld device called a transducer to emit sound wave...  Read More

There have been a lot of ads on TV lately promoting a new colon cancer screening test called Cologuard which is presumably a more convenient way to screen for colon cancer but is it a good substitute for a colonoscopy?Colon cancer is a significant health concern. It's the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women in the U.S.. The fact that almost all colon cancers begin years before as p...  Read More

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) might sound like a mouthful, but understanding them is important for your health. Picture your aorta as a big, stretchy hose carrying blood from your heart to your belly and legs. If there is a weak spot the pressure in the aorta can cause it to balloon out and if it stretches far enough it can rupture. This is an abdominal aortic aneurysm. It can be dangerous if i...  Read More

Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, can be a complication of a cold or allergy. But what exactly are sinus infections, and why do they often follow weeks of sinus congestion from a cold or allergy?Firstly, what are sinuses? Your sinuses are air-filled cavities located behind your forehead, cheekbones, and nose. They're lined with a thin layer of mucus-producing cells and are connected to yo...  Read More

A number of companies are currently marketing whole body MRI's directly to the public. They claim that these tests can detect cancer and other diseases at an early stage and they imply that this test can save lives. They often showcase futuristic offices and equipment reminiscent of a scene from Star Trek. Some of their promotions feature convincing stories from individuals who claim their lives w...  Read More

The USPSTF has come out with a preliminary recommendation in support of low dose chest CT scans to screen for lung cancer in certain high risk individuals. This is an update of an earlier recommendation which concluded that there was insufficient evidence to recommend for or against such screening. More evidence has now come out allowing the USPSTF to update their recommendation. The new recommend...  Read More

In an era where wellness trends reign supreme, IV therapy has emerged as the latest fad promising everything from enhanced energy levels to boosted immunity. But before you roll up your sleeve for that trendy drip, it's time for a reality check. Despite the glossy marketing and celebrity endorsements, there's a stark truth: healthy individuals have absolutely no business getting hooked up to an IV...  Read More

Genetically Modified Oragnisms (GMO's) have been in the news the past few years as activists in the U.S. and Europe have mounted a campaign to rid our diets of foods that have been altered using the new techniques of genetic engineering. Recently they have pushed for legislation to require labeling of all foods that contain GMO's Opponents of GMO products believe that all foods should be labelled ...  Read More

Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro have all been in the headlines a lot lately. These drugs are all members of a drug category called GLP1 agonists. They were originally designed to treat diabetes but over time it was noticed that they also resulted in significant weight loss among diabetics who were taking them.What is GLP1 agonists and How Does it Work?GLP1 agonists are a medication primaril...  Read More

Not too long ago I met a new patient who had come to me after her previous doctor had retired.  She was a very pleasant older woman who was retired herself and on a fixed income. She was relatively healthy but had a number of chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and an underactive thyroid that were well controlled with the use of six different medicati...  Read More