MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'dr val jones'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:53:11 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984446&cid=t_179283_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-cdc-bloggers-join-the-better-health-team%2F2011.06.30 It is with great pleasure that I welcome our CDC colleagues to the Better Health blog team. Going forward, Better Health will feature content from the CDC blogs on a weekly basis, and our collaborative efforts will be highlighted on the CDC blog pages as appropriate. Better Health and the CDC share a common mission: to reach as many Americans as possible with scientifically accurate, trustworthy, and helpful medical information. As social media platforms (such as blogs, Twitter, and Facebook) become a gathering place for people seeking health information – it is important for experts to be able to provide content through these channels. The CDC’s relationship with Better Health is an excellent example of a public-private partnership that can magnify reach and relevance. By beco... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984446 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:00:47 +0100 4984446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813285&cid=t_179283_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdo-you-look-good-in-a-bathing-suit-dr-val-offers-summer-fitness-tips-to-abc-news%2F2011.05.11 The weather is heating up, and soon most of us will be back in shorts and t-shirts…  and worrying about looking good in our dreaded bathing suits. I had the opportunity to offer some evidence-based weight loss and fitness tips to ABC News in Washington, DC. You can view the clip or read my summary below: (more…) (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813285 Wed, 11 May 2011 22:51:19 +0100 4813285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560278&cid=t_179283_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmission-impossible-getting-a-medical-license-in-california%2F2011.03.07 I first applied for a license to practice medicine in the state of California on July 9, 2008. I was licensed on March 3, 2011 — a whopping 967 days after they first received my application. I haven’t had a problem getting a license in any other state, and I am licensed in six of them. Just to give you a sense of how long it usually takes to process the paperwork for a medical license, Maryland completed mine in under three weeks. So what’s going on in California? Dr. Val’s Experience I think the best way to tell this story is with a timeline, and let the facts speak for themselves. I know this represents just one physician’s experience (namely mine), so results may vary: July 9, 2008 – The Medical Board of California (MBC) received my licensure appl... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560278 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:30:00 +0100 4560278 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517169&cid=t_179283_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbook-review-tabloid-medicine-how-the-internet-is-being-used-to-hijack-medical-science-for-fear-and-profit%2F2011.02.24 This was the Guest Blog at Scientific American on February 23rd, 2011.  In his new book, “Tabloid Medicine: How The Internet Is Being Used to Hijack Medical Science for Fear and Profit,” Robert Goldberg, PhD, explains why the Internet is a double-edged sword when it comes to health information. On the one hand, the Web can empower people with quality medical information that can help them make informed decisions. On the other hand, the Web is an unfiltered breeding ground for urban legends, fear-mongering and snake oil salesmen. Goldberg uses case studies to expose the sinister side of health misinformation. Perhaps the most compelling example of a medical “manufactroversy” (defined as a manufactured controversy that is motivated by profit or extreme ideology to in... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517169 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:00:01 +0100 4517169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4360985&cid=t_179283_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhomeopathy-why-is-the-canadian-government-regulating-a-scam%2F2011.01.17 Regular readers of the Better Health blog are familiar with the shoddy science behind homeopathy (an outdated system of “medical” treatment that relies on water dilution and shaking to ‘”strengthen” the effects of drugs). But because homeopathic placebos have been marketed so successfully (even receiving paid endorsements from hockey teams), the Ontario government has decided to regulate homeopathic practices. In this terrific news exposé, reporters ask if it’s appropriate for the government to regulate health scams. In doing so, are they not lending credibility to modern-day snake oil? Check out these videos and let me know what you think. Is there a roll for government in regulating homeopathy? Part 1:   (more…) (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4360985 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:00:14 +0100 4360985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4253140&cid=t_179283_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsocial-networks-for-doctors-one-place-at-a-time%2F2010.12.12 I suspect that in the next couple of years we’ll see the emergence of a viable social network for physicians. It hasn’t happened yet, but I suspect that we’re getting close. Physicians are increasingly dabbling in mainstream social sites. But maybe that’s a problem. After all, a doctor can only hang in so many places. If you have “The Facebook for Doctors,” do you expect us to spend our time there instead of on Facebook itself? Maybe we will, and maybe we won’t. Beyond the obvious requirement of a network to deliver value, I think the rate-limiting factor is old-fashioned bandwidth. You can only be one place at a time. If I spend my days on Twitter, I’m not likely to spend my days on said doctor’s network. I will go there for particular things and to talk to certai... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4253140 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 15:00:55 +0100 4253140 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4207288&cid=t_179283_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffaith-fitness-and%2F2010.11.28 Since March I’ve been working out with a fitness instructor. She is the toughest, most motivated coach I’ve ever known. Sadly, today was our last day together because she’s beginning maternity leave and I’m moving out of the area. I was reflecting on what made her such a great trainer, and I think the essence was her undying belief in everyone’s ability to improve. Each exercise was a chance to do better than last time — to perfect one’s form, do one more repetition, or to slow the speed of a lift or increase the resistance involved. She never let me slack — she told me she believed in me, that I could do better, and that she didn’t care how many reps I did, I had to do them the right way. There were times that I just wanted an “easy” workout, or when I’d as... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4207288 Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:00:18 +0100 4207288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074059&cid=t_179283_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhealthcare-staff-please-hold-the-snark%2F2010.10.16 Every once in awhile I have the distinct “pleasure” of being a patient. This week I was reminded about how awful it is. I didn’t mind the blood draws, poking and prodding, injections, or interaction with my physician, but it was the rudeness of the ancillary and administrative staff that really got under my skin. I had forgotten how unfriendly people can be, and how especially hard it is to deal with when you’re not feeling well. Context is everything when it comes to rolling your eyes and sighing heavily. Let me explain. (more…) (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074059 Sat, 16 Oct 2010 17:00:26 +0100 4074059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3993905&cid=t_179283_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpanelist-video-interviews-from-the-fact-or-fiction-adhd-in-america-capitol-hill-forum%2F2010.09.22 On September 16, 2010, I attended Fact or Fiction: ADHD in America, a Capitol Hill Forum, along with Dr. Val Jones of Better Health and Dr. Rob Lamberts of Musings of a Distractible Mind. The event, coinciding with ADD/ADHD Awareness Week, was a panel discussion about the impact ADHD has on our society. It was sponsored by Shire, in partnership with the Entertainment Industries Council (EIC) and the Lab School of Washington [Disclosure: I received a stipend for covering the event.] Below are interviews Rob and I did with some of the panelists. Kevin Pho interview with Michele Novotni, Ph.D., ADHD Expert and Former Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) President: (more…) *This blog post was originally published at KevinMD.com* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3993905 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:46:38 +0100 3993905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3972916&cid=t_179283_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fadhd-fact-or-fiction-join-me-on-capitol-hill%2F2010.09.15 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is probably overdiagnosed by physicians. In the lay public, the term is often used jokingly to describe the common feeling of distraction we experience in a world filled with interruptions. With a constant stream of text messages, Facebook updates, TV commercials, and fast-paced Twittering, there’s little wonder that we all feel frazzled at times. But the occasional experience of jangled nerves is not a proper basis for a diagnosis of ADHD. Unfortunately, there has been great confusion between the actual disorder, and its misuse as a label for simply feeling distracted. So to help set the record straight and to tease out fact from fiction, I’ll be attending a forum on Capitol Hill with my co-bloggers Dr. Kevin Pho and Dr. Rob Lamb... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3972916 Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:41:12 +0100 3972916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3772237&cid=t_179283_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdr-val-tells-abc-news-how-to-stave-off-memory-loss%2F2010.07.20 Did you know that physical activity can reduce your risk for memory loss and dementia? I had the chance to speak to ABC’s Let’s Talk Live team about important lifestyle choices that can keep the mind healthy and active. The good news is that you really can teach an old dog new tricks, and those new tricks can stimulate growth of new brain cells. Watch the video and check out the Alzheimer’s Association website for more information about dementia prevention: (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3772237 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:00:50 +0100 3772237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718397&cid=t_179283_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpublic-health-whats-digital-got-to-do-with-it%2F2010.07.01 Better Health’s Dr. Val Jones recently expert-moderated TogoRun’s Digital Capital Week event entitled “Public Health: What’s Digital Got to Do With It?” featuring panelists Susannah Fox of the Pew Internet & American Life Project, Maya Linson of the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems, and Erin Enke of TogoRun. A capacity crowd in attendance at the Pew Research Center and another group following on Twitter sparked a vibrant online discussion of how health institutions are using social media and how digital innovation is improving public health: A conversation with Maya Linson about “Public Hospitals and the Social Media Imperative“ followed via podcast:  SOURCE: Unleashed: The Health + Communications Blog (Source: Better Healt... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718397 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:12:18 +0100 3718397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718398&cid=t_179283_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhealth-highlights-from-the-new-media-academic-summit%2F2010.07.01 I recently spoke at the panel on transparency at Edelman’s New Media Academic Summit. Ben Boyd was the moderator and Ellen Miller from the Sunlight Foundation was my fellow panelist. Reviewing some of the #nmas10 tweets from the audience, I figured I should provide some links for the anecdotes I mentioned: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center CEO Paul Levy’s blog is still the starting point when talking about transparency in medicine today. I had the chance to speak with him a few years ago. Ed Bennett has done an extraordinary job following hospital social media adoption and highlights effective new media policies as well. Hospitals are using twitter and billboards to broadcast emergency department waiting room times. This is not without risk, as billboards may not clarif... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718398 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:00:00 +0100 3718398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3573688&cid=t_179283_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fgrand-rounds-edition-634%2F2010.05.18 As newly-appointed content manager of Better Health and editorial assistant to Dr. Val Jones, I’ve been given the honor of hosting this edition of Grand Rounds — a weekly summary of the best health blog posts on the Internet. This week’s submissions cover a nice mix of issues important to health and medicine, which I’m presenting in alphabetical order (excuse my conservativeness as I’m originally a product of the Mayo Clinic, and even after jumping ship nearly five years ago, I’m still affected due to my self-inflicted unchanged location — I’ll find my more liberal social-media legs soon!) From geriatrics to Viagra, PET scans to personality disorders, dentists to American Idol, you’ll find it in this ever-so-tidy session of Grand Rounds. B... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3573688 Tue, 18 May 2010 15:32:17 +0100 3573688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1392484&cid=t_179283_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fgrand-rounds-from-voice-of-reason.html Dr Val Jones MDWelcome to Grand Rounds 4.31, Dr. Val's edition of the weekly rotating carnival of the best of the medical blogosphere. There are many approaches to summarizing submissions to Grand Rounds, and I have chosen one that has never (to my knowledge) been used before...It is all over there at Dr Val and the voice of reason. See what they are thinking in the USA. (Source: NHS Blog Doctor) NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1392484 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:50:00 +0100 1392484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1325122&cid=t_179283_145_f&fid=35710&url=http%3A%2F%2Fstoryofhealing.com%2F2008%2F03%2F25%2Ftop-3-thoughtful-reads-today-plus-an-overdue-rant%2F 1. Panda Bear, M.D.’s Defending the Pie. A clarifying thought on medical quackery, “dis-ease”, and what one should be conscious of as a potential patient. Sure, anybody can see somebody with a cold or some other minor complaint and the odds are good that nothing they do, provided they don’t get too jiggy with it, will do much harm. But let’s suppose that you have never rotated on a medical service or done your share of critical care. Suppose you have never worked in an emergency department or spent a few sloppy months on the labor and delivery floor. Imagine, if you can, seeing a provider for your family’s medical care who is treating your kids but has never had a lick of formal pediatric training or so little that she has never seen the really bad pediatric disease... the story of healing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1325122 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:16:27 +0100 1325122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1221287&cid=t_179283_145_f&fid=35710&url=http%3A%2F%2Fstoryofhealing.com%2F2008%2F02%2F11%2Fmedia-in-medicine-still-about-mending-the-broken%2F The use of media in medicine is a tool. It is a resource that enhances how health professionals communicate with each other thereby facilitating the rate of transmit of information and/or personal thoughts on published facts or theories involving developments in medicine. It is an open line that could, but not be limited to, service patients’ immediate concerns not necessarily warranting a trip to the emergency room. Therefore, the use of media in medicine is an addition to the practice of medicine rather than a replacement, nor is it an electronic substitute for an actual physician. While many are still “offline” or have limited “online” connectivity between both the physician and patient populations, some have started swinging in this direction. I personally... the story of healing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1221287 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:26:42 +0100 1221287