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 'expert'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:54:05 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181805&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fback-to-school-tip-your-child-may-need-a-comprehensive-eye-exam%2F2011.08.31 Dori Carlson, O.D. In a recent interview with the president of the American Optometric Association (AOA), Dr. Dori Carlson, I learned the surprising statistic that about 1 in 4 school age children have an undetected or undiagnosed vision problem. School vision screenings, while helpful, still miss more than 75% of these problems. And for those kids who are discovered to have a vision problem during a school screening, upwards of 40% receive no follow up after the diagnosis. Clearly, we need to do better at diagnosing and treating childhood visual deficits. My full conversation with Dr. Carlson can be listened to below: Dr. Carlson told me that the solution involves (more…) (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181805 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:00:24 +0100 5181805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159258&cid=t_107016_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fhow-can-we-get-patients-to-take-more.html It's extremely easy to criticize doctors for the sad state of health care today. Most patients are very articulate about the fact that their doctor spends very little time with them ; that he makes them wait unnecessarily for long hours ; and that he provides them with precious little information about their illness. This causes a lot of heartburn and frustration ; and many people believe that doctors are now behaving more like businessman rather than professionals. While there may be some truth in this criticism , it is also equally true that doctors are soft and easy targets. In fact , the press has played a major role in bashing doctors , and while it's true that stories about unethical doctors who indulge in corrupt acts help them to sell more newspapers , sadly all these stories also... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159258 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 04:38:00 +0100 5159258 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103336&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhealth-care-attorney-discusses-the-use-of-disclaimers-on-facebook-pages%2F2011.08.06 This is the third part of a three part post addressing the legal concerns of social networking in the health care arena. In part one, legal expert David Harlow, Esq., Health Care Attorney and Consultant at The Harlow Group, LLC in Boston, answered questions regarding “The Legal Implications for Doctors, Nurses and Hospitals Engaging in Social Media?” In part two, Mr. Harlow answered questions related to the Pharma industry;  “Legal Concerns: What Steps can Pharma Take to Engage in Social Media?” The third part addresses a question from a follower on Facebook about the use of disclaimers. Q:  Barbara: A Healthin30 reader on Facebook writes:  “I’m looking for a good disclaimer to put on a couple of medical practices’ Facebook pages. The AMA social media guidelines aren’t h... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103336 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 21:00:47 +0100 5103336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086261&cid=t_107016_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F30%2Fif-i-have-to-tell-you-one-more-time-23-tools-for-parents%2F Before you read this post, I must confess that I have not read a parenting book for seven years: since my son was three and my daughter one. Up to that point, I averaged one a month. Some were helpful, but I was such an insecure parent, that the majority of these well-intentioned references made me like a horrible mother who was incapable of raising good kids. I then decided to “pick my battles,” and work on my self-esteem rather than perfecting my parenting skills. So I tossed any parenting books that came my way into the Goodwill pile. Whenever the topic of expert parenting advice or philosophies came up at play dates, I walked away and participated in another conversation… like about which kind of chocolate to buy. I must have evolved in these seven years because I was unafrai... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086261 Sat, 30 Jul 2011 18:15:30 +0100 5086261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008194&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-its-a-bad-idea-for-a-psychiatrist-to-serve-as-an-expert-witness-for-their-patient%2F2011.07.08 In Dinah’s post “The Chapter I Wish We Had Written” an anonymous commenter wrote about his problems finding an expert witness for his or her employment discrimination case (since I don’t know if Anonymous is male or female I’m going to use a standard male pronoun in this post—apologies if I got this wrong). Anonymous asked his doctor to help with the case, but he refused. He explained to Anonymous that he would be a biased witness and Anonymous also understood that the doctor’s involvement might affect the therapeutic relationship. Anonymous’s doctor gave her a number of referrals to forensic psychiatrists, but since he was not working with an attorney no expert would take the case. Anonymous was understandably frustrated by this situation. I... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008194 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:00:00 +0100 5008194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992782&cid=t_107016_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fdoctor-bashing-in-media.html The series of articles on "sex change operations" in the Hindustan Times is a great example for how poor reporting leads to doctor bashing.The articles are poorly written - the reporter has not done her homework or tried to verify the facts. It's just a hotch potch of botched statements, many of which are speculative and incorrectFor example, she writes - " While genitoplasty experts of Indore say each of them have turned 200 to 300 girls into ‘boys’ so far, only one could cite an instance where a 14-year-old was converted into a girl. "This means she's not bothered to verify her facts - it's just a series of statements based on what some doctors have claimed ! She seems to have talked to just one parent - and not even bothered to check with an independent expert pediatric surgeon as t... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992782 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 02:55:00 +0100 4992782 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968583&cid=t_107016_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F23%2Fwhen-things-go-wrong-in-massachusetts-fire-the-employees-not-carney-hospital%2F Mental health care in Massachusetts is sometimes a hit or miss proposition. Especially if you’re poor or indigent, or may present a danger to yourself or others. For the 14-bed locked hospital unit at Carney — now owned by Steward Health Care — it apparently was such a “miss” proposition that they ended up sacking the entire staff. Yes, you heard me — all 29 psychiatric nurses and mental health counselors were let go about a month ago. Meanwhile, Massachusetts continues to pay Carney Hospital to run its program, with all new staff. Is it possible that 29 different professionals really were responsible for the four complaints? Or is this a perfect example of incompetent management and senior hospital executives covering their asses, and trying to put the ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968583 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:39:20 +0100 4968583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960000&cid=t_107016_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F22%2Feducation-for-primary-care-2011-vol-22-no-3%2F This article looks at the role of patient involvement in the education of health professionals including the drivers of patient involvement, learning outcomes and the patients’ experience of teaching. (Print subscription held at Fade Library) Filed under: Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Expert Patients, Medical Education, Patient Knowledge, Professional Development, Training Needs (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960000 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:24:28 +0100 4960000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934163&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-right-to-bear-salt-is-sodium-restriction-warranted-for-the-general-population%2F2011.06.15 Q. What is the difference between a public health expert and Il Duce? A. Mussolini was not nearly as arrogant as a public health expert. In prior posts, DrRich related how two major publc health efforts over the past few decades – the effort to put all of us on low-fat diets, and the effort to reduce everyone’s cholesterol levels – have amounted to massive experiments, based upon insufficiently-tested assumptions and surmises and hypotheses which the experts arrogantly (and incorrectly) determined to be fact, and which were conducted upon the entire American population without its knowledge or consent. These public health experiments cost billions of dollars, needlessly transformed large swatches of American industry, and (at least in the case of low-fat diets) likely produced signif... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934163 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 19:00:25 +0100 4934163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934339&cid=t_107016_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F12%2Fmoney-problems-6-steps-to-transform-your-money-life%2F I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t have a money problem right now, in this economy. Even the wealthiest of the wealthy are fretting because the fortunes they stashed in bonds and stocks aren’t performing with the same gust of the 90s, and, even if you have 5 billion dollars, seeing that figure change by a half of a billion produces anxiety and pacing. I wouldn’t know. But I’m guessing. So it was with interest I read financial advisor Karen Lee’s book, It’s Just Money, So Why Does It Cause So Many Problems?. Lee has worked in the financial services industry since 1987. During that time, she has worked with hundreds of families, individuals, and small businesses to help them work towards their financial goals. And to boot, she’s a regular guest expert on CNN. Here are... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934339 Sun, 12 Jun 2011 12:28:50 +0100 4934339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902424&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fan-interview-with-a-cardiac-cath-lab-nurse%2F2011.06.05 Ready to learn more about nurses who work beyond the bedside?  Nurses who work in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab (CCL) play an important role in cardiac care.  Amy Sellers, RN BSN CCRN CSC CMC blogs at Nursing Influence and graciously agreed to give us a peek at what a nurse is responsible for doing in the CCL. Amy has worked in the Cath Lab for about 6 months now.  She previously worked in CVICU for almost 5 years before deciding that she needed a new challenge.  She is paid hourly and works three 12 hour shifts per week (all daytime Mon-Fri) with lots of opportunities for overtime and call shifts. A cath lab is an area of the hospital that uses fluoroscopy and contrast dye to check for narrowing/blockages in arteries or veins in the body. Using special equipment, they are able to pe... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902424 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 15:30:43 +0100 4902424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872097&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fblogging-guidelines-for-physicians%2F2011.05.26 There’s been quite a kerfuffle over the “Unprofessional” post Dr V wrote. A lot of people have been very shrill in denouncing physicians who write about their experiences using social media — blogs, twitter, facebook, etc — with particular emphasis on those who do not use their real names. So, while I won’t tell someone how they should blog/tweet, or try to impose my vision of professional standards on a community that clearly is still coming to consensus with public conversations by healthcare workers, I will offer you my personal guidelines and values that I use in determining what I am willing to put into the public domain. These are just my opinions; your mileage may vary. As a general principle: patients give physicians and nurses access to intimate... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872097 Thu, 26 May 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4872097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828882&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-psychiatrists-approach-wrist-cutting-cries-for-help%2F2011.05.16 When Roy and I were on Talk of the Nation this past week, a called phoned in to ask about her sister. The question was about care in the Emergency Room/Department, so it was a perfect Roy question and he fielded it. I’ve been playing with it since, and wanted to talk more about this particular scenario, because the scenario was very common, and the question was more complicated than it seems. From the transcript of the show: ANN (Caller): Hi, thank you very much. I would like to ask Dr. Roy (oh, I gave him his blog name here) a question: My sister was admitted to emergency when she cut her wrists, and the doctor on call pulled me aside and said, do you think she was trying to kill herself? And I said – because my sister is very intelligent – I said, if my sister really wa... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828882 Mon, 16 May 2011 21:00:00 +0100 4828882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828813&cid=t_107016_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F11%2Fhealth-experts-patient-advocates-beware-10-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-be-a-curator-at-organized-wisdom%2F Last year I aired my concern about Organized Wisdom in a post called Expert Curators, WisdomCards & The True Wisdom of @organizedwisdom. Organized Wisdom shares health links of health experts or advocates, who (according to OW’s FAQ), either requested a profile or were recommended by OW’s Medical Review Board. I was one of those so called Expert Curators. However, [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828813 Tue, 10 May 2011 23:28:18 +0100 4828813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813210&cid=t_107016_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F11%2Fhealth-experts-patient-advocates-beware-10-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-be-a-curator-at-organized-wisdom%2F Last year I aired my concern about Organized Wisdom in a post called Expert Curators, WisdomCards & The True Wisdom of @organizedwisdom. Organized Wisdom shares health links of health experts or advocates, who (according to OW’s FAQ), either requested a profile or were recommended by OW’s Medical Review Board. I was one of those so called Expert Curators. However, [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813210 Tue, 10 May 2011 23:28:18 +0100 4813210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789333&cid=t_107016_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F05%2Fshould-you-tell-your-boss-that-you-have-adhd%2F When you have any mental health condition, it can be hard to know if you should disclose your diagnosis at work, particularly to your boss. It’s a thorny topic. For instance, you might be worried that others will judge you negatively because of the pervasive stigma in our society. Yet, you might need certain accommodations that you’d like to ask for. Also, many people are relieved to get their diagnosis — finally having a name for their disruptive symptoms — and want to share it with others. So what can you do? ADDitude Magazine has an excellent article on this topic by Wilma Fellman. I interviewed Fellman a few years ago for an article about succeeding in the workplace when you have ADHD. Her take? She advised readers against telling supervisors about their ADHD. ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789333 Thu, 05 May 2011 12:13:11 +0100 4789333 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4664177&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmitral-valve-regurgitation-caused-elizabeth-taylors-death-could-it-affect-you%2F2011.03.31 I am saddened that Elizabeth Taylor died recently of heart failure. In his appreciation of her, film critic Roger Ebert said in the Chicago Sun-Times, “Of few deaths can it be said that they end an era, but hers does.” She is a star that many of us felt we knew. She was a great actress and a woman of great beauty who was a hard working champion of people with AIDS and always seemed to be a determined person who knew herself. Yet she always had a vulnerable side. So many marriages, so many illnesses, so many, many surgeries, over 40, I’ve read. And then her heart problem developed. Which leads me to talk a little about that problem, mitral valve leakage. The heart’s mitral valve The heart has four chambers and four valves that open to let blood through to the next chamber of th... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4664177 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4664177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642594&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdr-lisa-sanders-medical-detective%2F2011.03.27 If you follow me regularly, you know I enjoy watching the Fox television drama House M.D. on Monday nights (although I often watch the recording later in the week). Doctor Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) is a sorry character but a terrific diagnostician.  In almost every episode someone is on the brink of death from an elusive illness when House’s “light bulb” goes on and, in a flash, he saves the patient’s life by proving himself to being the world’s best medical detective. Doc Hollywood??? Dr. Lisa Sanders is watching 3,000 miles away in New Haven, Connecticut where she teaches first and second year med students at Yale how to learn to be House-type medical detectives – but much more respectful ones. She is like that herself. She’s so good at it she writes a medical column fo... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642594 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:00:53 +0100 4642594 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600579&cid=t_107016_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F16%2F10-reasons-why-someone-in-therapy-may-not-be-getting-better%2F A few months ago I was called to be an expert witness at the county court. Not my favorite thing to do. What makes it hard is the tendency lawyers have to ask complex questions and expect a “Yes” or “No” answer. I have learned to slow myself down, detach myself from the process, and be absolutely truthful while remaining as unprovoked as possible. Otherwise it is an exhausting exercise. One question did get me going, though. It revolved around whether or not a person can change and what causes a person in therapy to improve or not improve. The conversation below is a dramatic re-enactment of real events… Lawyer: Under what circumstances does a person in therapy not get well? Me: Are you assuming the therapist is perfect? Because one reason a person does not i... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600579 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 20:35:35 +0100 4600579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489743&cid=t_107016_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fdr-malpani-shows-you-easy-way-of.html It takes a lot of courage to place your life in a doctor's hands ! How can you be sure your doctor is any good ? Or that he will take good care of you when you have a problem ? It's hard to judge a doctor's competence and doctor shopping takes a lot of time and energy. It's also not very smart to go purely by a friend's recommendation !Here's an easy test. Ask the doctor a question about your problem ( preferably an easy question which you already know the answer to !) and see how he responds.Does he get irritated ? Does he brush off your query ? Does he answer brusquely ? Does he use medical jargon ? Does he send you to his assistant for answers ?Does he take the time to explain in simple terms ? Does he bother to check that you have understood his answer ? Does he offer to give you educa... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489743 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:32:00 +0100 4489743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4450296&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2011%2F02%2F08%2Fmultiple-vaccines-may-have-triggered-disease-and-death-of-soldier%2F March 2, 2003 Army Specialist Rachel Lacy was given five vaccinations at once: anthrax, hepatitis B, measles-mumps-rubella, smallpox, and typhoid. She also was given a tuberculin skin test on the day that. She died on April 4, 2003. The Smallpox Vaccine Safety Working Group (SVSWG) and also the Clinical Expert Immunization Committee (CEIC) researched the situation. Each one stated it was not able scientifically to distinguish a particular vaccination as being the possible cause due to the fact a number of vaccines had been given at once. One interesting line in the Q and A document noted, “Administration of simultaneous vaccinations is a generally accepted practice and has been for many decades. One of the vaccines widely used in the United States to protect against Streptococcal infecti... vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4450296 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:20:27 +0100 4450296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4405775&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhat-everyone-should-know-about-plastics%2F2011.01.27 Information circulating about the dangers of plastic containers has created fear and confusion. Are plastic containers toxic? Do harmful chemicals leach out into its contents? Do we need to discard all plastic containers? Recently, I interacted in a live health chat on MedHelp about the safety of plastics. Scientist, Joe Schwarcz, Ph.D., Director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, talked about “The Real Truth About Plastics: What You Should And Shouldn’t Worry About.” While Dr. Schwarcz states that some plastics like those made by Tupperware and Rubbermaid are safe to use, there are other plastics made of Bisphenol A (BPA) that may cause some concern, however he did not become alarmed. There is extensive information on the safety of plastics, and reading some of... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4405775 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:00:39 +0100 4405775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4300583&cid=t_107016_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F30%2Fshould-you-tell-your-kids-about-your-mental-illness%2F Parents with a mental illness typically wonder whether it’s best to disclose their diagnosis to their kids. On the one hand, you want to be open and honest. On the other hand, you may think that not saying anything protects your child. A parent’s natural instinct to want to shield your child from any confusion or concern. However, according to research, not telling your child can actually have the opposite effect. Research shows that if parents don’t tell children about their mental illness, children develop misinformation and worries which can be worse than the reality, said Michelle D. Sherman, Ph.D, clinical psychologist and director of the Family Mental Health Program at the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Later, these kids also report feeling resentment toward... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4300583 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 15:58:26 +0100 4300583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245303&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fare-plastic-products-safe-ask-chemistry-professor-joe-schwarcz-ph-d%2F2010.12.09 Have you heard the new urban legend about plastic products? A growing number of celebrities and websites have been fueling a plastic paranoia, striking fear in the hearts of parents, fitness buffs, and microwave container users. Concerns reached such a fever pitch that I wondered if there may be something to this buzz: Can certain plastics harm our bodies or even cause cancer? But like the buzz surrounding vaccines and autism (there is NO link between the two), plastiphobia (as I like to call it) is not backed by any clear evidence of human harm. Chemist, Dr. Joe Schwarcz of McGill University (who has no financial ties to plastics manufacturers, by the way) has reviewed the scientific literature and has found plastics to be an extremely unlikely candidate for human injury. (Well, unless yo... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245303 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 18:00:37 +0100 4245303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4151787&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fswanson-physicians-have-an-ethical-duty-to-participate-in-social-media%2F2010.11.10 Wendy Sue Swanson, MD Most physicians still don’t see the need to blog, Tweet, or spend time on Facebook. They groan when you ask if they participate on social media platforms. “I’m too busy seeing patients,” they say, “and why would I expose myself to legal risk? Someone might think that I’m giving medical advice, or disclosing personal information about patients online.” While these fears are pervasive, early adopters of social media like Dr. Wendy Swanson (and yours truly, by the way) have a different view. Not only should physicians become active in social media, but they have an ethical responsibility to do so. Wendy is a pediatrician, mother, and blogger at Seattle Children’s Hospital. My friend “ePatient Dave” deBronkart re... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4151787 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 18:00:01 +0100 4151787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4065365&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Findustry-influence-is-an-infection-international-criticism-of-pfizer-funded-journalism-workshops%2F2010.10.13 Next week, the National Press Foundation offers an “all-expenses-paid, educational program on cancer issues” for journalists, with all expenses paid by Pfizer. I’ve written several times about my criticism of this approach. The National Press Foundation has offered to let me speak at next week’s event or at a subsequent all-expenses-paid program for journalists on Alzheimer’s disease also underwritten by Pfizer. I’m unable to attend either event because of prior commitments, but suggested to NPF that they ask Merrill Goozner to speak instead. He’s right in Washington, has written and lectured about conflicts of interest in healthcare, and was available. Goozner told me he has not been contacted. So, since I can’t attend and since critical voi... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4065365 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 20:00:15 +0100 4065365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3998991&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fvideo-interview-roches-social-media-code-of-conduct%2F2010.09.23 Last month I reported about the Social Media Code of Conduct released by Roche and I also shared my opinion on the issue. Now Sabine Kostevc, Head of Corporate Internet and Social Media at F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, gave an interview to Silja Chouquet: *This blog post was originally published at ScienceRoll* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3998991 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 01:00:45 +0100 3998991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3993905&cid=t_107016_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=3983393&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmayo-clinics-dr-jim-levine-on-how-neat-health-can-be%2F2010.09.19 Obesity doesn’t stand a chance against Dr. Jim Levine, one of the prestigious presenters at Mayo Clinic’s Transform 2010 conference last week. Dr. Levine’s fascinating research focuses on helping people understand obesity, weight reduction, and Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) — the idea that expending calories through the activities of daily living is more important for calorie burning than exercise is. Dr. Levine’s ”Treadmill Desk” has won more than 50 national and international awards in science, including the Judson Daland prize from the American Philosophical Society, the Invention of the Future Award from NASA, and the Innovation Award at the World Fair. The “Walkstation” is now a product of Steelcase. Dr. Levine&#8... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3983393 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 05:33:11 +0100 3983393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3972916&cid=t_107016_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=3935797&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fare-your-allergies-acting-up-ragweed-pollen-season-is-here%2F2010.09.05 I don’t know about you, but my allergies have really been acting up lately. Well, maybe not this week since it’s been cooler. But last week my eyes were watering, my nose was running, and my lungs were wheezing (kind of). But for the first two weeks of August, a lot of my patients were complaining about their allergy symptoms getting worse. And for some people, their asthma was getting worse as well. The local TV station called me last week during the beginning of ragweed pollen season and asked me to talk about it: If you find this information helpful, I invite you to check out my other TV interviews about health-related issues. *This blog post was originally published at Doctor Anonymous* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3935797 Sun, 05 Sep 2010 22:00:00 +0100 3935797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3933147&cid=t_107016_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fmy-doctor-does-not-answer-my-questions.html This is one of the commonest complaints patients have about their doctor. It's true that doctors are very busy and have lots of patients to see. While it would be great if your doctor had all the time and patience and energy in the world to answer your questions, the truth is that the amount of time you have with your doctor is going to be limited.It's part of a doctor's job to educate his patients. A doctor who does not do this is not a good doctor, simple. However, it can be very boring for a doctor to answer the same questions again and again - and doctors are human too - they get fed up and bored as well !How can you help your doctor to make the most of the limited time you have with him, so he can clear your doubts and answer your queries ?The best way to to do this is to get your doc... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3933147 Sat, 04 Sep 2010 04:47:00 +0100 3933147 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899392&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhealth-tips-for-back-to-school%2F2010.08.24 I was lucky enough to be asked by one of the local TV stations to talk about some back-to-school issues when it comes to health. I don’t know about where you’re at, but most of the local schools around here started [yesterday, August 23rd]. Keeping up-to-date on immunizations is always important. Other important issues are getting kids back on their school sleep schedules and making sure the backpack isn’t overwhelmingly heavy. Check out the video below. Also check out the Back To School Video 2 and the Back To School Video 3 (Yup, that’s right — three segments in one day.) If you find those helpful, I encourage you to check out my You Tube page and click on “My TV Interviews” for more health segments from local TV news. Enjoy! *This bl... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899392 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:00:00 +0100 3899392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3885342&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmedical-self-care-and-the-doc-tom-interview%2F2010.08.19 Next in our series of posts about our founder Doc Tom. Previous time capsules: 1980 and 1985. Come, ye economics buffs and algebra fans: Get out your pencils and solve for x, n, and XX: Whatever else the year 19XX is remembered for, it will — without a doubt — go down in history as a record year for medical expenses here in the United States. All indications are that before the calendar year is out, Americans will have spent $x (n% of the Gross National Product) on drugs, X-rays, surgery, physicians’ fees, laboratory tests, hospital overhead, health insurance, etc. That’s up from the [$0.3x] ([.7n%] of GNP) just 13 years ago. Clearly, the medical establishment has become a threat to the average American’s budget (if not his health). Ready? That was…1978. Check the tiny numb... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3885342 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 23:00:15 +0100 3885342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3723339&cid=t_107016_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2F03%2Fhow-your-past-can-help-guide-your-future%2F “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” - George Santayana I believe that we humans spend a lot of time repeating our past — the mistakes, the patterns of behavior, the way we communicate with others. We’re creatures of habit and habits are hard to break. We believe, “Hey, this has worked for me in the past, so why not keep doing it?” Except that sometimes, we’re deluding ourselves. We think something has worked for us in the past, when in fact, it hasn’t at all. We believe our style of communication is effective with our partner, when all the while our partner sits there and wonders what the hell it is we’re thinking. History can be a great teacher and source of wisdom. This is true of history in the traditiona... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3723339 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 11:10:21 +0100 3723339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3665969&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-you-should-still-see-your-doctor-when-youre-not-sick%2F2010.06.16 Experts say over 100,000 lives a year could be saved in the United States if patients focused more on preventive medicine. What is preventive medicine? What can you do in your everyday life that may make a long-term difference? On this Patient Power program, you will hear from two board certified internists from the UW Medicine Neighborhood Clinics in Western Washington. They will discuss how having an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician who you check in with regularly –- even when you’re well –- gives you the best chance at staying healthy. (more…) (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3665969 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:00:13 +0100 3665969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3633420&cid=t_107016_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fhealth-experts-cyrus-rangan-luann-white-debate-health-effects-bp-oil-spill%2F Toxicologist LuAnn White, poison control expert Cyrus Rangan, neuroscientist James Giordana and others debate the health risks from the BP oil spill (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3633420 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 01:03:14 +0100 3633420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607498&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpatient-journalists-health-news-from-the-patients-perspective%2F2010.05.27 My wife and family are alternately happy and unhappy about the prospect of me headed out of town to attend two medical conventions in a row. When they need me they REALLY need me, and when they have plenty else to do, I could be on the moon and they wouldn’t miss me. Oh well, I am off anyway to two parts of the country in rapid succession with the goal of helping patients worldwide. The first stop is the meeting of the American Urological Association and the second is the meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. I’ll be in San Francisco and then Chicago to gather medical news for patients. I am a big believer that there should not be a delay in bringing significant medical news to people living with or affected by a medical condition. For me, as a leukemia survivor, I don... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607498 Fri, 28 May 2010 01:00:22 +0100 3607498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3603595&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-an-empowered-patient-finds-a-new-doctor%2F2010.05.26 What if the average patient (person) knew what healthcare insiders, providers and expert patients know? Take the process of looking for a new personal physician. Conventional wisdom tells people that when looking for a new physician they need to consider things like specialty, board certification, years in practice, and geographic proximity. Online services like Health Grades allow you to see and compare the satisfaction scores for prospective physician candidates. But industry insiders know different. Consider those patient satisfaction scores for physicians. In reality, “one can assume that the quality of care is actually worse than surveys of patient satisfaction would seem to show,” according to a 1991 lecture by Avedis Donabedian, M.D.: “Often patients are, in fact, overly pati... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3603595 Wed, 26 May 2010 16:00:23 +0100 3603595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3522695&cid=t_107016_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fwhy-do-doctors-treat-patients-as-idiots.html Image via WikipediaMany doctors underestimate their patient's intelligence. The truth is that most patients ( most of the time):1. want to know as much as possible about their illness and their treatment optionsand2. are smart enough to understand their optionsPatients want to be treated with respect. They look up to their doctor - and trust he will do a good job treating them. So why don't all doctors treat their patients as intelligent adults - someone who is capable of understanding what has gone wrong and what the doctor needs to do to fix the problem ?Do doctors feel threatened by patients who ask questions ? Or is it that they do not have the time or energy to answer these questions ?Some well-meaning doctors are worried that patients will not be able to understand the niceties of th... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3522695 Sat, 01 May 2010 05:39:00 +0100 3522695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467852&cid=t_107016_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Ficd-10-putting-americans-back-work-part-3-job-security Want to advance your career and make your job more secure? Then think ICD-10 skills, and now. “As soon as you emerge as expert in ICD-10, your stock in the company goes up,” explains Jim Gibson, principal at Gibson Consultants. (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467852 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:41:28 +0100 3467852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378412&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2010%2F03%2F18%2Fcancer-leads-to-more-cancer%2F Filed under: ResearchIt seems as though many types of cancer are related. You'll hear of people being diagnosed with one cancer and then, years later, when they are cured from the original cancer, they are diagnosed with another form of the disease. What gives? Cancer is a group of diseases that cause cells to change in abnormal ways and grow out of control. Most types of cancer form a tumor, which is a lump or mass of cancerous cells. Although cancers can spread, like when cells from a tumor break away and travel to other parts of the body, experts say that one type of cancer does not lead to another. There are many other factors at play. Cancers that occur late in life, like prostate cancer, or are especially common among certain groups, like lung cancer in smokers, will not change... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378412 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3378412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3205116&cid=t_107016_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fk_zC01KmoJo%2F A member of a World Health Organization panel of experts that is contemplating new global taxes on e-mail, alcohol, tobacco, airline travel and consumer bank transactions, charges she was given only selective info at group meetings, deliberations were rushed and her group was “manipulated” by the pharmaceutical industry, Fox News reports. Such taxes could be used to finance research, development and manufacturing capabilities to the developing world. Her charges were denied by the head of WHO’s Expert Working Group on Research and Development Financing (EWG), a 25-member panel of medical experts, academics and health care bureaucrats, which is due to present a 98-page report in Geneva after spending more than a year deliberating “new and innovative sources of fundin... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3205116 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:46:33 +0100 3205116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3194018&cid=t_107016_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fj8sNA2n8CDE%2F The World Health Organization’s Director General, Margaret Chan, says she has begun an investigation to learn who leaked draft reports compiled by its Expert Working Group’s work to a pharmaceutical industry trade group last month, according to Intellectual Property Watch. You may recall the EWG is examining financing and coordination of R&D between public and private sectors for meds needed to combat various diseases in developing nations. The EWG is studying patent pools, innovation prizes and an R&D treaty, and will deliver its report in May to the WHO Health Assembly. But the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations recently distributed non-public documents to its members, riling advocacy groups. There was also an email, indicating ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3194018 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:43:56 +0100 3194018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3185621&cid=t_107016_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F30WnsgICjfI%2F As the debate continues over access to medicines in poor countries and the World Health Organization’s Expert Working Group readies a May report on R&D financing and intellectual property, Aidan Hollis, an economics professor at the University of Calgary, is pushing his Health Impact Fund. The plan leaves patent exclusivity intact, which has provoked some skepticism (see here). We spoke with him briefly and learned this… Pharmalot: What is the Health Impact Fund? Hollis: The fund is a proposal for a new way to pay for innovative drugs that would essentially have a large pool of money to be paid out every year. It’s a reward fund. And companies could get a share of this reward fund by registering their drug with the HIF and selling product at cost of production…... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3185621 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:05:16 +0100 3185621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3079411&cid=t_107016_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fhow-smart-patients-keep-fit-expert.html This is a guest post from a friend, Amit Goela.--------------------------------------------Dear Doctor Malpani,The following is a fairly detailed account of all that has transpired over the last three months. I will tell you a little bit about health and habits first and then try to give as many details as possible of the events since September.I have had high BP for almost 12 years but it was always controlled with a small dose of Atenol. I have also been over weight, have been a heavy smoker (about 10/12 cigarettes a day) for almost twenty years and would have drinks a couple of times a week but in very moderate quantities. The only thing I was addicted to was smoking and had a sweet tooth. While in Reliance, Mr Ambani inspired me to run and I started doing it fairly regularly. One thing... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3079411 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:46:00 +0100 3079411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3075764&cid=t_107016_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F7D5LoqMODCQ%2F A controversy has erupted over the confidential workings of a World Health Organization group, which is supposed to examine financing and coordination of R&D between the public and private sectors for medicines needed to combat various diseases in developing nations. This so-called Expert Working Group (see here), which is studying patent pools, innovation prizes and an R&D treaty, is expected to deliver its report this coming May to the WHO Health Assembly. But the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations trade group distributed to its members four documents that has riled some advocacy groups: a non-public draft report by the WHO EWG and a non-public Comparative Analysis done by the working group, an IFPMA overview of the EWG’s Comparat... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3075764 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:38:15 +0100 3075764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967424&cid=t_107016_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fcranham-on-patient-education-explaining-oral-health-function-and-beauty%2F I tell patients that there are three things to focus on. The first is biological issues that cause cavities or gum disease. Our first thing is to diagnose these issues. We know we can’t eliminate bacteria, but we can control it. We can create an environment that can be cleaned by the patient – smooth fillings, no deep periodontal pockets. This helps patients take care of their teeth, so they’re more likely to keep natural teeth for life. Secondly, we must control stress or forces on teeth. There has to be harmony with jaw, muscles, and teeth to distribute forces evenly. As we move the jaws, we want no damaging lateral forces on back teeth. We must establish balance with jaw movement. Lastly, we keep teeth looking natural for “invisible” dentistry. If a patient is unhappy with the... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967424 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:10:00 +0100 2967424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2958815&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fe23u5_Pqseo%2F Cato director of health policy studies Michael F. Cannon will participate in a live online chat today at the New Haven Register. The event starts at 2pm EST and will last for an hour. We encourage you to submit questions once the event has started. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) will participate in the chat alongside Cannon. (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2958815 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:28:32 +0100 2958815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2951020&cid=t_107016_180_f&fid=38604&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fmakeitgreat%2F%7E3%2FPzqKSfQ3-7A%2F No, I’m not restarting this site. I’m restarting my management site, for those of you interested in that sort of thing. I used to blog for b5 media at a blog called Slacker Manager. b5 media decided business blogs aren’t for them, so they allowed me to take my content and move it to a new place I’m calling The Management Expert: Advice for New Managers. I’m hoping to get all my content moved in the next week. Please stop by and visit me there and subscribe to the RSS feed. I plan to write 3 or 4 articles a week there. And I plan to write 3 or 4 articles a week here too, all about connections, customer service, and the role social media plays in this new world. Thanks for your attention! We now return you to your regularly scheduled updates. (Source: Phil Gerby... Phil Gerbyshak blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2951020 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:10:49 +0100 2951020 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2774940&cid=t_107016_180_f&fid=38604&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fmakeitgreat%2F%7E3%2F5CtBxeB3XQ4%2F Recently a reader posed a question to me I get asked frequently, in various shapes and sizes, and in person, on Twitter, in the comments section, and via e-mail. Anything worth answering more than once is worth writing about here for all of you to read so I can refer to it for later experts. Here’s the question: “I’d like to become an expert in <insert topic here>. How do I get started today?” First, I applaud anyone who is willing to ask for help. You’re already a step ahead of most folks who think they can do it alone. I used to think that was true. It’s not, and I don’t recommend you do it alone. But that advice doesn’t help you. At least not by itself. So what follows is my best advice. I hope it helps you become an expert in whatever you want to become an expe... Phil Gerbyshak blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2774940 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 06:38:00 +0100 2774940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2630403&cid=t_107016_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F22%2Frebecca-scritchfield-joins-diets-in-review%2F I’m excited to announce that I am the nutrition blogger at Diets in Review. I post video and text blogs three times a week. Catch up with all my posts on my blogger archive page. Want to get to know me better – check out my author page. If you read my blogs, here’s a taste of what you’ll get: the latest diet news deconstructed tips for eating healthy no matter what your lifestyle review of the healthiest foods that will nourish you and help you prevent disease quick and easy dietitian-approved recipes, most with 5 ingredients or less Why did I choose to partner with DIR? Their mission! To provide constructive information and education by health professionals that the public can use to implement healthy changes, support weight loss efforts and inspire to live a hea... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2630403 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:59:44 +0100 2630403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570609&cid=t_107016_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F07%2F01%2Fwhy-do-kids-behave-the-way-they-do-listen-to-doctor-radio-this-july-4th%2F Ever wonder why kids behave the way they do? Satellite radio Sirius XM and a team of medical experts from NYU Langone Medical Center have the answer with a special on the Doctor Radio channel on July 4th. Doctor Radio is heard on SIRIUS channel 114 and XM channel 119. 24 Hours About Our Kids is a July 4th weekend marathon of Doctor Radio’s weekly child psychiatry and psychology show, exploring important topics that all parents and kids face today including ADHD, mood disorders, the effects of online social networking, issues related to coming out of the closet, Autism, depression and more. About Our Kids is hosted by leading doctors from NYU Langone Medical Center, including Dr. Jess Shatkin, Dr. Lori Evans, and Dr. Alexandra Barzvi. Dr. Harold Koplewicz, Director of The Child Study ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570609 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:04:32 +0100 2570609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523161&cid=t_107016_113_f&fid=34933&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpalmdoc.net%2F%3Fp%3D2421 I had an interesting email today. It was from Michael Mace no less and I am honored :). Michael pointed out to me that although Access has taken down the original Expert Guides (see Resurrecting the Expert Medical Guides), they are still available via the Internet Wayback Machine. The Expert Guides of interest to medical users: Medicine - by Kent Willyard Medical Student - by Matt Delaney Anaesthesiology - by Donald Voltz Dentistry - by Elise Eisenberg These are useful lists that would help medical users starting off with their Palm Handhelds for the first time. It’s true that PalmOS (Garnet in the last version) is now an old operating system but it still powers useful devices like the Palm Centro and the Treo 755p. Windows mobile devices can run PalmOS applications if you use Styl... The Palmdoc Chronicles blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523161 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2523161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376291&cid=t_107016_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fhow-patients-influence-their-doctors.html I find patients are smart, intelligent and resourceful. Unfortunately, this is not a view shared by many of my colleagues, who often get irritated by patients who are well-informed and know a lot about their problem.I guess it's a difference in world-views. My view is influenced by the fact that I learn a lot of stuff from my patients daily, so I find these interactions educational and interesting. Unusual patients give me a lot of food for thought - and material to blog about as well !Other doctors may view their patients as just so many office visits they have to complete before going back home, and therefore find that patients who ask too many questions a nuisance. I feel sorry for them - they don't know how much they are missing ! (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376291 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:45:00 +0100 2376291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348435&cid=t_107016_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F18%2Fthe-situation-of-situation-in-employment-discrimination-law-abstract%2F This article puts the debate over social framework expert testimony in context, explaining what the testimony is and the role it has played in employment discrimination litigation, with a particular focus on the way the testimony has been offered in class action suits like Dukes v. Wal-Mart. It explains how the normal rules of evidence law should apply to social framework expert testimony, and under the flexible and permissive standards of the Federal Rules of Evidence, framework testimony offered by a qualified expert should be admissible in many employment class actions. The argument that this kind of evidence should always be excluded is driven as much by a particular view of employment discrimination law as by the governing evidentiary rules. Ultimately, the arguments for blanket exclu... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348435 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 04:01:39 +0100 2348435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2463561&cid=t_107016_180_f&fid=38602&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.armstrongmethod.com%2Fblog%2Fmichelle%25e2%2580%2599s-top-5-tips-to-surviving-economic-uncertainty%2F Many of you have emailed me recently wanting to know how you can survive the recession. While I’m no expert on these matters, I thought it might be helpful to share some of the action items my family and I are taking to ensure our survival. Give them a whirl. See if they work for you. Tip #1 - Reduce Your Expenses Make a list of all your expenses. Go through your list and eliminate any expense that’s not absolutely necessary to your survival. Then go through each expense you deem necessary and see if there’s a way you can cut that expenses down even further. Tip #2 - Maintain a Positive Attitude Worrying about whether or not you’ll still have a roof over head next week can be super stressful and can cause sleepless nights. Try to avoid focusing on negative outcomes ... Armstrong Method blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2463561 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:14:13 +0100 2463561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2148059&cid=t_107016_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sharpbrains.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F01%2F29%2Fupcoming-events%2F Fyi, I will be speaking at the following events: >> March 5th, New York Academy of Medicine, NYC. I will present Brain Fitness Software - Consumers Guide to distinguishing hope from hype, at the Comprehensive Approach to Dementia Symposium sponsored by Montefiore Medical Center and with credit designated by Albert Einstein College of Medicine. >> March 15-19th, ASA/ NCOA annual conference in Las Vegas. I will be presenting two sessions. Registration is open now at 2009 Aging in America Conference, but there is limited information on the sessions. Will blog when there are detailed abstracts available. - The State of the Brain Fitness Market, 16-Mar-09, 08:00 PM - 09:30 AM - Brain Fitness in Senior Housing: 18-Mar-09, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM >> April 8th, University of North Carolina Greensboro:... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2148059 Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:37:24 +0100 2148059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2089893&cid=t_107016_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fkeith-drayer%2Fdb-column-dentistry-and-finances-by-keith-drayer%2F Even if you have a CPA you implicitly trust, knowledge is power. Dentists should be aware of the 2008 tax changes that affect their profession. These include, but are not limited to: Increased annual retirement plan compensation limit from $230K to $245K Increased annual defined contribution plan dollar limit from $46K to $49K A $10K increase in the annual defined benefit pension plan limit Increases in the 401(k) employee elective deferral limit and catch-up contribution limit A small increase of $100 in the HAS contribution and catch-up limits Federal lifetime estate tax exclusion increase from $2M to $3.5M Gift tax increase of $1K per person Decreased first-year depreciation limit (Section 179) from $250K to $133K $4800 increase in Social Security taxable wage base This information wa... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2089893 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:33:46 +0100 2089893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512084&cid=t_107016_125_f&fid=38161&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalheroes.com%2Fbrush-teeth-correctly-video%2F (Source: Dental Heroes) Dental Heroes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512084 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:09:03 +0100 2512084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1833220&cid=t_107016_113_f&fid=34933&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpalmdoc.net%2F%3Fp%3D1849 I’ve managed to update the PDA Expert Guide for Medical Students and Interns and was reminded of how many great free apps there are out there for the intern and medical student. I have also started one for Internal Medicine and will link it in the Expert Medical Guides Page when it is ready. In the meantime if you have suggestions do please discuss in the forum. from the Palmdoc Chronicles Resurrecting the Expert Medical Guides (II) (Source: The Palmdoc Chronicles) The Palmdoc Chronicles blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1833220 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1833220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1809786&cid=t_107016_113_f&fid=34933&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpalmdoc.net%2F%3Fp%3D1819 Sometime back Palmsource (now Access) posted “Expert Guides” and you could refer to these for ideas on how to use your handhelds - I think there were expert guides for Medical students (by Matt Delaney), Doctors (Kent Willyard), Anesthesia and Dentistry. However since Access has bought over Palmsource, I cannot locate the Expert Guides anymore, so I think this is an opportune time to resurrect the Expert Guides and with medical PDA community input I think we can put together some useful ideas, tips and links to software for the needs of all (students and doctors alike). I thought we could start off with a collaborative effort on an Expert Guide for Medical Students and Interns/House Officers. The work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License and any... The Palmdoc Chronicles blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1809786 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1809786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1689397&cid=t_107016_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F358994501%2F Back in July, I wrote a post entitled 10 Brain Tips To Teach and Learn. Those tips apply to students of any age, including adults, for ideally adults are still learners. Why is adult learning relevant in a brain-focused blog, you may wonder: The short of it… As we age, our brain: • still forms new brain cells • can change its structure & function • finds positive stress can be beneficial; negative stress can be detrimental • can thrive on novel challenges • needs to be exercised, just like our bodies The long of it… Adults may have a tendency to get set in their ways – I’ve been doing it this way for a long time and it works, so why change? Turns out, though, that change can be a way to keep aging brains healthy. At the April Learning & the Brain conference, the... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1689397 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 02:31:48 +0100 1689397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1686524&cid=t_107016_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F357694317%2F Last month, a couple of journalists wrote a piece for Slate about a few prominent people who discussed antidepressants on a public radio show without disclosing they received funds from pharma. The article prompted debate about conflicts of interest and disclosure (back story). In the aftermath, the journalists - Jeanne Lenzer and Shannon Brownlee - promised to create a list of pharma-free experts for journalists. That created still more debate about the extent to which the people on the list are, themselves, free of conflicts if, say, they serve as expert witnesses in lawsuits filed against pharma. And so Brownlee has written a reply… Our list seems to have created quite a stir, at least some of which is based on a poor understanding of the criteria we used to create it, and why we ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1686524 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:38:46 +0100 1686524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1638115&cid=t_107016_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F339187658%2F One of our favorite popular science publications is Scientific American Mind, a magazine that always brings good articles on brain & mind issues and some fun teasers. We are therefore pleased that Scientific American is offering a Special Partnership offer for SharpBrains readers: a subscription to Scientific American Mind magazine, at 55% off the cover price. Plus, they offer an exclusive gift for new subscribers: a special publication on Secrets of the Expert Mind. You can click Here to learn more about this offer. Description: SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN MIND is a new magazine from the editors of Scientific American - taking readers inside the most riveting breakthroughs in psychology, neuroscience and related fields. SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN MIND investigates, analyzes and reveals new thinkin... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1638115 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:35:23 +0100 1638115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1500628&cid=t_107016_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F305506140%2F We had the fortune to interview Dr. Brett Steenbarger on Enhancing Trader Performance and The Psychology of Trading as we launched our Neuroscience Interview Series. Below, Expert Contributor Dr. Janice Dorn provides an in-depth brain-based discussion of the topic, concluding that "The brain is the most powerful structure in the known universe and the only trading tool that the trader needs to become an expert." No matter whether you are a Pro or Amateur Trader...this will certainly exercise your brain! (Dr. Dorn is preparing more articles on trading performance and the brain...so stay tuned). This is Your Brain On Trading -- By Dr. Janice Dorn  The opening bell sounds, and sixty million traders enter the greatest arena in the world to do battle with each other. They put their ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1500628 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:18:49 +0100 1500628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1498075&cid=t_107016_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F305506140%2F We had the fortune to interview Dr. Brett Steenbarger on Enhancing Trader Performance and The Psychology of Trading as we launched our Neuroscience Interview Series. Below, Expert Contributor Dr. Janice Dorn provides an in-depth brain-based discussion of the topic, concluding that "The brain is the most powerful structure in the known universe and the only trading tool that the trader needs to become an expert." No matter whether you are a Pro or Amateur Trader...this will certainly exercise your brain! (Dr. Dorn is preparing more articles on trading performance and the brain...so stay tuned). This is Your Brain On Trading -- By Dr. Janice Dorn  The opening bell sounds, and sixty million traders enter the greatest arena in the world to do battle with each other. They put their ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1498075 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 03:45:31 +0100 1498075 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1256405&cid=t_107016_158_f&fid=36160&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popeinstitute.com%2Fcaregivingminutes%2F%3Fp%3D43 “What’s Your Motivation?” A great question that we should all ask ourselves before we make a decision or take action. This question came from a middle-aged caregiver who called Pope Institute seeking help for her mom to continue to age at home. She was married, degreed (as all of my middle aged clients have been), and she was on a mission. Among her many background focused questions, she asked me what was my motivation in starting Pope Institute. I must admit, that was a first from anyone other than an interviewer. I find it an easy question to answer. You see, everyone in “elder care” has a motivation: a sick parent prompts someone with no health or elder care experience to enter the market or a professional with many years of experience in the industry feels compelled to “d... CaregivingMinutes™ by Pope Institute blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1256405 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 01:39:29 +0100 1256405 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1170699&cid=t_107016_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F221136346%2F Starting this week, you will start seeing a growing number of Expert Contributors writing in our blog and website, so that we can collectively discuss the latest research and trends on cognitive and emotional training, brain fitness and health, and the implications of brain research in general for our everyday lives. All of it, spiced up by stimulating brain teasers. So, if you haven't already, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter (above) and our RSS feed (on the right). Let me introduce, In alphabetical order, the Expert Contributors who will share their knowledge with us in January and February. - Wes Carroll, SB in Computer Science and Engineering from MIT, and Puzzle Master for Ask a Scientist lecture series. - Simon Evans, PhD., and Paul Burghardt, PhD., who collaborate in the ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1170699 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 04:12:37 +0100 1170699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1002799&cid=t_107016_133_f&fid=35081&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmikestanton.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F11%2F04%2Fneuroscience-and-autism%2F Brains that go bump in the night. Brain science has come a long way in the last 200 years. We look back at the early efforts of the phrenologists to map personality, behaviour and mental abilities onto specific organs of the brain with amusement. But that is only because their methodology was so woefully inadequate. These brain [...] (Source: Action For Autism) Action For Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1002799 Sun, 04 Nov 2007 22:51:07 +0100 1002799 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=966542&cid=t_107016_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F172118152%2F We often talk in this blog about how to expand fundamental abilities or cognitive functions, like attention, or memory, or emotional self-regulation. Think of them as muscles one can train. Now, it is also important to think of ways one can use our existing muscles more efficiently. Let's talk about how to manage better the overwhelming amount of information available these days. Hundreds of thousands of new books, analyst reports, scientific papers published every year. Millions of websites at our googletips. The flow of data, information and knowledge is growing exponentially, stretching the capacity of our not-so-evolved brains. We can complain all day that we cannot process ALL this flow. Now, let me ask, should we even try? Probably not. Why engage in a losing proposition. Instead... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=966542 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:58:27 +0100 966542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=638260&cid=t_107016_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F119854764%2F “Every time another theory comes along, it is going to be THE answer. Strange it never turns out that way…”, a commenter noted on a post from yesterday, From Mother Blaming to Mercury Blaming. Too right: Since I have been writing this blog, I’ve noted anything from TV to environmental toxins to mothers, the MMR, and mercury and older fathers as supposed “causes of autism,” not to mention wi-fi. No wonder that the Interactive Autism Network in its research report noted that 1030 treatments to address those purported causes were listed by participants; speech therapy, OT, and ABA were the most commonly reported, with Risperdal, weighted vests or blankets, omega 3 fatty acids, and prayer all being included, too. No wonder, as autistic artist and writer Donna Wi... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=638260 Sat, 26 May 2007 15:08:22 +0100 638260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=620659&cid=t_107016_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Fbipolarity-rainbow-spectrums.html Recent information:Just How Bipolar Is America, And Treatment Notes, Furious Seasons, Philip Dawdy.Lifetime and 12-Month Prevalence of Bipolar Spectrum Disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey ReplicationThis features Hagop S. Akiskal, MD; who was quoted in the magazine article I linked Here,Bipolarity and narcissistic personalities; rainbow spectrums, Lithium or wonder drugs?Now,check out this expert patient's thoughts regarding the bipolar spectrum and medication treatment. I think it is a real testimony to finding "what works" for a person, how to manage bipolar with few to no medications. After 18 years of experience, I think we should all pay attention.When anyone is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I am positive of one thing: we want relief of symptoms, and stability. It goes beyo... soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=620659 Wed, 09 May 2007 00:50:00 +0100 620659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=499939&cid=t_107016_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F25%2Fsunday-seven-seven-happy-healthy-habits%2F Filed under: All Cancers, Environment, Diets, Stress Reduction, Exercise, Nutrition, Services, Sunday SevenThe experts at Canyon Ranch resort and spa know what they're talking about when it comes to health and happiness. They make a living off their expertise, in fact. But they're not stingy when it comes to sharing their know-how, and on the Canyon Ranch website, they offer us all a chance to better our lives.I promised in an earlier post to share more of what the Canyon Ranchers have to say -- so here are seven more healthy habits you just might want to embrace.To Carb or Not to CarbCanyon Ranch has watched "fad" diets come and go, never falling for their quick, easy-fix mentality and consistently advocating for balance, moderation and basic good nutrition. In recent years, some diets ha... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=499939 Sun, 25 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 499939