Here’s a potent argument in support of those Oh-So-Annoying JCAHO regulations – outpatients getting clinic-based chemotherapy came down with a rare, nasty blood infection. Clinics aren’t covered by those irritating rules and regulations. Perhaps the only way anyone really recognized the source of these infections is because the germ was sooo unusual. Alcaligenes is a germ that can grow even in sterilized saline. Yeesh. It was found both in the blood and in the semi-permanent Central Venous Catheters (CVC) of 12 people – keep in mind that a chemo central venous catheter goes straight to your heart. Now that’s a serious infection. So how was this nasty germ spread into patients’ blood? Brace yourself… Continue reading Ick Award
The Now-That-Hurts Winner of the week: anesthesia causes you pain. We’re not talking about that tube in the throat, or the botched IV. Instead, it’s more like what if your anesthesiologist asked you, “How would you like your chili-pepper powder? Blown down your lungs or directly stinging by vein?” That’s right – the type [...]
Grand Rounds is calling you. This week’s extravaganza of the blogosphere is dazzling everyone with its new technology – Grand Rounds: The iPhone 3G Edition. Grand Rounds is being hosted over at My Three Shrinks – “A blog by Psychiatrists for Psychiatrists. A place to talk; no one has to listen. All patient vignettes [...]
Here are twin news items that strike a powerful chord. First up is a report looking at whether or not doctors are willing to tell patients that, in essence, the game is up. A study shows that only one third of terminally-ill cancer patients say they have a doctor who has discussed end-of-life care. There are lots of slang phrases in medicine for this end-of-life type of discussion: The Death Talk. The DNR discussion. The Big One. Hanging The Black Crepe.
But what I, personally, find offensive in this report… Continue reading Hope and Death
Perhaps some of you (non-smokers?) remember the last claims of benefit from cigarettes – that they make you sharper. Nicotine was supposed to somehow improve alertness and mental function (separate, that is, from the improvement any addict feels when withdrawal symptoms are relieved). That last mighty claim of benefit just bit the dust. Well-designed [...]
Sometimes playing the blame game is the right thing to do. Recent research is pointing an accusing finger at doctors who fail to obtain appropriate health tests and interventions for…well, let’s just say certain patients. As in, specifically, African American patients. Is this racism? Class-ism? Sexism? Do your doctor’s biases affect your health? Or is a difference in healthcare delivery between people somehow appropriate? We’ll look at four almost-simultaneously-published reports that all examine this important issue from different angles. Our final, fourth study gives a nice perspective on how things can improve for everyone. Check out this bumper crop of data review to see how you or your loved ones may be missing out on life-saving care – and what can be done to prevent this from happening. And if you’re a doc, read on and take a moment to do that important internal check we all need from time-to-time. Ask yourself, could this be me? Or do you disagree with the researchers? Post your (civil) comments and join in the discussion. Continue reading M.D.ea Culpa
Ah, that amazing sunshine vitamin strikes again. Studies are now mounting (this is not the first) to show a
strong link between vitamin D and your heart. Low vitamin D levels are linked to increased risks of heart attack. This latest study is a case control study in the Archives of Internal Medicine that shows your heart attack risk increases in a graded (or, in other words, dose-dependent) manner with progressively lower levels of vitamin D, even when other factors, like smoking and high blood pressure, are taken into account (or “controlled for”). Here are the impressive results of the study, as well as practical information on how to safely get the vitamin D you personally need-
Continue reading Warms Your Heart
This nifty news falls into the category of “Things We Wish We Had Right Now As We Go Through Customs.” Researchers are developing a vaccine for toxic E. Coli diarrhea, otherwise known as traveler’s diarrhea. What makes this vaccine really swift is that it’s a patch you apply to your skin. Look Ma, no [...]
Six Bay Area counties have banded together to promote Soda Free Summer, especially among youth. Why
should you care? Let’s take a look at what that sweet fizzy liquid you’re holding in your hand right now is costing you in terms of health, shall we?
Liquid Obesity* Question of the Day:
What has the same number of teaspoons of sugar as one 20-oz. Vitamin Water (ooh, “vitamin water” -that sounds so healthy, doesn’t it)?
a) Unsweetened coffee b) A celery stalk c) A Snickers bar
Answer: c. Keep in mind that Vitamin Water has half the teaspoons of sugar as either Cola or Sunny Delight. Yeowza! If you’re as appalled as we are, join the Soda Free Summer campaign, and pass the word along to friends and family. Take back your health this summer with good old plain water. Add slices of cucumber, lemon or lime to your refrigerated water pitcher, or jazz up your water with ice cubes frozen with mint leaves, lemon bits, raspberries or other berries in them. Little kids will love seeing colorful cubes floating inside a glass. But stay away from sugar-free or diet sodas – there’s a lot of data to suggest they may be just as bad for your health. *To find out why we here at Doc Gurley call soda “liquid obesity,” and how it can help you to do so too, read on: Continue reading Soda Free Summer!
Feel the island breeze? Got that scratchy sand feeling between your toes? If so, that means you’re ready for a great beach read – and here is it, thanks to Dr. David Khorram over at Marianas Eye. He’s hosting this week’s Grand Rounds with a tropical theme from Saipan. What makes a good beach [...]
Doc Gurley is a Board-certified Internist physician and the only Harvard Medical School graduate to have been awarded a Shoney’s Ten-Step Pin for documented excellence in waitressing. 
Recent Comments