We’ve all heard the expression “to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” but this past month at Anderson High School in Austin, TX, students and faculty were given a very unique opportunity to “roll a mile in someone else’s wheels” through the Wheelchair Challenge. For one school day, participants committed to spending the day in a wheelchair. (A $20 donation was required to nominate a participant or self-volunteer. Those people nominated had the choice to participate or “buy out” for another $20.) The purpose of this program is two-fold: one, to raise awareness about disabilities, and two, to raise … Read more
2015 Flu Vaccine “Cattle Call”
BEVO says, “Healthy Horns get Flu Shots!”
Attention Longhorns, Aggies, and everyone else, flu season is upon us, so it’s time for your annual flu vaccine. UT students – we have completed our large flu vaccine clinics, but now you may schedule an appointment at UHS to receive your shot.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) continues to recommend annual flu vaccines for everyone over the age of six months.
What is different this year?
Last year, the vaccine was not a great match for the strain that ended up dominating … Read more
Newly Diagnosed Cancer? Here is Your “What to Expect” Book
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but every month is the right time for preventative medicine (schedule that physical and mammogram!) For me, this is a milestone year, with daily Facebook reminders that my high school classmates are turning the big 5-0. As we start this wonderful “second half”of the game of life, more and more of us are facing the challenge of a cancer diagnosis.
As a family doctor, I have too often seen the deer-in-the-headlights look on my patient’s face as I shared the difficult news of a cancer diagnosis. Each time, I feel like time stops … Read more
Mammograms, Breasts and Exams…oh My!
Thinking PINK? October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and pink ribbons are popping up on everything from restaurants and t-shirts to football socks. I love that as a community, we can rally around a cause to raise not only awareness, but also much needed funds for research and support of those affected.
The American Cancer Society statistics reveal that here in the United States, over 230,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during 2015, and sadly, over 40,000 women will likely lose their lives to this disease. The good news is detection methods continue to improve, allowing these cancers … Read more
What about Aleve?
On my Tylenol vs Advil blog post, I did not directly mention naproxen, better known by a trade name, Aleve. Do I have that in the first aid kit? Yes.
How is naproxen(Aleve) different than ibuprofen (Advil)?
Let’s start with how they are the SAME. Both are classified as “NSAIDs”, which means Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drug. So both naproxen and ibuprofen can be used to decrease swelling and inflammation, and both will lower elevated body temperatures (fevers). The product insert explains that naproxen is indicated for the relief of pain and fever, including headaches, toothaches, muscle and back aches, arthritis … Read more
Tylenol vs. Advil
Next into the First Aid kit should be a pain reliever/fever reducer…should you put in Advil* (meaning any brand of Ibuprofen) or Tylenol* (suggesting any brand of acetaminophen)?
Drum roll please…and the answer is BOTH.
Tylenol and Advil are two very different products that work in different pathways within the body. Although the exact mechanism is not fully understood, Tylenol works in the central nervous system to block production of prostaglandins, a substance that plays a key role in pain and fever. Advil-type products (known collectively as Non Steroid Anti Inflammatory Drugs, NSAIDs) work in the peripheral as well … Read more
Antihistamines vs Decongestants
Many people are confused about when to use an antihistamine vs a decongestant, which is not surprising since these medications both treat allergy symptoms, and in fact, are frequently put together in combination products. Here is a quick breakdown:
Antihistamines work “anti” (against) histamine, which is a chemical released in the body during an allergic response. Histamine causes itchy eyes, tearing, itchy nose, sneezing, and post-nasal drainage that creates scratchy or sore throats, as well as occasionally causing total skin itching or hives. Antihistamines, therefore, help decrease sneezing, dry up dripping noses, eyes and throats, and reduce hives.
Antihistamines may … Read more
College First Aid Kit
Happy Fall 2015! I disappeared for the summer, as I finished writing the second edition of my first book (Seductive Delusions), as well as a series of medical articles for Livestrong.org. Since all of my patients are current college students, I thought I would share a series of posts about common health issues for otherwise healthy young adults. Pictured above is my favorite personalized gift for graduating high school seniors- a first aid kit, complete with my instructions for “when and how to use what” to feel better.
Let’s start with one very basic item that is … Read more
My Teacher Gave Me an Ulcer!
“Does STRESS cause stomach ulcers?” In a college health center, this is a question I hear fairly often, especially around midterms or finals. Certainly most of us have experienced stomach discomfort when we are anxious- whether that is nausea, cramping, diarrhea or pain- but the vast majority of people with those symptoms do not have actual ulcers. However, people who are stressed may have coping habits that CAN cause or trigger the development of ulcers, such as drinking too much alcohol (more than one drink/day for women, or more than 2 drinks/day for men) or frequent use of over the … Read more
Measles Memo: VACCINES WORK!
By now you have probably heard about the MEASLES outbreak that originated in Disneyland last month. At this point, over 100 cases (that span at least 14 states) have been documented since the first of this year…and we have only entered February. If you are my age or older (40-something), odds are good you remember HAVING the measles. In my case, I missed the coveted LAST DAY OF SCHOOL in 7th grade…miserably feverish, coughing, aching and covered in itchy red spots, so that particular event is etched in my middle school memories. I lay in bed sobbing in my self-pity … Read more