by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Remember the avian flu scare a year or two back?  A few people had caught a flu from chickens, which usually was just contagious to other birds. If it ever mutated more and spread from person to person (rather than just chicken to person), look out.  It would be a new strain—people would have no immunity—so it would it hit hard and fast: a pandemic.

Most of us thought a particular strain of avian flu was never a serious threat to humans … but that one, down the road, might be.

That event may be happening in Mexico, except pigs are the carrier, hence it’s swine flu. (more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

I still remember when a sweet, smiling little girl came into my office a few years back. She had injured her wrist. I did my usual exam which includes palpating areas of tenderness. Well I hit a sore spot; she let out a yelp and sobbed “why did you hurt me?” I felt so bad, but was tempted to tell her that’s what doctors do (not really). Instead I explained I needed to know what specific area was injured so I would know where to look on an x-ray. I don’t think she bought it.

At any rate, I thought of this when I read an Academy of Emergency Medicine study concluded the Ottawa Ankle Rules could be applied to as young as 6 years old and up. What are these rules? (more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Health-care rationing is coming, but what form will it take?  Limiting by age?  Predicted life expectancy?  And who will make these decisions?

Two recent medical review studies give us a glimpse into the future. (more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

The AARP has teamed up with Carole Carson, author of From Fat to Fit, for a collective 2 month weight loss challenge.  It’s easy to sign up and become a part of this group effort.   Carole gives some great tips.  (note why do I keep writing it “from fit to fat”, must be freudian)

The combined incentives of a group goal, support forums (kind of like a virtual weight watchers), and  Carole’s coaching advice should help you shed that winter insulation.  Two months will give you time to see enough progress in the mirror to continue onward.

A study, earlier this year,  concluded the average person gains weight in the winter, especially during the holidays.  It’s only a few pounds and they lose some the rest of the year.  The problem is they never lose it all.  The cumulative gain of a pound or two adds up.

This challenge is for all ages.  Check it out.

Did you put on a few pounds this winter like me, or were you all good boys and girls?

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

It may be a pharmacy urban legend but there is this ageless story of a doctor prescribing rectal suppositories to a patient.  On the follow-up visit the doctor asked if the suppositories helped and the patient replied, “No doc. It just falls right back out still wrapped in that aluminum foil.” It may or may not be true but I always write directions to unwrap suppository, then insert rectally.

In our March/April issue of James Hubbard’s My Family Doctor we asked physicians what were common mistakes they see patients make when it comes to taking medicines.  We now have the article, “Top 10 Medication Mistakes: Doctors’ tips on taking your medicine,” up on our web home page.  If you have time, take a read.  You might learn something new.

If you do, I would love to know your comments including any additional tips you might add.

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Continuing our skin-care series this week (see “Related Posts” at the end of this entry for more), I’ll now cover burns.

There a few general things to remember in treating burns caused by external heat.

1. They are not immediately life-threatening unless they pose a risk to your airway from damage or swelling of your face or neck, or involve 10 percent or more of your skin surface.
2. You can estimate skin surface by the rule of nines.  Each arm accounts for 9 percent total body surface, as does your face, including neck.  Each leg is 18 percent.  The front part of your trunk is 18 percent, as is the back part.  The last 1 percent goes for the genital area.  Another estimate is your palm is close to 1 percent.
3. The first thing to do is to try to limit the damage.  Remove any hot or restrictive items and run cold water over the affected area.  Don’t use ice because it may constrict needed blood flow to the area.  Never use grease, butter or ointments that may hold the heat in.
4. The first assessment on how to treat depends on surface area and depth of skin damage (degree). (more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Many people I see with skin trauma tell me they didn’t know whether the wound is serious enough to warrant coming in.

Here are some tips on when to see a doctor for a cut—and what you can do at home. Remember, this if for information only. Everyone is unique and specific recommendations need to come from your personal doctor. (more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

The following is for information only.  Everyone has unique qualities or diseases that might affect treatment and healing.  Contact your personal health-care provider for specific advice.  These are generalized tips that may help until then.  I would love to hear additional ones from you.

First-aid supplies to have on hand for skin ailments:

• Adhesive bandages of various sizes.
• Tape. Any will do—even duct tape.  Of course, if you’ve had past skin reactions to tape, have plenty of hypoallergic or paper tape available.  Ideally, have several widths—or get a wide one and just tear it lengthwise to fit your need.
• Gauze. Get a pack of non-sterile and some sterile nonstick.
• Butterfly bandages or Steri-Strips.
• Antibiotic ointment for cuts, scratches or breaks in the skin.
• Hydrocortisone ointment, large tube, to treat skin inflammation, itching or irritation.  Not useful for cuts.  Use sparingly and not over one week on the face or two weeks elsewhere because it may start thinning your skin.

Other good items to have, but not essential:

• Peroxide for cleaning wounds
• Cotton-tip applicators for cleaning wounds or applying topicals (never for cleaning ears).
• Aloe vera plant. The gel inside the leaf soothes about any superficial burn or rash.  Just break off a leaf near the bottom of the plant; take a knife and split it open; make multiple superficial horizontal and vertical cuts to get the gel out, and apply directly.
• Domeboro tablets or powder.
• Super glue (to make the tape stick better, not for gluing the wound shut).

HOW TO TREAT POISON IVY, OAK, SUMAC

Almost any plant can can cause skin irritation.  Some cause allergic reactions, with poison ivy, oak and sumac being most common.

(more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

From my last post, you know the skin has many functions vital for a healthy body.  It’s pretty low-maintenance, aesthetics aside.  However, there are some basics you need to follow to keep this organ in tip-top shape.

For the inner layers, you need plenty of water to keep them hydrated and lots of fruits and vegetables for healthy growth.   A healthy diet helps new cells grow properly, and oil and sweat glands function properly.  There is no supplement to take the place of this.

In addition, proper external skin-care is a must.  Why? (more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Quick, what is your body’s largest organ? If you haven’t guessed by the title, it’s the skin.

Of course, the skin is aesthetic,  but it’s so much more. Maybe beauty is more than skin deep, but many functions on which you rely aren’t. The skin is multilayered, multifunctional and dynamic. Old cells continually slough off, as new cells replace them. As a doctor, I’m amazed by its restorative powers. Scrape it and it grows back. If you get a bad cut, pull the edges close, and voila, it grows together.

Here are a few of its functions you may not know about.

(more…)