by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.
President Obama’s pick for the new surgeon general, Regina Benjamin, M.D., is drawing a little controversy. She appears overweight.
Here at My Family Doctor we have a little argument going on whether this should matter.
by Leigh Ann Otte, managing editor
For Baby Boomers and more, it’s just plain dangerous to eat at Denny’s! So says the activist group Center for Science in the Public Interest, often called “the food police.” They’re suing Denny’s because, they say, its food has too much sodium. Some of the meals have more than the recommended daily limit for salt, CSPI says.
What do you think: Is this lawsuit necessary or ridiculous? Please vote in the poll at the end of this post. Here’s the background.
Wednesday, June 24, a few minutes after midnight, my daughter Beth delivered Michael Robert (my middle name also) into the world at 8 pounds, 8 ounces and 20 inches. Her husband, Roger, was with her and I was in the waiting room. The labor lasted over 24 hours with no epidural.
Michael is my first grandson and doing well, probably the most beautiful and brightest kid ever born.
Beth and Roger are tired but doing well. Grandpa and Grandma Hubbard are very happy and proud.
by Leigh Ann Otte, managing editor
My Family Doctor has learned that Boniva and Tamiflu are no longer covered by the recently announced Medicare-discount agreement. Whether their manufacturer Roche Pharmaceuticals will instate its own discount is unclear.
On June 20, the powerful trade group Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers of America made big news, announcing their members would offer a 50-percent discount to most people in the dreaded Medicare Part D doughnut hole. But today, the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest reported Roche is leaving PhRMA.
My Family Doctor asked Roche whether they would still offer the discount. (more…)
by Leigh Ann Hubbard, managing editor
In an interesting turn of events, relief is coming for seniors. Drug manufacturers are going to help pay for some medicines!
This sounds great, definitely, but we want to know from you: How much will it really help?
The News
Today, President Obama and industry trade group Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers of America announced a big deal, part of which involves the dreaded Medicare Part D doughnut hole.
by Leigh Ann Otte, managing editor
On Friday, I blogged about some interesting resolutions from the American Medical Association’s annual meeting. Today, as promised, it’s time for the My Family Doctor first annual Resolutions Awards (tongue firmly in cheek)!
Drum roll, please …
by Leigh Ann Otte, managing editor
The American Medical Association held their annual meeting this week. Obama’s speech there grabbed the headlines, but AMA members also voted on some interesting resolutions. You may be surprised at some of the topics. But first, some …
AMA FAQs
by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.
Last week Congress passed a bill that gave the FDA regulating authority over tobacco. The president is sure to sign it. It is supposed to be a blow to the tobacco industry and their advertising efforts. No more flavored tobacco or “light cigarette” claims.
But I have a few questions: (more…)
by Leigh Ann Otte, managing editor
Oh sure, CNN, Ashton Kutcher, Oprah and the like may have jumped on the bandwagon in the past few months, but we at My Family Doctor have been tweeting for more than a year. Mm-hm. Ahead of the curve, we are.
OK, I’ll stop.
If you’re new to Twitter or just want to discover more health tweeters, here are a few follow suggestions. I’ll be doing this regularly for the Follow Friday festivities (the tradition of recommending good tweeters weekly).
I always dread seeing chainsaw injuries. It is never a clean cut. Even if the blade barely nicks the skin, it causes a nasty, dirty, macerated laceration leaving an ugly scar. Of course the less you use the saws the more likely you are to get cut when you do, but experience is not immunity. I have seen bad cuts in old pros. Most of the time the the saw kicks back so fast and with such force you can’t stop it, and it cuts really well through flesh.
The CDC has good tips for preventing injuries. Mostly take your time and stay focused on what you are doing. Remove excess debris and wear goggles. Keep your body out of the way of a kickback as best you can. Have a partner within hollering distance and know where the limb will fall. If you are helping, stay clear of danger. You may think “duh”, but once I saw a patient (more…)
