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Tuesday, November 6, 2012

American Diabetes Month® | The Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams

November marks the start of the American Diabetes Month®, an event sponsored by the American Diabetes Foundation®. A leading cause of blindness among adults, ExamHealth reports on something that every diabetes patient should be thinking about this time of year: a comprehensive eye exam.

“The American Optometric Association (AOA) is reminding Americans with diabetes about the importance of scheduling annual, dilated comprehensive eye exams to help detect and even prevent eye and vision disorders that could lead to blindness,” explains ExamHealth. “Each year, 12,000 to 24,000 individuals lose their sight because of diabetes.” An all-too-common condition in the US, the American Diabetes Foundation reports that nearly 26 million Americans are living with the condition.

What’s more, “The AOA notes that the results from its 2012 American Eye-Q® consumer survey revealed that only 44% of Americans are aware that diabetic eye disease often has no visual signs or symptoms,” reports ExamHealth. “Additionally, 43% of Americans are unaware that a person with diabetes should have a comprehensive eye exam once a year.”

Not sure what you should be looking out for? Read on!

Diabetes and Your Eye Health

So, why are comprehensive eye exams so important for those living with diabetes? The answer is simple – those with diabetes are at a significantly higher risk for developing several of today’s most serious eye conditions. Here’s a brief introduction:

Glaucoma: Glaucoma is an eye disorder characterized by an increased pressure in the eye. A leading cause of blindness in the US, glaucoma is a progressive condition that causes a gradual loss of vision. And, while there is no cure, glaucoma can often be treated with eye drops and certain other medications. In some cases, we treat the condition with lasers or surgery. A condition where early detection is everything, diabetes sufferers need to be even more vigilant when it comes to regular glaucoma screenings.
Cataracts: You can think of a cataract as a clouding of the eye’s lens. A progressive condition, cataracts can ultimately affect one’s ability to see clearly. Most common among older patients, those with diabetes are also at an elevated risk for developing the condition. When it comes to treatment, patients will often benefit from Cataract Surgery. During the procedure, the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens also known as an Intraocular Lens (IOL).
Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that weakens the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the retina. This is the light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye where vision is focused. As these vessels leak, swell or develop thin branches, vision loss can ultimately occur. Our practice offers comprehensive Diabetic Eye Care including routine eye exams.

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

Make sure you schedule your comprehensive eye exam this November! Our offices are located in in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland, and you can reach us directly at (540) 722-6200. Contact us today.

Source: http://www.seeclear.com/blog/eye-heath/american-diabetes-month%c2%ae-the-importance-of-comprehensive-eye-exams

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Functional – Movement – Kettlebells – CrossFit

Here is a great interview of the owner of, CrossFit Seattle – Dave Werner. The interview was conducted by, Dr. Wendy Schauer, D.C., R.K.C. of – www.HappyNewYou.com. The interview has many references to some of the leading researchers and their findings on how important “Functional Movement” is to over all health, especially back pain. It also covers the role that the Russian Kettlebell can play in overall health and fitness.

Here is the link to the interview:

http://happynewyou.com/interview-with-dave-werner-rkc-and-owner-of-crossfit-seattle

Yours In Health!

G.E. Moon II

Source: http://www.abundanthealthcenter.com/blog/functional-movement-kettlebells-crossfit

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One thousand patients with primary myelofibrosis: The Mayo Clinic experience

Ayalew Tefferi, M.D., with the Department of Hematology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., discusses the results of a study of 1,000 patients who have primary myelofibrosis.

Key findings
Researchers found that when patients with myelofibrosis present, their clinical features are not at a steady state and usually progress within the first few months of the diagnosis. It is best to wait a several months before providing a prognostic score.

Many patients with primary myelofibrosis can live a long life (exceeding 15 years) and patients who won’t live that long can be identified.

The most recent version of DIPSS-plus scoring system performed much better than prior versions, helping researchers to determine what proportion of patients with myelofibrosis are suitable for therapies. More than 50 percent of patients require observation alone.

A description of the study is included in the January 2012 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

ABSTRACT
Objective
To share our decades of experience with primary myelofibrosis and underscore the importance of outcomes research studies in designing clinical trials and interpreting their results.

Patients and methods
One thousand consecutive patients with primary myelofibrosis seen at Mayo Clinic between Nov. 4, 1977, and Sept. 1, 2011, were considered.

The International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), dynamic IPSS (DIPSS), and DIPSS-plus were applied for risk stratification. Separate analyses were included for patients seen at time of referral (N=1000), at initial diagnosis (N=340), and within or after 1 year of diagnosis (N=660).

Results

To date, 592 deaths and 68 leukemic transformations have been documented. Parameters at initial diagnosis vs time of referral included:

Median age (66 vs 65 years)
Male sex (61% vs 62%)
Red cell transfusion need (24% vs 38%)
Hemoglobin level less than 10 g/dL (38% vs 54%)
Platelet count less than 100 × 10⁹/L (18% vs 26%)
Leukocyte count more than 25 × 10⁹/L (13% vs 16%)
Marked splenomegaly (21% vs 31%)
Constitutional symptoms (29% vs 34%)
Abnormal karyotype (31% vs 41%)

Mutational frequencies were 61% for JAK2V617F, 8% for MPLW515, and 4% for IDH1/2.

DIPSS-plus risk distributions at time of referral were 10% low, 15% intermediate-1, 37% intermediate-2, and 37% high. The corresponding median survivals were 17.5, 7.8, 3.6, and 1.8 years vs 20.0, 14.3, 5.3, and 1.7 years for patients younger than 60 years of age.

Compared with both DIPSS and IPSS, DIPSS-plus showed better discrimination among risk groups. Five-year leukemic transformation rates were 6% and 21% in low- and high-risk patients, respectively.

Conclusion
The current document should serve as a valuable resource for patients and physicians and provides context for the design and interpretation of clinical trials.

AUTHORS
Ayalew Tefferi, M.D., Terra L. Lasho, M.T., Thitina Jimma, M.D., Christy M. Finke, B.S., Naseema Gangat, MBBS, Rakhee Vaidya, MBBS , Kebede Hussein Begna, M.D., Aref Al-Kali, M.D., Rhett P. Ketterling, M.D., Curtis A. Hanson, M.D., Animesh Pardanani, MBBS, Ph.D.

Source: http://physicianupdate.mayoclinic.org/2012/03/15/one-thousand-patients-with-primary-myelofibrosis-the-mayo-clinic-experience/

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Generic Versus Brand-Name Drugs

Generic drugs account for almost 80 percent of all prescribed medications in the United States and most states allow generic drugs to be dispensed in place of brand-name drugs. This is quite a large number of generic drugs being taken by quite a large number of the nation’s population. The possibility of people who take generic drugs and having reactions to the drugs is also large – unfortunately, this is what is happening across the country. People, who are taking generic drugs, are having severe complications from taking the drugs. Reactions to these generic drugs are very serious, with some consumers developing inflammatory bowel disease, gangrene, and even movement disorders.

What is even more distressing is that the manufacturers of these generic drugs are protected by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in June 2011 that makers of generic drugs cannot be sued for not including side-effect warnings on their labels, if the warnings are also not on the labels of their brand-name equivalent. This makes it difficult for consumers who may not know they are receiving a generic form of a drug, such as in a hospital, or may be required by their insurance plan to fill a prescription with a generic drug. If they develop a medical issue while taking a generic form of a prescription drug, they basically have no legal remedy.

The Supreme Court ruling is based on the Hatch-Waxman Act of 1984. This law allowed companies to skip the involved process required to approve new drugs, if they could prove that the generic drug was equivalent to its brand-name counterpart. However, Representative Henry A. Waxman, who co-wrote the Act, has stated that “Congress did not intend for consumers’ rights to be categorically eliminated simply because they purchased a generic rather than a brand-name drug.” Mr. Waxman is investigating a change in the ruling.

Consumers should protect themselves and do their own research before taking any drug – check with your doctor about generic versus brand-name prescriptions and find out about all the possible risks and side effects.

Source: http://www.pagingdrblog.com/2012/03/22/generic-versus-brand-name-drugs/

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Functional – Movement – Kettlebells – CrossFit

Here is the link to the interview:

http://happynewyou.com/interview-with-dave-werner-rkc-and-owner-of-crossfit-seattle

Yours In Health!

G.E. Moon II

Source: http://www.abundanthealthcenter.com/blog/functional-movement-kettlebells-crossfit

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Kid-Friendly Resources for Healthy Eating & Active Living

In honor of Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, we thought we’d offer a few helpful resources for engaging children and young people in healthy eating and active living.

Healthy Eating

Michelle Obama and the Let’s Move! campaign recently teamed up with Epicurious, the award-winning food website, to challenge kids across the country to submit their original recipes for nutritious and delicious lunches. The top 54 winning submissions were featured in The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge Cookbook and invited to the White House for a luncheon celebration with Mrs. Obama herself. The menu included some of the winning recipes, including kale chips and a quinoa, corn, and black bean salad.

Consider sharing these resources with the young people in your life….all of us need to engage in activities that foster healthy living.

Looking for more inspiration to get your family cooking healthy and delicious meals together? Check out Chop Chop, a quarterly food magazine and website for kids aged 5-12 and their families. ChopChop’s mission is to educate kids to cook and be nutritionally literate, empower them to actively participate as health partners with their families, and help establish and support better eating habits for a lifetime of good nutrition. The magazine and website are packed with great recipes, fun facts about food and food nutrition, basics on how to use kitchen utensils, and even some tips on how to grow your own vegetables at home.

Active Living

Our friends from the Care Management Institute and the pediatric department of Kaiser Permanente in Hayward, Calif. recently offered up a list of free fitness videos to help get kids and youth more active. Check these out:

Resources for kids

Resources for teens

We all need to work together for better health. Consider sharing these resources with the young people in your life, and help build awareness about how all of us need to engage in activities that foster healthy living.

Source: http://centerfortotalhealth.org/2012/kid-friendly-resources-for-healthy-eating-active-living/

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Monday, November 5, 2012

Malaria Prevention

Source: http://adventuredoc.net/2011/07/06/malaria-prevention/

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Clinical trials aid PSC diagnosis and treatment

Jayant A. Talwalkar, M.D., a hepatologist with the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and the Mayo Clinic Transplant Center in Rochester, Minn., discusses diagnosis, complications, liver transplantation, and Mayo’s role in the development of new diagnostic tests and effective therapies for patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

Dr. Talwalkar notes that PSC is the last major liver disease without effective treatment. There is currently no effective medical therapy to halt disease progression and so avoid complications such as liver failure or bile duct cancer for patients with PSC. PCS is considered an autoimmune condition. It develops silently, most often in patients 40-50 years.

Dr. Talwalkar’s team focuses on clinical trials for the development of diagnostic tests and effective drug therapies for PSC, before transplant is needed. Mayo specialists see several hundred patients with PSC each year.

Clinical trials at Mayo Clinic
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)

Research profiles
Jayant A. Talwalkar, M.D.

Source: http://physicianupdate.mayoclinic.org/2012/05/02/clinical-trials-aid-psc-diagnosis-and-treatment/

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Kid-Friendly Resources for Healthy Eating & Active Living

In honor of Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, we thought we’d offer a few helpful resources for engaging children and young people in healthy eating and active living.

Healthy Eating

Consider sharing these resources with the young people in your life….all of us need to engage in activities that foster healthy living.

Active Living

Resources for kids

Resources for teens

Source: http://centerfortotalhealth.org/2012/kid-friendly-resources-for-healthy-eating-active-living/

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Social Responsibility of Physicians (Essay 29)

Source: http://bernardlown.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/social-responsibility-of-physicians/

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Top 5 Myths of Glaucoma

Most people have heard of glaucoma, but few know the whole story. In short, glaucoma is an eye condition where the optic nerve becomes damaged, usually as a result of increased pressure in the eye. This damaging of the optic nerve ultimately causes a gradual but serious loss of vision. Untreated, the disease often results in complete blindness.

Now that you have a basic understanding of glaucoma, let’s clear up a few of the most common myths surrounding this serious condition.

Here are the top 5 myths of glaucoma:

1. Myth: Glaucoma is rare.
Fact: On the contrary, it has been estimated that over 2 million Americans are suffering from glaucoma. Even more disturbing is the fact that glaucoma remains a leading cause of blindness in the US.

2. Myth: Only patients with a family history can develop glaucoma.
Fact: Although certain factors like age and heredity can increase your chances of developing glaucoma, the condition can affect anyone, anywhere and at any age.

3. Myth: Glaucoma cannot be treated.
Fact: While there is currently no cure, there are a host of Glaucoma Treatments aimed at minimizing the risk of permanent vision loss. These treatments include medications, eye drops and surgery.

4. Myth: Only patients with glaucoma symptoms should get checked out.
Fact: The majority of glaucoma patients do not experience any symptoms before the optic nerve actually becomes damaged. For this reason, regular glaucoma screenings are vitally important.

5. Myth: Glaucoma screenings are painful.
Fact: Glaucoma screenings test different things—visual field, pressure in the eye, etc. Each of these tests are not only quick, but non-painful.

Get Checked! Schedule a Glaucoma Screening Today

To schedule a glaucoma screening or to learn about any of the ophthalmology services we offer, we encourage you to contact us today. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200. We look forward to seeing you.

Source: http://www.seeclear.com/blog/glaucoma/top-5-myths-of-glaucoma

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Using EHR Data to Measure Improvement: Interviews with Experts

During Health IT Week, an event held at the Center for Total Health—sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, the National Quality Forum, and Kaiser Permanente— examined the state of electronic measurement in health care, lessons learned from the Beacon Community Program, and what’s next in meaningful use. While at the event, we were able to speak briefly with a few of the presenters about the topic. This video features interviews with Kevin Larsen, MD, Craig Brammer, and Kerri Petrin, all three of whom are with the ONC.

Source: http://centerfortotalhealth.org/2012/using-ehr-data-to-measure-improvement-interviews-with-experts/

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Sunday, November 4, 2012

Baltimore Laser Eye Surgeon Dr. Grochmal Launches New Website

Dr. Jay C. Grochmal, a laser eye surgeon in Baltimore, is launching an innovative website to enhance his ability to help his vision correction patients. In collaboration with Rosemont Media™, a medical website design firm in San Diego, CA, Dr. Grochmal’s new website is a comprehensive resource of information showcasing the range of procedures he offers, including vision correction procedures such as LASIK, and treatment for eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataract surgery in Baltimore, MD and the Washington, DC area.

Dr. Grochmal’s website features detailed descriptions of both corrective and cosmetic procedures such as eyelid surgery in Baltimore, as well as a doctor biography, patient testimonials, and financing options. In addition to the in-depth breakdown of the procedures and treatments Dr. Grochmal provides, his website also includes direct links to his social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter to foster the growth of an online community centering around his practice and his patients’ experiences. Please welcome to the web, www.grochmaleye.com!

Source: http://www.grochmaleye.com/uncategorized/baltimore-laser-eye-surgeon-dr-grochmal-launches-new-website/

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Baltimore Eye Surgeon Now Performing Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery

Baltimore, MD – According to the Administration on Aging (AOA), persons 65 and older represented nearly 13% of the U.S. population in 2009, and are expected to represent 19% by 2030. The Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that the number of older Americans in the workforce is growing as well. As the population and workforce ages, Baltimore eye surgeon Jay C. Grochmal, MD says his patients that are late stage baby-boomers are under extreme pressure to maintain a high level of performance in the workplace, and portraying a vivacious and youthful appearance is essential to continued success.

While helping patients improve their vision with procedures such as LASIK and cataract surgery is important to success in the workplace, Dr. Grochmal says the desire to help his patients enhance their aesthetic appearance has become an important part of his practice as well. He says this growing demand for increased confidence and a natural-looking enhancement is what led him to the decision to add cosmetic eyelid surgery to his list of procedures: “Our society places such a high value on appearance and equates a youthful look with the likelihood of business and social success. Baby boomers are still very active and productive and a refreshed look can eliminate unwarranted bias in career choices.”

As the number of cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. continues to increase, Dr. Grochmal says the desire to look younger longer is obvious, adding that a tough economy and high unemployment rate further contribute to the stress his older patients must endure. Because he constantly strives to improve patient care while providing the latest and safest procedures, Dr. Grochmal says providing cosmetic treatments for his patients is a result of his original commitment to provide the most effective treatments available to meet any and all needs of his patients: “As the cliche goes now, 50 is the new 40 and 60 is the new 50, and so on. My patients want to look as young as they feel and be able to see well too. Ultimately, we believe providing cosmetic eyelid surgery will improve their chances of success in the workplace.”

About Jay C. Grochmal, MD

After earning his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Dr. Jay C. Grochmal completed his residency while achieving the rank of Chief Resident at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology. In addition to being on staff at some of the leading hospitals in the Baltimore area, Dr. Grochmal has traveled on a number of missions dedicated to improving eye care around the world.

Grochmal Eye Center is located in the Catonsville Professional Center at 405 Frederick Rd., Ste. 102, Baltimore, MD 21228, and can be reached at (410) 697-4090. Dr. Grochmal and his team can also be reached at grochmaleye.com or their Baltimore Eye Care Facebook page.

Source: http://www.grochmaleye.com/oculoplastic/baltimore-eye-surgeon-now-performing-cosmetic-eyelid-surgery/

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Think You’re Too Old for Laser Vision Correction? Study Suggests that LASIK Works in Older Patients

If you’re in your 40s, 50s or 60s, you may think you’re too old to undergo LASIK surgery. Think again! WebMD, a leading source in medical news, reports on one study demonstrating the effectiveness of laser eye surgery in older patients. Citing research from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, the article suggests that “laser surgery corrects vision for patients in [their] 40s, 50s and 60s.”

The study looked at 424 LASIK patients between the ages of 40 and 69. According to the article, following their surgery, “20/30 vision … was restored in 86% to 100% of eyes corrected for nearsightedness and 80% to 84% of eyes corrected for farsightedness.” Even those in their 60s? Yes, WebMD goes on to explain that “Patients in their 60s were just as likely to have good outcomes as those in their 40s and 50s.”

Is LASIK Right for You?

This study brings up an interesting question: Who is a good candidate for LASIK surgery? While there is no single formula for determining a good LASIK candidate, here are some general guidelines.

A good LASIK candidate:

…is in good general health.
…has good eye health and is free of eye conditions such as cataracts, chronic corneal infections or keratoconus.
…is of a certain age, typically 21 years old.
…has a cornea of appropriate shape and thickness.

There are several other factors that need to be discussed before choosing laser vision correction. The only way to do that is to schedule a consultation with a qualified LASIK surgeon.

Considering LASIK? Learn More Today

To learn more about Laser Eye Surgery, contact us today. Together, we can find the best treatment options for you. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200.

Source: http://www.seeclear.com/blog/lasik/think-you%e2%80%99re-too-old-for-laser-vision-correction-study-suggests-that-lasik-works-in-older-patients

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Guest Post

Source: http://adventuredoc.net/2011/03/03/guest-post/

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What to expect when considering LASIK

If you’ve ever considered LASIK here in Dallas / Fort Worth, the first thought might have been, “what can I expect?” Like a lot of medical procedures, LASIK surgery has advanced and improved over the years. Today, LASIK is allowing more patients to become less dependent on glasses or contact lenses. It’s not uncommon for our patients to tell us, “my eyesight is better without glasses than it was with glasses before I had surgery.”

Here is a shortlist of the most important things to expect:

1. A thorough examination to see if you’re a LASIK candidate. First, you must be 18 or older to have it performed. People well into their 40’s can be LASIK candidates as well. Age, vision health, and overall health can make a difference.

2. For your doctor to tell you everything you need to know. LASIK has become safer, more effective, and with faster recovery times. Still, LASIK is a surgical procedure, which is why your doctor should shoot straight with you (as ours do) about the benefits and any potential complications. This includes taking the time to answer your questions and listen to your concerns.

3. Skill, experience, and advanced technology. Phillips Kirk Labor, MD is known locally here in metro Dallas, and internationally, as a LASIK innovator, but also for his devotion to each patient’s well being. He uses an advanced procedure called iLASIK, which combines the Intralase IFS Femtosecond Laser with VISX technology. iLASIK was designed to improve results, but also safety, and patient comfort (an added comfort is that we perform the entire procedure in our office).

4. Mild, temporary post-surgery discomfort. The procedure itself involves very minimal or no discomfort, and takes only a few minutes. After surgery, a mild scratchiness, burning or itching is normal, which quickly improves as the eyes adjust and heal. We tell our patients to immediately get rest and use special eye drops we prescribe to speed the healing process.

5. Better vision. Our patients generally see better right after surgery, which continually improves as the days progress. LASIK isn’t permanent, and results can vary. But most every LASIK patient can enjoy clear vision for many years. This is why every LASIK procedure starts with a thorough examination – to ensure the best outcome, but also to inform you of everything that will happen.

There is much more our doctors can tell you about what to expect. If you’re considering LASIK, please call our Metro Dallas offices in Grapevine at 877-516-4364 to learn more and read what other patients have to say.

Source: http://www.eyectexas.com/blog/dallas-lasik-fort-worth/

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Functional – Movement – Kettlebells – CrossFit

Here is the link to the interview:

http://happynewyou.com/interview-with-dave-werner-rkc-and-owner-of-crossfit-seattle

Yours In Health!

G.E. Moon II

Source: http://www.abundanthealthcenter.com/blog/functional-movement-kettlebells-crossfit

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Saturday, November 3, 2012

Grochmal Eye Center in the News with New Technology

LASIK, eye, surgery, surgeon, vision, correction, cirrus, baltimore, maryland, MD

Grochmal Eye Center Adds Hi-Def Cirrus Laser Eye Surgery Technology

The Grochmal Eye Center is a Baltimore LASIK surgery practice, offering complete and comprehensive eyecare for the entire family. Dr. Jay C. Grochmal is announcing the addition of the Cirrus™ HD-OCT by Zeiss, which he says helps him visualize and analyze the status and health of the retina. In particular, the Cirrus™ technology allows him to assess the health of his patients’ eyes prior to performing a number of procedures, including traditional cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange.

The Grochmal Eye Center was founded in 1978, and continues to provide state-of-the-art eye care and laser eye surgery procedures, such as PRK and LASIK in Maryland under the leadership of Dr. Jay C. Grochmal. As part of their commitment to the cutting-edge of ophthalmic technology, Dr. Grochmal is announcing the latest addition to the practice: the Cirrus™ HD-OCT by Zeiss. He says the new technology will help him and his staff diagnose any changes in the macula caused by different diseases, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma. He adds that early detection of these diseases will enable him to start treatment before permanent vision loss occurs.

Zeiss is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies. Founder Carl Zeiss was the first to commercialize the OCT technology, and the first to deliver the high definition 3D maps created by the Cirrus™ HD-OCT. Dr. Grochmal says the new technology not only helps him detect potentially damaging eye conditions, but also helps him improve the overall level of care he can offer his patients. The printouts from the OCT are very helpful, according to Dr. Grochmal, as they aid in educating his patients and help them gain a better understanding of the disease and procedure.

Whether he is performing refractive or cataract surgery, LASIK or PRK, Dr. Grochmal says he and his team tirelessly pursue the latest advancements in eye care and laser eye surgery to ensure their patients receive the best care available. “The advancements in ophthalmology in just the last ten years are astounding; staying on top of these developments is essential to our continued dedication to providing state-of-the art treatment. Our patients deserve only the best, and that is what we constantly strive to offer.”

About Dr. Grochmal

Dr. Jay Grochmal earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland. He then completed a rotating internship with the U. S. Public Health Hospital in Baltimore, MD. After becoming the Chief Resident at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology, he completed his residency and established the Grochmal Eye Center. Dr. Grochmal is currently on staff at some of the top hospitals in Baltimore, and continues to offer his expertise and skill to medical missionary trips around the globe.

The Grochmal Eye Center is located at 405 Frederick Rd., Ste. 102 in Baltimore, MD 21228, and can be reached at (410) 697-4090, or found online at www.grochmaleye.com or the Grochmal Eye Center Facebook page.

###

Source: http://www.grochmaleye.com/uncategorized/grochmal-eye-center-in-the-news-with-new-technology/

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Carrying Home Medication While Traveling

Source: http://adventuredoc.net/2011/08/15/carrying-home-medication-while-traveling/

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Ivan Pavlov is alive and well, though forgotten (Essay 22)

Source: http://bernardlown.wordpress.com/2011/05/19/ivan-pavlov-is-alive-and-well-though-forgotten-essay-2/

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Is LASIK Right for Me?

As an ophthalmologist in Winchester, one of the top questions I’ll hear time and time again is, “Is LASIK right for me?” And, simply put, there’s no simple answer! Only a qualified medical professional can determine if LASIK’s right for you. There are, however, certain factors that good LASIK candidates share.

Not sure where to look? To get you started, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

Are you in good health? Good candidates for LASIK are healthy and free of autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, HIV and muscular sclerosis.
Do you have any eye conditions? Certain eye conditions are not compatible with laser eye surgery. Often, these include cataracts, chronic corneal infections or keratoconus.
Are you the right age? In the US, LASIK is FDA approved for patients over the age of 18. On the other hand, if you’re worried you’re too old for a LASIK procedure, consider this: Reporting on a recent study on LASIK in older patients, WebMD explains that, “Patients in their 60s were just as likely to have good [LASIK] outcomes as those in their 40s and 50s.”
Is your dependence on glasses or contacts holding you back? For many patients, reducing their dependence on glasses and contact lenses is a major reason they’re exploring LASIK in the first place. A lot of folks find glasses and contacts to be uncomfortable, inconvenient and unattractive. And, while it can’t guarantee that you’ll never need to put on a pair of glasses again, LASIK will very often reduce a patient’s dependence on them.
Are you ready to learn more? Finally, a good LASIK candidate is an informed LASIK candidate. Be sure to understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure, maintain realistic expectations, and most importantly, schedule a consultation with a qualified LASIK surgeon.

Schedule a LASIK Consultation Today

To learn more about laser eye surgery, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Together, we can find the best treatment options for you. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200.

Source: http://www.seeclear.com/blog/lasik/is-lasik-right-for-me

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Eleven Tips to Improve Your Bone Health on World Osteoporosis Day

World Osteoporosis Day kicks off October 20, 2012 with a new annual theme “STOP AT ONE”-promoting strategies for people who have already had a fracture to avoid having another one.

This year’s theme is aimed at promoting education to prevent osteoporosis patients from having a recurring fracture.

Source: http://www.spine-health.com/blog/eleven-tips-improve-your-bone-health-world-osteoporosis-day

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Supreme Court Health Care Law Hearings

In November of 2011, the Supreme Court announced that it would hear challenges to President Obama’s health care reform law (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010). Those hearings are scheduled for March 26-28 and will address the following issues:

Are opponents of the new health care law challenging the law too soon? According to the new law, everyone is required to purchase health insurance, with or without government assistance, or be fined (individual mandate). However, it is unclear as to whether the fine to be imposed is considered a tax. If it is a tax, then the Anti-Injunction Act, a federal law, prohibits anyone challenging the health care law until 2014, when violators will be required to pay the “fine” or “tax”.
Assuming the individual mandate can be challenged now, is the individual mandate constitutional? There is a Commerce Clause in the Constitution, which allows Congress to regulate interstate commerce, but does this clause also allow Congress to require people to purchase health care insurance?
If the individual mandate is found to be unconstitutional, will the rest of the health care law remain in effect? Sometimes a portion of the law can be struck down, if it is found to be unconstitutional, while the rest of the law continues in force. If the Court finds that the unconstitutional part of the law is so intertwined with the rest of the law, then it comes to an all or nothing at all proposition.
Is the health care law’s expansion of the Medicaid program constitutional? The argument is state versus federal rights. The new law requires states to change their Medicaid programs, so that all people will be eligible for coverage. If states do not change their laws, they will lose all of their federal funding for the program.

The Supreme Court plans to release recordings of the arguments on its website (http://www.supremecourt.gov/) around 2 p.m. each day for arguments held that morning and around 4 p.m. for arguments held in the afternoon of March 28. After hearing the challenges to the new health care law, the Court is expected to reach its decision in June 2012.

Source: http://www.pagingdrblog.com/2012/03/19/supreme-court-health-care-law-hearings/

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Friday, November 2, 2012

A nurse practitioner-directed intervention improves the quality of life of patients with metastatic cancer

Gerardo Colon-Otero, M.D., with the Department of Hematology/Oncology at Mayo Clinic in Florida, discusses results of a randomized pilot study that show that an intervention that explains the benefits of hospice and addresses advanced directives early in the course of treatment leads to measurable improvement in the patient’s emotional and mental quality of life (QoL).

The study was published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine online ahead of print on May 4, 2012.

ABSTRACT
Background
There is a paucity of randomized studies evaluating the value of palliative interventions on a prospective basis in newly diagnosed oncology patients. We sought to prospectively evaluate quality of life (QoL) outcomes in advanced cancer patients who received discussion-based palliative care interventions from an advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) integrated into the oncology team, and compare these outcomes with a control population.

Methods
Patients with metastatic cancer were randomized to standard care or an ARNP-directed intervention that included discussions of the benefits of hospice, discussions on living wills and advanced directives (Five Wishes document) along with an assessment of QoL. Relevant endpoints included change from baseline QoL and improvement in hospice knowledge.

Results
From Nov. 13, 2008, through July 28, 2009, 26 patients were accrued at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. The study closed early due to published data demonstrating the benefits of early palliative care interventions in the management of metastatic cancer patients. Statistically significant improvements from baseline were noted in emotional and mental QoL assessments in the intervention group that were not seen in the control group. Patients found it useful to have the living will and Five Wishes documents offered as part of the ARNP intervention.

Conclusions
An ARNP-directed intervention that explains the benefits of hospice and addresses advanced directives early in the course of metastatic cancer patients’ treatment is well-received by the patients and their relatives and leads to measurable improvement in the patient’s emotional and mental QoL.

Authors
Gerardo Colon-Otero, M.D., Stephen H. Dyar, Jr., M.D., Mary M. Lesperance, A.R.N.P., Robert P. Shannon, M.D., Jeff A. Sloan, Ph.D.

Clinical trials at Mayo Clinic
Metastatic cancer, to bone

Source: http://physicianupdate.mayoclinic.org/2012/05/23/a-nurse-practitioner-directed-intervention-improves-the-quality-of-life-of-patients-with-metastatic-cancer/

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Successful Natural Cycle IVF helps older women become mothers

TRACY’S STORY… My Husband Andrew and I met in July 2005. Andrew told me he had fertility problem as a result of being a Cystic Fibrosis carrier. He was born with Congenital Absence of the Vas Deferens (no tubes from the testicles to the outside world). As a result our only way of having our [...]

Source: http://www.createhealthclinics.org/blog/natural-cycle-ivf/successful-natural-cycle-ivf-helps-older-women-become-mothers/

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