Medicine

I grew up watching the TV classic Dragnet, which ran on NBC from 1951 to 1959 and then from 1967 to 1970. Each episode opened with a dramatic four-note brass-and-tympani musical theme and the warning, “The story you are about to see is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.” I Read more

Okay. Admit it. You check e-mails or post to Facebook or Twitter just before you hit the sack; read or play games on a digital device in bed; and probably even sleep with your smartphone so you don’t miss any texts. Being “always on, always available” has become the norm in the 24/7 digital world Read more

Part of what makes it possible for physicians to treat patients is the work of the basic scientists whose study at the molecular level gives rise to life-improving and occasionally, life extending drugs. The “bench” work of lab scientists is fascinating but not for the faint of heart. Untangling the mystery of biochemical processes and Read more

Medicare now covers nutrition counseling for obesity. My first reaction was, “high time!” With two out of three adults already overweight or obese, weight management is arguably the largest health problem we face in this country. It amazes me that it took so long for Medicare (and the Congress that funds it) to realize it Read more of Medicare’s Flawed Obesity Counseling Coverage

Whenever your doctor takes a specimen during an exam (such as blood, urine or a throat culture), you are actually being treated by two doctors.  The second is a pathologist,  who is an expert in diagnostic medicine. You’re probably familiar with the “Intel Inside” ad campaign, which reminds viewers or readers that the company’s microchips are powering Read more