House Call, MD

by Kelly Erickson, MD | erickson@myhousecallmd.com

We all know what “cancer” is, but when you or a loved one hears it as a diagnosis in the physician’s office, the word suddenly takes on a whole new meaning.  Not only may you become overwhelmed with emotions and the notion of mortality, but also with an entirely new vocabulary.  The number of words the medical community has conjured up to describe cancer is astounding.  As scary as it sounds, your understanding of cancer and the terms we use to describe it are paramount to your personal decisions and treatment.  Here we will explain the basics of cancer as well as outline some of the most commonly used terminology in the field of oncology (a.k.a. cancer…and the vocabulary lesson begins).

Read the rest of this entry →

Nobody likes STD’s but they remain an unfortunate facet of our society.  Urban legends and horror stories find their way through offices and classrooms, terrifying every sexually active creature they come across.  We’re here to provide you with good old fashioned truth about the plethora of zoology that pillages our sex lives.  What follows is a field guide for every singleton braving the world of sexual relations.  The first article in this 4 part series outlines the spectrum of symptoms you may unfortunately wake up with one morning (at which point you freak out, run to the computer and try to figure out what it is).  This symptom break down should give you a launching point in your STD investigation…followed shortly by a trip to the doctor for your prescription de jure.  Our recommendation?  Follow the sage-like words of VanWilder, “Don’t be a fool, wrap your tool.”

A Symptomatic Break Down for STD Panic Sessions:

If…

it Burns when you pee

• 

  Scabies

  Yeast infection (ladies only)

• Trichomonas

• Herpes Simplex Virus

• Scabies

• Pubic Lice

you have a Rash/Bumps

• Red bumps, watery blisters, or open sores – Herpes Simplex Virus

• Flesh-colored bumps – Genital Warts (caused by HPV)

• 

  Herpes Simplex Virus 2

  Boil which turns into an ulcer – Chancroid

• Red, irritated bumps that spread – Scabies

it Smells

• Strong Fishy Odor – Bacterial Vaginosis

• Plain Awful – Trichomonas

you have Discharge

Now go see your doctor…you need of some professional medical advice!

Green tea’s medicinal use reaches far back in the history of mankind.  It’s about time someone sorted through all the green tea urban legends, separating the voodoo from the scientifically-proven applications…and that’s exactly what the American Academy of Family Physicians did.  You’ll be amazed to see what they found.

Scientifically-Proven Uses:

1. Cancer: High intake of green tea (i.e. 3-10 cups per day) has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer by 20%, the risk of colon cancer by 18%, and the risk of stomach & esophageal cancer by 50%.  Some conflicting evidence exists, however, so the final verdict is still out, but green tea seems to be a promising way to reduce the risk of cancer.

2. Genital & Anal Warts:  Yes, this is (shockingly) true.  Green tea extract in topical cream form (called Veregen) has been proven effective in the treatment of genital and anal warts caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV).  Research is being done to see if this same compound can be used for the treatment of cervical disease caused by HPV.

3. Stroke: Individuals who consume five or more cups of green tea per day significantly reduce their risk of stroke.

The Voodoo:

1. Weight Loss: Studies looking at weight loss with the consumption of green tea show mixed results, at best.  The weight loss seen in some studies is believed to be related to the caffiene in the tea which increases your metabolism at high doses (which subsequently leads to weight loss).  Other studies have not seen any weight loss with high doses of green tea (i.e. it didn’t work).  We recommend hitting the gym for 30 minutes a day rather than trying to consume over 10 cups of green tea…it seems a bit more reasonable.

2. High Cholesterol & Triglycerides: Studies found that green tea does NOT reduce an individuals cholesterol or triglyceride levels.  Stick to your low cholesterol diet!