Category Archives: Health

Smart911.com – a personalized connection when/if you ever call

Wouldn’t it be nice if when you called 911, that they knew a lot about you including your medical problems, medications, advance directives, allergies, contacts and even your pets! With Smart911, you can provide 9-1-1 call takers and first responders … Continue reading

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10 Findings That Contradict Medical Wisdom. Doctors, Take Note.

By Gina Kolata in the NYT Ed note: I was taught in Med School that the questions in medicine never change, but the answers frequently do. So true. You might assume that standard medical advice was supported by mounds of scientific research. But researchers recently … Continue reading

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‘Very Smart People,’ but a Keyless Car’s Downside Killed Them

Ed Note: I had a similar tragic case where a car was inadvertently left running in a garage as a young mother had to rush into the house with a crying baby. Unfortunately the furnace was in the garage and … Continue reading

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How Do You Treat Positional Vertigo?

By Richard Klasco, M.D. in the NYT Q. Please explain positional vertigo. Two of my siblings have woken up in the morning with it. What do you do if you experience it? A. Positional vertigo is a common type of dizziness that … Continue reading

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“What almost dying taught me about living”

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A visitor in the operating room

It was Trevor’s first weekend to relax since moving to Seattle.  He was out in a park walking Bailey, his year old lab, when his pager unexpectedly beeped.  He called in to the operating room office, where the frantic head … Continue reading

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Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Without Drugs

Ed note: This article by Jane Brody in the NYT reminds us that sleep medications can be problematic. Almost all over the counter “sleep aids” contain diphenhydramine better known at Benadryl. This antihistamine is metabolized more slowly as we age … Continue reading

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“Insomnia can kill you” – from the NYT

Ed Note: We spend a third of our lives sleeping, or at least trying to sleep. It’s mysterious just why, but dangerous if we don’t sleep well. The second part of this article will be put on the blog tomorrow. … Continue reading

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Supplements for Weight Loss, Sexual Function and Muscle Building May Be Deadly

Ed Note: Dietary supplements are truly scary. By law they cannot be regulated by the FDA. At times they don’t even have the ingredients listed in the supplement! At times the side effects go unreported. Dr. Oz with his unscientific … Continue reading

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Making a house call

In order to be with my Dad, after dinner I’d go on house calls with him.  We’d drive to parts of town I’d never seen, and using the car’s spotlight we’d search out the right house number, often with no … Continue reading

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Making ears out of apples

Thanks to Gordon G for finding this interesting TED talk. Andrew Pelling is a biohacker, and nature is his hardware. His favorite materials are the simplest ones (and oftentimes he finds them in the garbage). Building on the cellulose structure … Continue reading

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Biggest World Problems

Here’s a list made up by my favorite 8th grader. What’s your list? It’s a little shy on the “what can I do to help” but she’s still got time – especially when she becomes President!

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Health Care Guide for Seniors in Seattle

Below is a guide to health care in Seattle which was presented today by Dr. Lee Burnside. This effort was sponsored by the SRA and the Health Care Committee.

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Was It an Invisible Attack on U.S. Diplomats, or Something Stranger?

Ed note: The article below from the New York Times raises the possibility, even probability, that those diplomats in Cuba were affected by a “functional” psychogenic type of disorder. It’s a real, treatable and widely misunderstood – a neurologic phenomenon … Continue reading

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Should we get the MMR vaccine?

Most people will not require MMR vaccination, they include the following: People born before 1957 are considered to have natural immunity. They almost certainly had measles, mumps and rubella as children. No need for vaccination or titers. 2) People born … Continue reading

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The Moment of Life – new book by Melinda Gates

The world’s largest non-profit organization is right here in Seattle. The values of Melinda Gates have been formative in the mission of this philanthropy. This PBS interview highlights her efforts and candor in advocating for equality between men and women, … Continue reading

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Dying Is No Reason to Stop Fighting

This article is an opinion op-ed from the NYT. Thanks to Pam P for sending it in. “Ady Barkan rolled into Washington this week in a motorized wheelchair, unable to talk or to chew food or to lift his arm to scratch … Continue reading

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Thanks for your care!

Ed note: Are you having trouble pronouncing the name of your doctor, nurse, aide or caregiver? Do you understand that the shake of a head can mean “yes” instead of “no.” We are so fortunate at Skyline and in Seattle … Continue reading

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The NASA Kelley Twin Study – comments and a video about the future of genetics in space travel

The news media yesterday had a fascinating story about a twin experiment involving astronaut Scott Kelly and his identical twin Mark. The results of the effects on Scott have recently been published in the journal Science. Most changes to his … Continue reading

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How to Fix a Dry Room: 11 Best Ways to Increase Humidity in Your Home

Ed note: There are a number of inexpensive hygrometers available on Amazon to check your apartment’s humidity level. Some residents find our winter indoor dryness just too dry – giving them dry itchy skin and dry eyes. Part of this, … Continue reading

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British doctors may soon write prescriptions for dance, art or music lessons

Thanks to Peg H from the Washington Post: “What if you were ill and instead of — or along with — a prescription for a pharmaceutical drug, your doctor wrote a prescription for a music, dance or painting class? Doctors … Continue reading

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“Seattle is Dying” – over 2 million views so far

Ed note: A Bellevue friend mentioned this video to me and was amazed why I would tolerate the drug related homelessness in Seattle. I was a bit defensive but after watching the video and reading John Carlon’s take, Seattle badly … Continue reading

Posted in Addiction, Advocacy, Crime, Health, Homeless, In the Neighborhood, Safety | 2 Comments

Why Lifting Weights Can Be So Potent for Aging Well

Ed note: This article from the NYT reminds us that we’re never too old to begin even a mild form of exercise like lifting weights. Have you noticed your muscles thinning with age. This is called sarcopenia, the muscle equivalent … Continue reading

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Should I take that baby aspirin?

Years ago, I asked a Cardiologist friend if he took a baby aspirin daily to prevent heart attacks or a stroke. He said, “No, I don’t have any risk factors and the risk of bleeding is more than any benefit.” … Continue reading

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The “Mr. Caplow Burger,” the new item on the lunch menu

Chef Mark Ferrante listens to Skyliners’ suggestions.  The “Mr. Caplow Burger,” the new item on the lunch menu, came out of a discussion in the Dining Services Committee. Chef Mark was aware of this new product and had already included … Continue reading

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