April 2016 — The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine published a study concluding that herbicides including glyphosate are linked to a higher risk of cutaneous melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer. Reference: Fortes, Cristina et al. “Occupational Exposure to Pesticides With Occupational Sun Exposure Increases the Risk for Cutaneous Melanoma.” Journal of occupational and environmental medicine vol. 58,4 (2016):...
Continue ReadingThe recent court case involving sportscaster and TV personality Erin Andrews served to expose some of the dangers of travel and hotel security that most of us don’t consider. If you’ve ever lost a hotel room key card and had to go to the front desk to get a new one made, you might have been asked to show...
Continue Reading“Oh, my aching back!” If you’ve ever had a sore back brought on by overexertion, you know how debilitating it can be. For many of us, some pain relievers and a day or two of rest is enough to alleviate the pain. But for someone with chronic and disabling back pain, there is no relief – no matter how...
Continue ReadingIn 2002, medical examiner Dr. Bennet Omalu performed an autopsy on Pittsburgh Steelers’ legend Mike Webster following a heart attack. But it was what he found in the NFL Hall of Famer’s brain that led to a powerful discovery: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE. The resulting tug-of-war between Dr. Omalu’s findings and the initial reaction of the NFL’s governing...
Continue ReadingFor many in the Tri-State, a few inches of snow means a day off from our normal routine of school and work. It’s a time to cast off our regular daily activities in favor of playing in the snow, followed by warming up indoors with hot chocolate. Others anxiously await the winter season so they can hit the ski...
Continue ReadingFebruary 2016 — Because of reports of serious eye problems, specifically retinal necrosis, following the Zostavax vaccine, Merck & Co. was required to change the warning to include retinal necrosis. Reference Reference: Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “Approved Products – Zostavax.” Internet Archive Wayback Machine, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, wayback.archive-it.org/7993/20170722150959/https:/www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodvaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/ucm136941.htm.
Continue ReadingWhen is a bump on the head more than just a bump on the head? Each year, over 2.5 million people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for head injuries of varying degrees. Nearly 80% of these are treated and released; of the remaining 20%, some suffer severe, long-term injuries, and some die. The anatomy of the human brain...
Continue Reading“Dying with your boots on” is a phrase most often associated with tales of the American West, suggesting a way of life that is alternately romantic and dangerous. But “dying with your boots on” takes on an entirely different meaning when you consider the thousands of workers who die on the job every year. In 1970, Congress passed the...
Continue ReadingEvery year, over eight million people pay a visit to the ER for a common mishap – a fall. While some falls are minor, others have serious consequences, including brain and spinal cord injury, lost time and wages, and even death. For the elderly in particular, a fall can be fatal. The causes for a fall are numerous –...
Continue ReadingThere are few things more adorable in this world than a small child dressed for winter. The vision of rosy cheeks, a red nose, knitted hat, and warm coat fit the image of an idyllic childhood winter spent playing in the snow. But while that big, puffy coat or snowsuit might protect your little one from winter’s harsh cold,...
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