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Wise & Well •

Arthritis Isn’t Just ‘Wear and Tear’ On Aging Joints

When I walk up steps these days, my left knee crunches. It’s a bit disconcerting. If I hike too far or sit in the wrong position for too long, my knee swells and aches. I have osteoarthritis in that knee, but I can’t write it off as part of the normal aging process.Osteoarthritis has long been thought to be caused by repetitive mechanical stress on our joints as we age. The prevailing theory has been that the cushioning cartilage in our joints breaks down by daily microtrauma, until eventually w...
TeleMedTrends •

Transforming Health Through Virtual Weight Loss Programs -

IntroductionOver the past 3 decades, the prevalence of obesity has skyrocketed. The obesity epidemic in the US contributes substantially to rising chronic disease rates, early mortality, and exorbitant healthcare costs. I’m an obesity medicine specialist who treats patients in a rural community that has one of the highest obesity rates in the country. Obesity is a challenging disease to manage — successful long-term weight loss requires a comprehensive team approach. In my community, there are n...
Wise & Well •

Why ‘Eat Less, Move More’ Doesn’t Work for Everyone

Some people seem to never gain weight no matter how much they eat, while others try every fad diet around and never lose an ounce. Some can drop 15 pounds just by “setting their minds to it.” Other people wholeheartedly embrace the weight loss advice of “eat less, move more,” yet continue to gain weight.As an obesity medicine physician , I see my patients’ frustration when they can’t lose weight, even if they do everything right. There’s a reason this happens, and it often has little to do with...
TeleMedTrends •

Rural Healthcare In the Age of Telemedicine -

Rural populations, comprising 20% of the US population, have long struggled with limited access to healthcare compared to their urban counterparts. Rural communities are often geographically isolated, have fewer healthcare providers, lack public transportation, and have higher rates of poverty. These factors contribute to disparities in access to quality healthcare services in these areas. This disparity is reflected in the higher prevalence of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and other chronic...
Read or Die — HQ •

A Common Vaccine May Help Prevent Dementia, But Only If You Get It

Dementia is one of the most devastating conditions from which a person can suffer. It causes the loss of independence, relationships, and even personal identity. Families of those with dementia also suffer. Caregivers often bear the brunt of the disease– financially, emotionally, and mentally. It’s heartbreaking to watch a loved one lose the very essence of what makes them, well, them.Half a million people in the US are diagnosed with dementia each year, and that number is expected to double by...
Health and Science •

This Grossly Underused Heart Test Could Save Your Life

Heart disease kills more people in the US than any other disease. Astonishingly, someone dies from heart disease every 33 seconds, according to the CDC. Plaque built-up in the coronary (heart) arteries is the number one cause of heart disease. Could you be at risk?Most folks don’t realize how deadly plaque build-up in their arteries can be. Surprisingly, up to 50% of people who die from a heart attack aren’t aware their arteries are clogged. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) testing, which measures...
Health and Science •

GLP-1s Will Never Reverse The Obesity Epidemic

I recently saw a TikTok weight loss ad about GLP-1s; an obesity medicine specialist promised significant weight loss without any dietary restrictions or exercise requirements. Her pitch was, “Eat what you want; don’t deprive yourself of your favorite junk food. Let the shot do the work!” I was appalled.As we all know, US obesity rates are soaring. Almost 75% of adults are considered either overweight or obese. Obesity is linked to nearly all chronic diseases that Americans suffer from — heart di...
Practice Link •

Five Ways To Overcome Job Search Stress

▼ THE Job SEarcH ISSUE DEPARTMENTS Job Doctor CV 5 ways to overcome job-search stress LIFE CHANGES IN GENERAL CAN BE STRESSFUL—ESPECIALLY WHEN THE CHANGE INVOLVES GETTING A NEW JOB. Whether you’re fresh out of residency or just seeking an improved work/life balance, physicians face many challenges once they make the decision to explore new employment opportunities. I personally have dealt with the stress related to changing jobs in the medical field. Many negative emotions can surface: uncertain...