WANT TO LIVE LONGER (AND BETTER)

I can't think of a better blog post for the end of a year than this one. Most interested in their health won't be too surprised, but the slide show is worth a look. LIVING LONGER

Review of: For the Love of God

Just encase you haven't had the chance to read your recent International Journal of Cultic Studies, it contains a review of my novel, For the Love of God by Daniel Shaw, LCSW. It's two pages, but the review captures the essence of the novel from a pro in the field. Rita Swan from C.H.I.L.D. (Children's Healthcare is a Legal Duty) sent me the review. I'm promoting the novel for the usual reasons, but more so as a cause. How many children must suffer and die before we eliminate these practices? REVIEW: FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

Shingles: No joking matter

In all my years practicing medicine, Herpes Zoster or Shingles may be the most disturbing and dramatic disease I've seen. The disease comes on quickly and can be extremely painful both during the outbreak and afterward. The one outbreak I remember most was in a woman with an outbreak that involved the trigeminal nerve that supplies the face. Two factors you should consider: 1. The disease is largely preventable by vaccination (recommended for those over age 60), and 2. treatment with an antiviral agent (as early as possible) can control the outbreak and reduce the likelihood of complications. I took the vaccine and so did my wife. Talk with your doctor about Zostavax. HERPES ZOSTER (SHINGLES)

A Five Star Review of my novel, Trapped.

TRAPPED-LOCKED IN SYNDROME, December 27, 2013 By gayle pace "May A Rainbow Shine Down On You!" This review is from: Trapped (Brier Hospital Series) (Paperback) REVIEW This is a fantastic medical thriller. The author made this story real. You feel that you are totally in the character's world. The characters go through a lot of real life experiences. The author is an M.D. so I'm sure he had a lot of real life experiences to draw on. The characters have the same emotions and feeling we have. Fear, Secrets, Flaws Hopes and Desires. Just because they help to save lives doesn't mean that they are beyond bad things happening to them. Dr. Michael Cooper, director of the NICU meets a nurse Lisa Cooke, who works in the neonatal until also. They drew a spark at once, this wasn't a good spark though. Lisa learns to see Mike for himself and not the one he reminds her of. It definitely wasnt' love at first sight. They do find love. Even working together day by day under very stressful circumstances, the passion is so intense. Their road to romance is far from smooth. It's full of ruts. Mike was in a terrible accident, fighting for his life while Lisa fights to save her unborn baby.Mike has what is called "locked up syndrome". Michael is in a tomb in his own body, trapped, and not sure he wants to live. The author gives the reader a close up look at what medical and hospital life is all about. Then they go home and have different problems to face there. Lisa and Mike lean on each other during the bad things that are happening to them. They learn to trust each other unconditionally. Then there are the two mothers not at all helping matters.The love story is a down to earth love between two everyday people, not all filled with glitz and glimmer. The author has done a talented job of putting medical information into the fictional book. The author had me hooked from page one. I couldn't put the book down. It was so captivating. Dr. Gold knew his facts and put them down into fiction. Sometimes a hard feat to master and yet make it seem real instead of fiction. I can't wait to red book 2. If it's anything like this one, then there's another good book from this author. If you like medical suspense with a little clean romance then please don't hesitate to pick up this book. You won't be sorry unless you miss out. This will go on my shelf as one of my TBR again. A Keeper. I would give this book 5 LOCKS I was given a complimentary copy of TRAPPED from the author , Lawrence W. Gold, M.D. for my personal opinion. No other compensation was given.

Weight Loss couldn't be this easy, or could it?

A promising new approach to weight loss, but likely years away. Unanticipated results tend to find the way in new therapies. WEIGHT LOSS SPRAY

News on the Tomato

If you like tomatoes, here's some good news. The Tomato

High Blood Pressure Simplified

The recommendations of the Joint National Committee on hypertension are finally in. They've made it as simple as possible: In patients 60 years or over, start treatment in blood pressures >150 mm Hg systolic or >90 mm Hg diastolic and treat to under those thresholds. In patients <60 years, treatment initiation and goals should be 140/90 mm Hg, the same threshold used in patients >18 years with either chronic kidney disease (CKD) or diabetes. Recommendations are easy. Sometimes treatment isn't for who wants to take a pill when they feel well? It's an act of faith, supported by data, that treatment is safe, effective, and improves quality and length of life.

NEWS FROM THE NOSE

Anyone familiar with my novel, The Sixth Sense will recognize my interest in the olfactory system, the oldest part of the human brain. This abstract suggest the possibility of altering olfactory receptors. Perhaps they can make Alpo taste like filet Mignon. Some elements of the brave new world, may be best avoided. NOSE NEWS

From Medscape: Biggest Medical News of the Year

It's a bit technical, but if you're ambitious there's much to learn. MEDICAL NEWS OF 2013

Medical App

I took a look at this free app. The information and the resources are excellent. Be careful not to draw conclusions or act on any advice without contacting your physician. Compared to the misleading, confusing, and wrong information on the Internet, this is a useful app. Larry HEALTH TAP

DEPRESSION: MYTHS AND FACTS

This slide show/quiz was too easy for most, I think, but the subject is too important to ignore. Esp. relevant is how few people seek treatment. DEPRESSION

Advanced Directives

The choices about healthcare should be yours. Without advanced directives, others will make the decisions. ADVANCED DIRECTIVE FOR HEALTHCARE

DIABETES: INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW

You can't be a part of the culture in the USA without hearing the devastating statistics on diabetes. There are 32,000,000 diabetics in the USA at an annual cost of $299 billion. As a nephrologist (kidney specialist)I cared for many patients on dialysis due to diabetes and saw the consequences of that disease. TYPE II DIABETES

Review of The Plague Within

ANOTHER GREAT REVIEW FOR THIS NOVEL. THE NOVEL WILL BE FREE NEXT WEEKEND. THE PLAGUE WITHIN

Slide Show for My Newest Novel, Trapped

TRAPPED TRAPPED

No, I'm not taking the fun out of drinking, too!

Another excellent quiz from WebMD. You may be surprised about your misconceptions. ALCOHOL, THE TRUTH

IT MAY TASTE GOOD, BUT BE CARFUL.

As I was sitting here on Thanksgiving Day, this came from WebMD. This is intended to preserve the joy of the holidays, not to destroy it. DANGEROUS FOOD

Free Novel in December

The Plague Within will be free 12/6-12/8/2013 THE PLAGUE WITHIN

An old, but dangerous friend (Tylenol)

Read the article (not too long). A drug, we thought perfectly safe, has the potential for fatal complications. Prevention You can take these steps to avoid acetaminophen overdose: • Always securely close acetaminophen containers and use child-proof bottles. Keep all medication out of the reach of children and securely locked up. • Know the correct dose of acetaminophen and the amount of acetaminophen in the preparation you are using. If taken in recommended doses, there is no risk of poisoning from acetaminophen. In fact, to prevent accidental overdose, the maker of Extra-Strength Tylenol brand acetaminophen has reduced the maximum dose from 8 pills (4,000 milligrams) to 6 pills (3,000 milligrams) a day. Also, the FDA has asked drug companies to limit the amount of acetaminophen in prescription medications to 325 milligrams per dose. • Never mix different medications if both medications contain acetaminophen, except if instructed to do so by your doctor. For example, acetaminophen with codeine and cold medicine containing acetaminophen should not be taken together. Read product labels. They clearly indicate the contents. If you or a family member is depressed and suicidal, remove all medications and dangerous substances from the house and seek medical attention immediately. If you are unsure about how and when to take pain medications, ask your doctor for a plan. Write this plan down and follow it. • When you are given a new medication, always make sure the doctor knows all of the medication and supplements that you are taking, both prescribed and nonprescribed. The easiest way to do this is to keep a written list of medications and supplements and go over it with your doctor. • Do not take acetaminophen if you consume alcoholic beverages. TYLENOL POISONING

Health Benefits of Music

This one's a little too easy, but it makes a few valid points. I'm not sure it applies to rap! MUSIC

The Aging Brain and Alzheimer's Disease

If you're ambitions, tackle this article (it's a bit technical) or see below. AGING BRAIN Cognitive decline with age has become one of the greatest health care problems worldwide. Approximately 1 in 10 persons older than 65 years and about half of those 85 or older have some degree of dementia. Because brain aging is such an important risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD), scientists are studying these brains and, in the course of research, are finding tools for early diagnosis. These areas include brain imaging and chemical markers in the spinal fluid. The brain of AD patients show the accumulation of an unusual protein named amyloid. New imaging techniques such as PET Imagining can show the accumulation of this protein. Examination of spinal fluid in AD patients shows markers for amyloid protein. These techniques offer researchers tools to monitor the brain for AD, and show the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. In the future, these techniques may be effective enough to be used for early diagnosis. Currently, treatment for AD involves drugs like Aricept that treat symptoms, but not the disease itself. Research suggests a possible role for insulin and antibodies against the amyloid protein.

Trapped now available at Kindle

My newest novel in the Brier Hospital Series is available in kindle. Print version should be ready in a week or so. TRAPPED

Are you sleeping?

Another good slide show from webMD I plan a more detailed discussion that's especially relevant to seniors. SLEEP SMARTS

New Novel: Trapped

I'm doing the final edit on my newest novel in the Brier Hospital Series, Trapped. This novel brings us into the neonatal intensive care unit where babies born too soon struggle to survive. Hope to have this out in a month. Larry

CHOLESTEROL BASICS

In the light of new recommendation re. control of cholesterol levels, let's review the basics (from WebMD). THE BASICS CHOLESTEROL:GOOD AND BAD

Getting to know your liver...just what you need to know.

LIVER-NO ONIONS

Finish the crossword and get moving

Healthier and happier. What's wrong with that? An element of choice in aging Sweating

Cold and Flu Remedies

Cold and FluCOLD & FLU cold AND flu, medicine and science...take your pick.

Things you can learn from your dog/cat

Interesting Information PETS I'm a sucker for pet related information. Mike is 16, Benny's a huge Yorkie, age 7.

sugar link

Interesting information about SUGAR

Free Novels in November

It's amazing how sales increase after I offer my ebooks for free. I don't quite understand it, but who am I to argue. Deadly Passage free 11/8-11/10/2013 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DQ8KP3A Deadly Passage For the Love of God 11/15-11/17/2013 http://www.amazon.com/For-Love-God-ebook/dp/B006R7I8F4/ref=tmm_kin_title_0 Larry

Have your cup of coffee before the data changes.

So many 'what's good and bad for you's' have come and gone over the years. Enjoy this one while it lasts. Larry http://www.merckmedicus.com/medical-news/091198ad222fbef8c9a72acd09b6dbfb?WT.mc_id=MM_RET_MVD_US_en_44&e=sailchap01@gmail.comCOFFEE LINK

What to know about the common cold

Quick and accurate look at an all too common problem. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/rm-quiz-truth-common-cold?ecd=wnl_day_102413&ctr=wnl-day-102413_ld- stry&mb=UJFQI3JkXVfkt%40jE2DbXMuHnVev1imbCQtc8hErPpek%3d

Is my pee normal

It's a bit simplistic, but probably worth the little time it takes to complete the quiz. YOUR PEE

IMPORTANT RE. STROKE

tAKE A LOOK AT THIS BRIEF, BUT CRITICALLY IMPORTANT ARTICLE: http://www.webmd.com/heart/atrial-fibrillation-stroke-11/signs-of-stroke?ecd=wnl_day_101413&ctr=wnl-day-101413_ld-stry_2&mb=UJFQI3JkXVfkt%40jE2DbXMuHnVev1imbCQtc8hErPpek%3d I'M OLD ENOUGH TO THE DEVASTATION OF A STROKE AND WONDER, TODAY, IF MODERN TREATMENT WOULD HAVE ALTERED THE OUTCOME...I'M WILLING TO BE IT WOULD, AND SO SHOULD YOU. LARRY

Free novels for October

Offering Tortured Memory http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFOP316 free from 10/18-1-/20/2013 Offering No Cure for Murder http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Brier-Hospital-Series-ebook/dp/B006N0LSNY/ref=tmm_kin_title_0 free from 10/25-10/27/2013 These will give readers a chance to see my work. Larry

Alzheimer's

It's been known for some time that loss of smell may be an early sign of Alzheimer's, but this is a neat and clean demonstration. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/267236.php Larry

This one did two things: It surprised me and made me laugh.

Live and Learn Larry

The new CPR

Writers of medical fiction have, from time to time, provided instruction on unique ways to kill people. Here's a new way of keeping some alive...that way they'll live so we can kill them another day. http://tinyurl.com/2fx8r59

slide show (brief)

A Simple Cure http://www.youtube.com/audio?video_referrer=watch&v=nzE2Wp50QTA P.S. My link to the slide show on skin cancer has had a positive response. Larry

Science fiction???

Take a look at this article and let you mind expand into this technique's possibilities. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266915.php

Skin Cancer

This is, without a doubt, the best slide show I've seen on skin cancer. Look at it, look at it again, and send it to anyone you care about. http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/ss/slideshow-skin-lesions-and-cancer Larry

For a complete look at my work, see my website

Website: lawrencewgoldmd.com

Cataracts, a risk of statins?

Take a look at : http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266445.php The use of statins has been problematic at times, but its benefits are largely clear. If your risk factors for cardiovascular disease are significant, which poses the greater risk, heart attack or cataracts. To me, it's a no brainer;heart attacks have the potential to kill while cataracts, while annoying, are easily treatable. There's rarely a free ride in medicine. You takes your choice. Larry

What are Immune System Disorders

This two page overview will be of value for those who want to understand an increasongly important mechanism of disease. see: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/immune-system-disorders?ecd=wnl_day_091913&ctr=wnl-day-091913_ld-stry&mb=UJFQI3JkXVfkt%40jE2DbXMuHnVev1imbCQtc8hErPpek%3d

A Simple Cure two reviews

Just received my second review of my latest novel, A Simple Cure. To say the least, these reviews are beyond my highest aspirations. See: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ELWQ4IA

100 Very Cool Facts About The Human Body

More information than you really want to know, but COOL! http://icantseeyou.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/02/100-very-cool-f.html Larry

New idea for blog

Each day as I read the medical news, I share it with. Dorlis or with others at tennis or racquetball. I've been missing the opportunity to share with readers. This will be much better (& less promotional) than stretching for blog entrees. Will need to workout the logistics first.

What's new?

Just published A Simple Cure:

The novel engages the reader in the search for the cure of malignant melanoma. While an uncommon skin cancer, one American dies of melanoma almost every hour (every 61 minutes). The incidence rate has tripled in the last twenty years.

When nature, in her ultimate act of irony, strikes Richard Powell, a cancer specialist, with malignant melanoma, a highly aggressive form of cancer, his wife, Terri devotes her life to curing the disease that ultimately kills her husband.

While research laboratories are characterized as “noble” in search of cures, and proprietary drug companies are caricatured as ”ruthless and materialistic”, too often, the distinctions aren’t so clear.

The murder of a drug courier to obtain an experimental and promising treatment for malignant melanoma, unleashes a chain of devastating consequences.

People for Alternative Treatment, a company created to find cures for rare diseases, had fallen on hard times and become a subsidiary of Kendall Pharmaceuticals, a company with very different values.

Experimentation with a vaccine against tuberculosis is showing surprising effects in controlling malignant melanoma at PAT and UC Medical Center. Kendall is enthralled with the economic potential of such a treatment, while researchers are leery and have many unanswered questions.

Kendall’s determination to push the vaccine into clinical trial at all costs is in conflict with Terri and her ethical associates.

When clinical trials begin, the vaccine’s effects are miraculous. Soon, however, once again, we see the rule of unintended consequences.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ELWQ4IA

Update website as well.

lawrencewgoldmd.com

Trying ti increase sales

My two newest novels, The Plague Within and Deadly Passage are out and have received excellent reviews.
While I'm grateful for the praise and the sales, the latter, overall, have been modest.
I'm doing what I can through author websites, and at the end of July, and in early August, I'll be offering my novels for free. In the past, free offers have been followed by an increase in sales. These will include No Cure for Murder, Rage, For the Love of God, and The Sixth Sense. Since I have records of my previous month sales, I hope to see a marked increase.
Great sales or not, I continue to enjoy the writing process and the congeniality of fellow writers.

Since I last blogged, I've transferred my website from Yahoo to GoDaddy. The latter offers better tools to create and maintain the site. Take a look at lawrencewgoldmd.com and share your thoughts.

Blogging, I read, is a powerful tool for an author. I'll try to get to it more often.

Larry

More coming soon

I'm awaiting the final edit for the newest in the Brier Hospital Series, The Plague Within. My wife, Dorlis loves this novel and can't wait until it's out.

I'm awaiting the proof of my first non-fiction book, I Love MT Doctor, But...
It's a humorous book on a serious subject, patients and their physicians.

This is the blurb I'll be using in promotion:

You have questions for your physician, but don’t ask them?

Your physician has questions for you, but he/she doesn’t ask them.

That’s one hell of a way to run an airline, a railroad, a government, or a medical practice.

Why?

Fault is besides the point, but difficult or painful questions unasked or unanswered threatens your health and compromises the physician’s ability to help.

You have something that you want to confide to your physician, but you don’t. You sigh with relief when he/she doesn’t ask.

You’re a physician and you need the answers to questions that might make your patient uncomfortable. You’re relieved when he/she doesn’t ask or you run out of time.

Patients and physicians are limited in their ability to predict which questions will be unwelcome and you might be surprised by the response.

If it’s important, ask.

I Love My Doctor, But… empowers patients and their physicians and offers common sense answers to important questions.

The book deals with important issues and makes specific suggestions about:

1.     Malpractice

2.     How much care is enough

3.     Matching patient and physician

4.     Finding a physician

5.     Online information

6.     Getting along with your physician

7.     Take away suggestions

8.     When to go to the emergency room

9.     Glossaries: medical terminology and medical specialists

I Love My Doctor, But...

I'm waiting for several writers I trust to review and edit this short book (pamphlet) on problems between patients and their physicians. It's a lighthearted look at a serious problem.

I'm spending too much time promoting my works, but can't see an alternative.

My newest novel, Tortured Memory is selling reasonably well and has had good reviews. I'm relieved because this was the most complicated plot line I created. I worked hard to make sure the transitions worked, and thus far they have.

I'm having my novel, The Plague Within edited and hope to have it out in approx. a month. My wife, Dorlis really likes this novel.

Tortured Memory now available

Took my time getting this title available. I took heat for the editing etc. for Rage, and I'm still suffering for that. It's disheartening that some will let a few grammatical errors to interfere with the enjoyment of the read.
I had Tortured Memory edited and reviewed by others. I hope it worked out.

Both versions are available now at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFOP316 (kindle) and at:
http://www.amazon.com/Tortured-Memory-Brier-Hospital-Lawrence/dp/1482585200/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1361811273&sr=1-2&keywords=torturedMemory

I'll start my campaign for sales on Tortured Memory and getting reviews next week. Promos have become as essential part of the processes.
Tortured Memory is the 4th in the Brier Hospital Series. Readers like them and they stand alone although the scene is familiar as are certain players.

In addition, I'm writing a non-fiction book, a lighthearted approach to problems between physicians and their patients. I've made contact with several cartoon artists. Entertaining cartoons will help.

Lesson learned (pleasant for a change)

I underestimated the power of the free downloads in attracting attention to my work. I had two successful campaigns for First, Do No Harm (15,000) downloads and No Cure for Murder (17,000). Almost immediately after the novel returned to normal pricing, the sales went up and have stayed up.
This is a technique I'll use again and again.

I'm still not getting the sale I should (or think I should) from For the Love of God. I'm guessing it's the subject matter or the way I've portrayed the novel for readers. Religion may be the problem even though the novel only criticizes only those sects that allow children to suffer and die needlessly. I'll be reviewing the promotional materials to make it clear that this novel contains much of the same material that has made my other work more successful.

I'm nearing the completion of my next novel, Tortured Memory. I'm line editing (not my favorite thing) but most importantly, I've discovered an expert editor to help. I hope to have that available in a few weeks.

No Cure for Murder Free

My novel, No Cure for Murder will be free 1/11-1/13/2013.

I'm promoting this novel for the obvious reasons, but, in addition, I'm hoping that readers will enjoy another novel in the Brier Hospital Series and fall in love with the characters Jacob and Lola.

I knew that it was a risk having octogenarian protagonists and that the thirty-somethings might not be interested, but our population is aging and what's wrong with highly intelligent, competent, world-wise, and humorous characters of any age.

When I pitched the screenplay in LA last year, the thirty-something were true to their biases and weren't interested.
I think they're wrong, but, who am I?

If I can determine enough interest in these characters, I'd love to go ahead with another novel and perhaps push harder for a TV  series (if I can get them to live long enough).