SKIN CANCER: TOO IMPORTANT TO IGNORE

At the risk of making us all a little nuts, this slide show from WebMd is too good to ignore. Although rare, malignant melanoma kills one American each hour. This fact motivated my in the writing of my novel, A Simple Cure. Early diagnosis is a lifesaver. What skin cancer looks like

JUST FOR FUN: BODY PARTS

Something light and interesting on body parts. Some surprising information WEIRD BODY PARTS

MEDICAL TESTS TO AVOID

This came from AARP and it makes good points if not carried too far. The main value is to avoid tests that aren't useful and may lead to unnecessary additional testing and anxiety. My main proviso is not to avoid tests that can be lifesaving when indicated. It's always easy to find an excuse not to do a test, but if indications exist, by all means, go ahead. MEDICAL TESTS TO AVOID

EXERCISE AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION

I dislike passing on medical information that people already know, like cigarettes are bad for your health, but this is short and sweet. EXERCISE AND BRAIN FUNCTION

THE WAR ON GERMS

In the light of all the hysteria around Ebola, I came across an article from WebMD, one of my favorites for medical updates. The article cites all the techniques for ridding your environment of germs, a concept with which I mightily disagree. Of course there are germs we'd best avoid, but in ordinary life, the likelihood of meeting them are remote. Moreover, there much data on the importance of exposing ourselves, and especially our children to as many foreign proteins (including germs) as possible. Asthma is a prime example of the effects of avoiding germs and dogs. P.S. There is much money to be made in the war on germs! This article by a dentist makes important points and is worth a few moments of your time. GERMS: GOOD AND BAD

DEADLY PASSAGE FREE 10/16-10/19/2014

A family returning home after five years at sea comes upon a sailboat adrift. They rescue to young Americans aboard unaware that they are terrorists plotting to infect Miami with a deadly virus. The family must deal with the unwanted guests, their disease, the Cuban Navy, an approaching hurricane, and the U.S. Coast Guard turning them away from safety. Deadly Passage is a thoughtful medical, political high seas thriller. I HAVEN'T DONE AS WELL WITH THIS NOVEL AS I EXPECTED. IT'S AN EXCITING AND RELEVANT STORY. DEADLY PASSAGE

COLON CANCER: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT REVIEW RE. CANCER OF THE COLON, A DISEASE WHERE EARLY DIAGNOSIS CAN BE LIFE-SAVING. PAY ATTENTION TO THE NEW DNA STOOL TEST WHICH IS HIGHLY ACCURATE AND WHICH PASSED THE FDA COMMITTEE BY A REMARKABLE TEN TO NOTHING VOTE. THE FDA WOULDN'T GIVE MOTHERHOOD SUCH A HIGH RATING. COLON CANCER: NOTE NEW TEST.

ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS...PLEASE SAY IT ISN'T SO!

Fate will ultimately have its way with us. The study is preliminary, but it's worth considering. ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS AND BLOOD SUGAR

NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT!

I got too many wrong myself. It's amazing how simple things can foul you up! THE SNEEZE

Alzheimer's: prevention and treatment

Things are getting hot in the Alzheimer's world. This is a brief, but timely reminder of the state of the state of the art in this dreaded disease. Maybe there's hope for all of us. Larry ALZHEIMER'S PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

SALT INTAKE AND HEALTH- THE TRUE STORY (FOR THE MOMENT)

Medicine is finally catching up with my beliefs. If you have hypertension that's sensitive to your salt intake, control how much you eat. If you have kidney disease or heart failure, or certain types of liver disease, salt is dangerous. If not, enjoy it. HOW MUCH SALT IS SAFE?

HYBRID BY Lawrence W. Gold, M.D. free this weekend 8/15-8/17/2014

Denise Berg, a professor of psychology, and her molecular biologist husband, Gabe, expected an intelligent child. When Denise gave birth to Zack, they were thrilled. They were not surprised to find that Zack had physical and mental gifts, but were astounded by their magnitude. By every parameter, Zack was extraordinarily gifted and they took pride in their genes and in their good fortune. What they didn’t know was that Zack’s gifts were the result of more than good luck and Berg family genes, but depended on genetic material from an unusual source. Zack’s abilities would ultimately attract others with less than benign interests. HYBRID

EBOLA'S IN THE NEWS: LEARN SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

With Ebola in the news, this is a good summary of its risks and its effects. EBOLA, HOW DANGEROUS?

HEART ATTACKS-TAKE A MINUTE AND LEARN SOMETHING

This is a particularly informative slide show on heart attacks. It's worth a few minutes of your time. HEART ATTACK SLIDE SHOW

ASPIRIN AND LIFE EXPECTANCY

If this pans out, it could be significant for all of us. THE MAGIC OF ASPIRIN

SAVING YOUR LIFE: SKIN CANCER

This is an excellent and important slide show from WebMD. Take a few minutes to review the show and read the descriptions. Recognizing skin cancer may be the single most effective strategy we have for cure. SKIN CANCER!!!

DANGERS OF TYPE II DIABETES

This is one of the best slideshows I've seen in a while. It makes important points. The incidence of type II diabetes is increasing in association with the increasing weight of our population. At some point, I'll bring up the subject of wheat in this equation, but for the moment, do a search on wheat and diabetes. TYPE II DIABETES

VITAMIN D AND LIFE EXPECTANCY

This is an increasingly important discussion. Adding vitamin D may be problematic due to its presence in foods, supplements, and due to the amount of sun exposure. VITAMIN D: HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE PREVENTION 2014

I extracted and simplified this information from an article in Psychiatric Times June 14, 2014. The article was fairly technical, but the information is so important that I tried to make it easier to understand. I hope I succeeded.. RESEARCH TO PREVENT ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

OUR GREATEST FEAR: ALZHEIMER'S

Whether in's increased incidence or increased diagnosis, the threat of Alzheimer's hangs over everyone as they age. While 'senior moments' are not Alzheimer's and dementia is a disease, not an eventuality of aging, the threat is real. This is a valuable slide show: WARNING SIGNS FOR DEMENTIA

SUMMER HEAT COMPLICATIONS

SAW RECENT PUBLICATIONS ON ADVICE DURING THE SUMMER HEAT, BUT THEY WERE TOO TECHNICAL. THIS IF FROM THE AMERICAN RED CROSS AND IT MAKES ALL THE IMPORTANT POINTS. LARRY With temperatures soaring across the country its important to know what to do during a heat wave and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and hyperthermia. In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods. The following hyperthermia safety checklist has been provided by the American Red Cross: Heat Exhaustion - signs include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion. • Move the person to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in the condition. • If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1. Heat Stroke - signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. • Heat stroke is life-threatening, call 9-1-1 immediately. • Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person's body by giving care as you would for heat exhaustion. Continue rapid cooling by applying ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits. Heat Cramps - are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat. Health-related factors that may increase the risk of hyperthermia include: • Being dehydrated: not drinking enough on hot days. • Impaired blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands • Heart, lung and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes weakness or fever • High blood pressure or other conditions that require changes in diet • Reduced sweating, caused by medications such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers and certain heart and blood pressure drugs • Taking several drugs for various conditions. It is important to discuss possible problems with a physician • Being substantially overweight or underweight • Drinking alcoholic beverages

The Plague Within Audiobook

This is my first novel produced in audiobook form. It's available now on Audible.com, but will soon be available through Amazon and iTunes. I have five other books in production. I'm hoping this format will allow those who prefer the audio form to get to know my work. THE PLAGUE WITHIN

Rover Diagnosis Prostate Cancer

As in my novel, The Sixth Sense noted, disease diagnosis via smell is becoming increasingly important. Good for us and for Rover, but it would be best if he skipped the rectal examination. PROSTATE CANCER DIAGNOSED BY DOGS

MERS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Good summary of a disease in the news. MERS

SLIDE SHOW ON HEART ATTACKS

This is an excellent slide show fro WebMd. With heart attacks, as with strokes, time is of the essence. Early intervention is stroke or heart attack has the potential to prevent or ameliorate damage to the heart and the brain respectively. IF YOU LEARN NOPTHING ELSE FROM THESE POSTINGS, REMEMBER, WITH HEART ATTACK OR STROKE, GET TO THE EMERGENCE ROOM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. HEART ATTACKS

SLEEP

This is a brief but useful slide show on sleep. As we get older, sleep becomes increasingly important. SLEEP FACTS

BUGS AND BITES

I really liked this slide show. Important and interesting information beautifully photographed. BUG BITES

Alcohol: The Good and the Bad

I don't have a particular need to bring attention to the subject, but this came my way, and I thought it was worth viewing. It's quite complete so feel free to skim, but do look at the final conclusions. ALCOHOL AND HEALTH

AUDIOBOOKS BY Lawrence W. Gold, M.D.

Many people prefer audiobooks. I just began to produce audiobooks of my novels through ACX a subsidiary of Amazon. Have contracted for four books so far, but I hope to have them all available soon. The first one should be available in May. Will post the sites as they become available. They can be purchased via Amazon, Audible, or through iTunes. Larry

BEER: TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

The photo itself makes me hungry. A new benefit from an old friend. BEER MARINADE

MEDICAL CONDITIONS WE DON'T DISCUSS IN POLITE COMPANY

I found this on the AARP site and was ready to dismiss it because I don't consider any health matter to be a source of embarrassment. THEN AGAIN, I'm not writing this blog for me. It does contain some worthwhile recommendations. EMBARRASING? S

No Cure for Murder audiobook

I JUST CONTRACTED WITH A COMPANY ACX TO PRODUCE A RECORDED VERSION OF THIS BRIER HOSPITAL NOVEL. THE ACTRESS WHO AUDITIONED FOR THE NARRATOR DID AN INCREDIBLE JOB. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME I HAD A PROFESSIONAL ACTRESS READ MY WORK ALOUD. IT WAS EERIE, BUT FUN. HER AUSTRIAN ACCENT FOR THE MAIN CHARACTERS, JACOB AND LOLA WAS JUST AS I IMAGINED THEM TO BE. I HOPE TO HAVE THE BOOK AVAILABLE BY NOVEMBER... IF YOU CAN'T WAIT, THERE'S THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY. NO CURE FOR MURDER

"THE PLAGUE WITHIN" GOES FREE NEXT WEEKEND

The Plague Within will be free 3/14-3/16/2014 THE PLAGUE WITHIN THIS NOVEL HAS HAD EXCELLENT REVIEWS!

FATIGUE

This is one of the most common complaints in general medicine. Good slide show, but dehydration as an unknown cause is problematic. It's simple; if you're thirsty, you need water. If you're not; you don't. Food allergies as an explanation--I'd like to see some data before accepting this explanation. FATIGUE

CHRONIC PAIN

This slideshow on chronic pain is a bit too general, but it does make some important points. Some with chronic pain, especially if it's moderate or severe become desperate and may ignore the admonitions to be careful. Watch out for acetaminophen overdosing and rely on your doc if you need help. CHRONIC PAIN SLIDESHOW

MOST COSTLY INPATIENT PROCEDURES

I was surprised by the childbirth costs. Maybe I'm getting too old. COST OF INPATIENT PROCEDURES

MAMMOGRAPHY STILL SAVES LIVES

For those interested enough to read a technical assessment of mammography, here's the article. For others here's the gist: Unless an infection is prevented from spreading, or we as individuals have need of healthcare, none of us benefits directly from the hundreds of billions of dollars spent each year on the healthcare provided to others. Does this mean that we should abandon all healthcare that benefits only the individual? Those who argue against breast cancer screening would have us ignore the fact that when a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, it is 100% for that woman. A 30% reduction in breast cancer deaths each year means that 10,000-15,000 fewer women die each year from breast cancer in the United States. MAMMOGRAPHY

Chocolate, Sweet or Not So Sweet

My father died two months short of his hundredth birthday. When asked about the secret for his long life, he reached into the rear of a shelf in his workshop and offered me his dark chocolate. A smart man, my Dad. CHOCOLATE

MEDICAL PREDICTIONS FOR 2014

This is a thoughtful presentation of medicine in 2014. Some of it is a bit technical, but that may be the price for being informed. Medicine's future, except for the associated politics, is extremely promising. PREDICTIONS FOR MEDICINE IN 2014

No Cure for Murder free this weekend.

Just had my router replaced after 4 days. Don't you hate being so dependent on the Internet, esp. through AT&T. This is one of my favorite novels, and without a doubt my favorite characters, Jacob and Lola. I must use them in another novel. BRIER HOSPITAL NOVEL

MEMORY LOSS: YOU CAN'T BE CAREFUL ENOUGH.

This came from AARP and it's worth a quick run through. When I was in practice and a patient came to me with an unexpected symptom, I had a standing bet that I could find that symptom is the medications list of side-effects in the PDR, the Physicians' Desk Reference. I won the bet over 90% of the time. This does not mean that the medication caused the symptom, only that we need to be extraordinarily careful with medications. NOT SO INNOCENT MEDICATIONS

TORTURED MEMORY FREE THIS WEEKEND 2/7-2/9/2014

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars!, October 23, 2013 By Vamplover - See all my reviews This review is from: Tortured Memory (Brier Hospital Series) (Kindle Edition) I stumbled across this book when it was free and boy am I ever glad I did. It was well written and exciting and I loved the way in which the story flows. Not in chronological order, forcing you to think about what was going on and leaving gaps which I found engaging and caused me to keep turning the pages. This is a fantastic book and I can't say enough good things about it. I look forward to reading all of them. Bravo! TORTURED MEMORY

INTERVIEW OF LARRY GOLD

Fans often ask for interviews. Here's the newest one. INTERVIEW: LARRY GOLD

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE:TAKE A WALK- GET SOME SUN

After scaring us out of the sun, dermatologists discover its benefits. BLOOD PRESSURE AND SUN

LIVING OFF THE FAT OF THE LAND

A quick slideshow about fat, and what we should know about it. A few surprising facts. THE TRUTH ABOUT FAT

THE HEART; FACT AND FICTION

A few surprising answers on a subject we're suppose to know all about. THE HEART

THE SIXTH SENSE FREE THIS WEEKEND

The Sixth Sense may be my favorite novel in the Brier Hospital Series. It's dramatic, informative, and humorous...not an easy combination for an author. THE SIXTH SENSE

GOUT: no laughing matter

One of the most painful conditions I've seen in practice is acute gout. The cartoon about the patient complaining about the bed sheet being too painful is accurate. If you've had one attach, I guarantee you won't want another. GOUT

THE RISKS OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION

Every once in a while research comes along that has dramatic implications. Why we need to sleep has been the topic of discussion, but now we see the need for sleep as a requirement for eliminating metabolic waste. Lack of sleep therefore leave excessive amount of waste products and may be the root cause of brain dysfunction including Alzheimer's. This NY Times article is worth the read. THE BRAIN AT RISK

DREAM ON!

I like this short quiz from WebMd. We need to know more about sleep, and especially how to get more (will get to that in a future post). DREAM FACTS

Patient Surveys: A New Era.

I just received this survey from Consumer's Union. You can choose to take it if you're a California resident. Such surveys are becoming increasingly common as medicine becomes more complicated making the relationship between patient and doctor more important. CONSUMER'S UNION SURVEY This topic was the subject of my first non-fiction book, I Love My Doctor, But... that I wrote last year. http://www.amazon.com/Love-My-Doctor-But-Lighthearted/dp/1484110943/ref=tmm_pap_title_0 If you're healthy or have only minor medical problems your relationship with your physician isn't that important. If you have significant medical problems, dangerous or persistent ones, the relationship is critical.

Deadly Passage by Lawrence W. Gold, M.D. going free

Deadly Passage, my high seas thriller will be free for three days starting 1/10/2013. Look at the reviews if you have questions.DEADLY PASSAGE

The truth about E-Cigarettes

I must be getting old. Smoking was cool and sexy, but "vaping"? It still sounds cool to light up after sex, but vaping after sex is going to need a good publicist. VAPING

ASTOUNDING IMPLICATIONS!!!

The more we know, the better we do. Medical school taught me many things that today we know aren't true: brain damage was permanent, eggs are bad for you etc. Now we see that genes aren't immutable and that environmental factors can alter them. The implications are simply astounding when you consider the world in which we live. SMOKING