Pharmacogenetics (AKA Pharmacogenomics)  Pharmacogenetics (PGx) — the study of how genetics affects your response to drugs — is an exciting field in healthcare. Read our recent post  to learn the basics of PGx and why it’s …

We all want our healthcare to fit us as individuals. An important piece is having good communication with our healthcare providers. But let’s talk about something even more personal — something totally unique to each one of us. The role …

Each of us is unique. We have our own personalities, lifestyles, environments, and genetics. We may enjoy the same things as someone else, or not. Our bodies may respond to a particular medical treatment more efficiently than someone else’s, …

Low thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a common problem among adults. It’s most often caused by iodine deficiency in other parts of the world, but here in the US it’s usually due to an autoimmune disorder (Hashimoto’s disease). More often …

I went on a month-long adventure recently. No, didn’t go on a vacation abroad, didn’t hike the Appalachian Trail or climb a mountain. I used a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for a month to see how my lifestyle affects my blood sugar. …

Nerve pain, especially in the legs, feet, and hands, is common among adults in the United States. Also called peripheral neuropathy, it affects up to 30% of adults, and nearly 10% of those over age 65. There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy, …

What’s REALLY in the supplement product you just purchased? At first thought, it might seem a given that a product actually contains the ingredients listed on the label, in the listed amounts. But it turns out that for dietary supplements, …

Flu season will be with us soon. It usually starts in October and runs through April in our part of the world, and is at its worst December through February. The 2024/25 season was brutal — high severity, including hospitalizations and deaths, …

Teamwork between doctors, pharmacists, and patients is key to good healthcare. I love it when my patients tell me they’re satisfied and comfortable with their primary care providers. Many patients feel they have adequate access to, good …

Probiotics are among the most commonly used dietary supplements. They’re typically marketed to improve “digestive health”. But what are they? How do probiotics compare to prebiotics? And what are their health benefits? Let’s talk about “digestive …

Ever since Medicare Part D began covering prescription drugs in 2006, beneficiaries have been frustrated by surprise costs. Well, to be fair, folks were SO glad to finally have prescription drug coverage at first that there was more happiness than …

For a long time, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been a topic of debate among healthcare professionals and women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. While HRT can provide significant relief from disruptive symptoms, it …

Maintaining good health takes a fair amount of effort. We depend on information we learn about diet, physical activity, air quality, infectious diseases, and more. For those of us who take prescription medications, our health also depends on …

In our fall post about the 24-25 flu and Covid-19 vaccines, I pointed out that guidelines change, and to stay tuned for updated information. Well, here it is! The CDC published new guidelines for both pneumococcal and Covid-19 vaccines a couple of …

The holiday season always feels special. We get so busy with preparations, gatherings, shopping, all while trying to keep up with normal daily activities. It can be exhausting, even stressful. But somehow, the holidays from Thanksgiving all the way …

Chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD affect an estimated 50 million Americans. Temporary breathing problems caused by respiratory infections are also common, especially during winter months. Inhaled medications can be effective treatments for …

It’s the annual open enrollment season for Medicare once again! Open enrollment started Tuesday, October 15th and runs through December 7th.  If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, you have the opportunity now to review your current coverage and …

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been around for a long time. It’s well known that RSV can cause serious respiratory illness in older adults and newborn infants. So why are we suddenly, after all these years, being told we should consider …

Here we are, starting the last month of the summer season. Now’s the time to start thinking about protecting yourself from influenza and Covid by getting your annual vaccines.  Let’s start with Covid-19 It appears that Covid is with us …

You may remember that the safety of sunscreens was called into question by the FDA in 2019. Research that had been recently published showed that ingredients from commonly used sunscreens were absorbed into the bloodstream in those who used it …