When one thinks about drug research, they rarely recognize that it’s often just a series of trial and error. One considers a series of potential drugs and determines if and how it works. Rational drug design is a completely different (and still a nascent) process.
Continue reading Rational Drug Design
Exercise. Our brains need it. Our bodies need it. We expect exercise to show results- with weight loss, with muscle tone- and it doesn’t always do so. It affects our blood pressure maintenance, keeps our cholesterol balance in check, reduces the risk of stroke and cardiac disease. It’s why we are supposed to exercise 2.5 hours over the course of a week; 60 minutes a day helps with weight loss. (I don’t think many of you are spending an hour a day exercising. Me, neither.) So far, I’m sure that nothing I’ve said surprises you.
Continue reading 1, 2, 3, 4– exercise- get out the door
I guess I am lucky. I don’t recall a single instance of having a headache. (OK. I know some folks provide me pains- but they are NOT in my head, but another part of my anatomy.)
Did you see the episode of Homeland, where Brody helps Abu Nazir kill Vice President Walden? He provides the serial number of the pacemaker in Walden’s chest, which Nazir uses to send commands that terminate Walden…
Continue reading Whose data IS it?
I’ve discussed the push that the government has made to have physicians (and hospitals) adopt health care information systems. As a result, the census of practitioners using these systems has increased from 17% in 2008 to almost 35% by 2011.
Continue reading Sharing Patient Information
There’s been all kinds of controversy with stem cells. Not that they are or are not safe, but because virtually the entire science has been engulfed by the “Right to Life” movement and their anti-abortion crusades. Which means that ill patients are being deprived of the potential for treatment via stem-cell derived solutions. Which makes this news very interesting.
Continue reading Stem Cell Hopes
Earlier this week, I talked about how the flu vaccine is useful in lowering our cardiac risk. Today, we’ll examine its relationship to diabetes.
Continue reading Flu virus and diabetes
“Are you crazy? You can’t have that grapefruit! It will interact with your drugs…” Yup! that’s what I hear at home when I cut up a grapefruit to enjoy its succulent acidity. I can pass on oranges, but grapefruits and pineapples are for me.
Continue reading Grapefruit Juice- not so fast…
OK. I admit it. I have not been diligent in obtaining my flu vaccine every year. My logic is impeccably bad- I haven’t had the flu, so…
Continue reading Flu Vaccine- for more than the Flu
We’ve heard all the complaints. The Death Panels. It will kill business employment. It goes on and on. But, there needs to be some sanity, some truth to the discussion.
Continue reading Grandstanding?