What works better for acute muscle injury like neck or back strain — ice or heat? Most doctors say that the initial ~48 hours of an injury, with the swelling and achiness, are best treated with ice. But actual research has been fairly scanty.… Read the rest
Yearly Archives: 2010
Acupuncture: What’s It Good For — Or Not?
One of my continuing goals while working as a doctor in China is to find traditional Chinese medicines and practices that I can integrate into my Western, allopathic-style family practice. As I’ve reported a few times, I’ve been struggling to find Chinese herbal medicines that I am comfortable prescribing, usually due to lack of evidence for a clear benefit.… Read the rest
How Effective is the Flu Vaccine? Surprising New Data…
It’s that time of year again: flu shots are here. We all are a bit shell-shocked after last year’s H1N1 pandemic madness, and many communites were divided on the pros and cons of the flu vaccine. So who really needs the annual flu shot?… Read the rest
What's Your Target Heart Rate for Exercise? Find Out Now…
I often lecture people on exercise, and I frequently mention how 150 minutes a week of “moderate” exercise can be just as healthy as 90 minutes of heavier exercise. But what’s the difference between light, moderate and heavy?
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) defines exercise intensity in three ways: percentage of maximum heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, and METS (metabolic equivalents).… Read the rest
Is Your Desk Ergonomic?
I see a lot of patients with headaches, and when I delve deeper it often is due to muscle strains in the back of the head (the occiput). Some people also have eye fatigue, or numbness and tingling in the fingers.… Read the rest
Brown Rice Can Prevent Diabetes
Those of you with diabetes, or on the verge of the disease, should take note of a new study which reaffirms what nutritionists recommend: white rice is much less healthy than brown rice and can lead to worse diabetes — or cause diabetes for those on the verge.… Read the rest