Doctor Column

Dialysis: Beyond Needles, Tubes, and Filtration May 25, 2024 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD I was saddened when a close friend and colleague informed me that he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He was advised of the treatment choices, and opted for a combination of radiation treatment and chemotherapy. After four months of treatment, I received another call from Daniel letting me know that his kidneys completely shut down due to the chemotherapy drugs. What’s remarkable is how he dealt with these two crushing blows. Chronic Kidney Disease Insights — Unraveling the Five Stages of CKD May 15, 2024 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Chronic kidney disease (CKD causes a gradual loss of kidney function over time. CKD happens when the kidneys are unable to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood causing a buildup of toxic material in the bloodstream. You may have ongoing kidney damage for many months to years without symptoms until the kidneys are almost ninety percent non-functional. Besides kidney disease, this condition can lead to hypertension, coronary artery disease. stroke and other problems. Glaucoma: “Thief of Sight” April 25, 2024 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that progresses slowly over time causing loss of eyesight. There is a buildup of pressure within the eye, because the eye’s drainage system is malfunctioning. A narrowing or complete blockage of the drainage system prevents fluid from flowing out of the eye in a normal fashion. This causes an excessive buildup of pressure within the eye that damages the optic nerve resulting in vision loss. It takes months to years before you notice eye problems, and the vision that has been lost cannot be restored. Fentanyl and the Chinese Conspiracy — A Public Health Epidemic April 15, 2024 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Several years ago, I spoke with a parent and his son, Adrian, who excelled in the classroom and was a star football athlete. In his junior year of high school, he was on top of the world sifting through scholarship offers from first-rate universities. He was upbeat and confident about the future. That all changed in his senior year at school. In Vitro Fertilization — From Petri Dishes to Parenting Nine Basic Steps: “We Just Want To Have a Family” April 5, 2024 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure used to help couples have a baby who are dealing with fertility issues. It is the most common form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) which involves combining an egg and sperm outside the body in a laboratory. Couples are evaluated to understand the reason(s) for the infertility and treatment strategies using IVF CLL What You Need To Know About Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia March 25, 2024 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of blood cancer that grows slowly, more commonly in men and typically diagnosed after the age of 60 years. It is rarely seen in children. The cancer particularly damages B lymphocytes which are white blood cells. The lymphocytes develop from stem cells in the bone marrow. The cancer interferes with B lymphocyte production of antibodies that help your body fight infections. How Puberty Changes Your Child’s Voice March 15, 2024 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Puberty is the time of life when boys and girls transition from childhood into adulthood. During this period of development, their bodies go through physical, hormonal and psychological changes. It happens typically for boys between 9 to 14 years of age and for girls between 8 to 13 years of age. The Job of T Cells and Immunotherapy March 5, 2024 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD T-cells are white blood cells, also called T lymphocytes which partner with B-cells to protect us from infections and harmful intruders such as cancer cells. T cells are part of the immune system that behave like specialized sentinels guarding, responding, and neutralizing threats to our bodies. They develop from stem cells in the bone marrow and mature in the thymus gland. Approximately 85% of lymphocytes that circulate in the bloodstream are T-cells and 15% are B-cells. The Amazing B Cells and Immunotherapy February 25, 2024 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Like an office building using a surveillance system and a man to identify and prevent unwanted visitors from entering the premises, the immune system uses an army of specialized cells and organs to identify, and prevent foreign invaders from debilitating our bodies. An indispensable part of the body’s defense system includes B and T cells which are special units of the immune system. They play a crucial role 24/7 in searching and destroying the relentless onslaught of harmful viruses, bacteria, cancer cells and toxins. How Music Therapy Works — Nine Revealing Q & A’s February 15, 2024 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Music can be a powerful tonic or a painful memory and many things in between. It surrounds us at home, in the car, and even in the elevator. It’s ubiquitous. Governments unify a nation with their anthems. The military arouses its army with their patriotic melodies. Religions use it as part of their rituals. Families observe togetherness with music; for example, at birthdays, weddings and funerals. And music therapists use it to promote your health and well-being. How did the therapeutic use of music start? And what is it? What follows are questions and answers about music therapy.

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