Doctor Column
Legacy of Henrietta Lacks (HeLa) and the Dr. Gey Connection
July 15, 2023
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
In 1951, Johns Hopkins was the only hospitals in Baltimore that treated African American patients. Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman, was examined by the doctors at the hospital after she felt a “knot” in her “womb.” After a series of tests at the hospital, Mrs. Lacks was informed she had cervical cancer. She received various treatments which included radiation therapy. But nine months after the diagnosis, Mrs. Lacks was dead.
Malaria U. S. Health Alert Are We Prepared for Widespread Outbreaks?
July 5, 2023
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
On June 26, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a public health alert, warning the public, doctors, and public health authorities about the risk of contracting malaria in the United States after four cases of malaria infections were reported in Florida and one in Texas.
Paxlovid Medication For COVID-19
June 25, 2023
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
As much as we would like COVID-19 to disappear, it has not. It continues to make people sick, causing hospitalizations and in too many instances deaths. The 2020 pandemic has been blunted by Public Health measures and certain medications, one of which has been Paxlovid.
Low Back Pain Diagnosis and Treatment
June 15, 2023
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Low back pain (LBP) is common, costly, and treatable. It’s a common reason patients visit their family doctor, a common cause of disability, and costs Americans billions of dollars annually to manage this condition. Accurate diagnoses, and proper treatments are keys to successful outcomes.
Low Back Pain — Red Flags, Symptoms, and Causes
June 5, 2023
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Years ago, a colleague of mine was removing leaves from a rain gutter, slipped off the ladder, fell, and landed on his back. He was rushed to the hospital complaining of excruciating lower back pain. The ED physician took his medical history, and noted the physical examination was normal except for hypersensitivity in the lumbar- sacral region (lower back).
Liquid Biopsies In Cancer: Seek and Destroy
May 25, 2023
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
The best chance for patience winning the battle against cancer, in addition to a healthy lifestyle, is early detection, and precise, treatment of this death-dealing disease. Liquid biopsy, (LB), is a term first used around 2010. It’s a blood test that detects and analyzes circulating tumor cells and their products released by cancer cells into the blood.
11 LESSONS COVID-19 TAUGHT US
May 15, 2023
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
On Friday, May 5th of this year, WHO declared COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency. On Saturday, the day after the announcement, Dennis, a 68 year old retired dentist, tested positive for COVID. Dennis had read the headlines about COVID-19: Nursing Homes — No Mask Requirements; the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services declare an end of the COVID-19 as a public health emergency.
Tumor Biomarkers and Angellina Jolie
May 5, 2023
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
“I choose not to keep my story private, because there are many women who do not know that they might be living under the shadow of cancer. It is my hope that they, too, will be able to get gene tested, and that if they have a high risk they, too, will know that they have strong options,” said Jolie.
Biomarkers Are Essential Medical Tools
April 25, 2023
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
A biomarker, in medicine, is anything that can be used to measure the health status of a person. A wide range of biomarkers is available to determine whether a person is healthy or sick. For instance, some are as simple as taking your pulse, body temperature, or measuring your blood pressure. Other biomarkers can be more complex, such as biological molecules used to identify genetic changes in cancer cells.
Allergy Season — Allergy Prevention: Allergy Is Bustin’ Out All Over
April 15, 2023
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Jennifer’s 11 year old son was diagnosed with seasonal allergies four years ago. She’s wondering why her son is showing allergy symptoms earlier in the year compared to previous years. Also, his symptoms seems to last into the late summer. Mom is worried because his allergies triggered asthmatic attacks causing him to miss four days from school.
