Doctor Column

The Ebb and Flow of Holiday Blues: Five Action Questions January 5, 2024 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD For some, the holiday season can be a bummer whether you’re alone or around family and friends. While many believe “tis” the season to be jolly, others find it a depressing time of the year. Consider those facing the loss of a loved one, a job loss, confronting a serious illness or those struggling with a stressful divorce or financial problems. Historic First Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Anemia December 25, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Britain’s medicines regulators in November 2023 approved the gene editing technology, CRISPR-Cas9, for the treatment of genetic diseases, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia. This is the first licensed treatment aimed at curing the above two diseases. Much credit belongs to 2020 Nobel Prize laureates Jennifer Doudna. and Emmanuelle Charpentier for their innovating, landmark gene editing work. Uncovering Seven (7) Risk Factors That Boost the Likelihood of You Getting Covid-19, Flu, or RSV December 15, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Our immune system’s job is to protect us against foreign invaders, including respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, Flu and RSV. On September 4th of this year, 72 year old First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, for the second time tested positive for Covid-19. Mrs. Biden initially tested positive for this virus in August 2022. Might her immune system be less than optimal, placing her at greater risk and making her more vulnerable to respiratory viruses and COVID-19? Medicare’s Landmark Action to Negotiate Drug Prices On Behalf of Senior Citizens December 5, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD A retired Army veteran came to my office years ago complaining of sinus pain and sinus pressure, thick greenish-yellowish discharge, stuffy nose and a slight fever. I prescribed an antibiotic, decongestant medications, one to be taken by mouth, the other a nasal spray as well as medication for pain. Part 2: The Kidneys .. ‘Unsung Powerhouses’ .. How Do They Keep Us Alive? November 25, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located at the back of the upper abdomen just below the rib cage. The ureters connect the kidneys to the bladder. The kidneys are remarkable, unsung powerhouses of the body that flush out waste products into urine and redirect vital substances back into the bloodstream. They play a crucial role in controlling our blood pressure, producing red blood cells, building strong bones, and maintaining the body’s overall health. Part 1: The Remarkable Kidneys — How Do They Work To Keep Us Alive? November 15, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD We take many things for granted when things are moving along smoothly. However, when things aren’t flowing normally, we become concerned. Why do I have a burning sensation on urination? Why is the color of the urine pink? Why do I have pain above my right hip and back? What’s causing my high blood pressure? My doctor told me I have a low red blood count.. Nosebleeds... Seven Steps You Can Take To Stop The Bleeding November 5, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Nosebleeds are a common problem that can occur at «any time, in any place and in any season.» The gamut of nosebleeds can vary from a minor annoyance to a life-threatening hemorrhage. The vast majority of nosebleeds, also called epistaxis, stop spontaneously and do not require a visit to your doctor’s office or the Emergency Department (ED) of a hospital. There are things you can do at home, or outside of the home, to stop the bleeding. Groundbreaking First Pill to Treat: “Postpartum Depression” — Zuranolone October 25, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Welcoming a child into the family is usually a joyous occasion. But for one in eight women, per CDC, during pregnancy or soon after giving birth, that time is anything but joyous. ‘Ten Tips’ to Protect Yourself Against “Respi” — Respiratory Infections October 15, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that influenza was associated with 10,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths in the United States during the 2021-2022 season. What’s noteworthy, is that these figures represent a remarkable decrease in hospitalizations and deaths due to influenza, when compared to the previous eight years in the U. S. CDC Vaccine Update for the 2023 Fall and Winter “Respi” Season October 5, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD From January to December 2022, COVID-19 was the primary or contributing cause of approximately 244,000 deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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