Most people think that marijuana is very safe. It does have some medical uses as well; but as a recreational drug it usually produces a relaxed state associated with a slightly increased appetite and enhanced sense of humor.
However, more studies have emerged showing that, in developing brains (as opposed to adults), smoking weed can have long term permanent adverse effects.
Researchers followed moderate users of marijuana from teen years up until age 30, and compared them with a group of controls who were similar in social and psychological factors.
They discovered a dose–response relationship between use frequency and dropout from high school, failure to get a college degree, marijuana dependence, use of illicit drugs, and suicide attempts.
Like the US drinking age, Marijuana should not be used before age 21. After that, under controlled conditions, and in Washington and Colorado states, you can feel free to get high.
Many doctors are extremely aggressive in the use of medications and interventions, even in those who should not get treated. I already discussed the over use of osteoporosis medications.
In general, medications whose benefits do not exceed the person's predicted life span; or do not improve quality of life, are unnecessary and wasteful aside form possible side effects.
A good example are patients with advanced dementia or Alzheimer's. In a recent study, researchers found that among 5400 patients with severe dementia (mini-mental status result of 5) at average age 85, more than half of these patients were taking medications that were of questionable value. These included Alzheimer's drugs (which are not effective at all in severe cases), and cholesterol medications (whose benefit would be long after the patients would pass). About 1/3 of the medication cost was related to "questionable" drugs.
I always try to get my older patients off of medications, especially those of no benefit. Anyone who takes care of the elderly should pay close attention to the medications and their value.
Overweight children often become fat and unhealthy adults. A recent study showed that these children are also more likely to develop left ventricular hypertrophy; a enlargement of the heart often associated with high blood pressure and premature death.
Researchers in Belgium followed over 1000 patients for 28 years.
We know that fast foods and processed foods are very rich in calories and closely related to obesity. Keep your children away from sugary snacks and fast foods!
Gluten intolerance, and in its severe form Celiac Disease are digestive illnesses where the intestines cannot digest gluten, a substance found in most wheat products and breads. These patients often develop diarrhea and can get severe inflammation associated with anemia and weight loss. Many believe that gluten itself is an inflammatory promoter and can lead to other diseases such as arthritis.
Although there are some tests for the most severe cases, now a days there are so many gluten free foods a relatively simple elimination diet can help make the diagnosis.
There have been some who believed that the early (or late) introduction of gluten into a child's diet could affect their sensitivity. A recent study suggests that this is false.
In two studies of about 1000 children each, introducing gluten at 6 months versus 12 months made absolutely no difference. Neither did breast feeding. Evidently this is a genetic related disease with at least these environmental factors unrelated.
Emergency room physicians are generally well trained and competent to handle life threatening illnesses. However they can become flippant with what they consider minor illnesses.
In Texas, I cannot excuse the physician who saw that Ebola patient and did not take a proper history. It was his job to ask about travel history! I still remember one of my professors (I guess McGill was a better school) saying that history was 90% of medicine; and MD stood for Medical Detective!
I often see patients who have come from the ER or an orthopedist on very potent and addictive narcotic drugs for pain that could be controlled better with non-narcotics. Without proper follow up these physicians do not realize how many patients can become drug seekers.
In a recent survey of US emergency rooms, researchers discovered that narcotic drugs were prescribed for headaches 35% of the time in 2010, as opposed to 21% in 2001. In addition, most recommendations would have that number at 10% or less.
When I had hernia surgery in the 80's I received a bottle of 30 percocets - I used 3. When I had knee surgery in the 90's I received prescriptions for 90 narcotic pills; which I never ended up using. Without my medical knowledge I might have taken them thinking they were important in recovery.
This kind of activity needs to stop, and if you are given narcotics please use them sparingly
