Medicine In The News: Bad Science List 2011

Check out the 2011 "Bad Science" List  which is really a "Celebrities & Science" List of the biggest blunders re: real science peddled by people whose words (sadly) are disseminated to lots and lots of people very quickly- and an article with some funny selections from it...Sad, but True.

App Alert - Vitality GlowCaps

Vitality GlowCaps, Internet connected caps that attach to regular prescription pill bottles are capitalizing on evidence that technology really can improve adherence to medication regimens and may even help by providing incentives as such. Wireless reminder lights and ringtones, Push button refill service, Medication adherence progress reports ( sent to patient and doctor) and smartphone apps which even call the house to remind you to take tabs if all other signs are missed. Annoyance or Innovation?

Funny of the Day

Best side effect profile ;)

Alternative Therapies #001: Cloves.....Not just a seasoning!!!

Cloves! This unsuspecting herb has some surprising uses:

1) A topical aid for toothache
2) Topical aid for Premature Ejaculation
3) Expectorant
4) Nausea/Vomiting/Flatulence
5) Potential Anti-Coagulant effects!

Note may be toxic to small children orally/topically

For more information, see the NCCAM Clove Fact Sheet (with references): 

Merry Christmas!!! App Alert - EyeNetra

EyeNetra is the baby of MIT Media Lab. Its an app + small clip on eyepiece that allows anyone to quickly measure their own eyes for glasses. Thats not all....there's an app that allows for mobile connectivity to providers for questions, consultation and follow up if needed.



Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! Best wishes from ShowmeurBellyButton!!!!

Innovations: The Virtual Practice Project

Want to practice medicine while still enjoying your life and changing the lives of patients? Step out of the box.

Healthcare is the only industry resisting universally used technologies in our approach to practice of medicine, in response to this, a group at Massachusetts General are exploring the Virtual Practice Project, aiming to optimize patient care and satisfaction. This model focuses on synchronizing communcation between patient & provider via virtual visits, email and electronic communication to reduce the "walls" of traditional appointments. Also, delving into the model of remote monitoring of pertinent parameters....blood glucose, blood pressure, steps per day, weight etc to optimize patient care.

AppAlert - WellDoc

The WellDoc Diabetes Manager System has recently been FDA approved for use. This system features a fully integrated "medical home" for our diabetics. With live updates of prescriptions, medication use, blood sugar readings, labs etc.....its making the ability to make our patients their own advocates and make us better physicians a reality. WellDoc is impressive! Watch the Video!

Funny of the Day

Sometimes I wish I could actually say this to patients.....oh wait, I already do ;)

Smart Bandage! Smart Doctor! Happy Patient!

Researchers are on the verge of making discussions of a "Smart Bandage" a reality. This Smart Bandage would be composed of heat sensitive fibers/liquid crystals that change colors at variations of 0.5 degrees. This bandage's claim to fame would be spotting new inflammation, infection or compromised circulation early. Wound care world!! Watch out! This is taking Mood Ring technology to a new level!

A presentation by BBC reporter Hans Rosling on the life expectancy against income for every country since 1810.

Defensive Medicine: 1) Having to order unnecessary tests to prove what you already know to make sure patients dont sue you for knowing what you already know and irradiating them unnecessarily. 2) Making security back you up in the emergency room so you dont get jumped in the hallway or the parking lot. Disaster.

How to......Remove a Fishhook from a finger (or other body part as the case may be)

I had to remove my first fishhook from a finger, it couldnt be simple...it was a 3 pronged, multiple barbed monster stuck way down deep in a man's finger, and I needed brute force to wrangle it out. No fancy medicine here. Gangsta.

In case you need it......AAFP's Simple Rules for removing a fishhook.