Funny of the Day

Just a spoon full of Vinegar can help that sugar go down?

We've all heard Apple Cider Vinegar associated with a slew of health benefits. I know my grandmother used to take a spoonful of it at bedtime to cure all kinds of ails. In any case, there has been recent evidence in a study suggesting that a 2 teaspoonfuls of apple cider vinegar at bedtime can actually reduce AM blood sugar by 4-6%!!! Thats impressive. Bring on the research.

Keep your eyes out for the skinny full info on an upcoming Alternative Therapies post!

Medicine in the News: Congressional Birth Control Hearing

Hmmmm now does this sound right to you? A US Congressional hearing was held today discussing the hot topic of birth control coverage being covered by insurance companies on a mandatory basis and whether or not this infringes on religious freedom. There were no people present with a uterus in any decision-making capacity. Sigh.

Alternative Therapies #004: Coconut Oil

Ahhh 100% Pure Coconut Oil, How do we love thee?? Let us count the ways..... Top 10! 

1. Dementia - Recently a hot topic on the Alzheimers circuit. Coconut Oil is being lamented, when used in high concentrations in the diet of dementia patients to improve cognitive function and slow decline. 

2. Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Fungal, Anti-Viral, Anti-Parasitic - Too many to name, look it up. 

3. Blood Sugar Regulation (Anti-Diabetic?) - Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose

4. Cystic Fibrosis - Improves symptoms of malabsorption

5. Cholesterol - Improves HDL (The good) cholesterol while lowering LDL (the bad)

6. Dandruff - Controls the flakes! 

7. Bone Health - Supports calcium & magnesium absorption, reducing risk of osteoporosis development. 

8. Anti-Inflammatory - May have some anti-inflammatory properties! Arthritics, look out! 

9. Urinary Function - Supports a healthy urinary tract, may reduce kidney stone formation. 

10. Skin - Skin SO Soft! 

Go out, buy some coconut oil and use it. Cant go wrong. Make sure its PURE though....ie: no other complicated ingredients. 

Walk Good. 

Funny of the Day

Keep the over 70 crowd "feisty". Age is but a number. 

Procedures: Oops, was that your ear?

Had to repair a difficult laceration on the helix of a patients ear a couple weeks ago. (Thats the cartilage-y part that sticks out for the non-medical in the crowd). Laceration? Not a problem. Painful? Absolutely. Which leads to my next procedure-related post. In case you ever need it: How to provide adequate Ear Anesthesia. 

Alternative Therapies #003: Melatonin

Melatonin. Its not just for sleep anymore. 

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the brain which regulates the sleep-wake cycle and other hormones. 

Traditionally it has been used by travelers, shift workers or geriatrics (lower melatonin levels) to regulate their sleep cycles. BUT the sleep benefits continue for a few other conditions: 

1. Menopause: May help with regulating sleep cycle in menopausal women however with no added benefit of controlling hot flashes and other associated symptoms.

2. Breast & Prostate Cancer: Melatonin may have a synergistic effect when used with some chemotherapy drugs. It has also been noted in a few studies that those with breast or prostate cancers have lower melatonin levels than those without. 

3. ADHD: May help regulate sleep cycle, no benefit to behavoral problems. 

4. Sunburns: Topical melatonin may be helpful in preventing sunburns. 

5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome: May reduce symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating etc.

6. Epilepsy: In initial studies may reduce frequency of seizures. 

Whew. Not bad eh?