Patient Education

Supplements vs. Prescription Modafinil: Which Makes You Smarter?

Let’s face it, we MDs can be pretty smug sometimes. We often believe that with our universities and research, we know it all. Hence, I love studies that show that sometimes all of what we think we know isn’t enough. The most fun “naked in Times Square” moments for modern pharmaceutical-based medicine are when a…read more

Are You a Product of Genetics or Your Environment?

I have fraternal twins, so I got to watch firsthand how genetics can shape a kid. My boy is night-and-day different from his sister and he always has been, despite our best efforts to raise them the same. However, others would argue that environment often trumps genetics. So which is it? Genetics vs. Environment Genetics…read more

Why You Don’t Need Shoulder Separation Surgery

On this page: What is the AC joint? What happens in an AC joint separation? What does an AC joint separation feel like? Is shoulder separation surgery necessary? New research on surgery for AC joint dislocation When I was in medical school, I crashed a motorcycle and separated my shoulder. I was told back then…read more

Is Hip PAO Surgery a Bad Idea?

I have my list of surgeries that when I first learned of them, my reaction was, “They did what to you!?” Hip PAO surgery has been on that list for years. Why? Its goal is to replace the need for a hip replacement, but it’s far more invasive than the surgery it seeks to prevent. Let me…read more

Getting the Right MRI: What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You

One thing that surprises patients is that there can be huge differences in the quality of MRIs. I experienced this yesterday when performing a phone review with a patient. The MRI I was presented with had an image quality that was circa 1990. Since we see this from time to time, I thought it was…read more

Can Cinnamon Really Help You Lose Weight?

I love cinnamon. It adds sweetness without calories or sugar. There’s also been quite a bit of research showing that it may help stabilize blood sugar levels. Now there’s new research about cinnamon and weight loss. Cinnamon: A Timeless Spice Cinnamon comes from the bark of an ancient tree and originated in Ceylon (now Sri…read more

What Causes Tightness in the Side of the Neck?

On this page: Tight scalene muscles Scalenes compensating for other muscles Ways to treat tightness in the side of the neck I’ve already told you about my left upper trap; now meet my left scalene. When I lift too much, these muscles, which live on the side of the neck, get tight. Tight Scalene Muscles…read more

Why Do My Shoes Wear Out More Quickly on the Outside Heel?

On this page: Foot strike: pronation vs. supination How irritated back nerves can lead to supination How to treat foot supination I wear out shoes very quickly. In fact, I’ve worn down one pair of black dress shoes about 50% more on the heel on the outside, so I no longer wear them. Do you…read more