Expired Epipen Still Effective

Though one should always use an EpiPen that is not expired, it is better to use an expired EpiPen to treat anaphylaxis than to do nothing at all. A few studies published between 2000 and 2017 suggest that epipens have a shelf-life much longer than the printed expiration date. A study published in May 2017 as well as two earlier studies published in April 2015 and May 2000 suggest that even if the epipen is expired, it is still effective and safe for use in severe allergic reactions …

5/08/2017 0

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Why are Magazines So Old in Doctor Waiting Rooms?

It certainly is a complaint in our practice... Why is it that magazines in doctor waiting rooms (including ours) tend to be so outdated??? And not just old, but the "boring" ones? One factor is that an office staff member has been negligent in replacing old magazines with new ones. Another is that... gasp... patients are stealing the new ones??? Researchers in New Zealand set out to study this common complaint and did find that new magazines tend to "disappear" resultin…

12/13/2014 0

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What is the BEST Way to Disinfect a Toothbrush?

In my previous blog article , I discussed the debate over whether a toothbrush becomes "contaminated" leading to the practice of throwing them out after a strep throat infection. Although the answer is still ambiguous whether it helps or not, the fact that even NEW toothbrushes contain harmful bacteria brings even more confusion on what to do. Going on the assumption that bacteria on a toothbrush is harmful and if a new or old toothbrush contain such bacteria, perhaps the best …

5/05/2013 0

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Tonsillectomy Circa 1940s [video]

I encountered this interesting video of tonsillectomy being performed in a child with sedation (but NO intubation) performed circa 1940s. Of course, nowadays, tonsillectomy is performed under general anesthesia with intubation for airway protection. Below is a video of the way it is now done. That is, unless, you practice in other parts of the world where modern medicine is not up to United States standards. In those nations, tonsillectomy is STILL being performed WITHOUT general ane…

10/25/2011 0

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What About a "Voice-Lift" with your Facelift?

I was informed about this interesting concept on ABC news ... With many aging baby boomers tapping into cosmetic surgery in order to look younger, some are taking it a step further to "sound" younger as well with a "voice lift". For some, it's not right to look 10-20 years younger after a facelift but still sound like 70 years old. A hoarse voice with aging is not unusual, but a surgical "voice-lift" is not necessarily the first step that should …

8/05/2011 0

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