Come On (C’Mon) Man and Lady, Please
A signature health tip that has been appreciated by many is “come on (c’mon) man”, a phrase that is very well known to sports fans. During the past several months, I have heard a couple of “come on man” comments that should sound familiar. I’m gonna keep smoking...
African Americans Should Ask More Questions
I have practiced medicine for many years and have become somewhat enlightened about health disparities that affect African Americans and the underserved. It is apparent to me and others, who have studied health disparities, that some of the guidelines regarding cancer...
Being Healthy and Obese is a Myth
Obesity, a major medical issue, not often discussed, is prevalent in the African American community and I hesitate to discuss the disease because it can be a touchy subject. Recent medical research reveals that people who are obese are likely to develop heart failure,...
Your Lab Work
Visits to your primary care physician are not always about a pain concern or an issue with your body. During the office visit, your blood work results should be discussed, with you, by the physician. You should have a working knowledge about what your blood is...
The Importance of Health Literacy
Several months ago, I received a letter from a lady who inquired as to why my TV and radio segments addressed issues that only affect African Americans and the underserved. I do not know her racial identity, but I thought it was a very appropriate question, especially...
Health Issues in Rural Areas
My current medical practice is in urban South Carolina, but my career, as a physician, started in the rural area. South Carolina is a rural state which means most of it is a rural area. Recently, the CDC ascertained that people who live in rural areas are likely to...
Hepatitis C – Baby Boomers, Get Checked
Baby boomers have been encouraged, during the past several months, to get screened for hepatitis C. What is interesting and not clear to me is the reason this age group of people has not been targeted. It is also unusual that not one of my patients has requested a...
Heart Failure and Over the Counter Medications
Heart failure is one of the most common reasons people over the age of 65 are admitted to the hospital. It is an abnormal condition in which the demands of the body cannot be met by the heart, meaning the pump has failed. This condition is characterized by shortness...