The probability of abnormal cardiac function is increased when both the echocardiogram and the RNA are abnormal, rather than when just one of the two is abnormal.B. One modality, either echocardiogram or RNA, should be the consistent method of testing at every evaluation, with the other added when confirmatory testing is required.C. Perform studies before [...]

I think every day should be a beautiful day—a fresh start. When I speak in seminars and workshops, I often take along a box of FRESH START soap as a visual aid to emphasize this point. At home I use FRESH START to wash clothes and JOY to wash dishes. They both remind me that [...]

Classic migraines begin with disturbances of vision. Soon after a painful headache rises to its throbbing crescendo. As often as not nausea and vomiting supervene rendering the use of oral medication completely ineffective. Doctors don’t talk about removing the pain of a migraine headache. They talk about adequate relief. Nor do doctors talk about preventing [...]

A surprisingly frequent precipitant of psychologically induced impotence is a heart attack. After a heart attack, people tend to turn off to sex, afraid that if they get aroused or have intercourse they will have another. In fact this celebrated way to go is highly overrated. In one study of a large group of men [...]

The greatest danger facing a recovering addict or alcoholic is that of relapse. Chemical dependence is known as a ‘relapsing illness’. Coming off drugs or drink is simple: staying off them is the real problem. That is why no addict or alcoholic should think of himself or herself as cured. As we have said before, [...]

Orgasm Disorders Up to 50 percent of the male population is affected by premature ejaculation at some time in their lives. Premature ejaculation is ejaculation that occurs prior to or very soon after the insertion of the penis into the vagina. Treatment for premature ejaculation involves a physical examination to rule out organic causes. If [...]

Most patients with unrecognized HIV infection are asymptomatic, and therefore primary care providers must be keenly aware of risk behaviors-and high-risk populations to target HIV testing to the groups in whom it is most needed. Recent studies have consistently shown that at least half of patients at highest risk for HIV perceive themselves to be [...]

On the surface, the treatment of epilepsy seems little more effective than it did 100 years ago when the first anticonvulsant drugs were introduced. At that time about a third of sufferers lost their fits altogether with drug treatment, a third were improved and a third were no better or worse after treatment. These figures [...]

What about urine tests? These tests have been the mainstay of self-monitoring for many years. The kidneys help to maintain the normal blood glucose concentration by saving glucose from being excreted. However, the kidneys do not conserve glucose indefinitely and when the blood glucose level rises above the kidney, or renal, threshold (which is slightly [...]

Narcotics Anonymous, which is made up of thousands of recovering addicts from all over the world, started in July 1953 when a bunch of addicts got together to help each other come off drugs and stay clean, in order to lead happy lives again. In fact, it grew out of the experience of Alcoholics Anonymous, [...]