Dr. Jane Sadler Health Blog
Dr. Jane Sadler is a family medicine physician on staff at Baylor Medical Center at Garland and is a regular contributor to the Dallas Morning News Health Blog. Read her latest contributions:
May 2013:
Can An Aspirin A Day Keep Melanoma Away?
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
May 21, 2013 -- Aspirin is like the mom who wears multiple hats. Just like a “mother multi-tasker” who makes the bed while at the same time cleaning the floor and folding clothes, aspirin has many simultaneous jobs. A single daily dose of aspirin reduces the risk of strokes, heart attacks, colon cancers and possibly breast and pancreatic cancers, while relieving common aches and pains. Now, according to Cancer 2013, it has been discovered that postmenopausal women with regular aspirin use have significantly lower risks of developing melanoma. Read Blog
The 3000-Dollar Question: Should You Consider Testing for Breast Cancer?
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
May 17, 2013 -- I very much appreciate Angelina Jolie’s courage in her writings posted in the New York Times this past week. While Angelina’s decision to undergo testing was necessary for her, it is not a beneficial test for everyone. Here is some basic information (BRCA “101” as I like to call it).The BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that suppress (curb) tumors. BRAC 1 and 2 genes are linked to breast and ovarian cancer among families (hereditary).Read Blog
Peppers Are A New Hot topic in the Prevention of Parkinson’s Disease
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
May 14, 2013 -- Peppers and similar vegetables contain nicotine (yes, like tobacco) that may decrease your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. A “hot topic” now among the medical community, a recent Annals of Neurology 2013 article strengthened the association between the lower incidence of Parkinson’s disease and the consumption of nicotine-rich vegetables especially peppers. Read Blog
A Little Bit of Sun Could Extend Your Life
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
May 10, 2013 --Health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler advises Texans to compare intensity of Scottish sun to Texas sun as they read about new medical study claiming that sun exposure could reduce blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke. Before you decide to take off to the beach without your sunscreen, you need to take this information with caution, she writes. This study was performed “across the pond” in Europe and not in our great state of Texas. In our region, sunburn may occur within 15 minutes of direct sun exposure and 5 sunburns at any age doubles the risk of a person’s chance of developing melanoma (skincancer.org). Read Blog
Walk…Don’t Run. It’s the Distance That Counts
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
May 7, 2013 --You do not have to physically overexert yourself in order to improve your health. Walking offers many of the same benefits without the harsh high impact activity needed with running. Who knows? You could be even healthier than that guy jogging in front of you, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler.Read Blog
Constitutional Lessons From My Dog Applied to Your Daily Constitution
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
May 4, 2013 --Fecal urgency – the sudden urge to have a bowel movement – can be a precursor to fecal incontinence. It’s a topic to discuss with your doctor, says health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. Read Blog
April 2013:
Infantile Colic May Be Linked to Childhood Migraine
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
April 30, 2013 --A recent study from the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) shows an association between childhood and adolescent migraine with kids who have had infantile colic, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. Read Blog
Fruit for Thought: Possible Help with STAAR Testing
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
April 26, 2013 --According to a recent study on blueberries and memory function, encouraging my young patient Brian to begin his morning with blueberry smoothies may have a positive effect on his memory and attention as he prepares for the STAAR, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. Another March 2009 study in Behavioral Brain Research suggests that concentrated foods with blueberries, like a daily blueberry smoothie* could improve brain function in young rats. Read Blog
Why Are We Already Talking About West Nile Virus Again?
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
April 23, 2013 -- It is spring and we are already posting warnings about mosquitoes with West Nile virus. Now that we have predicted the resurgence of the virus in our area, health care providers should be better prepared to detect the disease earlier in the course of illness. Unfortunately, much of what is available in medicine today is “supportive care” which means acetaminophen or ibuprofen to control fever and fluids to maintain comfort and prevent dehydration. Read Blog
The West Disaster and the Medical Response That Followed
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
April 18, 2013 -- Breaking news last night informing us about the fertilizer plant explosion that caused immediate damage within 4 blocks of the accident shocked all of us. People were immediately transported by ambulance or private car to local hospitals. Hillcrest and Providence Hospitals in Waco provided immediate medical assistance to the wounded. I am familiar with both hospitals as I trained in Waco and was one of many physician responders during the David Koresh Branch Davidian tragedy in 1993. I know that both hospitals are experienced and equipped to quickly prepare for possible emergent mass trauma. Read Blog
What’s Next for the Fallen Victims of the Boston Bombings?
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
April 16, 2013 -- Boston physicians dealt with fractured body parts, amputated limbs, severe burns, head injuries and blood loss. The fallen and their families may face more surgeries, dealing with wound care, learning to live with prosthetic limb, and being watchful for behavioral changes due to brain injury from the blast. Psychological counseling and medication may be necessary for post-traumatic stress disorder writes Dr. Jane Sadler. Read Blog
A New Bird Flu? Should You Be Concerned?
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
April 11, 2013 -- Today I received notification from the Center for Disease Control regarding human infections from a new avian (bird) flu (H7N9) infection write health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. Chinese public health officials have reported 14 cases of human infection and all patients were hospitalized with severe respiratory (lung) infections. If you know anyone that has returned from China with flu-like symptoms, be certain they seek immediate medical attention and testing. Read Blog
You Snooze, You May Lose…Weight!
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
April 9, 2013 -- If you’re having trouble losing weight, you might want to increase the number of hours your sleep, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. Read Blog
What Happen to Player Kevin Ware and Where Does He Go From Here?
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
April 3, 2013 -- College basketball player Kevin Ware’s compound fracture injury is more common in traumatic injuries such as motor vehicle accidents or sports involving high velocity physical contact such as football writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. The good news is that bone injuries tend to heal better than joint injuries writes Dr. Sadler, who spoke with orthopedic sports physician, Dr Anil Koganti, MD, to better explain this injury and give insight to the recovery process. Read Blog
March 2013:
Heavy Breathing: Gasses in breath linked to obesity
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
March 30, 2013 -- A recent study from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (March 28 2013) found an association between methane and hydrogen gasses in breath tests and obesity. It turns out that bacteria in the gut of people with higher body fat may be different than people with more normal body fat, writes Dr. Jane Sadler in her health blog. Read Blog
Is Cleanliness a Cause for Illness?
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
March 26, 2013 -- I admit, I am a closet clean-a-holic, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. Some would say I am a little obsessed with tidying up at my house. A 2012 study of Amish children demonstrated lower levels of asthma, allergies and eczema (skin inflammation) in kids exposed to raw cow’s milk. Apparently the exposure to natural bacteria found in raw milk (versus pasteurized milk) provided their bodies with stronger immunity to common allergens (grasses, trees, etc). The “hygiene hypothesis” (David Strachen 1989) is that kids exposed to a lot of germs early in life were less likely to become ill later in life. Read Blog
I Love Cheetos! Am I Addicted?
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
March 22, 2013 -- I love Cheetos! Don’t tell anyone (I think I already did..) but I really do LOVE Cheetos. I love Cheetos because they are high in fats and salt. This indulgent snack is a favorite among teens and considered a highly palatable food according to a Yale 2010 article from Addiction. Studies in rats consuming high levels of salt, sugars and fats have demonstrated increases in compulsive eating and consumption. Does this eating behavior mimic that of your teenager’s? Read Blog
Long Live(s) the Pope
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
March 19, 2013 -- It is astounding to see the vigor in which the popes conduct their holy responsibilities. The increased calendar years seem to hold no barriers to their hectic schedules. Studies show that people who demonstrate clean (“conscientious”) lives and work longer will live longer. Who can discount the fact that the Pope has reason to get up every morning? He has over a billion faithful people depending on him. A 1979 study by Lisa Berman at Yale found that people who were socially disconnected were 3 times more likely to die over the course of 9 years compared to those with strong social ties. Personally, I would consider having 1.2 billion Catholic followers as socially connected. Read Blog
Are You Looking Old for Your Age: 4 Facial Features Pointing to Risk for Heart Disease
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
March 15, 2013 -- Are you looking old for your age? It could be a sign for heart disease, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. According to a new Copenhagen City Heart Study, findings confirm evidence that some signs of premature physical aging may indicate significant risk for heart attack. The four signs are: (1) ear lobe creases (2) receding hairline (3) baldness at top of head (4) fatty deposits around the eyes. Read Blog
Why Most Doctors Choose to Die Differently From Their Patients
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
March 12, 2013 -- According to a February 2012 article in Wall Street Journal, 800 physicians from John Hopkins (graduating between 1948-1964) were surveyed about their own decisions on their personal end-of-life care plans. In the survey, 64% of physicians had created an advanced directive compared with 20% of the “general public”. An advanced directive lets your family know what level of medical care you would want if you were unable to make the decision on your own, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler.Read Blog
Wine: The Fountain of Youth?
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
March 8, 2013 -- I realize that many of you readers do not drink wine, but what if your doctor wrote a prescription for one glass of red wine daily, writes family medicine physician Jane Sadler? What if your doctor told you that red wine could actually reduce your risk of some cancers, heart disease and even diabetes? Read Blog
Too Cautious With Food Allergies? You May Be Doing More Harm Than Good
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
March 5, 2013 -- As a parent and physician, I understand the meaning of being “over-protective” but it is hard to let-go of our previous strict diet standard of care for our babies. Perhaps the paradox is that being too cautious may do more harm in the case of food sensitivities and we should all allow more variety and less restraint in dietary choices. Based on several studies, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAI) in a recent January Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, have made an “about-face” in recommendations when to introduce highly allergic foods to babies. Read Blog
High Heels and Exercise Can Be a Painful Experienc
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
March 2, 2013 -- Replacing tennis shoes with high heels makes little sense, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler about the new all-high-heels workout. First of all the body is propelled forward, placing unnecessary stress on the lower spine and the stabilizing tendons of the knees. In addition to shortening of the Achilles tendon that results from high heels, the ball of the foot and great toe sustain greater pressures as a result of foot positioning that occurs in high heels. A Los Angeles based studio has “heightened” the hype around the all-high-heel work out trademarked by a celebrity instructor finalist from “You Think You Can Dance”. Read Blog
February 2013:
When Being “Heart Smart” Also Means Burning Calories
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
February 26, 2013 -- A recent study from published in the New England Journal of Medicine (February 2012) surprised researchers when they found that the Mediterranean diet which includes olive oil, nuts, wine and fish, can prevent the leading cause of death in America. This number ONE cause of death in America is heart disease, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. Read Blog
Who Says Medical Billing Can’t Be Funny
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
February 21, 2013 -- I don’t find medical billing to be humorous at all. I never smile or laugh when I get my receipt for medical charges in the mail, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. As a physician leader, I sit on a medical coding compliance committee and we rarely have anything “juicy” to discuss. At our last meeting, one of our members brought in a list of new billing codes for potential use in the medical encounter. These funny codes remind me that family practice is like a “box of chocolates”, you never know WHAT you are going to get when you walk in the exam room. Read Blog
Stuck on the nightmare cruise ship, with sewage in the hallways, patient (understandably) misses appointment
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
February 18, 2013 -- I received a message from a patient apologizing she missed her appointment because she was marooned on a cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico. Hmmm….I don’t think I ever heard that excuse before; but, according to recent news reports, this excuse is entirely believable. Read Blog
When Generic Changes, the Response May Change
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
February 15, 2013 -- While changes in generic manufacturing rarely seem to affect patient care, there are noticeable differences in some medications that have been reported in the literature, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. Medications such as some generic forms of WellbutrinXL, Lipitor and ToprolXL have been pulled off the market due to inconsistencies in achieving therapeutic responses or dose-equivalent levels in the blood as the name brand medications. Read Blog
When the Doctor Becomes the Patient
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
February 13, 2013 -- “Your blood sugar is too high” was my doctor’s report. The words hit me like a ton of bricks and my thoughts quickly tumbled out of control. I may have diabetes. I need to begin checking blood sugars. According to the ADA (American Diabetes Association), approximately 25.8 million Americans have diabetes in the United States and about 7 million of the diabetes population does not know they have the disease. Read Blog
Thank You for Tracking Blood Pressures on Your Mobile Device
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
February 7, 2013 -- I love it when patients partner with me to improve their health, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. One of the most engaging methods some patients practice for good wellbeing is tracking blood pressures on their mobile device. Twice in the last week, I have had patients demonstrate blood pressure trends in graph format that have impacted my ability to better manage their medications. Read Blog
I Am So Glad You Lost Weight, But…
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
February 5, 2013 -- Studies show time and time again, that less calorie intake equals less weight. People do not have to spend a lot of money to understand that concept. Nonetheless, many weight loss programs include a little more “hand-holding” which definitely adds to successful results. I cannot, however, recommend your program over any other; but, if the program works best for YOU and has proven long lasting results, then it is YOUR best fit. Read Blog
January 2013:
It’s American Heart Month So Get Your RED-On!
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
January 31, 2013 -- The ancient Egyptians believed that the heart, rather than the brain, was the body’s organ responsible for memory, emotions, and personality. Over the last few centuries, we have come to learn the function of the heart and the circulatory system. And, over the past several decades we are learning to appreciate the importance of good heart health. February is American Heart Month and we are reminded that heart disease is the number one cause of death in Texas. Read Blog
How Can You Stay Slim After Eating 32 Donuts?
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
January 29, 2013 -- Thirty-two donuts! That’s how many Uncle Si ate in a family donut-eating contest on Duck Dynasty’s recent television episode. Thirty-two (32) donuts! He sat down at the counter and ate thirty-two donuts. Based on my extensive medical training and professional viewing experience with Duck Dynasty , I am highly concerned that Uncle Si has diabetes. Read Blog
Chronic Cough Causing Concern?
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
January 24, 2013 -- Most coughs associated with respiratory illnesses (including the flu) may take an average of 18 days to resolve according to a January 2013 study just released in the Annals of Family Medicine journal. If you are feeling well other than the cough, you should just try to wait it out and see if the cough goes away on its own. However, recognize these alarm symptoms that should trigger you to go see your doctor: An antibiotic prescription is not the automatic solution. Especially in our pediatric population, we are intensely trying to cut back on antibiotic use in situations of cough. Read Blog
Flu Update: What I Did Not Blog About…
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
January 21, 2013 -- I was celebrating, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. I had been so eager to write about the fact that only about 15% of the ill people I attended to Saturday had the flu virus. Then, Sunday came and hit me like a ton of bricks. My first four patients tested positive for the flu. Then, more and more patients with complications from the flu: dehydration with vomiting, and pneumonia. Read Blog
Juicing May Be Putting You at Risk for Diabetes
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
January 18, 2013 -- The juicing craze may have unexpected side effects, writes health blogger Dr. Jane. Sadler. Elevated blood sugars in an otherwise healthy adult patient on a juicing diet raised my level of concern for this popular diet craze. The high fructose-corn syrup diet and a family history of diabetes was what triggered us to check “Sam’s” blood sugars. This 23-year-old had a glucose (blood sugar) that was significantly elevated approximately 2 hours after eating. Untreated persistently elevated blood sugars define diabetes which is a disease that can damage the blood vessels, kidneys, eyes and heart. Read Blog
Come In Healthy, Leave With the Flu
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
January 15, 2013 -- Two patients last week called within days of their physicals, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. They had developed flu-like symptoms within 24-48 hours of their office visits for their physicals. Symptoms included high fever, cough, muscle aches and runny nose. We can only hope there is Tamiflu (to treat flu) still available at the local pharmacy. My advice for patients who have scheduled well checks/physicals in the next several weeks is to consider rescheduling your appointment if you have no urgent concerns. Read Blog
Trust Your Doctor and Leave the Rhinoceros Alone
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
January 10, 2013 -- Please don’t sacrifice the rhinoceros: use acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead and trust your doctor to help you take care of your medical problems. Do you really believe that using rhinoceros’s horn is going to improve your sex life, cure your cancer, or improve your health in any other way, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. Read Blog
New Information to Protect Your Brain Health
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
January 8, 2013 -- Beta blockers (a blood pressure medication) may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. That is great and interesting news just released from the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting and super food for my blog today. But the main meal comes from an earlier medical article from 2007 The Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery Psychiatry. According to this study, another class of commonly used blood pressure medications and cholesterol lowering medications can significantly decrease the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Read Blog
Fructose Vs Glucose: A Quick Guide for Your New Year’s Resolution
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
January 7, 2013 -- I am certain that most people have “weight loss” on the top of their New Year’s resolution list, writes health blogger Dr. Jane Sadler. But why should I take time to explain why it matters which sweetener you choose? For many reasons. There are significant differences in how the sugar fructose and glucose are metabolized by the body. Read Blog
5 Ways to Deal with Post Holiday Blues
The Dallas Morning News Health blog
January 2, 2013 -- The holidays are over…wait, what was that sound? It was the screeching sound of brakes being rapidly applied by a heavy foot at the abrupt end of the holiday season, writes health blogger, Dr. Jane Sadler, Baylor Health Care System. The tree is on the curb (or in the attic) and the lights and wreaths have been put away. Oh, sadness. But why do so many of us suffer from post holiday blues (we’ll call it “PHB)? And, how do we overcome these feelings? Read Blog
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