Dr. Thompson's Blog

Be Aware of Medical Misinformation, Unnecessary Tests, or Medications

Medical misinformation or unnecessary tests can cause a lot of problems and hurt patients.  There are some excellent Internet sites such as the Mayo Clinic, but even medical books can have statements that are incorrect.  Several years ago an article of mine was published about a Duchenne muscular dystrophy patient who had a child. I had sent blood from the patient, his wife, and child to a prominent geneticist at USC Medical Center to ensure the child was the son of the father.  Probably still in medical books today you may read that Duchenne dystrophy males are unable to  have  children. The Internet has several websites that contain erroneous information, so it is always wise to check with a physician you trust if you have a medical question. When you see an M.D., it is also wise to ask why a specific medical procedure, X-ray, MRI or blood tests are needed. My  granddaughter saw an internist for a physical exam at a California medical school. However, the physician did not take a history or do a physical examination but instead ordered a bunch of lab tests, none of which were indicated. The one test she should have ordered was not ordered. She also never called my granddaughter to give the results of the tests.  So bad medicine exists even in medical schools. If a new medicine is prescribed, you want to be sure it does not interact with any other medication you may be taking. Too many physicians do not check about interactions. A good pharmacist can help if you have questions. Some medicines should not be taken on an empty stomach, so that is also wise to check. 

Interesting Articles for Parents on the Internet

Several individuals have sent me articles they thought would be of interest to parents who read my Blog. One that Sonny Griffin sent me is how to prevent choking in children. In reviewing it, I told her I disagreed about letting little children have hot dogs, even if they are sliced. i think hot dogs can be dangerous and would  not have them in the house if you have a small child. The Web site she sent is www.nannywebsites.com/blog/pop-quiz-how-you-can-prevent-choking-in-children.

Sophia Nelson kindly sent me a Web site about how kids are ruining their hearing with their loud music. I agree with this, but also wish that more doctors treated ear infections appropriately. If a child is having frequent ear infections, I would urge parents to see a pediatric ear, nose, and throat doctor. I always opened and drained bulging, infected ear drums and always got a lot of pus.  Many parents are convinced I saved their children's hearing. The Web site about hearing is www.herzan.com/resources/articles/hearing-loss-and-musicians.html.

The third article  was sent by Rosa Ray about what parents should know about TV time. The link is www.onlinecollegecources.com/2012/02/28/the-truth-about-tv-time-15-findings-every-parent-should-know/ Another good site to check is Up and Away. This site discusses Keeping Young Children Safe Around Medicine. Michelle, Valerie, and Kendra kindly sent this information. My thanks to all and I hope the articles will be helpful.

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Parenting Medical and Other Information on Apps and the Web

I am having a hard time understanding why parents need to resort to Apps and the Internet to raise their children. Where are the family doctors and the pediatricians? Don't the doctors talk to their patients any more? I still hear from parents whose children I cared for when I first started my pediatric practice in 1963.

I think part of the problem is that parents are so busy these days that looking something up on their Smartphone or other gadget may be faster than trying to get in touch with a doctor. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of misinformation on the Internet. The New York Times today has an article stating that WebMD now has a parenting app. I have done interviews on WebMD and know they are more reliable than several other sources. However, once again if there is a problem with a child, the doctor should know about it.

Another reason I believe that parents are turning to all these artifical ways to get information is that most medical schools these days are not teaching practical pediatrics. Now it is all about theory and technology.   I think this is a tragedy. I had a classroom built onto my office where I held free monthly parenting classes. They were lots of fun and both the parents and I learned a lot.

Be Careful About What You Believe on Health Web Sites

I have had three or four different people contact me about including some of their product information in my Blog. I have said "No" to each one and will continue to say 'No". I think that, as a physician, this would be unethical. Yet in reading a 10/7/10 article by Stuart Elliott in the New York Times apparently other health Web sites don't share my same concerns. In his New York Times article, I was amazed and sad to read that several of the Web sites supposedly devoted to health may contain advertisements which are often disguised as "health information."

So how does the average, non-medical person know that a health "fact" is indeed not a fact but an advertisement? I think the answer is that you should look at all health Web sites with a skeptical eye unless the information comes from the Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic or similar sources. I looked at some of the health Web sites  mentioned in the article and was appalled at all the advertisments. At least these can clearly be seen as ads and are not embedded in an article and supposed to be facts.

Advertising is major business in this country, particularly for drugs. We are inundated with drug ads on TV, in magazines, and on the radio. Other countruies are much smarter about this and only New Zealand and the United States alllow drug ads on television. If the drug companies could spend less money on advertising then they could reduce the greatly inflated prices of some of their drugs. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

 

When Hospitals and Medicines Can Make Us Sick

My advice to friends and patients in the last few years has always been that if you can stay away from doctors and hospitals you will be much healthier. This may seem like strange advice to come from a physician. However, as life gets more complicated and money seems to be the ruling force in medicine and life these days I think it is excellent advice.

If you have  to go to the hospital you want to be very sure  sure that you have the very best doctor possible and not skimp on paying for the best health insurance you can afford, so you can chose any doctor you wish. Not only should you check out your doctors through State Medical Board Web sites and friends but you also need to check out your hospital. Hospital infections are a major source of trouble these days. A new Web site has been created by those who are concerned about this. The Web site www.haiwatch.com has been set up to be a watchdog for hospital infections. Now a new Web site called Healthcare-Associated Infections Watchdog has been added. It is is www.haiwatchdog.com.

Medicines too can make you ill if they interact with other medicines  you are taking,  particularly if several different doctors give you prescriptions and don't check on what medications you are already taking. There also appears to be an increased risk for older individuals in that some drugs can have quite toxic effects because they are not removed from the body as quickly as in younger people.

So by getting exercise, eating healthy food, having some fun, good friends, and doing something for others instead of being so concerned about having the biggest house, big cars, and perfect  kids you should have a much longer and healthier life.