"Medical Minute" is a service of Penn State Newswire brought to you by John Messmer, M.D., a family physician, medical director of Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s University Physician Group practice in Palmyra, and a 1977 graduate of Penn State College of Medicine. In 2002, Messmer was one of only 40 nominees statewide for the Family Physician of the Year Award, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians.
Allergies – not just sniffles and sneezes
By John Messmer, M.D., Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical CenterSpring has arrived. The scent of fragrant flowers is in the air. Birds are singing... and noses sneezing. Allergic rhinitis, often called "hay fever," comes from the immune system's response to a foreign substance, typically plant pollen. The word "rhinitis" refers specifically to inflammation of the nose, but allergies often affect the ears, throat, eyes and lungs as well. Plant allergies are common, but allergy sufferers can also react to many other things such as pet dander.
Exercise – the Fountain of Youth
By John Messmer, M.D.,
Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical CenterWas getting more exercise one of your New Year's resolutions? Spring is officially here Now that the snow is gone and the weather is warmer, it's time to get going.
Antibiotic resistance – The case for careful use of antibiotics
by John Messmer, M.D.,
Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
You wake up with a scratchy throat. By the end of the day your nose is stuffy, your throat really hurts and you’re getting a cough. You are going away in a few days, and you want to feel well so you call the doctor and get an appointment for the next day. By then you have a fever of 101 and pressure in your cheeks and ears. The doctor examines you and recommends rest, lots of fluids and a decongestant. What about an antibiotic? Don’t you need an antibiotic to get better by the weekend?Carbon monoxide – a quiet killer.
By John Messmer, M.D.,
You know about carbon monoxide, but did you realize it is the number one cause of unintentional poisoning death in the world? Carbon monoxide kills about 500 people in the United States annually while another 4,000 are treated for carbon monoxide poisoning according to the Centers for Disease Control. Many times people are harmed or killed by carbon monoxide because of something they overlooked or because of a simple error in judgment.
Smallpox – What’s the threat?
By John Messmer, M.D.About 40 percent of Americans have not been vaccinated against smallpox. In 1972 we stopped vaccinating children. The military ceased its smallpox vaccination program in 1990. The reason – there has not been a case of smallpox in the United States since 1949 nor in the world since 1977. The World Health Organization declared smallpox to be eradicated worldwide in 1980 as a result of an aggressive program of vaccination.
We live in a culture preoccupied with being thin. In vulnerable young women these pressures can interact with other biological, psychological and social factors and lead to an eating disorder. These factors combined are often the reasons why eating disorders have become increasingly common in our society. Over the past three decades, eating disorder cases have increased two to five times.
Women's Health – staying healthy starts with knowing the facts
Preventive health care for women is multi-faceted and complex. The diverse issues can fill volumes and new information is added to our knowledge base daily. While this is a benefit for women, it can also be confusing. The Internet has added a seemingly endless source of information which unfortunately varies from solid and authoritative to speculative and dangerous.
Erectile dysfunction – a once taboo subject my indicate other health problems
It used to be something not to be discussed in polite company and the subject of insensitive jokes. With the development of Viagra and high profile advocates such as former U.S. Senator Bob Dole, the topic of erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence has gone mainstream. That may not be a bad thing given that ED can be a symptom of other, more severe health problems.
Seasonal Affective Disorder – more than just SAD
Feeling blue since the holidays are over? Do the early nights get to you? You might have Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD, a form of depression which begins in fall or winter.
The School Nurse – On the forefront of public health
By John Messmer, M.D., Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Your child gets a fever and sore throat while at school. She sees the school nurse who assesses her and determines that a couple Tylenol and rest until dismissal is all that is needed. If that is your image of the school nurse, think again. Minor treatment is only a tiny part of the school nurse's job which today encompasses public health screening, disease management and skilled nursing care of special needs children. Complex medical problems are part of the daily routine for today's school nurse.
Feed a cold and starve a fever...or is the other way around? Theories on treatments for colds and other respiratory infections have been offered since Hippocrates noted that colds were more frequent in the winter. Everyone has his own favorite remedy and stores abound in medications for every symptom. It helps to understand what causes colds to fully appreciate how to deal with them.
Blood Donation – What's involved in giving the gift of life
During the December holiday season, feelings of goodwill for humanity blossom and the spirit of giving comes alive. In January, the decorations are down and the presents are put away. If you ever wished that the holiday spirit would last throughout the year consider giving one gift that can have a positive impact on many people in need the the gift of blood donation. January is National Blood Donor Volunteer Month. This year become a blood donor.