Capstone Blog

COVID-19

Written by Paul Davis on March 15, 2020, 11 p.m.

It seems to be more clear than ever that we are facing the most historic health care challenge to our world in the last century with the spread of this novel virus called COVID-19. The world of immediate information at our fingertips has both positive and negative effects, but try to stay well informed since changes come frequently. At this time, the best advice is to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 ... (read more...)

Suncreen, why use it?

Written by Jeffrey Davis on July 8, 2011, 1:36 a.m.

First, lets cover the basics of sun exposure and why sunscreen is important. Melanoma. This cancer is on the rise and almost 70% of cases worldwide may be attributed to excess sun exposure. UV radiation is the specific type of light that is implicated and is made up of both UV-A and UV-B. Fair skinned people are 20 times more likely to get melanoma than blacks. Multiple studies have linked tanning bed usage to an ... (read more...)

Spider Bites

Written by Jeffrey Davis on June 14, 2011, 11:23 p.m.

Spider Bites Those of us who have staffed ERs have heard this chief complaint from our patients many times. The patient commonly presents with a papule on the skin that is tender and red. As common as this complaint is its rarely due to a spider. Of the thousands of spider species that exist around the world only a few spider pose a threat to humans. Those spiders that do pose a risk are widow ... (read more...)

Question of the week 5-20: Psoriasis

Written by Jeffrey Davis on May 24, 2011, 10:31 p.m.

Psoriasis and its treatment Psoriasis is a common skin problem that affects the life cycle of skin cells. The cells will often build up into plaques that are characterized best their silver scale.  About 2.5% of Caucasians and 1.3% of African Americans suffer from psoriasis . The disease is chronic with periods of flareup and periods of remission (when the skin may look normal.) Remission is most common in the summer months. This may be ... (read more...)

Question of the week 5-13: Edema

Written by Jeffrey Davis on May 16, 2011, 10:56 p.m.

From Safia Gadelkarim Lyon: "My 93yr old grandfather-in-law has had extensive swelling in his hands and feet. After going to the doctor, he was told it was from eating too much salt. He admits he's eating salted popcorn 3 to 4 times a day. Can salt really cause that much swelling? I can press my finger on his hand and leave an indention for at least 45 to 60 seconds. Is there potentially something else happening?" ... (read more...)

About those prescription warnings...

Written by Paul Davis on May 16, 2011, 12:33 a.m.

It's always interesting to see the response to that page and a half of warnings that goes with almost every prescription I write these days. The TV ads are also a little scary at the end when they warn about how these great drugs could actually harm you. It's obviously a good idea to be well informed, but there are some potential downsides.Take for instance the cholesterol lowering drugs called statins: Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor, Pravachol, ... (read more...)

If I Can Do It Anybody Can

Written by Paul Davis on May 8, 2011, 10:26 p.m.

I have a confession. I'm not crazy about exercise. Over the past 3-4 years I've had my usual list of excuses for not taking the time to get off my derriere and burn some "rubber" (blubber, that is). I'm sure my book of excuses is as big as yours, so trust me, I understand the challenge of regular exercise!But this January I made a promise to myself (and my wife) that I would join the ... (read more...)

It Can Happen to Anybody

Written by Paul Davis on April 10, 2011, 4:34 p.m.

A year and a half ago while shaving, I noticed a tiny black spot on my left cheek I had not seen before. After a couple weeks of watching it, I decided to have it removed. Surely it was nothing. I had no family history of skin cancer. Had to be just a new freckle, but better be safe than sorry! Then I got the phone call from my surgeon friend. Melanoma! A dangerous terrorist ... (read more...)