Little Black Bag

A Personal Hero of Mine.

2009-02-27T21:01:10-05:00

Not only is this a fascinating read but it is a remarkable TRUE story.

Tea had the pleasure of working with Dr Catena in Kenya. Since that experience and after hearing her stories about the remarkable skill and determination that Dr Catena has I am humbled beyond belief.

I count him as one of my Heros.

Dr Tom Catena- An American Family Doctor in Sudan

Beware of YouTube & Wikipedia

2007-12-06T00:00:00-05:00

I should not act surprised to hear that people are beginning to look to YouTube and Wikipedia as "reliable" sources of information, but honestly, I'm shocked and even disgusted by it.
I even hear that college students are even using references to Wikipedia for college papers and research. This is terrifying.

This recent Canadian report suggest that YouTube videos (related to vaccinations) are filled with faults and these misinformed videos are viewed MORE often than educated videos.

YouTube as a Source of Information on Immunization: A Content Analysis

The Internet is a wonderful thing and I FULLY support online research. However, we must view all information as suspicious and consider it's source. Wikipedia, YouTube, and other openly populated informational sights can be a good starting point of information, but they should not be considered factual without further study.
What makes Wiki and YouTube great, is also it's downfall.

Remember: Knowledge determined by the majority does NOT make it true.

I think Galileo & Copernicus would agree with that.

Raising Smart Kids?

2007-11-29T00:00:00-05:00

This Article from Scientific America is one of the best summaries I have seen about how to encourage children and not blindly "praise" them.

We have for years been so worried about our children's self-esteem that we have forgotten to teach our children to constantly strive for better. As Ernest Hemmingway put it,
"Contentment is the foe of heresy." i.e.- Those who are content will never question anything.

The Secret to Raising Smart Kids
Hint: Don't tell your kids that they are. More than three decades of research shows that a focus on effort—not on intelligence or ability—is key to success in school and in life

Want Your New Mom to Lose that Pregnancy Weight?

2007-11-21T00:00:00-05:00

More reason to support new moms. This is a significant study. fairly well done (although it doesn't address all the variables.) Mom's that don't get enough sleep are 3 times more likely to hold on to the pregnancy weight at one year. Ok dad's, time to strap on those boots and do more 1am baby feedings:)

Sleep Helps New Moms Fit into Their Old Jeans

by Allison Aubrey

America Gives to School Children

2007-11-15T00:00:00-05:00

Im a big believer in giving to education and children (the only way that has ever improved poverty.) This website is great.

Donors Choose

Teachers apply for a school project, you get to choose a project and help fund it. Then the teacher will perform the project & you get feedback about how the project went. And of course... it's tax deductible.

If your looking for a way to give back to this world. This may be a nice and rewarding way to do it.

"But I dont like taking medicine"

2007-10-19T00:00:00-05:00

It has been brought to my attention once again that the American public has a poor misconception of what is medicine.
Whether it is the "natural" supplements that patients forget to mention to the doctor, or the 7 cups of coffee that the anxiety patient has each day. There is one simple truth about medicine.

It is ANYTHING you put on or into your body for a desired effect.

well, you may say... that seems silly Dr B. think about it.

We take medicine into our body to produce some specific effect.
Water? of course it's medicine. without it we die. We use water to treat people all the time in the hospital. it can even make you sick if you take to much (an adverse side effect.)

Food? almost the same as above. we eat so that we feel good and not hungry. To much and we again, can become sick.

Sun-Tan Lotion? applied to the skin to protect from the sun and prevent aging and burns.

what about the Sun? some people chose to allow the suns rays to enter their body so they can change their skin color or to feel "rejuvenated." But of course, to much and you burn and even can get cancer.

I hope readers can understand. Obviously I have taken this to an extreme, but the point is that we are surrounded by medicine. it is everywhere! And it is silly for us to believe that side effects and adverse reactions are somehow limited to the "medicines" that you buy at a pharmacy.
I encourage people to always consider everything in their lives when they have medical problems. The source of the problem may lay with the simplest and most natural thing in your house.

Remember that everything that goes on or into your body can potentially harm you. Even "natural" things. Rattlesnake poison is natural, doesn't make it good for you!

We are what we eat.

2007-09-06T00:00:00-05:00

Here is a New York Times article about a recent study performed by the British government.
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Some Food Additives Raise Hyperactivity, Study Finds
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This was a high quality study and is good evidence that a diet high in preservatives and artifial coloring leads to more hyperactivity and inattention in children.
Should we all run to our pantries and throw away our junk food? well maybe....
the fact is that moderation is always the key. We would be healthier by eating more vegitables and fruit, but public health evidence suggest that taking ALL preservatives out our food supply would lead to more illness related to consumption of spoiled foods.

The take home message is to reduce and limit. Eat more Fruits and Vegitables.
You may find your childs behavoir and grades improving.

Worried about Teen Sex? Talk to THEM.

2007-09-04T00:00:00-05:00

It's no surprise that Underage sex (like so many other problems of childhood) can be directly related to parental involvement.
A recent article on "Psychology Today" gives a nice short summary to consider.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-2139.html

In essence, remember these three things:

1. Perceptions of peer pressure leads to sex at an earlier age. Many young teens think "ALL" of their friends are having sex when in fact it's likely the minority. Help them to understand that and not to listen to the media and television that makes teenage sex seem so omnipresent.

2. Young Teens (particularly females) dating much older partners leads to sex at an earlier age. This is difficult to deal with and can often be a source of great family drama and disputes. Again.... talk to your teenager and let them know of your concerns. Be steadfast and show your support for your child. They will understand and hopefully make mature decisions.

3. Underage sex may not be preventable but RISKY sexual behavior may be. Research suggest that parents that have frequent conversations about the dangers of sexual activity greatly reduced high risk behaviors by their children. TALK TO THEM and OFTEN!

ultimately, all young adults will make their own decisions. Parents, be there and be active for your children. Trust that they will make good decisions (with your guidance.)
Most importantly... HUG them and let them know you love them no matter what.