Quitting smoking is probably the hardest thing I ask my patients to do. Many patients try to quit multiple times before finally being able to quit permanently. Smoking is a frustrating and profound addiction.
A new medication has recently been approved for smoking cessation. The medication is varenicline and is being marketed under the brand name Chantix. Its efficacy was studied in three randomized blinded trials that were all published...
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A Concierge Physician Can Be Handy When Traveling
Last Saturday's business section of the Los Angeles Times featured an article by James Gilden that discusses the benefits of concierge medicine for frequent travelers. It tells the very dramatic story of one of my patients, Mr. Andrew Gitkin, who found himself unexpectedly in need of help while abroad. When you have a chance, please take a few minut...
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Horse Chestnut Seed Extract Is Effective for Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency is a very common and very uncomfortable condition. It occurs when the valves in the veins of the legs become leaky, leading to leg swelling, pain and itching. When severe, skin breakdown can occur. The most effective treatment is compression stockings, which can be uncomfortable and difficult to use. An effective oral medication would be a major advance in terms of convenience.
Horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE) is a herbal remedy sometimes used for venous insuffici...
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Lipitor Helps Prevent a Second Stroke
An important study in this week's New England Journal of Medicine expands what we know about the benefits of cholesterol lowering medications. Statins, a family of cholesterol lowering medications which include Crestor (rosuvastatin), Lescol (fluvastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin), and Zocor (simvastatin), have already been proven to have many benefits. We al...
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Saw Palmetto Does Not Help for Prostate Enlargement
Some of my patients ask me if I "believe in" Eastern, or holistic, or homeopathic medication. The truth is I don't "believe in" any kind of medicine. I need to be convinced. I'm not a Western medicine chauvinist; I'm an evidence-based medicine chauvinist. If there is a good study that supports that a medication is safe and effective I'll use it. I won't ask if it comes from the East or West, or if it's natural or artificial, or if it's a tablet or a crushed leaf. I just want the evidence.
Tha...
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