I recently read an article from Medscape titled “To Hug Or Not To Hug A Patient: Physicians Differ On The Right Behavior.” The article seems to suggest that in this #metoo and #timesup era physicians need to be more careful about how they interact with patients. Although there were varied responses on the topic, some responders suggested that it was not advisable for physicians to hug patients…
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Years ago as a medical resident, I saw a patient in the office for a routine follow-up visit. We reviewed her concerns and it appeared that all was well. Just as I was about to close the visit, the patient broke down into tears. I was puzzled. I looked at her and asked why she was crying. She went on to explain to me that she had been feeling depressed. She had been a stay home mother and now in her…
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"One of the most exciting things I see in my own practice is when patients are diagnosed with heart disease and they are able to take over with diet, exercise, and stress reduction. A lot of patients that we see can have phenomenal improvements such that they are even more fit after their heart attack, or after their diagnosis! What that tells me is we all have a certain power to improve our health."
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Travel to high altitude is very popular and often includes people with cardiovascular disease. Having moved my family and medical practice from sea level in Phoenix to beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona at 7000 feet elevation I see many patients first hand who end up in the hospital unexpectedly. In fact, years ago I saw a patient from Hawaii who had come to Flagstaff for his grandchild’s graduation…
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Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) refers to the formation of a blood clot in one of the deep veins in the body. This usually occurs in the legs. The blood clot can lead to pain or swelling, but also can occur with absolutely no symptoms. Blood clots in the deep veins can break free and travel into the lungs which is known as a Pulmonary Embolism (PE). Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is an umbrella term which…
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A staggering one in five Americans is affected by mental health conditions. Since 1949, May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in an effort to break through stigmas and provide resources. Organizations such as Mental Health America (MHA) and The National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) have led the observance reaching millions of people through the media, local events, and film…
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Self-doubt is a common obstacle to achieving success. When I think about my own experience, I recognize that there have been certain tools that have been effective in terms of staying motivated even in the midst of doubt. Here are some simple strategies which I believe can be effective.
Surround yourself with people who appreciate, love, and support you Over the years I've been fortunate to have…
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It was a sunny spring afternoon in Phoenix. I had just run my first 5K race. This small accomplishment gave me a tremendous sense of satisfaction... so I thought, “what better else to do than to take a nap.” This would not come as a surprise to any of my close friends or family.
That afternoon, I woke from my nap to look out the window and find a child lying in the middle of the street. “What…
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I looked at my office schedule and questioned why Mr. Jones was back so early. I had seen him in the office about six weeks before and he was doing well at that time. Mr. Jones, who has a history of coronary artery disease, had a heart attack several years prior. He had minimal symptoms, but given his history we decided to proceed with a stress test to evaluate his heart. He passed with flying colors!
When…
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I can easily remember the sense of gratitude that I felt when I finished my first semester in college. My public education in Maryland had prepared me well. I performed so well in my college chemistry course that I was asked to serve as a tutor for other students. Now as a father of two young children (and a third on the way!) I have my concerns about the longstanding situation facing public education…
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Are You “Woke” When It Comes To Nutrition?
Hospitalized Patients And Nutrition: A Missed Window Of Opportunity?
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We Should Never Be Afraid To Take A Mental Health Day
Reversal of Coronary Heart Disease: Four Important Points To Remember
Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Andrew Atiemo is a talented clinician, teacher, and author. He currently serves as an Interventional Cardiologist with Mountain Heart in Flagstaff, Arizona.
