If you are over 65, the last time that were in for an annual exam, you probably were asked to remember three words and say them back. You may also have been asked to draw a clock. If you’re under 65, ask a family member. This exercise is the Mini-Cog, which is a very brief … Continue reading Why do I have to remember the three words?
The Vaccine Schedule (according to Dr. Joshua Usen) Part 2
Hepatitis A - Hepatitis A is a viral illness that can infect the liver. Hep A can come from contact with unsafe water, raw sewage and by eating food that has the virus in it. It is very commonly found in other countries, so travelers can be exposed. Hep A is often responsible for the … Continue reading The Vaccine Schedule (according to Dr. Joshua Usen) Part 2
Changes to Medicare Part D Out-of-pocket expenses
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has brought changes to how much people may have to pay for their prescriptions. Admittedly, it is complicated. Below is a link with information directly from the federal government. 2026 Medicare Part D Out-of-Pocket Cost Changes Key points: There are three phases: Deductible - patient has to pay for … Continue reading Changes to Medicare Part D Out-of-pocket expenses
Colon Cancer Screening
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the US and worldwide. Up-to-date statistics can be found at the Colon Cancer Alliance webpage. The official recommendations are from the US Preventative Screening Task Force. In general, if you are 45 years or older, you should speak with your doctor about getting screened for … Continue reading Colon Cancer Screening
Fibromyalgia resources
Fibromyalgia is real disease, despite what many people - both within and outside of the medical community believe. It is a complicated condition whose root cause(s) are not known. Those who have it experience pain more intensely and often have poor sleep, chronic tiredness and varying degrees of depression and/or anxiety. I am not an … Continue reading Fibromyalgia resources
H-1B visa changes hurt physicians and patients
The U.S. Government’s decision to raise the fee to $100,000 for H-1B visas will impact healthcare for American citizens in several ways. H-1B visas are a type of visa that many foreign born physicians-in-training use to practice in the U.S. Previously, these visas cost $5000 and were generally covered by the hospital in which the physician … Continue reading H-1B visa changes hurt physicians and patients
Over-the-Counter Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Devices
Many people use glucometers to check their sugars to help keep their diabetes under control. Over the past several years, the use of the Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) has increased. These devices allow for nearly moment-to-moment assessment of one's sugars. These have many benefits, including NOT having to poke one's fingers. A barrier has been … Continue reading Over-the-Counter Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Devices
Statin Alternatives
Statins are the gold standard medicines for lowering cholesterol. Many have been available for over 30 years and have been extensively tested and studied. For several years, the most commonly prescribed medicine in the entire world was Lipitor (a statin). This is because they are very effective and generally safe. High cholesterol can cause plaques … Continue reading Statin Alternatives
Do you have a Healthcare Proxy?
A health care proxy allows someone you trust to make medical decisions if you’re unable to speak. It’s easy to set up—and one of the most important forms you’ll ever complete.
The Vaccine Schedule (according to Dr. Joshua Usen) Part 1
When things as demonstrably beneficial as vaccines have been saddled with unwarranted doubt, it can become necessary to overly simplify recommendations. Very bluntly, I know more about vaccines than 99% of people in the world. Your hesitation likely comes from information obtained from a dubious source (probably on-line) or a misunderstanding of how and why … Continue reading The Vaccine Schedule (according to Dr. Joshua Usen) Part 1
DR JOSHUA USEN 