Blog

06/08/2024 - GLP-1 agonist Semaglutide  and Tirzepatide are game changers for contolling diabetes and obesity.  Additionally, Glucagon-like peptide-1 functions have benefits on multiple organs. In the Pancreas, they increases insulin secretion and leads to the formation of Beta cells.  Other benefits include inhibiting glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and suppresses appetite.  GLP-1 agonists also have cardiovascular benefits in obesity without diabetes. Liver benefits include improvement in fatty liver, NASH, and liver fibrosis, lowers alcohol cravings, decreases inflammation, improves lipid profiles, reduced blood pressure, modulates autoimmunity and has neuroprotective effects. Newer version are in development that may have even more positive outcomes. Stay tuned.

03/08/2023 - Obesity is a national epidemic and there is now an FDA-approved GLP-1 agonist available by injection. Careful screening for a family history of Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) is very important prior to starting treatment. 

02/11/2023 - Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency  (AATD) is a rarely thought of and diagnosed condition that may lead to emphysema even in the never smoker. Free genetic testing is available to help in making a diagnosis and treatment is available that may slow the progression of the disease. 

12/19/2022 - Sleep apnea is a very common condition that is too often missed. Untreated sleep apnea may lead to cardiovascular risk and daytime symptoms, such as sleepiness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and other comorbidities. Home sleep studies  (HST) are the quickest and easiest way to make the diagnosis in order to initiate treatment. 

12/15/2022 - If you develop upper respiratory symptoms today, you may have 1 of several respiratory viruses circulating. Immunity is down in the population from isolation over the last 2 years and therefore we are all at risk. Early detection and treatment with antivirals are key to a quicker recovery. 

12/14/2022 - Flu or influenza is everywhere, as is RSV and several other respiratory infections. If you test negative for COVID-19 and have flu-like symptoms, a reasonable approach is to try Xofluza (if covered) or Tamiflu. Most respond quickly if taken shortly after symptoms start. Similiar to Paxlovid for COVID.