Author - The Durango Herald

Adverse effects of high blood pressure accumulate over time

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is commonly referred to as “the silent killer.” This common chronic illness often does not produce early symptoms. Yet, the effects of high b...

DATE: May 25, 2017 | CATEGORY: La Plata Health Watch

Diet, exercise can prevent nation’s leading killer

This epidemic started in the developing world and has now spread to become among the leading causes of death worldwide. It is the epidemic of cardiovascular disease. Heart diseas...

DATE: Apr 20, 2017 | CATEGORY: La Plata Health Watch

Spot Type 2 diabetes symptoms early to control disease

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is among the most common chronic diseases in the United States. Unfortunately, it is becoming more common. Type 2 diabetes mellitus refers to a condition ...

DATE: Mar 23, 2017 | CATEGORY: La Plata Health Watch

Fluoride in public water systems improves health

The summer after my first year of medical school, I spent time working with a community dentist who was the first to teach me the association between oral health and systemic disease. ...

DATE: Feb 23, 2017 | CATEGORY: La Plata Health Watch

Vaccinations are crucial to global public health

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Sometimes, old-style wisdom has a way of grounding our contemporary logic. This aphorism is no less true for matters of health than for any o...

DATE: Jan 26, 2017 | CATEGORY: La Plata Health Watch

Suicide is a real problem with real solutions. Resources can help

Mood disorders are among the most common chronic health conditions affecting human beings. According to the National Institutes of Health, in the United States, more than 16 mill...

DATE: Dec 21, 2016 | CATEGORY: La Plata Health Watch

Report reveals alarming scope of substance abuse in U.S.

The U.S. Surgeon General recently published a landmark report on alcohol, drugs and health. According to the report, almost 21 million people in America have a substance use diso...

DATE: Nov 23, 2016 | CATEGORY: La Plata Health Watch

When lower back pain strikes, rest is your friend

A friend of mine once reflected that you know youâ€™re getting old when you hurt yourself in your sleep. He was talking about waking up with a sore back. Low back pain is one of t...

DATE: Oct 26, 2016 | CATEGORY: La Plata Health Watch

Hands-only CPR can save lives: Are you ready?

Imagine you witness an adult suddenly collapse, become unresponsive and stop breathing. What would you do? Do you know cardio-pulmonary resuscitation? Do you feel comfortable eno...

DATE: Sep 28, 2016 | CATEGORY: La Plata Health Watch

These 5 factors combine to influence your health

As a primary care physician for almost 20 years, I have been humbled by the privilege of being part of the lives of so many. This experience has given me an opportunity to observ...

DATE: Aug 24, 2016 | CATEGORY: La Plata Health Watch

Taking 5 or more medications? It may be time to de-prescribe

Dr. Benjamin Franklin mused that, “the best doctor gives the least medicines.” Some 200-plus years later, his words still ring true. Data from the Centers for Disease Control an...

DATE: Jul 27, 2016 | CATEGORY: La Plata Health Watch

Early diagnosis of diabetes can limit its damage

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic health conditions among adults in the United States. The hallmark of this disease is resistance to insulin. Insulin is ...

DATE: Jun 29, 2016 | CATEGORY: La Plata Health Watch