What are T cells and what do they do? Dr. Zelfand explains the importance of these special white blood cells. She illuminates how T cells can transform into T Helper (Th) Cells 1, 2, 3, or 17 -- depending on what the body is exposed to. Dr. Zelfand offers an...
Just about every day in my practice, a new mom breaks down in tears. “I mean, I’m a new mom, it’s supposed to be hard and I’m supposed to be exhausted, right? I wish I could just toughen up.” All too often I see these women blaming themselves for their fatigue, their...
There’s quite a bit of misinformation when it comes to herpes. Let's clear some things up, shall we? . Myth: Herpes can only be transmitted during an active outbreak. Herpes is much more contagious during an active outbreak, whether it’s a visible cold sore on the lip...
America’s Approach to Informed Consent (or Lack Thereof) When it Comes to Vaccination Last week I helped grade exit exams at a local medical school. I was specifically grading the students on their patient interaction skills – how they spoke to the patient/actor, if...
By creating a vaccine against a relatively benign, self-limiting infectious disease, we’ve likely increased the incidence rate of another, more harmful condition. . If you're over the age of 25, chances are you had chicken pox (varicella zoster) as a kid. I...
Why Getting the Occasional Cold or Flu Might Not Be Such a Bad Thing Every now and then I have a patient who boasts proudly, “I’m healthy as a horse! I haven’t had a cold or flu in I-don’t-know-how-many-years!” I worry for these patients, and make it a point to...
True or false: A pap smear is a screening tool for ovarian cancer. Bloating and indigestion can be symptoms of ovarian cancer. Women in their 30’s are at the highest risk of developing ovarian cancer. (Answers below). . Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer Doctors and patients...
Genetics alone can’t explain the rise in allergic diseases we’ve seen in the industrialized world. Allergic conditions are on the rise. In fact, the rate of peanut allergy has doubled in the US and UK in the ten years between 1990 and 2000. There are several factors...
Interviewed and consulted on various sections in the book The Vaccine-Friendly Plan: Dr. Paul's Safe and Effective Approach to Immunity and Health-from Pregnancy Through Your Child's Teen Years by Paul Thomas M.D. and Jennifer Margulis. See book here.