Child Vegetarians: Now More Than Ever

VEGETARIAN KIDS Joan Lisanne Lange, M.D., F.A.A.P. More children and teenagers than ever are following a vegetarian or vegan diet.  Sometimes kids “go veg” just because their parents do or because it’s part of their culture.  Some have decided they don’t want to eat cute furry animals anymore. Also, teenagers may be searching for a little bit…

Airplane Ear

Airplane EarLindsay Block, M.D. Many of us have experienced Airplane ear, also called barotrauma, during air travel. Airplane ear is caused by an imbalance in the air pressure in the middle ear space and the air pressure in the environment. Most people experience airplane ear during take-off when the plane is ascending quickly, or during…

Advice for Traveling with your Family’s Medications

By: Karl Neuman, M.D. You need not be under suspicion of possessing narcotics to be hassled by security and customs inspectors at airports. Families have been hassled for merely carrying everyday, over-the-counter medications, have had the medications confiscated, missed their flights and, very rarely, been detained to explain their “crime.” Moreover, once overseas, obtaining medication…

Surgical Treatment of Colon and Rectal Cancer

Mark W. Dobriner, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.S.C.R.S. If colon and rectal cancers are detected early, 90% are curable.  Unfortunately, by the time colon cancer is detected, approximately 60% of those cancers have already spread to either lymph glands or to distant sites (metastases.) That is why it is important to remember that the best treatment for…

Prostate Cancer and Treatment Options

M. David Gershbaum, M.D. The prostate is a small gland localized within the male reproductive system.  The function of the prostate is to produce a fluid that keeps the sperm alive while it travels through the female reproductive system. The fluid from the prostate and sperm for the testis and fluids from smaller gland in the…