Stop the Snoring!

Snoring can certainly be annoying, but it doesn’t always indicate a serious medical problem. However, sometimes snoring can be due to sleep apnea, a condition that can lead to significant medical complications. Sleep apnea causes people to have pauses in their breathing while sleeping. Most people have insignificant pauses, but people with sleep apnea have…

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Is it Alzheimer’s?

It is quite common for middle-aged and older individuals who notice occasional memory lapses to wonder if they might be developing Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). Encountering someone with Alzheimer’s is increasingly common as our society’s elderly population grows. However, it’s essential to understand that forgetfulness is a normal part of aging and typically does not indicate…

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Putting Our Health at Risk

The recent decision by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to implement significant staffing and funding cuts across its agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), raises serious concerns about the future of public health in the…

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Vaccines and Autism

Vaccines are among the most significant advancements in public health, preventing diseases that previously devastated communities and caused widespread illness and death. Despite overwhelming evidence demonstrating vaccine safety, misinformation about vaccines persists—particularly the myth linking them to autism. As a family physician who practiced in rural west central Indiana, I regularly discussed vaccine concerns with…

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New Medical Technologies

Emerging medical technologies are transforming the way we diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. Innovations in robotics, genetic engineering, personalized medicine, and regenerative therapies are reshaping the medical landscape, offering new hope for patients and increasing the efficiency of healthcare providers. These advancements are not just futuristic concepts; they are already being implemented in offices and…

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Montgomery Medicine No. 794

Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming medicine at an astonishing pace. From improving diagnoses to streamlining administrative tasks, AI has the potential to make healthcare more efficient and accessible. While AI will never replace doctors, it is quickly becoming a powerful tool that enhances human decision-making and improves patient outcomes. In his book Deep…

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Montgomery Medicine #793

Are Antibiotics Necessary? When we get sick with an infection, many people assume that antibiotics are the best and fastest way to recover. However, this is not always the case. Antibiotics are powerful medications designed to fight bacterial infections, but not all infections are caused by bacteria. Many are due to viruses, fungi, or other…

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Montgomery Medicine #792

Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It is often called a “silent disease” because people usually do not know they have it until they experience a fracture. This disease affects millions of people worldwide, particularly older adults and postmenopausal women. Understanding osteoporosis is essential because…

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Montgomery Medicine #790

Gout Gout is a condition that has been recognized and documented for centuries, often referred to as the “disease of kings” because of its association with rich foods and alcohol. However, gout is far from a condition exclusive to royalty or indulgence. It is a form of arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide, causing…

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Montgomery Medicine #791

GERD Part 2 I left you hanging last week wondering about the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). First, a quick review: Recall that acid from the stomach (gastro) can enter the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach (esophagus) and flow backward (reflux). When I see someone complaining of GERD symptoms, I review…

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