Lyme disease is endemic to our state, and residents are at high risk. Exactly what is Lyme disease? How is it transmitted? How can we protect ourselves from this infectious disease? And what treatments are available for those who do get the disease? Guest: Martin Kafina, M.D. Host: Bruce Karlin, M.D. For more information on [...]

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The incidence of such conditions as asthma, bullying and violence, and sexually transmitted diseases among school children is high and increasing. Seasonal and swine flu add to the burdens of medical directors and school nurses who provide front-line care for students. Yet budgets are strained and school nurses are in short supply across the state [...]

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood, affecting some 4.5 million children 5-17 years of age in the United States. Here in Massachusetts, nearly 10 percent of children have been diagnosed with the condition, which affects behavior, emotions, attentiveness, and learning. What causes this disorder? What are the [...]

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The Flu: What You Should Know brings physicians and public health officials together in presenting information on the dangers of H1N1 swine flu and seasonal flu, vaccine safety and supply, how to protect against the infections, and what to do if you get sick. Guests on the program include John Auerbach, Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner; [...]

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November’s edition of Physician Focus examines the skills and responsibilities of the anesthesiologist and the specialty’s impact and influence on patient care.  Skill in the operating room is but one aspect of anesthesiologists’ activities; they also play key roles in patient care, pain management, and critical care medicine. And the specialty has been a leader in local [...]

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Integrative medicine is a new approach to care, combining conventional or evidence-based medical therapies with complementary or alternative treatments such as acupuncture, biofeedback, stress reduction, or herbal medicines. Such an approach is growing in a variety of health care settings. How much do we know about such methods? Are they effective? What is the current [...]

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People, animals, and the environment have converged today in so many ways that the health of each group seems inextricably linked. As a result, our dependence on animals and the products they provide poses increasing risks for our health and well being. Mad cow disease and avian flu are but two examples. While veterinary and [...]

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Mold, lead, carbon monoxide, radon, pests, toxic chemicals – these are just some of the potential hazards lurking in our homes. What are the primary dangers homeowners face? How should we check for them?  Are there clues or signals that will alert us to these dangers? What should we be aware of when we buy [...]

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Infectious diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, rabies, and seasonal flu are annual challenges to public health. Whooping cough and measles are making comebacks in the US, while public health officials across the globe keep their eyes on bird flu, drug-resistant TB, new strains of viruses, and ‘superbugs.’ What’s the latest information [...]

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Some 70 million people in the U.S. are affected by sleep disorders of one kind or another. Chronic or severe insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea affect the health and safety of millions of people. Many people put themselves and others at risk – on the job, at home, or behind the wheel [...]

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