safety

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Audiocast Volume 14 Issue 15

Micro/nano-plastics (MNP) – the new ultra threat to our health
In a first of its kind study, a group out of Italy has found quite disturbing results in the hearts of a few hundred tested individuals. From the study: 257 patients completed a 35 month study where they detected polyethylene in the 59% of the patient’s heart’s carotid artery plaque. In addition, 12% of the patients had detectable amounts of polyvinyl chloride. “Electron microscopy revealed visible, jagged-edged foreign particles among plaque macrophages and scattered in the external debris. Radiographic examination showed that some of these particles included chlorine.” (Marfella et. al. 2024) Individuals with micro/nanoplastics in the carotid atheroma were at significantly higher risk for myocardial infarction, stroke, or death than those without detectable MNP. The hazard ratio is 4.5 which is to say that the risk is 4.5 X higher for the plastic exposed people…..plus a literature review.
Enjoy,
Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Audiocast Volume 13 Issue 28

Outdoor Yard Safety
Yard work season is here and for me, lots of happy times spent outdoors. I remember as a youth earning money mowing lawns. The work was fun and the money was happily accepted. My father was my mower safety coach. Unfortunately, despite good teaching, I still burned myself on the engine by not paying attention to where I was touching. I still spilt gasoline on myself. I still ran over projectile objects in the grass carelessly. Ah, youth….
Have a great day,
Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Audiocast Volume 12 Issue 46

This week we look at PFAS Chemicals – Otherwise called “Forever Chemicals”

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or forever chemicals are being found all throughout the world as their use has risen over the past 6 plus decades. PFAS are a family of chemicals known as POPS or persistent organic pollutants as they are reported to not break down easily. They have been found in products like Teflon based nonstick cookware, Scotch Guard and Gortex stain-resistant carpeting and clothing, dental floss, commercial firefighting foams and many types of food packaging. Unfortunately, these toxins have been detected in drinking water, house dust and foods/beverages of common consumption…..
We will also discuss children’s strengths and hospitals.
Enjoy,
Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Audiocast Volume 12 Issue 44

Medication errors are a major risk for morbidity and mortality nationally. The number affected skyrockets into the hundreds of thousands when we look at the countless side effects that do not cause death but leave us miserable and harmed.
When it comes to the children that we treat, physicians and care providers should refuse to give a medicine unless it is absolutely necessary. We explore these topics, a literature review and omega three fatty acids this week.
Enjoy,
Dr. M

Dr. M’s Women and Children First Podcast #30 – Jamie Manirakiza – The Partnership to End human Trafficking

Jamie Manirakiza is the Executive Director at the Partnership to End Human Trafficking (PEHT). She is a Licensed and Masters level social worker who studied at the University of Pennsylvania before embarking on a career to shine a bright spotlight on human trafficking while helping those caught and released from that dangerous net. Partnership to End Human Trafficking (PEHT) is a nonprofit organization that provides individuals with a pathway toward healing and independence through community outreach, residential recovery, and economic empowerment.

In this episode, we discuss the realities of human trafficking, what can be done about it and the work to help the survivors.

Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Audiocast Volume 12 Issue 28

Concussions: otherwise known as TBI or traumatic brain injury
Concussion is an injury that is a trauma to the head where the skull stops rapidly and the inner brain gets rotationally or linearly moved beyond its normal confines leading to microscopic nerve injury and subsequent inflammation. The traumatic process occurs suddenly and can have unconsciousness as a consequence. Whether the patient is unconscious or not for a period of time, a full work up is necessary to understand the gravity of the injury and the subsequent therapy. This week we go deep into the pathophysiology of the head injury and Omega 3 fatty acids.
Enjoy,
Dr. M

Dr. M’s Women and Children First Podcast – Journal Club #2 with Andrew Brackins MSIV -TBI/Concussion and Fish Oil

Journal Club #2 with Andrew Brackins MSIV

Topic today – Traumatic brain injury or concussion is a significant problem in young adults and children. What do we know about the reasons why some people suffer longer term symptoms? What can we do to mitigate risk going forward? Fish oil is an omega 3 fatty acid that has recently gained attention as a possible therapeutic pre and post head trauma. Let us explore the head injury landscape together in this Journal Club episode.

Enjoy,

Dr. M