The Bottom Line on Balding

About 1/3 of adults will have hair loss starting anywhere between the teens and the 40's. Men tend to get the M-shaped pattern above the forehead, while women's hair is more likely to become thinner all over the head. While it's not possible to reverse the hair loss process, there are many ways to style hair, get extensions/wear a wig, or just embrace your new look. For those wanting to slow or stop balding, there are multiple remedies on the market. However, the only proven treatments are medicated shampoo (Rogaine) and oral prescription medication (finasteride aka Propecia for men, and spironolactone for women).

For more information, please read my interview on CNNHealth with Dr. Jeffrey Benabio of The Derm Blog

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/expert.q.a/12/14/male.pattern.balding.shu/index.html

Dr. Shu Answers Viewer Questions on CNN.com

1-Does chickenpox still exist now that there's a vaccine for it?
2-Will my yeast infection spread to my kidneys?
3-My child has 2 gray hairs. What could this mean?
4-A bat almost flew into me. Do I need to get the rabies vaccine?

What Type of Thermometer Should You Use for Your Child?

When it comes to taking your child's temperature, two important considerations come to mind:

First, the thermometer you use should be accurate, and second, it should ideally be fast.

Digital (not mercury) thermometers are recommended.

A rectal temperature is most accurate for babies under 3 to 6 months (although you can first check the temperature under the arm as a screening measure and then go for the rectal if the underarm temperature is higher than about 99 degrees F).

Over the age of 6 months, temporal artery thermometers may work well. These require a simple swipe of the thermometer probe across the forehead. An ear thermometer that fits correctly in a child's ear may also be used. Underarm (axillary) temperatures may be taken in kids of any age (as long as they stay still long enough for the thermometer to get a reading), and children 4 years and up may be able to use an oral thermometer.

For more information, check out this article in AAP News:

http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/30/11/29-d

The Quick and Dirty on H1N1 Influenza (aka “Swine Flu”)

I recently had a great interview with Kaitlyn Pratt from Fox 5 Atlanta and photojournalist Tim Whaley. One of my sound bites was included in the final piece (included at the end of this blog entry) but here is all the information we discussed.

• There has been a bit of focus on H1N1 because it is a new virus and we can’t yet predict how it will affect people. So far, people ages 5 to 24 years are most commonly infected, perhaps because individuals over 60 may have some immunity due to exposure to similar viruses in the past.

• Typical symptoms of H1N1 influenza include fever, cough, runny nose or congestion, sore throat, body aches and vomiting or diarrhea.

• To avoid getting sick from H1N1 flu or other illnesses, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 to 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

• The virus may live on surfaces such as doorknobs for up to 2 to 8 hours. If someone in the home has H1N1 influenza, clean tables, counters, kitchens, bathrooms and toys with a household disinfectants.

• If you are sick with a respiratory illness, do not go to work, school, camp, the grocery store etc. If you are very sick or have an underlying medical condition, seek medical care but let the staff know about your symptoms when you make the appointment because you may need to be separated from other patients or wear a mask.

• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or if a tissue is available, use that instead and throw the tissue away immediately. Be sure to wash your hands afterwards.

• Among the deaths from H1N1, most patients have had underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and pregnancy. It also appears that obesity may be linked with H1N1 flu complications. My good friend Dr. Tim Uyeki at CDC recently reported the obesity link http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31866883/ns/health-swine_flu/

• A vaccine is expected to be available this fall. Stay tuned for more information.

For updates on H1N1 flu in your area and how to stay healthy, please visit www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu

Fox 5 Atlanta clip; I'm about 1:30 into the piece.
http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/health/swine_flu/Swine_Flu_Death_Sparks_Renewed_Interest_071009

Can You Keep Up with Sanjay?

The challenge is on! Dr. Sanjay Gupta is turning 40 in October and is starting his "Four Months to Fitness" initiative, where he plans to get into the best shape of his life. It remains to be seen how exactly he plans to do this, but I'm willing to bet it involves some combination of healthier eating and more exercise.

We all know about the food pyramid and that adults should get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily (kids need an hour) but are we actually doing it? Most of us likely have some room for improvement, myself definitely included! My first goals are increasing fiber and getting more physical activity on a daily basis. I haven't run in a 5K or 5 mile race in about 10 years so I think it's time to try one again as well.

So, what about you--are you up for the challenge?


For more about "Four Months to Fitness" click here:

http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/23/join-dr-guptas-four-months-to-fitness-initiative/

Diapers and Wipes: Can't leave home without 'em

If you have a child in diapers, you're pushing your luck if you leave the house without at least one spare in hand. An easy way to stay stocked is to put a stash in your car, along with a travel-size container of wipes. For a checklist of other must-have diapering items, check out this link and please comment here if I've forgotten anything!

http://www.babysleepssafe.com/index.php/diaper-bag-essentials-dont-leave-home-without-them/

Do You Need to Worry about Your Child's Cholesterol Level?

As weight problems in children increase in this country, so do earlier cases of diabetes and heart disease. High cholesterol levels can contribute to premature heart disease in some kids. Children who are overweight or obese are at higher risk, as are those with a family history of certain heart problems. For more information, check out this video and accompanying article, and ask your pediatrician if your child should be tested.