Paul G. Mathew, MD, FAAN, FAHS

Blogs can sometimes blend fact with opinion, so it’s important to know when a blog, even one written by a clinician, is an opinion. While clinicians operate with experience, some clinical advice can still spark healthy debate. And make sure the headlines you’re reading are not just sensationalized, which can easily happen in the non-medical media.

Though some people surely benefit from acupuncture for the treatment of pain, its drawbacks (cost, length of treatment sessions, short duration of relief) mean that it may be a less effective choice than physical therapy or a medication.

It’s already hard enough to pick the right doctor for yourself without all these awards and designations to pull apart. Which ones actually mean something and which ones don’t? These awards and the acronyms following a doctor’s name might be easier to interpret than you think. Just make sure not to judge a book by its cover – or a doctor by his or her labels.

Branding has the power to influence people, but it should not necessarily be a significant, or the only, factor when it comes to health care. Picking a physician based on the name of their hospital does not always correlate with quality of care, and it could even cost you a larger copay.

Most of us don’t appreciate the temporomandibular joint. It’s what lets us upon and close our mouths. Eating, chatting, yelling at a football game. Life just isn’t the same when there is a problem with this joint. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is painful and can worsen existing headache disorders. Learn more about TMJ, how to prevent it and how to treat it.

It’s important to get adequate sleep, but getting good quality sleep is just as important. Snoring can detract from a good night’s sleep whether you’re the snorer or the bed partner. Even more important, snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea. Untreated, sleep apnea increases our risk for serious health conditions including stroke and heart attack.

Medical knowledge is growing at a rapid pace and technology is playing a larger role in medical practice. Office visits are becoming shorter in length and there is usually much to cover. That can make a doctor’s appointment challenging for both patient and physician. Strong communication is essential to help ensure that both patient and doctor make the best use of this time. Some simple steps can help you get the most from your time with your doctor and help ensure that you understand and can successfully act on his or her recommendations.

Vertigo occurs when the systems the body uses to maintain balance send contradictory information to the brain, causing a sensation of movement when you’re actually standing still. It’s very common for people to experience vertigo while on board boats. There are several medications that can ease the discomfort of vertigo.

Because many of the symptoms are similar, many people who experience migraines mistakenly believe they have sinus headaches. An incorrect diagnosis can result in a person taking medications that may not help, as well as contributing to an inaccurate family history.

The Movember movement began in 2003 to help raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancers as well as other health concerns including mental health issues. One of the primary goals of this initiative is to encourage men to take the time to pay attention to their health. This includes doing self-exams and getting the necessary screenings so that cancers can be detected and treated earlier.