It is necessary for everyone to have and understanding of medicine and how it relates to health. Dr Ken will help you have a better understanding of topics to better your health.
Always make sure you discuss all these topics with your Primary Care Doctor to help them apply to you.
September 10, 2020
World Suicide Prevention Day
Even though we have been discussing a virus (almost ad nauseam) for the past few months, we must remember that there are still major other medical issues that we are still treating. The Emergency Department can be the first possible point of contact for a person having mental health challenges. From anxiety, or depression, to even schizophrenia or sometimes personality disorders, the ED is sometimes the last line of defense. On a day as important as World Suicide Prevention Day, we have to remember that even in the face of Covid-19, suicide remains the 10th leading cause of death for all ages and the second leading cause of death for ages 10-35. (CDC.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db362.htm)
If you or a loved one is experiencing thoughts of hurting yourself, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)
Men’s Health
June 11, 2019
It is customary to sometimes forget the importance of mental health aspects of overall health. This week being Father’s Day makes it a great time to talk about the importance of ensuring mental health is optimized along with physical health. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, women are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health issues, but men are more likely to die from suicide. Men are more likely to commit suicide once they have made a decision, which again makes it important to get treatment as early as possible.
Mental Health is not just about depression and anxiety, however. There are many different aspects to mental health that are very difficult to treat, and a primary care physician is a great place to start to ensure you get the right care. Remember, feeling depressed or anxious is not just something you have to live with. Most importantly, it is not a sign of weakness to reach out for help.
If you or someone you love needs assistance with a mental health emergency call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Click HERE to see Dr. Ken’s interview about the importance of mental health as a factor in Men’s Health.
June 10, 2019
Cancer continues to be a scary diagnosis. According to the American Cancer Society, over 1.7 million Americans will receive this diagnosis from their doctor in 2019. Although the rates of diagnosis of cancer is similar between men and women, there is still a higher rate of death for men once they are diagnosed with cancer. There are many different factors that determine the likelihood of survival, but age and stage at diagnosis are two very important factors. This correlates to the need for the earliest detection of cancer for survival of our loved ones.
Follow the following link to the interview Dr. Ken did with WCBD the Charleston NBC affiliate about this very topic- Cancer Screening Interview
Opiates – May 23, 3019
Although the discussion about opiates seems to have lost the “top of the fold” level of coverage, it does not mean that the problem is gone. In 2017 in South Carolina, the rate of opiate related deaths were found to be increased 13% in comparison to 2016.(https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/statedeaths.html via @CDCgov). As prescription opiates become more controlled, illicit opitates (specifically fentanyl) can become more of a problem. Fentanyl is stronger than other opiates which makes it very common in overdose deaths, as seen in the following graph.
I was able to talk about the continued opiate crises and the pressure it is putting on our emergency departments with the South Carolina Business Review. That clip will be posted as soon as it comes live.
If you or a loved one suffers from opiate addiction, there are many options to get help. Please see your local public health officials for your area’s specific options, or use these links to get you started.
https://www.cdc.gov/rxawareness/prevent/index.html
https://www.drugabuse.gov/family-checkup
Zika and Pregnancy – March 8 2019
Pregnancy can be equal parts exciting as well as possible stressful. From determining how much water to drink to which foods an expectant mother should eat, it requires constant surveillance. The concern is heightened for women who live in areas prone to mosquito borne illnesses. Mosquitos can carry many different diseases such as Malaria, Yellow Fever, and West Nile Although all those are concerning, in the past few years Zika has taken over as the most concerning mosquito borne disease.
Zika is a virus that is spread by mosquitos that are found in Africa, Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands as well as the Caribbean, South and Central America. The most concerning aspect of the virus for pregnant women is the devastating complication of microcephaly that is found in some cases. This is most concerning for women who contract the virus in the first trimester of pregnancy.
At present there is no treatment for it. Prevention is the only option. Knowledge is also very important, and if you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant, please discuss with your Obstetrician about your specific risks. Dr. Ken spoke with Lowcountry Parents Magazine about some other information on Zika, sign up for updates on this and other topics. See below for links to resources on Zika.