Carolina Healthcare Providers/NCMedicalAcupuncture

05/28/2023

05/22/2020

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE / JOURNAL WATCH

Acupuncture Tied to Improvements in Postprandial Distress Syndrome

By Kelly Young

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Jaye Elizabeth Hefner, MD

Acupuncture is associated with improved symptoms in patients with postprandial distress syndrome, a type of functional dyspepsia, according to an Annals of Internal Medicine study.

Researchers randomized nearly 300 adults in China with postprandial distress syndrome to receive either acupuncture or sham acupuncture. Participants received twelve 20-minute sessions over 4 weeks. The sham group had superficial skin pe*******on at nonacupoints.

By week 4, the response rate — that is, the proportion of participants who said their symptoms had improved from baseline — was higher in the active acupuncture versus sham group (83% vs. 52%). The rate of elimination of three principal symptoms (postprandial fullness, upper abdominal bloating, and early satiation) was also higher with active acupuncture (28% vs. 17%). The differences were significant through 12 weeks of follow-up.

04/16/2020

COVID-19: Smoking / Convalescent Plasma / Asthma
By Kelly Young
Edited by André Sofair, MD, MPH, and William E. Chavey, MD, MS
4/16/2020

Here are some of the latest developments on novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19):

Smoking: Past or current smokers with COVID-19 have double the risk for severe disease outcomes as people who've never smoked, according to a meta-analysis on the preprint server medRxiv. Researchers examined 12 studies that included 9000 COVID-19 patients. Roughly 18% of those with a history of smoking experienced disease progression, compared with 9% of never-smokers. "Cessation should be added to the list of practices to blunt the COVID-19 pandemic."

Convalescent plasma: The FDA is now encouraging people who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate their plasma to help others who are ill. Each donation could be given to as many as four patients through convalescent plasma or hyperimmune globulin. People should be fully recovered for 2 weeks before donating.

Asthma: Asthma may be less of a risk factor for developing severe COVID-19 than previously thought, the New York Times reports. Asthma has been underrepresented in patients who were sick enough to get treated in New York, and only 5% of those who died from COVID-19 in the state had asthma. The Times quotes one expert as saying, "If you have mild or moderate disease, you're probably not going to behave much differently than someone who doesn't have asthma, particularly if you're a younger person." Officials say there are not yet enough data to draw any conclusions.

04/08/2020

My utmost respect goes to nurses. Through my entire medical training and subsequent many years in medical practice, nurses were one of my main links to success in caring for my patients. They pointed out my mistakes and rejoiced in my successes. But most of all, they were major advocates for the patients and the family. They made me a better physician. Now during this Covid19 Pandemic, they are side by side with the doctors and many other healthcare workers taking the brunt of this serious situation and risking their lives. What a special professional they are! God Bless Them! - Dr. Armstrong

04/08/2020

Within the seriousness of our current situation and concerns we must have to protect ourselves as individuals and the community at large, especially the vulnerable, having some humor helps in the process. These are just a few pictures gathered from different posts on Facebook that helps that humor. PLEASE STAY AT HOME!

04/08/2020

Physician's FIRST WATCH / NE Journal of Medicine
4/7/2020
The World Health Organization has issued new guidance on using face masks during COVID-19. The group emphasizes that "the use of a mask alone is insufficient to provide an adequate level of protection, and other measures should also be adopted," such as hand hygiene and physical distancing. The WHO notes that medical masks should be reserved for healthcare workers and for people with symptoms, as well as caregivers in the same room as an infected person. It also offers advice on safe mask removal: untie it from behind (don't touch the front) and wash your hands immediately after disposal. - Dr. Armstrong

04/07/2020

Working from home doesn't have to mean a sore back and strained eyes. 5 On Your Side has some tips on how to improve your home workspace.

04/05/2020

As we confront this coronavirus pandemic as individuals and as a community, we go through different stages of adaptation and behaviors. A lot has changed for each one of us. Change, especially of this magnitude is not easy. This description of the different zones we could go through is an interesting way to put in perspective where each one of us could be and where we should probably try to be. What zone are you in? Please stay safe! - Dr. Armstrong.