Whether You are Democrat or Republican You Should Be a Maverick about Your Health

The media branded the current Republican presidential candidate a “maverick” and that has made the word popular and common but politics has obscured its meaning. Being a maverick means more than not always voting with one’s own political party.

Being a maverick means you make up your own mind about things, you determine a plan of action and you then have the guts to follow through on your plan. Maverick Health was founded on these principles. Here, on the eve of the election, are some thoughts on why – whether you are a Democrat or a Republican – you should absolutely be a maverick about your health.

Read Full Post

How a Heart CT Scan Led to My Bypass Surgery

At his regular checkup, this man’s doctor recommended he get an expensive screening test called a heart CT scan (aka EBCT). This test is not covered by insurance and is not recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Even though he was having no symptoms, he chose to go ahead pay for the test himself and he’s glad he did. He has graciously allowed me to publish his story hoping it might help others. Read it here.

Read Full Post

What Adult Vaccinations Do You Need?

Do you remember your childhood vaccinations – the smell of alcohol that warned of the impending pain of needles? I sure do. I’ve had patients tell me they still get nervous around doctors and nurses and needles, all because of those awful shots. I hate to break this to you – but some of those shots have worn off and there are other vaccinations you need as an adult that you may not have had yet. Don’t get nervous, I can’t give you a shot over the Internet. But please read this post, shore up your courage and go get the vaccinations you need!

Read Full Post

Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: Keeping Your Scaffold Strong!

Are you confused about osteopenia and osteoporosis? Do you wonder whether you are at risk for a fracture? Do you want to know what steps you can take to prevent it? And whether you need medication?

Note: This post was updated with new information on November, 21 2008. After reading this, click here, for more information about medicaions and how long you should take them.

This is a picture of osteoporetic bone. See how thin and fragile it is? This bone would fracture easily if enough force were exerted, from a fall for example. But there are steps you can take to prevent this so read on.

Read Full Post