Medical alert systems: In vogue, and for some, invaluable
My elderly dad is sporting a cool new mobile device these days, complete with a sleek design and an aluminum cover. It’s not a smartphone or a laptop or a tablet; it’s a medical alert system, a...
View ArticleIs there a way to lower the cost of an EpiPen?
When a person with a life-threatening allergy is exposed to his or her “kryptonite” (be it peanuts, bee stings, latex, or something else) the result is an intense immune response called anaphylaxis....
View ArticleFalse alarm in Hawaii: Preparing for the unthinkable
Early last Saturday morning in Hawaii, cellphones flashed the following warning from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency: “Ballistic missile threat inbound to Hawaii. Seek immediate shelter. This is...
View ArticleHands-only CPR: A lifesaving technique within your reach
It’s terrible to even imagine, but what would you do if you saw someone suddenly collapse and stop breathing? Chances are the person has experienced cardiac arrest, an electrical malfunction that...
View ArticleRising temperatures? How to avoid heat-related illnesses and deaths
In Boston, we believe warmer is better. Our cravings for warmth are formed in the cold, dark winter nights when the prospect of summer seems impossibly remote. But with temperatures reaching 100°F in...
View ArticleBe careful where you get your news about coronavirus
Editor’s note: Many of our readers have asked questions about coronavirus. We have answered some of these in this post. News about a deadly virus that appeared in Wuhan, China in December (now called...
View ArticleGet your affairs in order, COVID-19 won’t wait
The scourge of COVID-19 is spreading. Thousands of Americans are dying. What can you do to help? Yes, practice social distancing, wash your hands, and donate masks to local hospitals. Also, talk to...
View ArticleGo to the hospital if you need emergency care, even in the era of COVID-19
In the era of COVID-19, the hospital must be a place of mystery to those on the outside. I imagine some think it’s bustling with activity, with caregivers scurrying around at a frenetic pace. Of...
View ArticleWhen lockdown is not actually safer: Intimate partner violence during COVID-19
The first thing that came to mind when I heard about COVID restrictions and mitigation strategies was how exceptionally dangerous this time could be for women living with abusive partners....
View ArticleEpinephrine is the only effective treatment for anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can potentially lead to death if not promptly treated. Allergic reactions typically begin suddenly after exposure to an allergen, which may be a food,...
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