Brand-name prescription drugs are significantly more expensive that exact generic equivalents or similar generic alternatives.  That might be OK if the higher price also provided added value. In Canada and most European countries expensive brand name drugs are reviewed to assure that they provide additional value before being offered to citizens.  In a recent study…

So we have all been working hard to create physical distance between ourselves and others.  Governor Cuomo has determined that we should “ramp up” our efforts in NY to social distance as have governors from other states.  The big question – Is it working? What does the data show? Since last week I have been…

Yesterday saw the first big spike in COVID testing indicating that COVID testing is becoming more wide-spread.  Testing for COVID-19 increased by almost 19% in US.  This is generally brings good news.   March 18,2020 March 17, 2020 United States     Cases Tested 37,824 31,878 Positive Cases 7038 4,226 Deaths 97 75 ERIE COUNTY…

If you are trying to get a handle on the Coronavirus pandemic and COVID-19 and you are watching cable news then you are probably confused.  I know they confuse me.  Every “expert” seems to have different statistics and a different interpretation of what they mean. Actually, it’s pretty easy to bypass all of these “talking…

  [Updated as of March 16, 2020] As the world continues to mediate the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) not only do we have to protect the most frail in our community, but we also have to protect ourselves from the mis-information associated with the new virus.  News and social media bring us a…

Researchers found that nearly 1 in 5 people who had received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis had other unrelated conditions. Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a widespread disabling neurological condition.  In MS the immune system attacks and destroys the tissue (myelin) that surrounds the nerves. This leads to nerve damage, which affects communication between…

After assessing numerous studies, a new review of the medical evidence concludes that exercise can help to both prevent depression and treat its symptoms. However, current treatments for depression often fail to include this lifestyle adjustment, despite the strong evidence. Scientific evidence has suggested that physical activity can be a great ally in fighting the…

More and more we are becoming aware of how our gut health plays a complex role in maintaining and impacting overall health – the evidence continues to pile up. One recent review of the scientific literature has now found that regulating gut bacteria may help relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Recent research suggests that the…

New research confirms that sticking to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish can slash heart failure risk by 41 percent. By contrast, a diet rich in fats, fried foods, processed meat, and sugary drinks can raise the risk of this condition.   Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot supply enough blood and…

Preliminary research reveals that a technique called Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training can boost brain and physical performance, as well as heart health. Most of us know that exercising and eating right are good for us.  However, putting in the effort to do so often requires more willpower than we have.  What if there was a…