The Examining Room of Dr. Charles

The Health Risks of Grilling on Aluminum Foil (Is It Safe?)

drcharles — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 14:16:26 +0000

Is it safe to grill on aluminum foil? As the weather heats up, and the allure of grilling returns, it is important to consider some of the potential health risks. One of the great joys of my life is “manning” the grill – beer in hand, wafting smoke rising through the air, a delicious anticipation […]

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What Is “New Car Smell,” and Is It Unhealthy? (Yes!)

drcharles — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 13:26:13 +0000

What is “new car smell” and is it bad for you? As I shopped for a new car last year, I realized that my priorities were considered odd by most car salesmen. The three most important characteristics I desired in a new car were good gas mileage, good crash safety, and relatively low concentrations of […]

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Does Nutrisystem Work? A Doctor’s Thoughts on the Diet (2020)

drcharles — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 13:50:56 +0000

I was recently asked by a patient: “Does Nutrisystem really work? And if so, how does Nutrisystem work?” I’ve never really examined the merits or nutritional underpinnings of Nutrisystem enough to provide a coherent answer, but in this post, I will review the positives and potential negatives that can be seen upon a brief review, […]

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The Most Natural Treatment for Constipation

drcharles — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 17:20:02 +0000

In the middle of an otherwise complicated visit, an older woman reminded me of a very basic treatment for constipation that she discovered 40 years prior. It involves no medication, no special diet, and no unpleasant bowel regimen. It does, however, require a certain maturity of character. This technique demands assertiveness, social bravery, and a […]

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The Self-Defeating Logic of Gym Memberships

drcharles — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 17:24:22 +0000

I belong to a local gym. I’m supposed to go there to exercise. I pay $40 a month for the privilege, but I would estimate that I actually get to the gym twice a month. This failure to find the necessary time to work out is by itself a self-defeating, exercise-discouraging proposition. By equating exercise […]

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The Rise of Apps to Monitor Chronic Disease

drcharles — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 18:04:24 +0000

The Wall Street Journal has an interesting article about the increasing sophistication of personal apps on your electronic device to help monitor and treat conditions such as diabetes, COPD, CHF, and hypertension. Although not a new idea by any means, the concept of self-monitoring with apps is getting more sophisticated. Instead of simply entering data […]

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How To Be More Efficient As A Primary Care Doctor

drcharles — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 02:30:40 +0000

As an overextended physician in my 40’s, with a family life and a daily sense of exhaustion, I have given up the quixotic dream of helping to change healthcare in this country. I’m just trying to survive each day, along with my patients, and to be an efficient and helpful primary care doctor. If you […]

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How To Read a Prescription for Glasses (It’s Easy!)

drcharles — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 20:56:56 +0000

I get asked how to read prescriptions all the time, including those for glasses. Reading a prescription for eyeglasses from your optometrist is simple, here’s how: (short video) How to Read a Prescription for Eyeglasses / Common Abbreviations Ordering prescription glasses online from somewhere like EyeBuyDirect or glasses.com? Be sure you know how to read […]

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Banning Trans-Fatty Acids in Restaurants Saves Lives, Improves Mouth-Feel

drcharles — Thu, 04 May 2017 15:40:02 +0000

Good news for supporters of trans-fatty acid bans: in New York State counties that implemented restrictions on their use in restaurants and eateries, there were significantly fewer admissions to local hospitals for heart attacks and cardiovascular events. Specifically, researchers found a 6.2% decline in admission for hearts attacks and strokes combined, and an even greater […]

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The Inherent Badness of Refinement

drcharles — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 19:40:21 +0000

I had an interesting conversation with a psychologist friend of mine who specializes in treating sexual addictions. She did not tell me anything interesting in terms of specific cases, practices, or titillating bedroom details, but rather piqued my awareness of the brave new world of dating and casual sex as facilitated by apps like Tinder. […]

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