Aging Health

Doctor Internet: Practice Online Health Advice Safety

Why Self-Diagnosing on the Internet Can Be Dangerous and When to See a Real Doctor

The Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) shows that the Internet is a major source of health information, which can impact patient-physician communication in both positive and negative ways. Factors such as the demographics of online users, their motivations, the websites they visit, their information needs, and how they discuss findings with doctors all play a role. This article examines the effects of online health information.

A senior gentleman sits at his desk, focused on his computer screen as he searches for medical advice.

The abundance of online health information can be overwhelming, so it's crucial to recognize its limitations for safe self-care. Understanding these constraints will help you navigate the digital landscape and make informed health decisions.

Tommy Douglas

Hello, I am Tommy Douglas. As I navigate my various health challenges, including heart issues, liver disease, anemia, and diabetes, I am committed to sharing my journey toward better health. My experiences with managing conditions such as anemia and liver cirrhosis have significantly shaped my understanding of wellness. I engage in research to make informed decisions about my health. This blog is designed to share valuable resources and personal experiences, fostering a community where we can explore wellness together. Join me as we work toward effective health management and strive for a brighter, healthier future.

RNA Innovations: The Future of Targeted Therapies

Exploring the Paradigm Shift in Disease Treatment, from mRNA Vaccines to Gene Silencing.

Advancements in mRNA vaccines and gene silencing are revolutionizing disease treatment. mRNA vaccines have changed the approach to infectious diseases, while gene silencing techniques offer new therapies for genetic disorders by inhibiting harmful gene expression. These developments deepen our understanding of disease mechanisms and foster personalized medicine, ultimately transforming healthcare.[1]

A vibrant, stylized illustration depicting various RNA molecules (mRNA, siRNA, ASO) interacting with a cellular structure or DNA helix, symbolizing targeted drug delivery and gene modulation.

The intricate world of RNA molecules holds the key to a new era of therapeutics, promising highly targeted and effective treatments for a spectrum of diseases.

Tommy Douglas

Adapting to HealthCare's New Realities

Navigating the Maze of Modern Healthcare: How Staying Informed Can Transform Your Health Journey

The ever-evolving healthcare landscape brings a mix of hurdles and opportunities for individuals and communities alike. As policies shift, technology advances, and discussions about healthcare costs and insurance coverage take center stage, staying informed becomes crucial to making the most of your health journey. [1]

A vibrant collage showcasing diverse individuals dressed in various costumes, celebrating creativity and healthcare changes.

Throughout history, the evolution of healthcare has been marked by significant transformations that reflect the changing understanding of medicine, societal needs, and technological advancements.

Tommy Douglas

The Path to Safer Vaccines: What Needs to Change?

What RFK Jr. Isn’t Talking About: How To Make Vaccines Safer

Arthur Allen June 25, 2025

Within an hour of receiving a covid vaccination in November 2020, Utah preschool teacher Brianne Dressen felt pins and needles through her arms and legs. In the medical odyssey that followed, she suffered double vision, chronic nausea, brain fog, and profound weakness. Once a rock climber, she became a couch potato.

A clear path to safer vaccines, with a laboratory technician confidently presenting a vial of vaccine.

A lab technician in a white coat displays a vaccine vial, representing advancements in safer vaccine research.

Tommy Douglas

Medicaid Cuts Imperil Rural Hospitals and Local Health

A Critical Lifeline Under Pressure: Understanding the Impact of Funding Reductions on Vulnerable Populations

The Silent Emergency in Rural America

Across the vast stretches of rural America, a silent emergency is unfolding. Communities, already facing unique challenges like geographic isolation, aging populations, and economic shifts, are grappling with the potential fallout of significant reductions in Medicaid funding. Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, serves as a crucial healthcare safety net for millions of low-income individuals, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. In rural areas, its importance is amplified, often serving as the financial bedrock for local hospitals and the primary source of health coverage for a substantial portion of the population.

Image shows a modern rural hospital surrounded by rolling hills at dawn. A few cars are parked outside, and a warm glow shines from within, reflecting the tranquility of rural life and the hospital’s importance to the community.

Rural hospitals are essential for delivering healthcare services and bolstering local economies in the United States. Their sustainability relies heavily on programs like Medicaid, which are vital for their operation and community support.

Tommy Douglas

Exploring the Shingles Vaccine, Loneliness, and Dementia

Could protecting yourself from shingles also help safeguard social connections and cognitive health?

Healthy aging involves more than just physical well-being—it encompasses cognitive function and social health as well. Unfortunately, with age comes an increased risk of conditions like dementia and the distressing experience of loneliness. However, new and intriguing research is illuminating unexpected connections between viral infections, vaccination, cognitive decline, and the preservation of meaningful social bonds. [1][2][3]

An older adult happily engaged in a conversation or activity with a younger person, in a community setting.

Staying connected is key to healthy aging. Discover how preventing shingles might also help protect the cognitive health needed to maintain these vital social bonds.

Tommy Douglas

The Healthy Smash Burger: Savoring Flavor While Staying Fit

Your Favorite Fast Food, Reimagined for a Healthier You

Let's face it: the allure of fast food is undeniable. The convenience, the speed, and often, the incredible taste. Among the reigning champions of delicious, quick bites, the "smash burger" has surged in popularity. Its thin, crispy patty, caramelized edges, and juicy interior offer a textural and flavor experience that's hard to beat. But can something so seemingly indulgent truly fit into a healthy lifestyle?

A healthy smash burger on a rustic wooden cutting board. The burger features a thin, crispy beef patty, vibrant green lettuce, ripe red tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, and a whole wheat bun.

Savor the flavor, not the guilt! This healthy smash burger, made with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a whole wheat bun, proves that delicious fast food can absolutely be part of a balanced diet.

Tommy Douglas

Liver Cirrhosis and Varices: Symptoms, Risks, Treatments

A Look into Liver Cirrhosis, Varices, and Life After Banding

A sudden health crisis has a way of bringing complex medical realities into sharp focus. For those living with liver cirrhosis, one such reality can be the development and potential rupture of esophageal varices - a serious complication that can turn life upside down in an instant. Experiencing a ruptured varix, undergoing treatment like banding, and navigating the recovery is a challenging journey. This post aims to shed light on this critical aspect of liver disease, offering a comprehensive look at varices, their risks, treatments, and the path forward after a procedure like variceal banding, incorporating insights into factors that can influence recovery. [1][2]

Cirrhosis of liver with nodular liver, esophageal varices,and enlarged spleen

An AI-generated image of liver cirrhosis shows a nodular liver, esophageal varices, and an enlarged spleen, highlighting the significant changes and complications associated with advanced liver disease.