DocSwiner's Superwoman Complex Blog

I asked some friends what they wanted my next article to be about and, interestingly, I received two requests – almost the opposite of the other. One friend asked about the importance of regular exams. The other wanted to discuss how NOT important some exams were. cal exams because of how “healthy” a person can…

This month makes a year that I’ve been writing articles for medical education. My first article centered on the issue of depression and being self-aware of the warning signs. ical and physical complaints that we have or have to discuss can in some way or another be due to or can be worsened by stress.…

Since the news broke in November about the new recommendations on mammogram screening, I have had the discussion frequently as the majority of my time is spent counseling on preventive care. Whatever the question, let’s review what happened. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force presented the recommendations. This is a group of medical experts in…

I promised a follow-up on obesity and weight loss surgeries, and here it is. During my break from writing, I’ve had three, if not more, women come to visit solely to discuss having weight loss surgery because of disappointment with other programs they’ve tried. I recently, coincidentally, received a copy of a New England Journal…

Recently, I spoke to the ladies of Triumphant Tabernacle Church in Durham for their Empowered Women conference. I was given the theme of “Healthy Women, Sound Minds,” which was a timely topic to speak on and around. We had some fruitful conversations, and I thought I’d share a bit about what these wonderful women shared…

This topic makes me cringe a bit, because I’m a female who is concerned about her weight on a pretty regular basis. I try not to worry because, thankfully, I’m very healthy and don’t require any medicines for my health at this time. My blood pressure is normal, and my blood sugar and cholesterol are…

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition I see and treat often in my practice as a Family Physician, and it is a controversial and passionate topic for a lot of my patients. I have those parents and children who do not agree with the opinions and impressions of teachers and school leaders who…

This is a question I deal with often, as I counsel frequently on contraceptive methods with my female patients. There are multiple methods, including family planning (rhythm method), birth control pills, barrier methods (male and female condoms, diaphragms), the patch, the shot, implants and IUDs. f the Mirena type, which is a five-year long, progesterone-releasing…

There must be something about the warm weather and sunshine of the summer that causes some young – and old – minds to become reckless. I say this in awe, as I seem to have been treating many more sexually transmitted diseases within the past couple of months than I have all year. And, unfortunately,…

One of the joys of being a Family Physician is I have the opportunity to care for the entire family. With this, I care for many babies and children in my practice, giving physicals, providing school vaccinations, and seeing them when sick. So, of course, the conversation arises often of potential side effects of vaccines,…