Listen to Dr. Julie Kahn’s interview with Jimmy Moore on natural fertility and preconception care. The Interview is 30 minutes long and you can listen directly online, or download it as a podcast.

CLICK HERE to listen to Dr. Kahn.

One of our IVs has gotten so popular it has earned a separate name. The STRESS drip is a variation on our very popular Immune Drip, which we have provided for thousands of patients for treatment of infections, pre and post surgery, injuries and accidents, and other illnesses.

The STRESS Drip combines all elements of the Immune Drip with two other items, tryptophan and inositol, which provide calming and relaxation. Thus it can provide immune support and energy along with relief from anxiety and emotional discomfort.

If you are confronting a particularly difficult undertaking, or feel upset or incapable of handling a tough situation, such as marriage or parenthood, vacation with the in-laws, tax season or an operation, call us and arrange for a STRESS Drip. It can help you to relax and to sleep, and may be repeated as frequently as needed.

-Allan Sosin, MD

We have been providing B12 injections for years. Even though if B12 taken in high enough dose by mouth, it will overcome any digestive problems that exist, B12 injections are easy to give, can be administered at home or in the office, and will provide much higher blood levels. Recently we have been using a special form of B12 called methylcobalamin. This is particularly effective in the treatment of neurological problems, and we have seen excellent and sometimes remarkable effects in children with autism. Giving B12 injections definitely circumvents any possibility of pernicious anemia and the cognitive impairment that occurs with it.

Some years ago I treated an eighty five year old man with progressive dementia. His wife could no longer manage him, and was preparing to have him admitted to a nursing facility. Within one month of starting the injections he began to improve, and within 3 months he was back to his old self. Several previous physicians had failed to evaluate him for B12 deficiency or to simply offer B12 injections. Without the therapy he would have been unnecessarily institutionalized.

Vitamin B12 shots are completely innocuous, easy to give and inexpensive. Their purpose is to provide support for cognitive and other neurologic functions. We use them for all patients with degenerative neurologic conditions, including multiple sclerosis, ALS, and Parkinsons disease.

A 60 year old man came into the office complaining of abdominal bloating and gas. He also had intermittent shortness of breath and a vague shoulder discomfort. He said that Pepto-Bismol made him feel better. There was a prior history of heart attack several years before. His blood pressure was normal and his pulse was not increased. His electrocardiogram (EKG) revealed evidence of old cardiac damage from the prior heart attack, but no new cardiac event.

Because of his history of heart problems I ordered an immediate BNP (B type natriuretic hormone) blood test, even though it seemed like his problem was intestinal. Our lab can run this test in 10 minutes. The BNP was elevated at 200 (normal less than 100). He went to the hospital, where other studies indicated a heart attack, and he was admitted. Without the BNP test, this patient would certainly have gone home, since his symptoms did not suggest a heart problem. He was much safer in the hospital, where he could be treated, and monitored for complications.

BNP is a hormone produced by the heart muscle in increasing amounts when the heart is under stress, such as during a heart attack or heart failure. The test should be available in more private offices, as the machine to run it is relatively inexpensive and very easy to use. BNP can be followed as an indicator of cardiac muscle strength. If it is normal, it is likely that a patient with chest pain is not having a heart attack.

If you want to clarify your cardiac status, especially if you are having chest discomfort, request a stat (immediate) BNP. It could save your life.

Allan Sosin, MD