Are hormones in our food causing kids to become sexually mature faster?
As parents, we enjoy observing the growth and development of our children. One such, frequently challenging, developmental milestone is puberty—that rite of passage from children to adulthood. Statistics support children are entering puberty at earlier ages. Since the 1990’s, medical journals report increasing numbers of …
Vaccines have Transformed our World!
Before vaccines, parents in the U.S. could expect that each year: • Polio would paralyze 10,000 children. • Rubella (German measles) would cause birth defects and mental retardation in 20,000 newborns. • Measles would infect 4 million people, killing 500 of them. • Diphtheria would …
Your newborn’s immune system; maximize their protection!
Newborns have fragile and inexperienced immune systems. Soon after birth, they are exposed to a hostile world of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. I’ve outlined the keys to maximizing the immune system in your newborn. No, it is not a magic pill! While there is …
Congratulations Dr. Fink!
This blog is a “shout out” to my mentor, friend and colleague Dr. Jordan Fink. My inspiration to pursue a career in allergy/immunology stems from my experience as a senior medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin during a rotation in allergy/immunology where …
Seasonal influenza is spreading
In Montana, the influenza virus is making its appearance. The CDC reports “local” outbreaks, while our neighbor to the south (Wyoming) has reported widespread influenza outbreaks. In fact, influenza has become widespread in 33 states this week compared to just 4 states last week. …
A big shout out to all Medical Assistants!
October 21-25, 2013 is National Medical Assistant Recognition Week. We, at Family Allergy & Asthma Care of Montana, wish to recognize our Medical Assistant, Merissa, for her hard work and the vital role she plays in our day-to-day operations taking outstanding care of our patients. I have …
Flu shot Season
It is that time of year again! The annual influenza vaccine is available. Here is a bit of information about the “flu” and the “flu shot.” Influenza “flu” infection: This is a contagious disease that spreads around the U.S. every winter, usually between October …
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Dermographism: I scratch, therefore I hive!
Dermographism literally means “skin writing.” While firm stroking of the skin usually leaves some redness and occasionally mild raised areas, about 5% of normal young people have a conspicuous and exaggerated response called simple dermographism. There is no associated itching and this is in the …
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Eosinophil awareness!
The number of individuals being diagnosed with eosinophilic disorders especially eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is on the rise! This is a challenging disorder that frequently requires the expertise of several specialties including GI physicians, allergists and nutritionists. The eosinophil is one of the white blood cells …
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Can you hear me now?
Ears plugged? Hearing loss? With ongoing nasal congestion, eustachian tube dysfunction can make you feel like you are talking in a deep barrel. Or, there may be other reasons for hearing loss or ringing in the ears. At Treasure State Hearing in Bozeman, Montana, audiologist …