Ask the Expert: What causes an athlete to suddenly collapse?

April 16, 2012

John Hayes, M.D.John Hayes, M.D.: One of the most unexpected and tragic events to occur during athletic competition is sudden cardiac arrest, which causes a young athlete to collapse with no warning.

Sudden cardiac death is rare, estimated to affect one in 200,000 high school athletes per year.

These cardiac arrests can occur because of trauma or heat stroke, but the majority of cases happen because of underlying cardiovascular disease.

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Medical Myth: Long-Term Effects of Knuckle Cracking

April 9, 2012

myth bustersMyth: Cracking your knuckles will cause arthritis later in life.

It’s the scourge of every parent. Since time began, children have been irritating their parents by cracking their knuckles. But does habitual knuckle cracking cause any long-term effects – or worse yet – arthritis?

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Ask the Expert: I’m a pitcher and my shoulder really hurts. What are my options?

April 2, 2012

Albert Cecchini, D.O.

Albert Cecchini, D.O.


Albert Cecchini, D.O.: The most common shoulder injury in pitchers is a shoulder joint tear, or what we call a glenoid labrum tear. It occurs in the soft, fibrous tissue rim (labrum) which surrounds the socket (glenoid).

This can be caused by a specific injury to the shoulder but more commonly is due to the repetitive overhead motion you use. In addition to the pain, you have probably lost velocity and placement accuracy on your pitches. Here are your options.

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Ask the Expert: What Is Gout?

March 20, 2012

Martina Ziegenbein, M.D.

Martina Ziegenbein, M.D.


Q: I’ve seen a lot of advertising for gout medication recently. What is gout and what causes it?

A:Gout is a form of arthritis caused by deposits of uric acid crystals in the joints and other tissues, such as the skin or kidney. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines. Purines are found in certain foods and drinks including liver, mackerel, dried peas and beans, beer and wine.

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Ask the Expert: Do you have any tips to quit smoking?

March 13, 2012
Katherine P. Patterson, M.D.

Katherine P. Patterson, M.D

Katherine P. Patterson, M.D.: Make an appointment with your doctor. He or she will be more than happy to assist and can recommend medications to help you quit.

I encourage my patients who want to quit to write on a “pros and cons” card that will fit right in their cigarette pack.


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