Not All Physicians are MDs

 

Note: Thanks to a reader for informing us that an osteopathic school in Dothan began issuing degrees in 2017.

Here in Alabama, most physicians are Medical Doctors (MDs). Why? Currently, all programs in this state offering physician degrees provide only a Medical Doctorate; however, other states are homes to colleges offering a degree in Osteopathic Medicine as well as Allopathic Medicine.

A recent (we believe ill-conceived) bill before the Alabama Legislature is seeking to legalize some surgical procedures to be performed by Doctors of Optometry. An Ophthalmologist who is opposing this bill has repeatedly mentioned such surgeries should be performed by only Medical Doctors.

I've recently been visiting Florence Ophthalmology for intraocular lens implants; at that facility, one surgeon is an allopath, while a second is an osteopath. Both are physicians and surgeons, with an osteopath having somewhat more formal training than the allopath.

The bottom line is to consult with those who have used these physicians in your area to determine which you believe would be more attuned to your needs. Remember, don't ever hesitate to ask for a second opinion if your insurance or finances permit.

Nurse Nan

April Whitworth Weaver Isn't a Former Nurse

 

Alexander Willis of the Alabama Daily News has recently published an article on the Alabama State Nursing Association's lobbying efforts to promote better conditions for our state's nursing professionals. In this short article, Willis calls one of the law's vocal proponents a "former nurse."

It's pretty iffy that there are actually any former nurses out there anywhere in any state - their degree would have to have been revoked by the body that issued it. Nursing is a profession, meaning one becomes a nurse upon receiving a degree of some ilk in the practice. Of course, there are former Registered Nurses since many either voluntarily give up their licenses or are forced to surrender them. 

No, the supporter of better working conditions for nurses in this state is neither a former nurse nor a former Registered Nurse. April Whitworth Weaver (pictured) is a Certified Registered Nurse Practioner fully licensed through the end of 2024. She, according to several nursing sites, practices pediatric nursing in Magnolia Springs. She's also a member of the State Senate. In short, Sen. Weaver appears to have much more going on in her life than the author of the article about her recent efforts to improve nursing in our state.

One often sees ill-educated writers refer to former attorneys, former physicians, etc. Sorry, Mr. Willis, there's probably no such thing out there in our state. Above all, Sen. Weaver is certainly not a "former nurse." She deserves an apology, and nurses everywhere sincerely hope she receives it.

If she doesn't receive such an apology? There might be just a few attorneys in the legislature willing to assist her in a libel suit.

Nurse Nan

Introducing Bradley Wargo, DO

Everyone has pain from time to time, Unfortunately, as we age, many develop chronic pain. Finding the right physician to treat these conditions is often difficult, especially in such smaller areas as the Shoals.

This week, we had the pleasure to meet neurologist Dr. Bradley Wargo who recently moved here from the Memphis area. Dr. Wargo is an osteopath at Interventional Pain Management on West Avalon Avenue in Muscle Shoals. He can be contacted at 256-386-1490.

Welcome to the Shoals area, Dr. Wargo!

Have Your Anti-Suicide Argument at Ready

 

This is Catherine. She was tall and thin and beautiful. She was so intelligent that she made even the most well adjusted among us envious. She had been raped twice and once saw her two-year old son lying dead in a pool of blood on a twisting country road where a teenage boy was driving too fast to stop. Then one day ten years ago, while having ventured only slightly into middle age, she picked up a gun, put it to her head, and pulled the trigger.

Since then, I've had my anti-suicide argument ready. Commit suicide and your enemies win. One by one, they'll venture forward with words of how they always knew you were a loser, of how they had expected your ultimate failure all along. Do you really want that?

I often rehearsed that speech in my mind, but no occasion arose for me to use it until last year. A friend came to my door to say goodbye; she couldn't take the physical and emotional pain anymore. I then presented my prepared speech as fervently and eloquently as possible. My friend began to nod her head and smile. She was to go to Birmingham for a medical appointment the next day; she would wait.

The doctors in Birmingham gave my friend three months to live. She died in three weeks. Perhaps my speech was wasted, but perhaps those extra three weeks of her life had a lasting impact on someone else out there.

I just wish someone could have been there to do as much for Catherine.

Take 81 mg. Aspirin? Try This!

 

Look closely at the aspirin bottle above. This is an idea whose time has come. "Ready in Case" brand aspirin are enteric coated (easy to swallow/digest) and come in a large bottle of 300 so that you won't quickly run out.

However, that's not the reason you'll love this brand. Notice the lid on the bottle? It features eight elevated panels to make it easy to open. Even if your hands are cold or wet or oily, you shouldn't have a problem getting to these aspirin when needed. You can find these 81 mg. aspirin at Walmart and other chain stores for around $6.00. 

We also have a prediction about these caps. Somewhere soon a crafter will come up with a great idea to reuse these attractive toppers.  Sounds like a win-win to me.

Nurse Nan

Should I Use a Vaporizer for my Child?

Several mothers have recently asked about the pros and cons of a humidifier or vaporizer for a child's room. Both systems add moisture to the air, making it easier for those small, stuffed-up noses to breathe.

As long as vaporizers are anchored safely, this is a no-brainer. Humidifiers, along with adding moisture to a room's environment, promote mold. Since vaporizers produce steam via intense heat, bacteria and fungi are kept at bay. It is a good idea to clean the system with vinegar or disinfectant once or twice a week.

The next two months should be the worst for colds and flu among the younger set, so don't hesitate to keep your child inside when necessary. We're pretty sure Santa still makes house calls.

Merry Christmas,

Nurse Nan

COVID Vaccine Won't Change DNA, but Colloidal Silver Will

 

There are two ways our DNA changes; there can be a spontaneous mutation or a foreign substance can enter the nucleus of the cell. We can't do much about those mutations, but we can be aware of chemicals that are capable of entering the cell nucleus.

Do COVID vaccines enter the nucleus? No. There is no way that these various vaccines, or any other current vaccines, are capable of changing DNA. Unfortunately, that can't be said for some chemicals.

One such chemical is colloidal silver. This product is found in unapproved so-called health products. While it does have some health benefits, it's not an element naturally found in the body as with iron or magnesium. The colloidal silver takes the form of nano-particles once in the body and can wreak havoc on health.

The most obvious side effect is Argyria, commonly called Blue Man Syndrome. The skin of those who consume too much silver first turns gray, then a striking blue. The condition is irreversible due to the changes in DNA.

Perhaps you've seen some local anti-vaxxers make false statements about the COVID vaccine, but tout colloidal silver? It gives new meaning to the expression "talking until blue in the face."


Nurse Nan