The Dr. Leigh Vinocur Show

Toys can make great gifts, but are they safe?If you have any children within your family, or are considering donating gifts to children for the holidays, you may know that toys make great presents. Like, in the eyes of kids, REALLY great. Toys are fun, but some can be dangerous to children if they are not used properly. For young children, you want to be mindful of giving small toys and toys with small parts. Young children are notorious for putting things in their mouths, ears, and noses. For older children, even though it may be on their wish list, when considering bikes, skateboards, or other motor toys, safety is the most important priority. You may also want to be sure to read warning labels and toy instructions before allowing your child to play with the new toy. What are some other tips to keep in mind when buying toys for children? Some things to look out for are making sure the toy is not toxic or painted with a lead based paint, making sure the retailer you are buying from is legit, and checking certain websites like PIRG for toys that are not safe for children. What else do you need to know about toy safety? Dr. Chuck Nozicka discusses the most common injuries seen in the ER regarding toys and offers advice so that kids -- whether they belong to you or someone else -- stay safe this holiday season.

How can you enjoy the holidays without gaining that holiday weight?Even though you've worked so hard to get (and keep) your summer body, the holidays are in full swing and threatening your recent success. Food is everywhere; temptation lurks. But, eating and drinking too much throughout the holiday season can be extremely rough on your body. Did you know that 75% of Americans' weight gain takes place during the holiday season? In fact, the average American gains between 0.5 and 1.75 pounds during this time of year. A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey follow-up study found that among adults 25 to 44 years old, the body weight measured at 10-year intervals increased by an average of 3.4 percent in men and 5.2 percent in women. Wow. So, how can you enjoy the holidays while still staying healthy? If you're concerned with what will be served at a holiday party -- especially if you have diabetes -- or if you're just watching your weight, it's not a bad idea to contact the host of the party. If you feel like you'll want to dive in the dessert, appetizers and drinks, you may want to consider bringing your own healthy snacks. And, it's also important to stay active. Not only will it keep your weight consistent, it also helps reduce your stress... something that can be a real issue this time of year. What are some other tips you can follow to stay healthy during the holiday season? Dr. Catherine Marco discusses how you can enjoy the holidays and still ward off the dreaded holiday weight.

During the holidays, 79,000 deaths occur annually as a direct result of excessive alcohol use.From drinks with friends to work-related parties, it may seem like alcohol and the holidays go hand in hand. Unfortunately, while drinking unlimited amounts of holiday-themed drinks may seem like a great idea for a fun time, excessive drinking can turn quickly turn your night out upside down. Excessive drinking can lead to foolish decision-making, injuries, fights, domestic violence, and even death. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 79,000 deaths occur annually as a direct result of excessive alcohol use; and, they are not all driving-related. If you're someone who isn't used to coming home from work and slinging back a few glasses of wine to temper your day, or if you rarely drink, you may not know your alcohol tolerance. Obvious signs of someone who is impaired are the slurring of the speech, loss of motor function, slowed reaction times, and lowered reasoning ability. And, if you're on certain medications, you could be increasing your risk of experiencing health complications, many of which can be extremely dangerous. What else do you need to know about drinking and the holidays? Dr. Preeti Jois discusses why drinking increases during the holiday season, the dangers associated with excessive drinking and how you can protect yourself (and your liver) throughout the holiday season.

Are the holidays really the "happiest time of the year"?Even though the holidays are a wonderful time to spend celebrating the season amidst comforting traditions with your friends and family members, they can be extremely stressful. Is it actually "the most wonderful time of the year," or could you be masking your feelings of depression during this time of year? The stress of buying presents, preparing food, attending numerous holiday parts, tension between family members, and being surrounded by the overflowing opportunities of alcohol... not to mention the beginning symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, can all turn you to a melancholic state and make you want to hibernate until the season is over. The holidays can also be a difficult time if you've recently lost a loved one and this marks the first holiday without them. Illness, divorce, and a job loss can also cause tremendous heartache. What can you do to get through this holiday safely? One tip that could help lift your spirits is to volunteer during the holiday season. Volunteering can help reinstate positivity in your life. Another tip to decrease depression during the holidays is to make sure you're exercising. Moving your body naturally increases your endorphins and boosts your serotonin levels. Lastly, getting out in the sunshine or taking a trip where it's sunny is extremely beneficial, especially if you live in a climate where the winters are long and grey. If you're starting to feel symptoms of depression, please do not hesitate to reach out for help (1-800-273-TALK). Dr. Stephanie Duggan discusses why depression could peak during the holidays and what you can do to cope during this festive season.

How can you be safe and healthy during the stressful holiday season?The holidays can be a fun, exciting, and joyous time for many; but they can also be a stressful time for others. From overspending to juggling schedules and managing expectations, trying to keep it all together can do harm to your health if you're not careful. For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are roughly 76 million causes of food poisoning that occur during the holiday season. Another reason you might take a trip to the ER during the holidays is because of the decorations. Even though decorating the Christmas tree and putting up festive lights in your yard can put you in the holiday spirit, doing so can pose some serious danger if not done safely. You may want to consider using non-breakable ornaments, make sure your large tree is secure, and if you have little ones, it may be wise to put up a gate that blocks the entrance to the room where the tree is in order to keep them from trying to grab (or climb up) the tree. Even though these are all examples of how your holiday can turn into an ER nightmare, the most common reason people land in the ER is because of stress. Stress can lead to overeating and excessive drinking and can spike your blood pressure... which could increase your risk for a heart attack or other drastic health issues. What are some tips to stay healthy and stress-free during the holidays? One thing you might do without realizing it is over-scheduling yourself and your family members. Even though you may be trying to please everyone, sometimes you just have to say NO. You may also want to dedicate time for yourself during the holiday season. Exercise can help reduce tons of stress and help boost your mood as well. What else can you do to help lower your stress during the holidays? Dr. James Williams discusses what physicians see in the ER this time of year, as well as some advice to help you ease potential problems.

The CDC says that they are seeing the highest number of measles cases in the US since 2000.Are the measles making a comeback? The CDC says that they are seeing the highest number of measles cases in the United States since 2000 with over 300 cases reported so far. Why? What are the measles and how can you prevent the disease? Back in the year 2000, the U.S. thought it had "eliminated" the disease. Since then, a lot of press and attention has been paid to people not getting vaccinations due to various reasons, from Hollywood celebrities "taking a stand" to people with religious principles. State governments and regulations are getting stricter in some aspects, but the measles still has become a public health issue. So, how can this newly-raised problem be addressed? There is a concept called "herd humanity," which says that as long as people do their duty as American citizens, it is good for the public as a whole. So, for instance, as long as approximately 95% of the population vaccinates, the community as a whole is mostly protected. Unfortunately, not all individuals and communities adhere to that concept. For example, one of the recent outbreaks of measles occurred in Ohio in an Amish community, where vaccination rates are around 20%. One of the members traveled to a country where measles is still a huge issue, and brought the disease back. While there have been no deaths reported thus far, if the trend continues, there WILL be deaths in the future. What does measles look like? It's been so long since this has been a problem, that many younger doctors are ill equipped to deal with it. The disease presents as a typical virus infection with a rash. Children may experience a fever for 2-4 days, as well as coughing and red, watery eyes (similar to pink eye). Eventually the classic red spots will appear. The rash generally starts at head and face and spreads down to the feet. Unfortunately, the rash doesn't come until about two weeks after the child is infected, leaving opportunity for transmission. The problem with measles is the complications that can occur, which can't really be predicted. Viral pneumonia is one complication, which, of course cannot be treated with antibiotics. Encephalitis, an infection of the brain, also cannot be treated. Dr. Bruce Lobitz joins Dr. Leigh to discuss the recent increase in measles cases, as well as what you should look out for as far as symptoms in your own child.

When doing yard work, what are the best things you can do to keep your limbs safe while still getting the job done?More than 250,000 people were treated for lawn mower-related injuries last year, and the incidence of these injuries is on the rise. Kids under 19 account for 17,000 of these injuries every year, but adults are mostly affected. Injuries often result from interactions with the blade. Remember, the blade doesn't turn off instantaneously. Furthermore, it doesn't even have to be "spinning" to cause damage, especially if it's just been sharpened and you're working with it while idle. Amputation results from many of these injuries, as hands/fingers and feet are often the most affected. There aren't many hand surgeons available that can even handle this type of injury. Also, there is a high risk of infection from cuts and lacerations, because of all the grass, dirt and debris that can enter the wound from an injury caused by the blade. Muscles, nerves, tendons, bones, skin can be affected. Reattachment of lost limbs is also made difficult by the risk of infection. So, given that statistic, what are the best things you can do to keep your limbs safe while still getting the job done? The more "hard" objects you can put between yourself and the mower, the better. Hard-sole shoes that have some stability are essential, and long pants are recommended. Make sure the lawnmower is functioning properly and that the blade is completely stopped before addressing any issues. Kids should never be around lawn mowing, whether they're riding on the mower with you, or just helping you pick up sticks in the yard. Teach your kids safety and the rules around the mower. Also, don't leave the mower unattended while it's running. Most riding lawnmowers have seat sensors that will stop the blade if you step off. But some individuals choose to disengage that safety function, a mistake that can put you at risk. Finally, safety goggles/glasses are also a good idea to protect your eyes from rocks, sticks and anything that might shoot out. Doing yard work can be enjoyable, so make sure you're not putting yourself or any of your loved ones at risk. In this segment, Dr. Ryan Stanton joins Dr. Leigh to discuss the dangers of mowers, as well as simple ways you can make sure no one in your family ends up in the ER.

The hot summer sun can feel like such a relief after a long winter. But there are critical things to consider when it comes to the sun's rays.Being out in the hot summer sun can feel like such a relief after a long, drawn-out winter. But there are some critical things to consider when it comes to the sun's rays, and how exposure can increase your risk for skin cancer. There are two primary types of cancers: melanoma and non-melanoma. Non-melanoma includes basal cell carcinoma. With this type, you'll generally see a bump start to grow in sun-exposed areas of your body, oftentimes your face. The bump will grow very slowly with no other real symptoms and get wider and deeper as time goes on. While these bumps can be removed successfully, doing so can be potentially disfiguring if not taken seriously. There are actually 12-14 sub-types of this type of cancer. Some of them are more aggressive and can get to the bone or nervous system more quickly than others. People with Type-1 skin (always burn, never tan) and Type-2 skin (burn, sometimes tan) are primarily at risk. Melanoma is one of the deadliest types of cancers. The trouble with melanoma is that it can metastasize to other bodily systems, such as your lymph nodes, brain, spleen, etc. For instance, if you haven't paid attention to a mole initially, it can enter a vertical growth phase where it reaches the lower level of the dermis and can enter the lymphatic system. There is an easy way to remember how to look out for such moles, known as the ABCD (and sometimes E) rule. Assymetry Border is uneven Color (brown, blue, white) Diameter (greater than a pencil eraser) Evolving, meaning the mole is changing What are some key risk factors for developing a melanoma? People who work inside and don't get out very much, then are exposed to the sun for an intense period of time are particularly at risk because they have then traumatized the skin, sometimes beyond repair. Also, as with the non-melanoma types of cancer, people with Type-1 and Type-2 skin are very much at risk. If you often go to the beach, you're getting double exposure (the sand reflects the sun), and if you're someone who is constantly in the sun during the peak hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., you are also in the high-risk group. What are some ways you can prevent skin cancer? Always wear sunscreen when exposed to the sun. Find a sunscreen you like, that you'll use all the time. Remember to apply an hour before you go out and every two hours after you've been out. And, use the recommended one (1) ounce per application. Dr. Patrick Carrington joins Dr. Leigh to explain the differences in skin cancers, as well as provide tips for recognizing and addressing potential problem areas.

An Urgent Care facility is not a replacement for the ER. Learn the differences, as well as signs that you should go directly to the ER.With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, many clinics, hospitals and ERs are seeing a rise in patients. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of physicians available to take on the demand; which means that more and more urgent care facilities are trying to fill the void of not enough primary care. This can become problematic when people start substituting Urgent Care for the ER. Many patients are simply misguided as to where they should go, while others are being referred to Urgent Care by their primary physicians. One thing to keep in mind is that you must understand what Urgent Care clinics can do, and what level of treatment you might be able to receive. Some facilities can perform and process blood work while others can't. It's difficult to diagnose more serious issues when you can't perform the proper tests. What are some critical warning signs that you should think twice about before skipping the ER and heading to Urgent Care? Anything heart-attack related, such as chest pain, pain down the arm, nausea, shortness of breath. Remember, women have atypical symptoms for heart attack such as dizziness or weakness, so those symptoms should not be ignored either. Of course stroke indications such as weakness, not being able to speak and having trouble walking should send you immediately to the ER. And any sort of seizure or instance of passing out should be addressed in an Emergency Department. If you are in doubt, you should always call 911. The 911 system was built to address emergencies. Always err on the side of safety. Another thing to consider is that even though these UC centers are popping up, there still aren't enough doctors. Physician "extenders" such as Nurse Practitioners and Physician's Assistants can help, but you must realize they are a different kind of provider than a doctor. NPs and PAs are OK for minor emergencies and they can help fill that void, but there is still need for primary care physicians. Also, some Medicare plans require that you be seen by a physician first, or they won't cover the care. Finally, UC centers charge the money up front, whereas ERs treat you first then worry about the money later. If there's any question in your mind that you absolutely need to see a doctor right away, the ER is the way to go. Dr. Rebecca Parker joins Dr. Leigh to discuss the critical differences between Urgent Care facilities and ERs, as well as the best ways to assess which option is best for you and your loved ones.

A recent poll shows that ER visits are on the rise since the Affordable Care Act was put into effect.A recent poll shows that ER visits are on the rise since January 1, 2014, when the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was fully put into effect. But wait a minute... wasn't the ACA supposed to fix the healthcare system, not make it worse? There are a lot of factors that go into this rise in ER visits. Actually, many physicians knew this trend was going to occur based on past experience. A key thing to remember is that just because you have health insurance, doesn't mean you have health care. Coverage does not equal access. Some of the increase could be due to people who are finally able to "afford" to go to the doctor. Oftentimes, these people have waited so long that the medical issue they're experiencing truly has become an emergency. In fact, when patients call their primary care physician for an emergency-type issue, four out of five physicians will recommend that they go to the ER. People are using the ER when they need to, not just willy-nilly. Over 90 percent of patients do actually belong there. The problem arises because the ACA has helped increase the demand for healthcare, but the supply of doctors is the same. What is the answer to this conundrum? Special guest, Dr. Rebecca Parker joins Dr. Leigh to discuss the rise in Emergency Department visits, as well as the future of Emergency care.

It seems like something out of a movie, but the recent case of a teen stowing away in the wheel well of a plane, surviving from CA to Hawaii, is very real.It seems like something out of a movie, but the recent incidence of a teen stowing away in the wheel well of a plane, surviving all the way from California to Hawaii, is very real. Special guest, Dr. Hans House, has actually seen this happen before. When Dr. House was at UCLA, a young man was brought into the trauma center after stowing away on a flight from Tahiti to Los Angeles. He was covered head-to-toe in oil, extremely cold to the touch and very discombobulated. His mind was basically "scrambled" from being so cold and being at such a high altitude for so long. But, despite the conditions, both of these young men survived. Are these examples of medical miracles? One factor in both cases involves the concept of hypothermia. When exposed to extremely cold temperatures, your body starts to shut down certain mechanisms, slowing your heart rate, breathing and mental function.  This is a similar effect to what happens in hibernation in animals. Medical advances have actually started to use hypothermia after certain health emergencies, including cardiac arrest. It helps protect the brain from damaging free radicals. Unfortunately, in both men, mental function will likely not ever be the same simply due to the length of time spent with low oxygen levels. Certainly, it's not something you want to attempt, even if you're a skilled adventurist or magician. Join Dr. House as he explains how these two men survived, despite the odds.

HPV is a major contributing factor to head and neck cancer, resulting in increased diagnoses in the younger population.Traditionally, head and neck cancers have been diagnosed most in individuals over the age of 50. But there has been a recent change in who is being affected by these specific diseases. In fact, patients these days are 5-10 years younger than traditional head/neck cancer patients. Smoking and alcohol abuse are obvious contributing factors, but HPV (the virus that causes cervical cancer) has also become a high-risk factor as well. It's estimated that 50 percent of sexually active men and women carry the virus. The good news is that cancer cells caused by HPV respond much better to treatment options than those cancer cells proliferated by other activities (such as smoking). If you're already infected with HPV, the vaccine will not help you. This is why it is so essential to vaccinate at a young age, in both girls and boys. Dr. Vikas Mehta joins Dr. Leigh to discuss the increasing risk of HPV-related head and neck cancers, as well as ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

The #1 cause of accidental death is overdose of opiate-based drugs. What if you could save someone you love from dying with one simple injection?Heroin use on the rise and all recent statistics point to growth in addiction to the drug. It's important to get past the idea that heroin is used by street "druggies" or criminals. Often, heroin use and resulting addiction is a natural progression from addiction to prescription medications. This can affect anyone, from kids to housewives. For some, this addiction can be deadly. In fact, the #1 cause of accidental death is overdose of opiate-based drugs. But what if you could save someone you love from dying? Narcan is a drug that rapidly reverses the effects of opiate-based drugs. Some physicians refer to is as the "Lazarus drug" because it literally brings people back from the effects of overdose. The controversy of this drug arises when it comes to who should have access to the drug. Is it best in the hands of doctors? Or should it be available in your pharmacy? There is a huge push to get Narcan into the community and into the hands of family members and friends... those who are most likely to come across individuals likely to use/overdose. This is even more important as stronger opiates are coming onto the market. Previously, Narcan was only available via injection. But recent developments have resulted in both nasal sniffer and auto-injector options. Dr. Stephen Anderson joins Dr. Leigh to discuss the safety and efficacy of Narcan, as well as why it is so important to make the drug available to the general public.

The trend for teens to drink -- and binge drink -- is not slowing down. You might be surprised the ways teens go about getting buzzed.The trend for teens to drink -- and binge drink -- is not slowing down. You might be surprised, however, to learn the ways teens go about getting drunk. In this YouTube world we live in, where fads and trends become popular almost overnight, some of the unfortunate fads relate to the use of drugs and alcohol. For instance, kids have begun to use alcohol enemas and alcohol-soaked tampons to get a buzz. One disturbing new fad termed "eyeballing" actually has teens pouring vodka straight into the eye socket, which can do long term damage to their eyesight. "Butt chugging" involves a tube inserted into the anus, allowing alcohol to flood into the large intestine. The alcohol is absorbed very quickly into the bloodstream. This method is used to avoid the gastritis associated with drinking too much. Hand sanitizers contain a high percentage of alcohol, and many teens drink the sanitizer in order to get drunk. To help deter this behavior, Purell has started to put in an ingredient that makes it bitter to taste. "Vaportinis" involve smoking or inhaling alcohol fumes. This can be harmful to the lungs and teens can get so intoxicated so fast that the levels of alcohol could result in death. Dr. Chuck Nozicka has seen instances of these activities far too often in the ER. He joins Dr. Leigh to discuss the recent trends and the dangers associated with each.

Spring breaks, prom and summer parties are all prime activities for teen binge drinking. Make sure your teen does not become a statistic.According to Monitoring the Future, a nationwide sample of teens ranging from 8th graders to high school students were surveyed on their drinking habits. The results are scary. More than 25 percent of 8th graders have used alcohol, and that figure jumps to over 40 percent by tenth grade. What's even worse is that there is a 40 percent chance your high school aged student has binge drank (having 5+ alcoholic drinks) in the past two weeks. Do you suspect your teen is one of the 40 percent that binge drinks? Dr. Chuck Nozicka, an expert on the topic of adolescent behavior, joins Dr. Leigh to talk about this growing problem parents are facing. Why do people binge drink? Media shares some of the blame. Advertising and other media venues portray drinking as fun and attractive, and they actually make it out to be some sort of right of passage into adulthood. Parents can often be to blame as well. You are the biggest influence on your teens, and when they see behavior that it is OK to drink (or worse yet, they are actually enabled by you providing the alcohol), they feel it is acceptable behavior. You can actually be held responsible for allowing underage drinking in your home, making you vulnerable to fines and jail time... not to mention the guilt that you would feel should a child endanger himself or someone else due to you allowing him to drink. Your teen will have many opportunities to drink with prom, peer parties. etc. But, you will want to make sure that you have set a good example and that your teen understands the consequences that come with binge drinking. There are many resources to help you and your teen. Here are a few to consider: TeensHealth Teen Treatment Center Teen Central