The Dr. Leigh Vinocur Show

It sounds like something out of a science fiction horror movie, but these parasites are real and almost uniformly deadly.It sounds like something out of a science fiction horror movie, but the "brain-eating amoeba" parasites you've heard about lately are real and almost uniformly deadly.  The CDC reports that since 1962, 128 cases have occurred, and only two (or possibly three) individuals have survived. One of those individuals is a teenage girl who was infected just this past summer. Unfortunately, the other teen that was affected in the summer of 2013 did not survive. The parasites (or amoebas) typically live in warm, stagnant water; but they can also survive in under-treated water, such as that at a water park or even within a well. Fortunately, you cannot be infected simply by drinking the water by mistake. The contaminated water needs to forcibly injected up through the nasal cavity. This is why there was an issue with people using the Netti-Pot, as that is the method used for treatment. Symptoms mimic those of meningitis, as once you are infected you actually have a version of meningitis. Severe headache, fever, stiffness of the neck, and nausea can all reflect an infection. Doctors use a spinal tap to officially diagnose the disease. But, before you get too frightened after ending up with a stiff neck from a bad pillow, keep in mind that the occurrence is extremely rare. And while treatment up to this point as been almost completely ineffective, the CDC is releasing an experimental drug for the cases that do occur. Dr. Ryan Stanton teams up with Dr. Leigh to share more information about one girl’s miraculous recovery and how you can protect your kids and yourself.

Ovarian cancer is projected to kill more than 14,000 women this year. But if you don't have a family history, how do you know if you're at risk?Ovarian cancer is called the silent killer, projected to kill more than 14,000 women this year. While genetic testing and family history can play a role in the possibility of developing ovarian cancer, the truth is that gene abnormalities only account for 10-15% of all cases. The other 85-90% of patients develop the cancer simply by chance. Unfortunately, the symptoms for ovarian cancer - unless you have a family history and are actively watching for them, or being screened regularly - are often undetectable until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Instances of bloating, nausea, and loss of appetite often only show up after the cancer has spread. The typical screening mechanism for ovarian cancer is a pelvic exam, usually performed by your OB-GYN each year. If you've had a family history, you may opt for tests like the CA-125 blood test or an ultrasound. Recently, developments in the way the CA-125 test is conducted have allowed for a closer monitoring of the disease. Special guest, Dr. Robin Lacour, joins Dr. Leigh to discuss important information about ovarian cancer, including, the encouraging advances in regards to testing.

The CDC estimates more than one-third of children and adolescents are considered overweight or obese. Is your child one of them?Childhood obesity has become a major epidemic in the United States. The CDC estimates more than one-third of children and adolescents are considered overweight or obese. Is your child one of them? Emergency Room physician, Dr. Peter Pagnussi, shares some valuable information about this serious issue, as well as some potential solutions. Learn what you can do to protect the ones you love.

ER doctors treat over one million sports injuries a year in young athletes. Learn how to best protect your child.If you have a child that plays sports, they undoubtedly have had some sort of injury - even if mild. Emergency room physicians treat over one million sports-related injuries a year in young athletes. Sports Medicine expert, Dr. Kevin Waninger, joins Dr. Leigh to discuss some of the most common injuries in young athletes, including concussions, broken bones, serious cuts and more. Learn how your child can help prevent some of these injuries and how to best treat them when they occur.

Concussions are an issue in sports... not only for the NFL and other professional teams, but also for your young athlete.Concussions are in the news often these days, with the recent NFL settlement and measures like professional sports organizations putting concussion programs in place. But what about your child athlete? Are they being attended to as carefully as the professional athletes? Sports Medicine expert, Dr. Kevin Waninger, joins Dr. Leigh to discuss the dangers associated with concussions, as well as when is it safe to return to action. Dr. Waninger also delves into whether emergency physicians are clearing these kids too soon even after a mild concussion. Learn how you can help keep your child safe and make the proper decisions where concussions are concerned.

Notebooks and pens aren't the only things your kids need before they head off to school. Learn which health-related items are required as well.Many schools send out a school supply checklist for kids before they had back to school, which includes things like how many notebooks they need, the kind of pencils they should bring, whether or not they need pens, etc. But not often enough do schools send out a health-related checklist. In this segment of ER 101, Dr. Juan Fitz joins Dr. Leigh to discuss all of the things your kids need before they hop on the bus again for one more year of the books. For instance, you should make sure that their medical records are up to date, including things like any allergies they suffer from, any medications they are currently taking, who their pediatrician is, and contact info should the school need to get in touch with you. Additionally, they should have all their vaccinations, dental check-ups and eye exams out of the way. If you child rides the bus, you may want to do a practice run once or twice so he or she becomes familiar with that morning and afternoon routine. Or, if your child is of driving age, make sure you go over all the safety concerns that accompany getting behind the wheel... including NO texting and driving. Kids of all ages have cellphones these days, so take the time to input emergency contact information into their phones so that they have them for easy access should an emergency arise. And, don't forget those "consent to treat" forms. Whether your kids are in pre-school or heading into their senior year, you don't want to miss the important information shared by Dr. Fitz.

Kids putting things in their mouths is a fairly regular occurrence. Unfortunately, it's also a very dangerous occurrence.Does your young child put everything in his or her mouth? Chances are, that's a regular occurrence. Unfortunately, it's also an extremely dangerous occurrence. Magnets are found in many household products... some which you may not even realize. These magnets are small yet powerful, and potentially hazardous. Your child could easily get his or her hands on these and swallow them. This is becoming a very serious problem, as swallowing them could cause holes burned into your child's bowels and many more serious health concerns. Dr. Julie Brown teams up with Dr. Leigh to share why children swallowing these magnets can be so worrisome.

Bell's Palsy looks close to a stroke in symptoms, but is very different. Know the symptoms so you can get appropriate care.Bell's Palsy is an inflammatory condition that affects a specific facial nerve, and causes partial or complete paralysis of the face. The causes are often unknown, but could be due to a virus or even complications from Lyme disease. The symptoms of Bell's Palsy actually look very close to that of stroke. But, in fact, they are very different health concerns. These differences are important to know, so that when you experience either one or the other, you can obtain appropriate care. One significant difference is that while Bell's affects primarily the face, a stroke usually shows weakness in other areas of the body - even if the stroke is realized in facial paralysis. Also, while most stroke victims are aged 45 and over, Bell's Palsy can affect you at any age. Special guest, Dr. Jahan Fahimi, joins Dr. Leigh to explain all of the differences between the two conditions, as well as share information as to what you should do if you are experiencing symptoms.

Lyme disease cases are on the rise. What do you need to do to protect yourself?Lyme disease cases are at least 10 times higher than originally thought – with as many as 300,000 cases being reported according to the CDC. If you like to camp or spend time outdoors or if you own a pet, you should be concerned about ticks and tick bites. Dr. Gabe Wilson joins Dr. Leigh to discuss why Lyme disease cases are on the rise and what you should be doing to protect yourself and your family...including the family pet.

If you thought it was safer to live in the country compared to the city – think again.If you are considering moving yourself or your family someday soon, you may want to consider moving to a city. Obviously, there is a lot to consider; from travel times, to schools and more. But safety should be a big factor as well. Believe it or not, it may actually be safer to live in a city. In this segment of ER 101, Dr. Sage Myers joins Dr. Leigh to discuss the new study by the Annals of Emergency Medicine, which suggests the country may not be as safe as living in a city.

The HPV vaccine could save your son or daughter's life. So why are many teens not getting it?HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases today. In fact, in the U.S., there are more than 20 million people affected with HPV. Back in 2006, the first vaccination against HPV was approved by the FDA. This vaccine helps prevent contracting HPV, which can eventually lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx. While the vaccine initially targeted teenage girls and young women, the CDC now recommends that teenage boys get vaccinated as well. So why are more and more people, especially young teenage girls, NOT getting vaccinated? One reason may be the stigma around a vaccine which prevents an STD. Parents don't like to think of their teenage boys and girls having sex. Another reason may be the growing distrust of vaccines in general. However, research has shown the the HPV vaccine is completely safe from long-term side effects. In this segment, special guest Dr. Jenice Forde-Baker, MD, shares helpful information about the HPV virus and vaccine. If you have kids, even as young as nine years old, this interview is not to be missed.

More and more women are dying from overdose due to prescription painkillers. Could you be at risk?A new report from the CDC shows that deaths among women from prescription painkiller overdoses are skyrocketing. Opiate overdose deaths among women spiked five-fold in the last decade, according to an analysis by the CDC.  Our physician expert, Dr. Stephen Anderson, discusses why this is happening, how you or a loved one can help protect against overdose, and how you can recognize the signs when help may be needed.

Every year dozens of children die or are seriously injured from being left in a hot vehicle.Kids and hot cars are a deadly combination. Every year dozens of children across the country die or are seriously injured from heatstroke due to being left in a hot vehicle. There are additional risks for leaving your child alone in a car, especially when temperatures are extreme. Don't be foolish. In this segment, special guest Dr. Michael Gerardi shares the risk factors of leaving your children unattended, no matter their age, as well as how to protect them from heatstroke.

Dehydration often sneaks up on you. But it's more than just being thirsty; it can be deadly. Learn how to keep you and your loved ones healthy and hydrated.Dehydration often sneaks up on you. But it's more than just being thirsty; When you're dehydrated, it means that your body does not have the amount of fluids it should. This can range from mild to severe. When severe, it can be a life-threatening emergency. Dr. Gerardi will break down why you get dehydrated and what happens to your body when this happens, as well as important information to stay healthy and hydrated while in extreme heat or heavy exertion.

How prepared are you in regards to safety while traveling? Would you know what to do if you suffered an accident?Summer is a big time for family vacations. While these trips are meant to be fun and relaxing, you should also be aware of safety concerns. Lately there seems to be more news of plane crashes, train derailments, horrible car accidents, and even mishaps on the open seas. So, what can you do to help prevent potential accidents such as these? Dr. Bill Jaquis joins Dr. Leigh to provide you some solid safety tips when traveling with your family. Be prepared the next time you take that family vacation.