2014-09-27: Vitamin D biochemistry, business of medicine and your health questions answered

Summary: Exercise is shown to reduce stress-induced depression in mice model; How a modified form of vitamin D is used to treat pancreatic cancer; Anxiety drug benzodiazepine increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease; The biochemistry of Vitamin D and the effects of metabolic defects; Topical estrogen creams do not have the cardiac and cancer risks of ingested forms; Valerian is an herb useful for sleep, but other supplements are available; Artificial sweeteners may raise glucose levels by changing bacteria in the gut; Caller who had another fainting spell needs to get her heart and kidney checked out ASAP; Discussion about concierge primary care practice and other medical business issues; A Medicare loophole allows insurance to not pay for an emergency room visit; The antidepressant Sertraline (Zoloft) is not a benzodiazepine; Concierge type of medicine is closer to the way French doctors work; Bringing down a HbA1c of 6.1 requires reducing carbohydrates — some supplements also help