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Patient Power

Taking charge of your health

Smoking
Do You Smoke? Are You Morbidly Obese? No Surgery for You!

Peter Edelstein M.D. on January 24, 2018

Today's financial healthcare crisis is impacting the "right to healthcare" debate. In Britain, this clash has led to restrictions on elective surgery for smokers and the obese.

Today's financial healthcare crisis is impacting the "right to healthcare" debate. In Britain, this clash has led to restrictions on elective surgery for smokers and the obese.

Health
Frightened by Your Doctor’s Recommendation?

Peter Edelstein M.D. on September 25, 2017

Not every test that a physician recommends is truly the best for you. Know what you should do and the questions to ask to determine the safest route to better health.

Not every test that a physician recommends is truly the best for you. Know what you should do and the questions to ask to determine the safest route to better health.

Health
At Last the Government Is Recognizing Who Owns Your Health

Peter Edelstein M.D. on June 6, 2017

What's more personal than your own individual genetic identification? A recent FDA decision on genetic tests represents a major shift in who truly owns your health: You.

What's more personal than your own individual genetic identification? A recent FDA decision on genetic tests represents a major shift in who truly owns your health: You.

Health
Touching a (Very) Raw Nerve

Peter Edelstein M.D. on March 4, 2017

My last blog really touched a nerve. I definitely have learned something, but if we're all honest, maybe there's a lesson for us all.

My last blog really touched a nerve. I definitely have learned something, but if we're all honest, maybe there's a lesson for us all.

Health
Do Illegal Immigrants Pose a Health Risk to Us All?

Peter Edelstein M.D. on January 25, 2017

We argue whether illegal immigrants are criminals or steal jobs or simply what to call them. But what we must objectively understand is any real health risk these immigrants pose.

We argue whether illegal immigrants are criminals or steal jobs or simply what to call them. But what we must objectively understand is any real health risk these immigrants pose.

Pregnancy
“Pro Choice?” “Pro Life” Except for Rape & Incest? Come On

Peter Edelstein M.D. on December 11, 2016

How can someone be "Pro Life" except in the case of rape and incest? And abortion is not really about "Choice." What role do medical facts play in an honest debate about abortion?

How can someone be "Pro Life" except in the case of rape and incest? And abortion is not really about "Choice." What role do medical facts play in an honest debate about abortion?

Health
Neither Trump nor Clinton Are Really Addressing Healthcare

Peter Edelstein M.D. on October 27, 2016

Trump, Hillary, ObamaCare, the media...all distract us by trying to decide should PAY for healthcare. The real question is who should should be accountable for our health.

Trump, Hillary, ObamaCare, the media...all distract us by trying to decide should PAY for healthcare. The real question is who should should be accountable for our health.

Resilience
Getting Sick When You Travel Sucks

Peter Edelstein M.D. on October 8, 2016

The fastest way to spoil your long-anticipated vacation or schedule-packed business trip is to get sick. Here are my travel tips for keeping healthy (or at least functional).

The fastest way to spoil your long-anticipated vacation or schedule-packed business trip is to get sick. Here are my travel tips for keeping healthy (or at least functional).

Health
Does The Donald's or Hillary’s Health Status Really Matter?

Peter Edelstein M.D. on August 31, 2016

The Donald would be the oldest person to occupy the Oval Office! And is Hillary suffering from confusion? What are their real medical risks if either becomes Commander in Chief?

The Donald would be the oldest person to occupy the Oval Office! And is Hillary suffering from confusion? What are their real medical risks if either becomes Commander in Chief?

Health
Who Is That Masked Man (Or Woman)?

Peter Edelstein M.D. on July 18, 2016

All over Asia, I see men and women, young and old, laborers and professionals, wearing surgical masks as they walk, drive, eat, watch movies. So what's up? Should you be masked?

All over Asia, I see men and women, young and old, laborers and professionals, wearing surgical masks as they walk, drive, eat, watch movies. So what's up? Should you be masked?

Anxiety
Time to Stop Panicking!

Peter Edelstein M.D. on May 22, 2016

Millions suffer from sudden, disabling panic attacks. These terrifying episodes can ruin lives. But now a safe, powerful new treatment works by focusing on...breathing.

Millions suffer from sudden, disabling panic attacks. These terrifying episodes can ruin lives. But now a safe, powerful new treatment works by focusing on...breathing.

Deception
What Color Is Your Pee?

Peter Edelstein M.D. on April 23, 2016

With summer just around the corner, everyone should take a moment to understand the risks, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of dangerous dehydration.

With summer just around the corner, everyone should take a moment to understand the risks, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of dangerous dehydration.

Health
Elvis is Alive, and Wheatgrass Juice Cures Cancer!

Peter Edelstein M.D. on February 21, 2016

Elvis is alive and working for the DEA! The internet is amazing, but when it comes to searching for credible healthcare information, there are a few things you should know.

Elvis is alive and working for the DEA! The internet is amazing, but when it comes to searching for credible healthcare information, there are a few things you should know.

Career
Cold Weather Is an Inconvenience, but Is It a Health Risk?

Peter Edelstein M.D. on January 29, 2016

The freezing air and icy winds bring traffic jams and cancelled flights. But the drop in temperature also brings health risks. Here's what they are and how to prevent them.

The freezing air and icy winds bring traffic jams and cancelled flights. But the drop in temperature also brings health risks. Here's what they are and how to prevent them.

Resilience
For An Elderly, Overweight Elf, Santa Takes Care of Himself

Peter Edelstein M.D. on December 11, 2015

Santa is old and obese. He suffers from high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetes. But the Jolly Old Elf still takes care of himself by owning his health. Do you?

Santa is old and obese. He suffers from high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetes. But the Jolly Old Elf still takes care of himself by owning his health. Do you?

Diet
Bad News for the Belly: It's the Holiday Season Again

Peter Edelstein M.D. on November 17, 2015

Weighing more than you want to is hard enough on you. But with the holiday season closing fast, the challenges to your waistline are even greater. Here is some practical knowledge as to why you must control your weight, and some realistic tips for the holidays and beyond. You can do this, and you'll both feel and truly be healthier when you succeed!

Weighing more than you want to is hard enough on you. But with the holiday season closing fast, the challenges to your waistline are even greater. Here is some practical knowledge as to why you must control your weight, and some realistic tips for the holidays and beyond. You can do this, and you'll both feel and truly be healthier when you succeed!

Health
The One Question You Should Ask Your Doctor

Peter Edelstein M.D. on October 19, 2015

It's amazing how often during a visit with their physician, patients fail to ask the one question you should ask your doctor. Learn the common reasons why so many of us don't ask the one question, along with advice on how to address this problem. Oh yeah...and learn what that one question is!

It's amazing how often during a visit with their physician, patients fail to ask the one question you should ask your doctor. Learn the common reasons why so many of us don't ask the one question, along with advice on how to address this problem. Oh yeah...and learn what that one question is!

Suicide
My Dad Deserves to Die

Peter Edelstein M.D. on September 18, 2015

My Dad deserves to die. Unfortunately, California's new assisted suicide legislation won't let him...

My Dad deserves to die. Unfortunately, California's new assisted suicide legislation won't let him...

Career
Are You Getting the Right Cancer Screening?

Peter Edelstein M.D. on August 14, 2015

Getting screened for the common cancers can increase your likelihood of a long and happy life. It's your health and your life, so don't wait for your doctor to suggest screening; Own Your Health and learn the simple screening practices that are right for you.

Getting screened for the common cancers can increase your likelihood of a long and happy life. It's your health and your life, so don't wait for your doctor to suggest screening; Own Your Health and learn the simple screening practices that are right for you.