I'm Dr. Simeon Margolis, professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Together, let’s explore the issues behind the headlines to help you navigate the health care maze. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 22:54:06 -0800 Yahoo! http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/14013/is-cholesterol-the-ultimate-villain/ Many clinical trials have conclusively shown that lowering LDL cholesterol levels significantly reduces the incidence of heart attacks and strokes. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 22:54:05 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/14012/will-cleansing-your-colon-do-wonders-for-your-health/ There is precious little supporting evidence that the periodic flushing out of toxins harbored in the colon will cure health problems ranging from obesity to bad breath to headaches. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:06:52 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/14006/two-new-drug-warnings/ If you are taking Chantrix, you should promptly tell your doctor if you notice the onset of any psychiatric problems recently mentioned by the FDA. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:36:06 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/14002/can-too-little-sleep-make-you-gain-weight/ Recent studies have linked inadequate amounts of sleep to weight gain, obesity, and an increased risk of developing diabetes. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:36:05 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/13997/genetic-testing-dos-and-donts/ Up until now, many people have been afraid to submit to genetic testing for fear that abnormal results might adversely affect their health insurance premiums or place their jobs at risk. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:42:25 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/13989/tim-russerts-heart-condition-affects-many/ Medical professionals have been encouraged for some time by the improvements in treatments for coronary heart disease (CHD) and by the greater attention being paid to preventive measures: Over the last 20 years, these two developments have cut deaths from CHD in half. Most lay people, then, were shocked by Tim Russert's unanticipated death (and by those of other relatively young people). And yet such news should really come as no surprise. CHD is still the single most common cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women, and about half of those with CHD do die suddenly and unexpectedly from it. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:30:02 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/13985/getting-a-doctors-appointment-may-get-harder/ You may have had the same experience as my daughter. Her long-time physician retired, and she's had a hard time finding another one to take his place. Why are there too few physicians? Mostly because U.S. population growth has far outnumbered new doctors graduating from medical schools. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:41:32 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D, Ph.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/13984/feeling-cold-could-be-your-thyroid/ For many years, my wife has had to put on sweaters when I was perfectly comfortable in the house. This winter, however, I was the one who kept turning up the thermostat. Noticing this strange turn of events, my wife suggested I have my thyroid checked. (Needless to say, I didn't listen to her.) Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:32:34 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/13978/should-you-avoid-clear-plastic-bottles/ Studies have shown toxic effects of BPA in mice and rats, but no convincing evidence has been found that BPA harms humans. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:54:37 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/13964/shingles-vaccine-effective-but-underused/ Shingles, caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, can attack any of the 95 percent of adult Americans who have had the childhood illness. Thu, 29 May 2008 16:17:18 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D. Ph.D.