-
Josyann Abisaab, Japan and Radiation Exposure
The Worst Has Been Averted The catastrophe in Japan has brought the world’s attention to what could happen when there is a leak at a nuclear power plant and radiation is released into the environment. Thankfully, it looks like there will not be a major nuclear disaster in Japan as experts continue to bring the situation under control. Nevertheless, it has been confirmed that a certain amount of radioactivity was released into the water supply and atmosphere. What does that mean for the health of the people affected by their proximity to the power plants and to those further away? Nuclear Plant Workers Exposed It has been reported that some…
-
Dr. Josyann Abisaab:Allergic Reactions are Sometimes Emergencies
The body’s immune system is a marvelous apparatus which protects us from an incredible number of substances in the environment that could harm us. When the immune system breaks down, or is in a weakened state, the body is subject to great harm from common and usually relatively harmless illnesses. The common cold or the flu can be lethal to someone with a non-functional immune system. Allergic reactions, however, are the immune system ‘over-functioning.’ Substances which are harmless to most people, like pollen, animal hairs, or bee stings, cause the immune system to react in such a way that can create a physiological response which can be anything from the…
-
Josyann Abisaab: What is COPD?
COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. This illness is composed mainly of three separate chronic illnesses; chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma and emphysema. The main cause of COPD in the United States today is smoking, which accounts for about 90% of the cases. Although not every smoker will get COPD, it is estimated that about 15% of smokers will. It is not completely understood yet if passive smoking (inhaling cigarette smoke from a nearby smoker) can contribute to the development of COPD; it is known that children living with people that smoke are more likely to develop respiratory infections and the symptoms of asthma. Emergency room physicians such as Dr.…
-
Symptoms of Heart Attacks that Require an Emergency Room Visit: Dr. Josyann Abisaab
Symptoms of heart attack and stroke certainly require immediate attention in the emergency room. Those symptoms include chest pain and/or shoulder pain which goes down the arm. Heartburn can also be a symptom. Other cardiac symptoms of heart attack are shortness of breath, quick pulse, and palpitations. Dr. Josyann Abisaab is an emergency room physician who frequently cares for patients in the emergency room experiencing heart attacks. Early intervention under such circumstances can often save a person’s life.
-
Josyann Abisaab, MD: Who Should Get the Flu Shot?
The Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that every person over 6 months old should be vaccinated against the influenza virus. They voted for this policy last winter, on February 24, 2010. Their recommendation was that there should be “universal” flu vaccination in the United States and that the program at that time should be expanded to meet this goal. The groups most ‘at risk’ should be especially careful to get their flu shots early in the season which begins in September, but it is not too late even now, in January. If you fall into any of the following groups and are still not vaccinated,…