Author Archives: Marion Sills

Optimizing CPR

An article in today’s New York Times reminds us that the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation varies widely region-to-region in the US. As a result, survival rates after cardiac arrest also vary widely. Although advances in CPR research are ongoing, their adoption by citizens and providers vary by location. The best evidence is synthesized every 5 years by the American Heart Association (AHA),Continue reading “Optimizing CPR”

Football and head injury in youth

Today’s NY Times op ed from pathologist Bemmet Omalu “Don’t Let Kids Play Football”, compares the sport to public health menaces including tobacco smoke, asbestos and fetal alcohol exposure.  The stance he takes is far more extreme than even the American Academy of Pediatrics’ position on tackle football among youth, which reviewed the evidence andContinue reading “Football and head injury in youth”

The bitter truth about Coke-funded “research”

The Coca-Cola Company is retreating from the research program it has funded in an effort to distract consumers from the role of sugary soft drinks in obesity and associated morbidity and mortality.  Emails released by the Associated Press show some of the role Coca-Cola took in shaping the Global Energy Research Network’s research agenda. Last month my academic setting, theContinue reading “The bitter truth about Coke-funded “research””

Significance of the Senate vote to repeal large parts of ACA

Health Affairs’ blog post outlines the implications of yesterday’s Senate vote to repeal large parts of the Affordable Care Act, including the individual and employer mandate.  Based on Congressional Budget Office projections, the repeal would increase the number of uninsured by at least 24 million. The House has used taxpayer dollars to pass over 50 ACA repealContinue reading “Significance of the Senate vote to repeal large parts of ACA”

Mass shootings as a public health issue

I agree with the New York Times editorial board’s response to the most recent mass shootings, as well as Ronald Reagan–that these atrocities–atrocities that occur more than once daily in this country–are not beyond the power of government and politicians to stop.  Times columnist Nicholas Kristof points out that we urgently need to develop public health policies that focus notContinue reading “Mass shootings as a public health issue”

Children’s Sinusitis Guideline in Iambic Pentameter

The American Academy of Pediatrics acute sinusitis guideline was too complex for limerickification, and even resisted sonnet format, so here it is in iambic pentameter. Nasal discharge’s mostly allergic or viral And thus needs only symptomatic care With no need for an antimicrobial trial Unless high-risk and flu virus is there.   Only think sinusitis as a cause InContinue reading “Children’s Sinusitis Guideline in Iambic Pentameter”

Fever Limerick

Here is a limerick version of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ report on treating fever (for non-toxic non-infants):   For children with a feverish mug, Reassure: “fever helps fight the bug!” Give meds only if distressed, Encourage fluids and rest, And don’t fret if still febrile post-drug.   Given the persistence of caregiver feverphobia, remember the valueContinue reading “Fever Limerick”

Otitis Media Guideline Limerick

Based on good feedback about yesterday’s limerick summarizing the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2015 Bronchiolitis Guideline, here is one synopsizing the AAP’s 2013 Otitis Media Clinical Practice Guideline: For those 6-months or older with malaise And a bulging TM that’s ablaze, Give analgesia well-dosed And only antibiose If not improving in 2-3 days.