Although all cancers of solid organs have subtypes, they all are identified with a single identifying name based on the organ in which they originate. Colon cancer and pancreatic cancer, for example. Lung cancer is different: from the outset, based on the appearance of cells under the microscope, it is Read More
Author: alexlittle@att.net
Nora Ephron apologized with, “I Feel Bad About my Neck.” Her observations, responsible for her book title, were related to the unavoidable impact of aging on her neck. In my case it’s my skin. It’s not so much its appearance as its determination to fill every quadrant with some variety Read More
July 1 marks the beginning of the medical school academic year in Medicine. Newly minted medical graduates begin their residency, those in the midst of their program advance one year in seniority, and those who have completed their program move on to practice or further training in a specialized field. Read More
The 2021 southern Arizona monsoon season has come and gone; and it left a mark. The season is thought of as bringing rain and wind between July 4 and Labor Day. It’s when Tucson gets most of its yearly rainfall. The past several monsoon seasons gave us much less rain Read More
I first gave my thoughts about the value and reasonableness of masks in the face of the Covid epidemic about a year ago. It’s time to revisit this issue as one inaccurate and one inappropriate excuse for failing to get vaccinated still persist. The inaccurate excuse is that masks are Read More
The pandemic has taken its toll. Many have died; others have suffered and survived hospitalization, including time in ICUs and on ventilator support. My wife and I were fortunate enough that paying strict attention to recommended safety measures of social distancing and wearing of masks that we did not get Read More
The esophagus is located in the body in a way that complicates surgical access. This tubular organ originates in the neck, passes down into the chest where it lurks behind the heart and is crossed over by the aorta as it courses from right to left when leaving the heart, Read More
I write this blog not to pose as an expert in these matters but to discuss—based on my personal experience and perspective as a life-long enthusiast—the notion that fitness positively impacts health and one’s quality of life. Athletics and sports have attracted me as far back as I can remember. Read More
Heartburn. A common complaint and the hallmark of acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. For some it’s mild and intermittent and for others it can be severe and unrelenting. Obesity predisposes to reflux, as also for diabetes, and the heartburn that results; not surprising that GERD worsens the Read More
Funny how life sneaks up on you. One minute you’re the kid and the next you’re the geezer with a grandson. This happened to Louise and me a little over four years ago and, as I hope all grandparents feel, it’s been a blessing. He had me when he made Read More
