The Man, the Myth, the Legend

Now that my saga in regards to writing about all the various types of headaches that are out there has finally come to a rest, I wanted to take this month, being the month of Independence, to write about someone who holds a very special place in my heart, someone who very much reminds me of my grandfather.  As a patient, an amazing athlete, and a dear friend to me, it is no wonder I would like to take the time to write about him in this month’s newsletter, and brag that I have the honor of knowing him.

Many of you know Rich Busa through the Greater Framingham Running Club in Framingham, MA.  Some may also know of Rich from the famous race named after him, Busa Bushwhack Trail Race, held every year in Callahan State Park, in Framingham, MA. (Read More)

Tips to Prevent Lyme Disease

We are now in full swing of summer, and with the many extra outdoor activities we are all now enjoying I thought this would be a good time to post a Blog on how best to Prevent Lyme disease.  I am amazed at the number of patients that I have encountered who either currently have or that have previously had Lyme disease.  This is something you really do not want to ever get.  If caught early- it can be treated easily, but if not diagnosed right away you may end up with “late stage Lyme Disease” which is very difficult to treat.  I believe your best course of action is in Prevention.  Most of the following information here was written by the CDC (Center of Disease Control and Prevention).

Before gardening, camping, hiking, or just playing outdoors, make preventing tick bites part of your plans. (Read More)

Treat Acid Reflux Naturally!

Are you part of the sixty percent of the adult population who experience some level of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) during the year? Part of the 20 to 30 percent who have weekly symptoms? There are approximately 64.6 million prescriptions written for GERD medications in the United States on an annual basis. (Healthline). Recently it was discovered that some of the most popular acid reducers, or Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) have significant negative side effects. Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid are examples of PPIs, and work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces. A report, published in the February edition of JAMA Neurology, revealed that a study by German researchers found that people 75 or older who regularly take PPIs had a 44 percent increased risk of dementia. According to the report, “PPIs appear to effect levels of amyloid beta and tau, which are proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. PPI use can also lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, which has been associated with cognitive decline.” (Read More)

A Split Second & the Road to Recovery, Part 4

I had my 10 week post-surgical orthopedic consult with Dr. McKeon & Jason (his PA) on June 22.  The conclusion is that the rehabilitation of my ACL allograph is going very well, probably ahead of schedule.  I was given the green light to play golf, ( though I hit a bucket of balls the day before).  I was also given permission to start running.  I’m not a runner, per say, and prefer chasing tennis balls.  I did my 1^st run over the July 4^th weekend.  It was a walk/run and my knee felt great during and after!  I will be gradually building up speed and distance which is the best way to build up my Vastus Medialis Oblique muscle (VMO), which was the 1^st to atrophy after my injury.

Special thanks to my PT, Steve Crowell of Rebound Physical Therapy who has pushed me and gotten me to this point. (Read More)