The Mountain Gardener: Bulbs add color to summer garden
A couple of warm days and I'm ready for spring.
Valley Neighbors: Elite diver still on Olympic track
Wearing the American flag on her swimsuit, Ariel Rittenhouse has led a life most people only dream about — traveling the world and performing alongside some of the world's greatest athletes.
It’s summer – and that can mean fod poisoning
Summer is the time for picnics and social gatherings. This brings about an increased chance of food poisoning — vomiting and/or diarrhea brought on by eating contaminated food.
National Merit Scholarship Commendations
San Lorenzo Valley High School principal, Karen van Putten, announced that Katie Maxwell and Sage Pell have been named Commended Students in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program. A letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to these scholastically talented seniors.
Let’s go fishin’: Large swells roll inshore fishing
The first large northwest swell rolled through Monterey Bay with a vengeance. The buoys were reading 14 feet, and when the swells hit the beaches and local reefs, things got rolled up.
Your Health: Backpack safety
Last year, my daughter complained to me about back pain. I wasn’t sure what was causing her discomfort until one day when I had to lift her school backpack out of my car. I almost threw my own back out.
Your Health: Smart Phone Medicine
It is estimated that one in five Americans have a health app on their smart phone. One of the first uses of such an app was to monitor vital signs such as a runner's heart rate, by connecting a sensor from the body to a smart phone.Smart phones are already in use to take blood pressures and even do an EKG. Currently in development is a product called iTest which will begin by testing for strep throat. This is done by swabbing the throat, placing the swab into a vial of liquid, which is then placed into the iTest device, and in turn, is plugged into the phone to be analyzed.The producers of iTest are also developing tests for HIV and MRSA, a common infection that is particularly difficult to treat. They are also working on tests for the flu, malaria and sexually transmitted diseases. Another test can detect troponin which will help verify if someone has had a heart attack. The iTest is anticipated to sell for about $150 plus the test kits.Other tests may soon be integrated with the cell phone. For blood it includes cholesterol, potassium, hemoglobin, kidney, liver, and thyroid function, and some toxins (poisons). For urine it can test for infections, protein, and HCG, a hormone to monitor high risk pregnancies. Saliva can be tested for influenza. It will even test ones breath for alcohol level, heart failure, and drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines. In development are tests for certain cancers such as lung, ovarian, breast, and prostate, which will be detected by analyzing one's breath.In the works are apps that will allow one to wear wireless sensors to detect blood oxygen and blood glucose levels, blood pressure and heart rhythms. This information can be sent to your health care provider.There is now the ability to take a picture of a rash with a smart phone and download an app to process the image and receive a text with the most likely diagnosis. Then it will advise whether you can treat it yourself or if you should see your doctor.Also in development are hand held devices that can take X-ray, MRI, and ultrasound images which will incorporate the use of smart phones.With all this being said, the goal of the smart phone’s use in medicine is not just for individual use, but has tremendous applications for use in third world countries as well as remote and resource poor areas. Some of the information I have provided may seem quite farfetched, but I do believe it will become a big part of our future. -Terry Hollenbeck, M.D., is an urgent-care physician at Palo Alto Medical Foundation Santa Cruz in Scotts Valley. Readers can view his previous columns on his website,valleydoctor.wordpress.com, or email him [email protected]. Information in this column is not intended to replace advice from your own health care professional. For any medical concern, consult your own doctor.
Let’s Go Fishin’: Shellfish quarantine in effect
On June 1, California Department of Fish and Wildlife sent a press release in regards to elevated levels of domoic acid in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.
Paddy Smith Park blooms with new garden at Santa Cruz County...
The beautiful Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds are growing even more beautiful thanks to a colorful landscaping project at Paddy Smith Park.
Jeff Rosendale, with Sierra...