Quality Assurance and Proficiency Testing for Newborn Screening

by Dr. Ramaz MitaishviliFor almost 30 years, CDC's Environmental Health Laboratory has been the only comprehensive source in the world for quality assurance and proficiency testing involving the testing of newborns for preventable diseases. If these diseases are not accurately diagnosed and treated, they cause mental retardation, severe illness, and premature death in newborns.

Some Tips for Examining Young Children

By Dr. Ramaz Mitaishvili  1. Examine a child sitting on parent's lap and try to be at the child's eye level.2. First examine the child's toy then the child and if possible let the child do some of the exam (e.g., move the stethoscope). Then go back and exam places "we missed".3. Ask toddler to […]

Egg Allergy

Julie Metos, MPH, RD, CDEThe American Egg Board calls it incredible, but for children with an egg allergy, the egg is simply inedible.One of the most common food allergies in infants and young children, egg allergy can pose many challenges for parents. Because eggs are used in many of the foods kids eat – and […]

ASA NEWSLETTER

April 16, 2007Awareness under General Anesthesia:When surgical patients can recall their surroundingsor an event – sometimes even pain – related to their surgery while under general anesthesia.May also be called “anesthetic awareness” or “intraoperative awareness”Awareness Myths & Facts

Bronchiolitis and antibiotics

by Dr. Ramaz MitaishviliIntroductionBronchiolitis [brong”ke-o-li’tis] (inflammation of the bronchioles) is an acute viral illness. Treatment usually is supportive and antibiotics are not indicated. But most of physicians prescribe antibiotics for hospitalized patients. Such practice is explained, that elevated WBC can be caused by co-existent bacterial superinfection. This practice can be considered as irrational.

First-Aid for Poisoning

April 12, 2007Dr. Ramaz Mitaishvili For parentsSometimes accidental poisonings can be treated in the home following the direction of a poison control center or your child's physician. At other times, emergency medical care is necessary.

Temperature-taking tips

April 12, 2007Dr. Ramaz Mitaishvili Fever is nothing to fool around with in young children. If your child feels warm or seems under the weather, you probably should take his or her temperature. Sounds simple enough, but if you're new to it, you probably have a few questions. What kind of thermometer should you use? […]

The Four Natures

The Four Natures

This pertains to the degree of yin and yang, ranging from cold (extreme yin), cool, neutral to warm and hot (extreme yang). The patient’s internal balance of yin and yang is taken into account when the herbs are selected. For example, medicinal herbs of “hot”, yang nature are used when the person is suffering from […]

Treatment of Vaginal Yeast Infection with TCM

By Robert Chu, L.Ac. Many do not consider the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of gynecological disorders, which it is an excellent modality of treatment. A complete branch of TCM called fu ke (Feminine Study) deals with the ailments of gynecology, including amenorrhea, oligmenorrhea, menopausal syndrome, infertility, and sexually transmitted diseases. In […]

The Five Tastes

The Five Tastes

The five tastes are pungent, sweet, sour, bitter and salty, each of which their functions and characteristics. For example, pungent herbs are used to generate sweat and to direct and vitalize qi and the blood. Sweet-tasting herbs often tonify or harmonize bodily systems. Some sweet-tasting herbs also exhibit a bland taste, which helps drain dampness […]