12.19.09
An Open Letter to Pres. Obama and Democractic Senators
I’m a physician, a Columbia University graduate, and I supported you for President. However, this watered-down “healthcare” bill is TRAGIC!! Not only is this a gift to the insurance companies but I will now have to pay triple premiums because I have a “pre-existing condition.” I’m extremely disappointed in you! Our House of Representatives had more courage than all of you.
You’ve heard the horror stories of American people held hostage by insurance companies. As a public health physician, I’ve witnessed it first-hand. I can’t order a diagnostic test without first providing an ICD Code and the name of the patient’s insurance company. It’s all about getting paid.
I have to fight for the dignity and health of my patients on a daily basis. I had a pregnant patient with uncontrolled Diabetes denied a hospital admission because she had Medicaid. This is NOT change that we can believe in. I’m sitting at my computer wailing with grief. You’ve given the insurance companies everything that they wanted. Regretfully, I will NOT be voting for you or any other Democrat in the next election. I will sit home instead and pray for the day when compassion outweighs money, egos and politics.
The Democratic Senators are nothing but a pack of dealmakers dedicated to vested self-interests. You have made me ashamed to be a Democrat. You have failed the American people.
May God have mercy on your misguided souls.
12.16.09
Senator Joe Lieberman: An American Mercenary
There is no silver lining in the healthcare bill that Senator Joseph Lieberman proposes. Special interests have won once again. The late Senator Ted Kennedy is probably rolling over in his grave and I sit in front of my TV in stunned silence. Why are people so fearful of change? And why are Senators sacrificing the health of innocent American people for the sake of money? Is money that darn important? More important than human life?
I was brimming with optimism after hearing President Obama’s State of the Union Address regarding healthcare reform. The insurance companies would finally be held in check and the reign of healthcare returned to the skillful hands of nurses and physicians. We had finally matured as a nation who was willing to reach out and assist the “least among us.” I envisioned
• forty-eight million uninsured Americans finally entering the rolls of our healthcare system and receiving life-saving medical treatment
• A dear colleague finally being able to insure both herself and family members through the Public Health Option because she, despite being a physician, cannot AFFORD healthcare insurance
• The ability to find obstetricians willing to do tubal ligations because they were being reimbursed appropriately
• New moms finding Pediatricians willing to do circumcisions because they would be compensated fairly
• Hospital schedulers would ask for a patient’s diagnosis FIRST and NOT the name of her insurance plan or billing codes
However, my vision ended prematurely. Our lawmakers were not ready for Prime Time.
Rest assured we are now headed down a perilous path and political gluttony has struck again. And when China and India emerge as new world leaders because America is bankrupt, you can place the blame squarely on Joe Lieberman. For thirty pieces of silver, he sabotaged the health of our Nation. Can you imagine what he would have done as our Vice President?
12.02.09
A Painful Lesson For Tiger Woods
Someone should have taught Tiger Woods how to do the media dance; I had to learn the hard way. Although our Florida neighborhoods are only 30 miles apart, our paths will certainly never cross.
However, what Woods and I DO have in common is our public visibility. As a public health employee, my life is an open book.
A few years ago I had to report a former boss for inappropriate behavior based on several patients’ complaints. The case “blew up” because of his notoriety as both an elected official and a physician and I ended up with the media on my doorstep. The reporter, camera crew and satellite truck remained parked in front of my home for almost three hours, reported the 11:00 o’clock news and then finally left. Although I didn’t speak with them that night, I knew that I would have to do so the next day. “Never say ‘no comment’” was the advice that I had been given from a law enforcement agent who was investigating the case.
When I reported to work, a public information officer suggested that I participate in an elaborate scheme to avoid the media. And when I flatly refused, she told me that “I was on my own.”
The maintenance man and a secretary accompanied me as I walked out the door and faced the paparazzi. It was one of the most difficult days of my life. However, I was polite, non-judgmental and advised them that I was leaving the matter in the hands of the courts. My former boss lost his medical license and was removed from political office by the Governor. He faced criminal charges and the case dragged on for years.
In the court of public opinion Tiger, a lie unchallenged becomes the truth. The media is NOT going to go away.
11.27.09
Top 12 Gifts for Expectant Mothers
In celebration of the Holidays I present: The Top 12 Gifts for Expectant Mothers
1) A maternity/Nursing Bra Every expectant mother will want and need one of these bras we like Bravada Designs Body Silk Nursing Bras http://tinyurl.com/5r478n
2) Depending on how far along your mom 2 be is you may want to invest in tons of diapers Who doesn’t need diapers? We like Huggies
3) Organic Belly Oil We like Due Maternity’s Basq Resilient Belly/Body Oil http://tinyurl.com/ycvvlo4
4) A Copy of The Smart Mother’s Guide What better to give an expectant mother than a handy resource book that will answer all her pregnancy related questions?
5) Not tangible but give her your time Moms 2 Be are experiencing many different emotions throughout this point in their lives and it is important that you show them you care.
6) Elegant holiday gear We like A Pea in A Pod maternity clothes this outfit might make your mom 2 be smile! http://tinyurl.com/yex94gg
7) A baby time capsule This little trinket can help her keep memories for a lifetime! We choose Gifts.com http://tinyurl.com/ydljeea
8 ) Show her how AMAZING she is with Belly Gifts Mama Mio gift set http://tinyurl.com/yc9cqxw
9) How about a good night sleep! She will love Bobby’s pregnancy pillow and Target has a great deal for you!
10) Moms to be deserve some jewelry We love this necklace that shows your expecting! http://cli.gs/TzJV2u
11) How about a fresh fruit basket? You can share it with the entire family and give the little one added nutrients! We like this site for affordable arrangements http://www.ffbc.com/#
12) And finally give that special woman a pregnancy journal! She will enjoy documenting those precious moments we like Fresh Expectations http://tinyurl.com/y9fs3lf
11.25.09
Top Ten Ways for Pregnant Women to Enjoy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving can be a time of reflection, family fun and unintended stress. Hopefully, all pregnant moms will spend the day relaxing while someone else plays chef, hostess and caregiver. However, if that is not an option, here are some useful tips that will help you enjoy the day to its fullest extent.
- Try to cook dishes in advance to avoid standing on your feet all day. The pregnant uterus compresses the veins and prevents the return of blood back to the heart. This contributes to varicose veins and swollen ankles.
- Watch the salt. Salt contains sodium that raises blood pressures and causes the body to hold onto to fluids, thereby causing swelling of the legs, ankles, hands and fingers.
- Watch the fat, especially red meat and fried foods. The gallbladder processes fat in the body and, it doesn’t work as well. Pregnant women are at risk for developing gallstones.
- As tempting as they might be, avoid overeating sweets. All pregnant women are screened at 28 weeks for Gestational Diabetes.
- Avoid overeating. During pregnancy, the stomach gets compressed by the enlarged uterus. The stomach also empties food at a slower pace and the more food you eat, the longer it takes to digest. The stress of the body to digest a large portion of food could potentially cause preterm labor. Digestion of food is slower during pregnancy because of hormonal effects. Heartburn occurs in 50% of 3rd trimester pregnant women.
- Take a 30-minute walk either before the big meal or afterwards if possible.
- Avoid lying down after eating a large meal because it causes heartburn that occurs in 50% of third-trimester pregnant women.
- Avoid soda if possible because it can cause urinary tract infections.
- Check out some food safety tips from CDC http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HolidayFoodSafety/
- Relax and enjoy your sacred day.
Wishing all my readers a safe and joyous Thanksgiving!
11.23.09
A Day in the Life: The Humble Gift
Every time a baby is saved I am grateful to Boston University for my acceptance into medical school. Hollywood can keep its Academy Awards; my “Oscars” are healthy babies.
A few months ago, a patient in her early third trimester came for a routine prenatal visit. Her vital signs were good, the baby’s heart rate was normal and as I handed her an appointment slip, I asked whether she felt her baby move during the past two hours. She said no, she had not felt the baby move all day. Despite hearing the baby’s heartbeat, my antennas immediately went up and I referred her to the labor room to have further diagnostic tests.
A few weeks later, my assistant said, “Dr. Galloway, you’ve done it again.” I asked what was she talking about and she explained that our patient was seen in a follow-up clinic for the removal of her staples. The same day I sent her to the hospital, she had an emergency C-Section because her tests were extremely abnormal. Her baby was in trouble. When the on-call obstetrician delivered the baby, he noted an umbilical cord wrapped around its neck five times and once around its body. However, the baby did well and was eventually sent home in stable condition.
My most gratifying moment occurred when I saw the baby for the first time. “She’s my miracle, Dr. Galloway” said the patient, and of course, I agreed. “She was channeling me the night before I came to see you.” “What do you mean?” I asked. “The night before I had her, I dreamt that she had died but because you sent me to the hospital, she’s alive. She’s my miracle.” Tears swelled in my eyes as I struggled to maintain my composure. The miracle of life never ceases to amaze me.
11.18.09
The Tragedy of Shaniya Davis
Some things in life simply defy logic. Was it a drug deal gone bad? Hatred for her daughter’s Caucasian father? An Attachment Disorder? Extortion? Jealousy? Guilt? Functional illiteracy? I’m trying to fathom what would make Antoinette Davis allegedly exploit her five-year-old daughter as a prostitute? Shaniya Davis is now dead, and I’m mad as hell.
Shaniya’s senseless death is a tragedy of epic proportions and an horrific awakening. She was allegedly conceived via a “one-night” fling between her parents, Antoinette Davis and Bradley Lockhart. Lockhart raised Shaniya for years but decided to allow her to live with her mother who had recently found a job and obtained new housing. Several weeks later, his precious child is dead.
Hotel surveillance footage shows 29 year-old Mario McNeill carrying bare-foot Shaniya in his arms. I was sickened by his image. McNeill admitted kidnapping the girl but is expected to plead not guilty to any other charges.
So here are the questions: Where was the community in the midst of all this madness? Did anyone not see something awry in Davis’s home? Did anyone not think it was strange that a wiry-haired dude was checking into a hotel room carrying a barefoot five-year old girl in his arms WITHOUT ANY LUGGAGE? Was he afraid she was going to run away? Was she drugged?
The days of informality are over. Child custody should be done under the protection of Family Law. Lockhart did the right thing without anyone forcing him to do so. However, for better or for worse, we have social service agencies that are mandated to protect children. Had there been a formal court relationship, Davis would have been subjected to a formal investigation before Shaniya was placed in her home.
As an African-American woman, I am outraged at Davis and McNeill’s behaviors. As a mother I grieve for Bradley Lockhart’s loss.
Rest well, dear sweet Shaniya. You have returned home to the angels. Rest knowing that no one will ever hurt you again.
11.16.09
Why A Fetal Monitor is NOT a Toy!
Shame on the companies who sell fetal diagnostic equipment to the lay public in the name of profit! They should be hung upside down and left to dry. The New York Times article, The Risk of Home Fetal Heart Monitors (by Tara Parker-Pope) tells a precautionary tell of a woman who purchased a fetal home monitor and then ended up with a dead baby.
The patient was a 34-year-old first-time pregnant mom living in Britain who had an uneventful pregnancy until 38 weeks. She had a home fetal monitor and unfortunately used it after she did not feel her baby moving. To her untrained ear, she thought the sounds from the fetal monitor were normal and was falsely reassured. She did not consult her physician immediately and when she did, an ultrasound confirmed a fetal demise.
The article generated 28 comments, most challenging the “validity” of the fetal monitoring process. Here’s the issue: anyone (both lay or professional) who thinks a fetal monitor is not helpful does not know how to interpret the fetal tracing. Period. Flat tracings, variable and late decelerations speak volumes regarding the oxygenation status of the fetus. Babies can’t tell us when they need to be delivered but they give us profound clues. Unfortunately, these clues are often ignored or misinterpreted with egregious consequences. This is the very reason that I included the topic of fetal tracings in my book, The Smart Mother’s Guide to a Better Pregnancy AND provided pictures of normal and abnormal fetal tracings. As a patient, you need to be empowered to recognize abnormal fetal patterns in the event that someone else doesn’t.
There are women who believe that they have a “right” to purchase a fetal monitor because it’s “their body.” Well, let me say this: if the machines’ manufacturers did not provide instructions on how to diagnose fetal bradycardia, fetal tachycardia, variable decelerations, fetal arrhythmias or ectopic beats, then PLEASE do not be reassured by the sounds that you hear. What appears to be “simple” quite often isn’t.
A fetal monitor is not a toy and in the untrained hands, deadly. If you do not feel your baby move after one or two hours, please call your obstetrical practitioner immediately!
“A healthy pregnancy doesn’t just happen. It takes a smart mother who knows what to do.”
11.06.09
The Betrayal by Congresswoman Kosmas
No, I’m not psychic, but I can spot a snake-in-the grass when I see one. The procrastination and fence-sitting of Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas regarding healthcare reform were red flags that she clearly had another agenda. She never had intentions of fulfilling the “will of the people” and “represented” no one but herself.
The Orlando Sentinel reports that Kosmas said: “It was a difficult decision” to vote against her party regarding healthcare reform. She would have preferred the “Senate” version and not “tax the wealthy.” Suzanne, who are you kidding? Please do not insult our intelligence. You rode into Washington on the coattails of a popular presidential candidate and had no intention of serving anyone except your checkbook and bank account. How much did Big Pharma pay you? What under-the-table deals were made? You are spineless, shameful and an embarrassment to the decent citizens of our District. And we WILL have the memory of an elephant. The only reason that I am not picketing your office is because I’m too busy taking care of the medically underserved; the uninsured and the voiceless patients of our community. However, when the campaign begins to boot you out of office, I’ll be the first in line to offer my wholehearted support.
Please do not sign a long-term residential lease in the District of Columbia or its outlying communities because your days are significantly numbered. I intend to support anyone (along with a check) who plans to challenge (and rightfully so) your elected position be it a Republican; another Democrat (hopefully); heck — I’ll even support Daffy Duck or the Cookie Monster.
My late aunt once said: “When the snake bites you once, it’s an accident. When the snake bites you twice – it’s YOUR fault.
Congresswoman Kosmas, I do NOT intend to get bitten again.
11.04.09
FDA Gives Green Light for Unapproved H1N1 Meds!
The panic continues. The FDA had granted the use of unapproved drugs in the treatment of the 2009 H1N1 Influenza virus. Through an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), the experimental drug, Peramivir has been allowed to treat hospitalized patients with H1N1 influenza that includes pregnant women, babies and children up to age 17. Peramivir is not approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. because its patient safety has not been established.
Peramivir is an antiviral medication, similar to Tamiflu® and Relenza® but is given in the veins. It is helpful for patients who are unable to swallow meds, have an allergy to Tamiflu® or Relenza® or are not responding to oral or nasal medication. However, treatment with Peramivir should be considered a “Hail Mary Pass.” It is used when all else has failed. While the FDA believes that known and potential benefits of Peramivir outweigh its known and potential risks, a closer look at the FDA’s statistics is on order.
According to the Emergency Use Authorization of Peramivir IV Fact Sheet for Health Care Providers the following statistics are enlightening:
• Only 1,891 clinical trials patients in the US were given any form of the drug
• Out of 1,891 patients tested, NONE were children, pregnant women or nursing mothers
• Out of the 1,891 clinical trial patients, only 478 received a “single-dose” regimen similar to what might be given in a hospital setting
• Out of 1,891 patients, only 33 patients received a 600 mg dose for five days or greater
It is not surprising that the drug cannot be deemed “safe” with such a small patient sample.
The FDA also reports that 10 percent of all human subjects experienced adverse events including four percent who received the 200 mg dose and seventeen percent who received the 400 mg dose. The most frequent adverse reaction was pneumonia. The FDA recommends a 5-to-10 day treatment of Peramivir 600 mg given once per day.
Let’s hope we will remain healthy and never have the need for Peramirvir. However knowledge is power. At least we now have the facts.
