Director, Emergency Services, Bikur Cholim Hospital
Is alcohol good for you? We were taught that moderate alcohol
consumption will be heart protective but there is a problem:
The more you drink the more protection you may have, but
you'll ruin the rest of your body.
Alcohol is high in calories and can be addictive. It can ruin
the liver, the kidneys, pancreas and stomach, as well as the
heart, and damage unborn babies. A drink here or there is OK,
but there are alcoholics in our community. If you are married
to one, get help.
How do you know if there is a problem?
The easiest way is the CAGE questionnaire. Ask the person:
Has anyone ever suggested you Cut down on your
drinking? Do you get Annoyed when people comment about
your drinking? Do you feel Guilty about your drinking?
Do you need an "Eye-opener" to get started in the
morning?
There are many help programs, but success is not always
guaranteed. This can be a genetic problem. Take this
seriously. It is a horrible way to die and a horrible way to
live as well.
Two million kids are pre-diabetic, according to research.
This includes our community. What are big sellers in
chareidi circles? Soda and snack foods (Bamba, grill
snacks). This is a high-fat situation which gives the message
that if you are hungry, eat poorly. Why submit your kid to
this?
We have redefined who needs tubes in the ears. Those who just
have persistent fluid probably do not need them though they
are not without danger. What we really need to define is who
has true ear infections. Most docs call a problem an ear
infection with little basis, and indeed studies show that
most docs do not know how to call this. Write me in care of
the Yated.
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