Health Expert Christina Lasich, MD shares health management news and commentary at HealthCentral.com. HealthCentral.com is one of the top health destinations on the Web, with more than 35 condition-specific, wellness and general health Web properties. http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/915283/index http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/915283/rss self application/xml en-us 15 120 19 http://www.healthcentral.com/images/hc_logo_sm.gif http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/915283/index http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoarthritis/c/915283/152111/surgery Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:01:00 -0400 Christina Lasich, MD The buzzing sound of the cast saw marked the beginning of the next phase in his wrist reconstruction project. With the removal of my husband's cast, all attention shifted away from the surgeon (whose job was done) to the hand therapist whose job was just beginning. Although, a question will always remain in my mind: Was that cast really necessary? Some research studies have come to the conclusion that early immobilization is not necessary... http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoarthritis/c/915283/152111/surgery http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoarthritis/c/915283/151162/diabetes Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:33:00 -0400 Christina Lasich, MD As if life with osteoarthritis is not difficult enough, diabetes can make everything worse. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are related to frequently fluctuating and fragile blood sugar levels. On account of this instability, internal organs and other system wide functions do not operate at an optimum level. And when it comes to living with and treating osteoarthritis, diabetes exacerbates the pain and complicates the treatment.   Like... http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoarthritis/c/915283/151162/diabetes http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/915283/148326/responsibly Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:26:00 -0500 Christina Lasich, MD While FDA is trying to figure out ways to slow down the rate of acetaminophen-associated overdoses, McNeil - the maker of Tylenol brands - has elected to start changing the labeling instructions on their products. Will this be enough to stop the thousands of hospital visits and hundreds of deaths related to acetaminophen? The world will be watching. And the key to success will be public education and awareness. Thus, McNeil has sent out letters... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/915283/148326/responsibly http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/915283/148324/alcoholic Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:52:00 -0500 Christina Lasich, MD The prescription bottle reads: Do Not Mix With Alcohol. For those who do not drink alcohol, the holidays can be a little tough because of all the parties, gatherings, and festivities. Rather than cave into the cravings triggered by the surrounding sights, sounds, tastes and smells; be prepared with some non-alcoholic alternatives that are just as satisfying and won't leave you tipsy. A party just is not a party without punch. And with a tasty... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/915283/148324/alcoholic http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoarthritis/c/915283/147737/exercise Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:44:00 -0500 Christina Lasich, MD Aging is inevitable; osteoarthritis is not. Despite popular belief, osteoarthritis is really a problem that has more to do with joint health and repair capabilities then it has to do with aging. Thus, you can do something about osteoarthritis like eat right and exercise. Exercise is a great way to improve joint health and repair capabilities. Exercise is great way to prevent and treat the pain from an inflamed joint because circulation, strength... http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoarthritis/c/915283/147737/exercise http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoarthritis/c/915283/146544/smells Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:50:00 -0500 Christina Lasich, MD If I told you that taking one particular supplement would prevent you from experiencing everything from arthritis pain to cancer, you probably start taking the supplement immediately with enthusiasm. Right? But doesn't something smell fishy about a miracle supplement? Yes, it smells fishy because this cure for everything is fish oil.   Because this omega-3 fatty acid supplement is usually made from cold water fish like herring, tuna and... http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoarthritis/c/915283/146544/smells http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoarthritis/c/915283/145293/arthritis Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:37:00 -0400 Christina Lasich, MD Thankfully more and more people are getting off their rumps and playing sports. Those who are wise to the risk of injuries will choose their sport wisely. Those who throw caution into the wind will likely regret the carelessness when their joints start to bark with the pains of arthritis. In a recent comment on the Chronic Pain site, Diane (Bolin) Kelley, an Olympic gymnast in 1968, writes, "I think I am in a bad place right now.  Was the... http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoarthritis/c/915283/145293/arthritis http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/915283/145294/adjustments Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:41:00 -0400 Christina Lasich, MD Many people winterize the house, the car, and the landscaping in preparation for freezing temperatures. How about winterizing you? If you have chronic pain, you know what happens when it gets cold outside. Everything starts to ache. Everything starts to get stiff. And life gets just a little more miserable. Wintertime does not have to be all bad if you can make a few adjustments to help your body prepare for colder temperatures. Some adjustments... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/915283/145294/adjustments http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoarthritis/c/915283/142529/cooking Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:33:00 -0400 Christina Lasich, MD Food is medicine. Believe it or not, that statement is really true of certain foods; particularly, those foods that are valued for their medicinal powers by the ancient forms of Chinese and Indian medicine. Tumeric is one such medicinal food that has captured the attention of scientists, patients, and healers for centuries.   Where can you find Tumeric? In the spice aisle next to the curry powder and other Indian cooking spices you will... http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoarthritis/c/915283/142529/cooking http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/915283/142528/intrathecal Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:30:00 -0400 Christina Lasich, MD An intrathecal opioid pump is really not something that you would wish for your BFF or your worst enemy. That special someone would have to be in a pretty dire situation in order to receive a pump. Once the pump is in place, that person is still probably in miserable pain just at a slightly lesser degree. However, now that person is dealing with the numerous problems associated with intrathecal pumps. Nope, these devices which inject chemicals... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/915283/142528/intrathecal