Notes from the Doc Talks

Fainting: Not to be Taken Lightly

SHL Librarian — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:17:44 +0000

Presented by: Bryant Lin, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
Stanford University Medical Center

Paul Wang, MD
Director, Stanford Cardiac Arrhythmia Service
April 8, 2010

Lecture Overview:

Syncope is a sudden and temporary loss of consciousness, commonly referred to as fainting or passing out.
It can be caused by emotional stress, pain, sudden changes in body position, overheating, dehydration, low blood sugar, or exhaustion.
It can also be a symptom of a serious heart condition that needs to be be carefully diagnosed with cardiac tests.
The Stanford Syncope Center was established to improve diagnostic services and patient outcomes.

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Numb Fingers and Sore Arms: Why My Coffee Cup is Hard to Hold

SHL Librarian — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 21:20:34 +0000

Presented by: Amy Ladd, MD
Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery
Stanford University Medical Center
April 29, 2010

Lecture Overview:

Numbness in hands is usually caused by irritation or compression of a nerve in the arms, hands, or fingers.
Repetitive movements can put pressure on the nerves of the wrist and elbow, causing numbness, tingling, or pain.
Certain movements can inflame the tendons, which also can put pressure on the nerves.
Most conditions are treated initially with simple measures, such as a splint or brace.

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Skin Care 101: Beyond Soap and Water

SHL Librarian — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:26:41 +0000

Presented by: Hayes Gladstone, MD
Director Dermatologic Surgery
Stanford University Medical Center
May 12, 2010

Watch the video

Lecture Overview:

Overcleansing can dry the skin, so use moisturizing soap.
Don’t let the skin dry out: Moisturize two or more times a day.
Stay out of the sun and use sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Prescription and over-the-counter cosmeceuticals may help repair skin damage, although the science is inconclusive in many current products.
Don’t believe all the advertising hype, and be sure to stay away from harsh chemicals.

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How is Your Memory? Evaluating Memory and Its Relationship to Alzheimer’s Disease

SHL Librarian — Mon, 31 May 2010 21:53:40 +0000

Presented by: Wes Ashford, MD, PhD
Clinical Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (affiliated)
Senior Research Scientist, Stanford/ VA Aging Clinical Research Center
May 19, 2010

Lecture Overview:

While mild forgetfulness affects most people as they age, serious memory problems affect your ability to participate in everyday activities.
See your doctor if you have concerns about memory and forgetfulness.
Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that progresses slowly over time and causes irreversible changes in the brain.
Brain imaging for dementia is pointing to specific patterns of amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary fiber build-up in the brain, and these patterns appear to be associated with genetic makeup.

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