Medical scams & gems

the “ONLY stem cell-based treatment that is (scientifically legit) routinely reviewed and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is hematopoietic (or blood) stem cell transplantation to treat patients with cancers and disorders that affect the blood (like leukemia, etc.) and the immune system.” All other claims are false and scams.

‘Smokeless’ COPD

The most common and popular form of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is the one caused by cigarette (tobacco) smoking. People who have never smoked could also develop COPD, as seen among those with GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease) whose GE valve has somehow gotten incompetent, allowing hydrochloric acid (naturally found in the stomach to aid digestion) and acid fumes to be inhaled. This “invisible acid” is inhaled into the lungs and causes damages to the pulmonary tissues, much like what tobacco smoke does to the lungs. Over the years, a GERD patient, especially those not treated, will develop COPD and all its symptoms.

GERD Rx

Some helpful tips for those with GERD. Discomfort by the pit of the stomach, right under the breastbone, could be from acid reflux from the stomach causing a burning sensation in the lower ends of the food pipe (esophagus). Consult your physician; elevate the head of your bed about 10-15 degrees, to prevent stomach contents from going back up to the food pipe; avoid soft drinks (they are toxic), spicy foods, coffee, and alcohol, especially at night; eat about 3-4 hours prior to bedtime; and take your prescribed medications for acid reflux, like famotidine at night and esomeprazole in the mid-morning. Drink plenty of water. Your physician might recommend an initial upper endoscopy to vie the food pipe and the stomach.

Poop ‘transplant’

Human fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) is an FDA-approved procedure to collect, process, and transplant feces from vetted health donors to sick patients who had antibiotic therapy who developed C. difficile colitis as a result of the therapy which killed some good bacteria in the gut, and lately FMT is being tried for those with Ulcerative Colitis. The procedure is done through colonoscopy to introduce the processed donor stool into the patient’s gut. A “poop” capsule is being developed, yes, to be swallowed. I am sure it would be an odorless and neat-looking capsule. (Imagine swallowing someone else’s poop to get better. Amazing science, indeed!) FMT would eliminate the need for colonoscopy to transplant the donor feces. The aim is to replenish the healthy bacteria thru FMT and achieve a healthy microbiome. The cost of the entire procedure is nearly $1,000. Almost as expensive as gold!

LGBTQ issues

We must accept all God’s creations, regardless of color, religion, gender, political affiliations, for our own mental health and sanity. Stop the debate already as to which bathroom to use, which sports (competition) team to join. The issue is complex but to me, the solution is plain and simple: Have three bathrooms: One for females, one for males, and one for the LGBTQs. And if the LGBTQ wants to sub-divide their bathrooms for their specific preferences, so be it; and have 3 separate distinct competition leagues: one for females, one for males, and one for LGBTQs to compete against fellow LGBTQs, or a sub-division of this group, if the LGBTQ wants. In other words, let us understand and accommodate each group, or subgroup, and the LGBTQ group should also be sensitive to, understanding, just and compassionate with the original two genders. Let us not belabor the point and cause another divide in society. There are already too many. Let us live in peace, love, and harmony and de-stress our brain for our mental health. We have many more serious and pressing matters to deal with as residents of Planet Earth.

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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

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The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.