AUGUST 31, 2012 IDENTIFY YOUR SPIDERS

"You cannot control the results, onlu your actions " - Allan Lokos
Thge outcome is not yours, the action only belongs to you. It would be great if every action yielded the right outcome for yourself. But it doesn't work that way. I feel if to the best of your ability to take the action, the best result will be yielded. It is a virtue of patience and acceptance. Acceptance is the key



Spiders evoke a combination of curiosity and horror in people of all ages. Spiders’ seeming ability to appear suddenly out of nowhere on their fine silk lines can startle anyone. But their frightening reputation is largely undeserved. Spiders are amazing creatures! Like the honeybee I find spiders to be fascinating. It is true their home is not as unique as the honeybee's, but you have to love them for being 'loners'. I now understand why my mentor/colleague, 7 song loves insects. How could you not --- if you love plants (botany) you will have to eventually learn to love insects. These are the Natural Pollinators and always serve a symbiotic relationship within your garden.

 While walking through the forest a patient of mine walked through a large spider web he did not initially see.  He was stung by something on his right cheek, just below his eye.  He at first thought, it was a hornet sting, but then as he pulled the torn web off his face, an orb spider escaped.   He headed home and put baking soda on the wound. Since he is allergic to Yellow Jacket stings he had  Epinephrine for injection, but since there was no difficulty breathing, he had Diphenhydramine 25 mg. (Benadryl in the US and Canada). Until it became clear that it was swelling, he took the Benadryl. He had to take a second dose.

When you think of spiders you always think of the Black Widow or the Brown Recluse spider. As a previous volunteer physician on Fire Island, I witnessed first hand the effects of spider bites. For many it was a painful bite that required hydration and intravenous antibiotics. I was very careful to treat these infections as a spider bite can result in severe cellulitis. I know that two spider bite victims died from the toxins one to two weeks later.  I do not think the North Eastern United States worries about spider bites, nor do the residents of Fire Island. For years, the Island, as well as other areas in the North East, such as Connecticut, Upstate New York and Pennsylvania have been preoccupied with the Lyme Tick. And yes, it is true that we have epidemic numbers of Chronic Persistent Lyme Disorder.

There are one to two spiders that have been present on Fire Island, which can have harmful bites. These are the Wolf Spider and  the Recluse Spider. (not photographed). The Wolf Spiders are members of the family Lycosidae (the word lyco means wolf). These are robust spiders and have excellent eyesight. You can often see a Wolf Spider carrying eggs by attaching them to their body. These spiders are capable of defensive bites and can cause necrotic areas which I have seen in  Fire Island.. Some others of this family of spiders in other countries can be deadly. They are definitely present in the wet coastal area of Fire Island. It is said that the only other spider that has any chance at causing medical complications in North America is the Black Widow (female, male is harmless), certain Funnel-Webs, and the Recluse. I disagree with this as I have seen Wolf Spiders in NY. I have never seen a Mouse Spider however, although some state these spiders are present in NYS. All of them have a less than 1% fatality rate and less than 10% of bites need any medical attention.


Perhaps we have more Brown Recluse Spiders than what we are lead to believe. For those living in rural wooded area, or vacationing in Fire Island:

The "typical" Orb-Weaver Spiders (family Araneidae) are the most common group of builders of spiral wheel-shaped webs often found in gardens, fields and forests. Their common name is taken from the round shape of this typical web, and the taxon was formerly also referred to as the Orbiculariae. These are very common, make beautiful webs but cause no harm if you are bitten.
I would check out , the Spiders of New York to try to identify spiders in your area. The web site is
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/commonspiders.pdf

Until tomorrow...

Photo credit: 7 song
Top to Bottom: 1. Wolf spider; 2. Golden rod crab spider; 3. Banded spider; 4. Orb spider

AUGUST 30, 2012 ACHES AND PAINS

Copying something is a form of flattery.  I couldn't resist. It describes where we all will be at one time in our lives. It is refreshing. I can understand and accept what is written. I am tired of drama, character assassination (gossip), white lies, anger, and unhappiness. "Why Was I Born" is an old song. I listened to it this morning,. I was born into this G.O.D. chosen profession to heal. And that's what I am going to do. But first, I must always use one hand to heal myself. Healing myself is re- reading this letter. Life is too short. Unfortunately I have seen it firsthand and on a daily basis discuss at least one disease which is life threatening to a patient. Garbo may have it right: "I want to be alone", but I'd rather be saying
"Dust yourself off, pick yourself up and start all over again."


Who doesn't suffer from aches and pains ? We all do at one time in our life. Whether it is a neck sprain, a back ache or some muscle inflammation. For most of America it is so easy to buy over-the-counter (OTC) remedies as Motrin, Naprosyn or Alleve. For others it is easier to call their doctor and get a prescription for another non steroidal, as Meloxicam (also known as Mobic).  There is an easier approach. First is to change to an anti-inflammatory diet. This includes few, if any processed carbohydrates, as breads and pastas. It has less high glycemic (high sugar) fruits and vegetables. It also means less red meat. This is not a diet but rather a dietary lifestyle.
The second step is to start to exercise a little more. Move those muscles. Walk to work or walk to the nearest train station. If you drive to work, then walk outside during your lunch break if weather is permitting. It means stop being a couch potato at your work desk. It means you need to be motivated. This is a lifestyle change.

The third step is to investigate supplements and herbs that are used against inflammation . These might include Omega 3 fish oils, Primrose oils, MSM, Proteolytic enzymes , and Cetylmyistolate. The herbs that might be helpful for your aches and pains include Ginger, Turmeric and Boswellia. You might be saying Boswellia what? It is a common herb that many do not use because few know anything about it. There is lots of information on Boswellia. Boswellia serata is derived from a tree that grows in a dry climate such as in India. An exudate in the plant is called Oleogum resin . This resin is used in Ayurvedic medicine where it is called Salai Guggal.

Boswellia does reduce joint pain and swelling. It is a non-steroidal. I feel it especially works on joint flexibility. The acids within the compound are great for protecting the joint connective tissue. There are no side effects from Boswellia. It is catching on as the studies now indicate that this herb is great for arthritis.  Studies did compare Boswellia to a well known anti inflammatory called Ketoprofen. Boswellia was found to improve blood supply to the affected areas which is vital. It has been used in rheumatoid arthritis. This past Monday I saw a woman with new onset mild rheumatoid arthritis.  She already has been prescribed steroids and now Plaquenil. There was no discussion from the rheumatologist as to decrease the patients gluten products. Since she did feel better off gluten ( 80% of all autoimmune diseases do better without gluten), Boswellia would be an excellent choice for such a patient with no side effects or interactions with her conventional methods.  The action of Boswellia is similar to non steroidal anti inflammatory conventional drugs.

So wouldn't you rather take an herb rather than a drug? I know I would and I DO! Oh yes, I forget the most important aspect of Boswellia versus a non steroidal. The non steroidals as Motrin and Alleve are prone to cause gastric ulcer bleeding.

NOT WITH BOSWELLIA !

Until tomorrow....

AUGUST 28, 2012 WALKING SPEED

If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself. - Confucius

There are many quotes about walking and even more about friends.  I like this one the best because I can learn from it. So can you...

Walking is the simplest form of exercise. In New York City there are many options - yellow cabs, buses and subways. The easiest way and most beneficial for you is to walk from one destination to the next.
We do have studies that reflect that thirty ( 30 minutes of walking), three times a week can decrease cardiovascular mortality by 38 %.

In a recent study published in Neurology (2012; 78; 1946-1952) , slower walking speed int he elderly was associated with mild cognitive impairment ( MCI)
 I found this study to be very interesting and informative. Non amnestic mild cognitive impairment was characterized by the following: 1. language impairment; 2. visuopartial impairment; 3. attention; 4. other impairments other than memory. It was a small study population, but results were consistent.
Over a period of three year follow-up, the subjects with non amnestic mild cognitive impairment naMCI) were nine times more likely to have  a SLOW average weekly walking speed

I thoguht about this . Older individuals do walk slower sometimes due to joint pain, spinal disease and most importantly, diabetes. Diabetes does accelerate the aging process. It has been studied that rapid decline in cognitive function is seen in the severe diabetic patients.

For those age 70 years and older, start to walk at a faster 'clip' or 'pace' It can save your mind....

AUGUST 27, 2012 PAIN IN THE A**

You fear you are not alone. But it is the center of divine love that is manifesting in your heart as the craving for resilience., The emotional pain you feel contains the see of all your answers you are seeking.: wisdom beyond that which logic and rational thought could produce, resources you did not know you had. As the initial impact of what has happened to you recedes, you begin to find opportunities to nurture your spirit at the deepest level. Cultivate within yourself qualities of character such as strength, faith and perseverance, and you will fortify yourself for the greater role you are being prepared to play in the world.

Thank you God for the answer to my morning prayers - PMF


ANORECTAL COMPLAINTS are frequently encountered in many doctor's office. Mine is no exception. Most of these complaints can be managed in the office. Some do need further testing, and some do require other health care providers. The most common diagnosis is hemorrhoids or anal fissures. These can occur in both men and women. Other complaints are anorectal abscesses, rectal prolapse, anal masses/rectal carcinoma and even fistulas. These must be seen by a surgeon.

A detailed history needs to be taken. There might be some questions you might not be comfortable answering, but you should answer. First of all you should feel comfortable to ask your doctor anything. If you are a gay male, you might be more comfortable with a gay male physician. You should be able to discuss your sexual practices. The physician should be comfortable in asking a heterosexual individual or couple about if anal sexual activity takes place. It is very common among heterosexuals but no one discusses this entity. I always ask these questions. I always ask about dietary habits ( ex: i ask what the patient eats for breakfast, lunch and dinner) I ask about alcohol use. I ask about intake of fiber, salads, use of enemas, and intake of nuts/seeds.

I ask about travel history as anal problems, especially itching can be the first sign of a parasite. This is especially common in pin worms and whip worms. In order to fully exam the anal area the patient should be placed in prone jackknife or left lateral knee to chest position. This is called the Simm position. This is best way for any physician to examine the anal area.

Yes inspection, palpation and examination of the anal area is neither pleasant for you or the doctor but it should be done

For the simple hemorrhoid, there are anesthetic preparations, lidocaine derivatives and even calcium channel blockers as .2% ointment or diltizem 2% gel) I often utilize sitz baths, witch hazel and a homeopathic haemorrhoid cream

For any anal rectal problems please consult your physician .

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 25, 2012 IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR - 1956

June 10 – 1956 Summer Olympics: Equestrian events open in Stockholm, Sweden (all other events are held in November in Melbourne, Australia).

June 28 -The film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I, starring Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner, is released only a few months after the film version of R&H's Carousel


August 25, 1956 - Frederick Ellis Byrd was born to Frederick Byrd Sr and Nancy Walker Byrd in Suffolk VA

September 9 – Elvis Presley appears on The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time.


October 8 – Baseball pitcher Don Larsen of the New York Yankees throws the only perfect game in World Series history in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers

November 3 – MGM's film The Wizard of Oz makes its TV debut on the CBS network. This marks the first time a major Hollywood film running more than ninety minutes is televised uncut in one evening.


1956. What a year ! It is followed by Disneyland opening in Anaheim, California in 1955. June 1956 was exciting , but the real news story was today - August 25, 1956. He was a born natural teacher from an early age.  From a great Suffolk Education to a Christian College to a PhD in Chapel Hill, North Carolina to the Big Apple. His dream of working in a corner office of a large well-known corpotationon , McGraw Hill a high floor in New York City comes true.

These words were sung by famous singer, Cory Daye in 2006 and always are reiterated in my mind,
For once in my life I have someone who needs me
Someone I've needed so long

For once, unafraid, I can go where life leads me
Somehow I know I'll be strong

For once I can touch what my heart used to dream of

Long before I knew

Oooh Someone warm like you

Would make my dream come true .....

Happiness-Yes. Perfection - No, over rated;  In love - Yes.. A life beyond my wildest dreams- An outstanding Yes.
To this day, " I love Lucy' is part of our life. The beginning of Rick's 56th year will be celebrated in Lucy's hometown of Jamestown, NY. We are having a ROAD TRIP--- I couldn't think of a better way to spend a day and an evening with the man I love.
Happy Birthday, Husband

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 24, 2012 WHAT DOES 'SENSITIVE' MEAN ?

As we were walking in Cherry Grove this past weekend we came upon a house that has turned the ' Gay Rainbow' flag into something noteworthy of art. This must have been this persons hobby for the week. We thought it clever and creative. As we continued to walk , my mind began to think about the word, " GAY' and its many definitions. It also made me think of how cruel other individuals can be in this world.

Gay traditionally means "happy" but in Modern English it also means homosexual. This meaning is more common now. The term was originally used to refer to feelings of being 'carefree', 'happy' or bright and showy' As early as 1637 he had connotations of being immoral. The word "gay" describes a person who is sexually attracted to people of the same sex instead of the opposite sex. They may also be romantically interested in people of the same sex. This means males who like other males or females who like other females. The word homosexual comes from the Ancient Greek word homos, meaning "same", and sexus, the Latin word for "gender". People usually use the word "gay" instead of "homosexual". The word heterosexual comes from the Greek word heteros, meaning "different", and sexus, the Latin word for "gender". The word "straight" is used more often than "heterosexual" when talking about people who are attracted to the opposite sex. Sometimes an individual might refer to an inanimate object and state " That's so gay" In this usage it does not refer to a homosexual, but instead meaning rubbish or stupid.

Most gay individuals whether male or female can certainly remember days when he/she was called 'other names. Some of these names were not pleasant, nor kind to say the least. To this day, gay harassment still exists. The word ' gay' can also refer to weakness or unmanliness.

On our ride home from Cherry Grove last weekend, two lesbians and two homosexuals were discussing the word SENSITIVE. I grew up with family members/ friends stating  " I was sensitive"  For example, " He is a sensitive child."  What does that mean? My father used to say, " Everything bothers you, you are sensitive just like your mother !"
As we discussed in traffic on the large parking lot, - the Long Island Expressway, we each had our own opinion of  ' sensitive'  Two Italians in the car, one female and one male thought it could be ' an Italian thing' . I think not. The other two passengers , one German and one Ango Saxon ( from the South) were also called 'sensitive'
So what if I am sensitive . It might mean I care. In all these years I have turned a negative connotation into a positive connotation. Sensitive could mean Happy, Joyous and Free. It could mean for me caring about life.
Unfortunately, some of us have scars, although distant,  from the ' name calling'
Here are some examples:

•ARSE BANDIT

•BATTY MAN
•BATTYBOY
•BENDER
•BULLER
•FAGGOT
  GENDER BENDER
•HOMO
•MOX
•POOF
 POOF TA
•QUEEN
•QUEER
•YAOI
•YURI


There are many teenagers suicide due to the above name calling and bullying. Our son, Gregory wrote the following and posted it on facebook in dedication to young gay youths He stated  " I dedicate the above lyrics to LGBTQ youth that have been bullied and/or have committed or have contemplated suicide. Life is too precious to let others choose your fate "

  .Beautiful Kids by Gregory Patrick
   copyright August 2012


How could you even dare
Think no one would care
If you weren't here
If you disappeared

How could you even try
To dream of the day you die
When you drift away
And loved ones pray

Beautiful boy
Don't pull the trigger
Don't let that thought linger
You have a world in front of you

Beautiful girl
Please don't kick the chair
Please know life isn't fair
But you'll soon see this through
How could they even dare
Push you without a care
As if you weren't real
As if you didn't feel

To laugh as you start to cry
When you fall down
A broken crown

Beautiful boy
Don't pull the trigger
Don't let that thought linger
You have a world in front of you

Beautiful girl
Please don't kick the chair
Please know life isn't fair
But you'll soon see this through

Take a breathe and let it out
Punch the walls, scream and shout
It's okay to cry (It's okay to cry)

Sit back down and shred the note
Kill the pain that you wrote
It's okay to cry (It's okay to cry)

Beautiful boy
Don't pull the trigger
Don't let that thought linger
You have a world in front of you

Beautiful girl
Please don't kick the chair
Please know life isn't fair
But you'll soon see this through
It's okay to cry
It's okay to cry

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 23, 2012 THE FORGOTTEN VITAMIN

" Our spiritual task is to become less rigid in our attachments and more accepting of the flow of life."

Life will go on whether you want it to or not. This is the flow of life. It is but a tangled ball of yarn or thread with many twists and turns as many of us sometimes learn. My spiritual task growing up was rigid. It was a tightly wound ball of yarn. It was stand up, sit down, on your knees. It was reciting verses and prayers, and of course confessions. At that time in my life it was possibly what I needed. I do not need a rigid schedule at this time in my life. I certainly appreciate the pomp and circumstance and the ceremonial masses. I especially thrive in the history of the Catholic Church. But do I need to be spiritual in a church. I can be spiritual in a synagogue, a church, a park and on the beach. I could be spiritual in the woods among the trees, which in itself are spiritual.
HUG  A TREE TODAY !




In the last few years, Vitamin E has been bashed, rehashed and spit out of many mouths. This is not fair. I do highly regard the studies that have been done. As many studies there are on the benefits of Vitamin E, I can cite those studies that have negative effects of Vitamin E.

Vitamin E is not just a single compound., It is composed of a family of eight similar compounds, There is much known about Vitamin E as compared to when I was in medical school , a mere 25 years ago.
The alpha tocopherol Vitamin E has fallen from the sky as a crashing comet, but you must give credit to the other compounds, especially tocotrienol. This is the lesser known Vitamin E. There are great studies on this type for cardiovascular disease, and now I look forward to the new studies for cancer therapies.

For one the tocotrienols have a different chemical structure and there is a wider range of cell membrane coverage versus the alpha tocopherol group. The other fact which I find the most important is the superiority of the antioxidant effect for the tocotrienols as compared to the alpha tocopherols.

There are many more pathways that are activated by the tocotrienols. Due to this fact alone, there will be in the future more cancer prevention and cancer therapies studied for the tocotrienols. This group has repeatedly in studies been shown to inhibit cancer cells. This is not true of the alpha tocopherols. Astonishing a third of all the research on Vitamin E has been published in the last 3 years, even though there are studies dating back to the 1970's on Vitamin E

For those who take Vitamin E ...take a mixed tocotrienols. Do not take one specific Vitamin E as alpha tocopherols.  You must move with the times. You must be well informed.

Until tomorrow...