Posts by Philip M. O'Halloran, MD
Remembering Dr. Borland
The passing of Village Health’s long time night shift doctor, Thomas R. Borland, MD, has left a void in our practice and also our lives. Those of us who knew the Metro area ER legend agree that “TBâ€, as he was affectionately known, was more than just a journeyman emergency physician who’d been around for…
Read MoreA word about antibiotics
Upper respiratory infections usually don’t require antibiotics In fact, as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns, inappropriate antibiotic use might cause an unintended — and unwanted — consequence. Examples include the appearances of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (so-called superbugs), an anaphylactic allergic reaction, which is immediately life-threatening, or a C. Difficile enterocolitis infection, which is a…
Read MoreCheck out our billboard!
We are up in lights on electronic billboards in Utica. In order to better spread the word about our 24/7/365 family, urgent and occupation health services, we’ve started a new form of advertising for VH. You can see Dr. Mika on the giant screen at the northwest corner of M-59 and M-53 (it’s in front…
Read MoreThe Shape of Care to Come
In recent months, the vague outline of a new Telemedicine system, that will allow doctors to diagnose and treat patients online, has come into sharper focus. This is just one of many advances that are in the pipeline of the medical entrepreneurial community. Let’s consider the future landscape, the shape of care to come, if…
Read MoreShould doctors prescribe exercise?
A study recently published in the prestigious British Medical Journal would seem to indicate that the answer is “yesâ€. To the layperson, the benefits of exercise would seem to be quite obvious but the scientific world needs data — and lots of it! Well, the treasure trove of encouraging evidence just got bigger. Using a…
Read MoreIs Direct Primary Care the Answer?
Direct Primary Care: can it reduce Obamacare cost inflation? The sticker shock of the Affordable Care Act, (aka “Obamacareâ€) has arrived and patients are now face to face with much higher insurance deductibles. Of course, that means that routine “day-to-day†health care needs are being paid for out of pocket by more and more Americans.…
Read MoreSome like it hot?
As the mercury breaks thousands of records across the country and hits 100 degrees here in Michigan (99 as I write this), it’s important to be aware of the health risks for you and your family. The range of dangers runs from mild dehydration to heat exhaustion and heat stroke – a life-threatening illness. As…
Read MorePoison Ivy: herein lies the rub
We’re well into the poison ivy season at Village Health and I’ve been wanting to review what we all need to know in the event that persistent itch and classic pink, course “sandpaper†rash appears on our limbs, trunk or face. A quick overview: for the purposes of this discussion, poison ivy, oak and sumac…
Read More“Flesh-eating bacteria” — just the facts
Unfortunately, “flesh-eating bacteria†(medical name: Necrotizing fasciitis) has been in the news again lately and fear of this frightening condition is spiking. A few important things to be aware of: 1. While usually devastating and often deadly, necrotizing fasciitis (NF) remains very rare. Despite high-profile cases, it is not believed to be on the increase. 2.…
Read MoreHelmets recommended as tornado protection
Head injuries are the most common cause of tornado-related deaths. As a result, preparedness experts are increasingly recommending the kind of head protection afforded by common sports helmets. The next time you notice that ominous change in the sky’s color to dirty green and you hear the siren’s blare, you should reach for the nearest bike,…
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