HEALTH TIPS:

DTaP

There has been a recent resurgence of pertussis (whooping cough). Those of us who were vaccinated many years ago may no longer be immune. Pertussis is particularly dangerous for infants and causes a prolonged illness with severe coughing for adults. It is now recommended that parents and grandparents of infants be vaccinated.
There is NO vaccination for pertussis alone; the vaccination for adults, like for children is combined with tetanus and diphtheria in a vaccine known as DTaP. The brand name which we use in our office is ADACEL. It is likely safe for adults of all ages, but was only tested and therefore only approved for age 18-64. It is possibly therefore not covered by Medicare. Cost is about $75.
Only potential problem arises for an individual who had a bad reaction to a recent regular tetanus vaccine, perhaps given in an Emergency Room after an injury. Getting another tetanus shot for the purpose of adding the pertussis protection could cause problems. If you are about to get a tetanus shot as an adult , INSIST ON DTaP if you have not had this vaccine. When your next tetanus shot is due, get DTaP. You will not need another one for at least 10 years.

ADVANCED LIPID TESTING:  WHO NEEDS IT ?

For some individuals, the calculated LDL you get from the hospital lab does not correlate with the actual number of LDL particles, which is the actual culprit in the development of heart disease.  Patients with history of coronary disease, risk factors including hypertension, smoking and diabetes or metabolic syndrome (overweight, low HDL, high triglycerides, elevated blood sugar) should consider advanced lipid testing.   You must schedule an office visit with Dr Blum to discuss the results about 2 weeks later.