The FDA just approved a new revolutionary drug for the treatment of cancer. The medication, Vitrakvi (larotrectinib), is unique in that it treats the geneticbasis of what is driving cancer and not the type of cancer once it hasdeveloped. The mutation that causes cells to become cancerous is found in many different types of cancers. […]
Charles Crutchfield III MD
Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD was the senior medical advisor for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder until his passing on June 21, 2023. He launched and helped organize a weekly Doctor's Advice column where he and other Black physicians offered timely medical advice on pertinent topics in the Black community.
Dr. Crutchfield III was a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School and a Benedict Distinguished Visiting Professor of biology at Carleton College. He also had a private practice, Crutchfield Dermatology in Eagan, MN.
He received his MD and master’s degree in molecular biology and
genomics from the Mayo Clinic. He had been selected as one of the top 10 dermatologists in the United States by Black Enterprise magazine. Minnesota Medicine recognized Dr. Crutchfield as one of the 100 Most Influential Healthcare Leaders in Minnesota. Dr. Crutchfield specialized in
skincare for people of color and has been selected by physicians and nurses as one of the leading dermatologists in Minnesota for the past 18 years.
He was the team dermatologist for the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, Wild and Lynx. Dr. Crutchfield was an active member of both the American and National Medical Associations and president of the Minnesota Association of Black Physicians.
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Carbon monoxide is a silent winter killer
Carbon monoxide is a gas given off by everyday fuel-burning items that we regularly use. Usually, using appliances is not a problem, but if there is improper ventilation in an area where an engine or other devices are burning carbon monoxide-producing fuels, carbon monoxide can build up to dangerous levels.
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Experts agree: More activity, exercise mean better health
The new exercise guidelines (for adults) cite 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-to-intense activity per week or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-to-intense activity per week.
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All about colds
Hand washing. This is the most important thing you can do to prevent colds.
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Fathers, talk to your sons
For our sons, being a respectful and sensitive partner is a conversation that needs to occur.
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Tinnitus: common, constant, incurable — but very manageable
Tinnitus is a fairly common medical malady that afflicts many people in mild forms, although they may not always be aware of it.
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Everything you need to know about acute flaccid myelitis
The weakening of the legs can cause extreme difficulty walking and even paralysis. As a result, the condition is very similar, clinically, to polio.
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Cutting one’s skin is a cry for attention and help
Self-harm, such as cutting, occurs much more often than people would expect.
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Five principles for closing the learning gap in babies
Sociologists are talking a lot about something called “the learning gap.” This is a gap in knowledge and ability seen between different groups of children. These groups can vary based on race or socioeconomic status.
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Breast reduction surgery: For some, it’s a good option with exceptional results
Reduction mammaplasty can also improve a person’s self-esteem and self-image and allow them to comfortably engage in many physical activities, including various sports.
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Diverticulitis: challenging but manageable
The inflammation can be relatively mild, involving only one or two areas, to the involvement of extensive areas that can lead to abscesses and breakdown and rupture of the intestines, a life-threatening emergency.
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FDA approves first new sickle cell medication in 20 years
In the U.S., approximately one in 500 African Americans and one in 1,200 Hispanic Americans are born with sickle cell disease. Approximately two million Americans — including about eight-to-12 percent of the African American population — are carriers of the disease. Carriers of the disease are said to have the “sickle cell trait.”
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FDA approves first new sickle cell medication in 20 years
In the U.S., approximately one in 500 African Americans and one in 1,200 Hispanic Americans are born with sickle cell disease. Approximately two million Americans — including about eight-to-12 percent of the African American population — are carriers of the disease. Carriers of the disease are said to have the “sickle cell trait.”
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Want to prevent illness and disease? Wash your hands!
How do we best protect ourselves from all the germs and illness around us? The answer is simple – good, old-fashioned handwashing.
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Endometriosis: A painful yet treatable condition for women
With endometriosis, endometrial cells can become attached to ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the lining of the pelvis (see picture). During the regular menstrual cycle, the tissue thickens, swells, and sheds, but the ectopic (normal cells in an abnormal location) endometrial tissue does not get shed during menstruation as it normally would as a part of the inner lining of the uterus.
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New advances in the war on cancer: living cell therapy
Unfortunately, results against solid tumors are not yet favorable. Success rates as an FDA-approved treatment is greater than 70 percent, which is remarkable considering that, in the recent past, these cancers, failing traditional therapies, were incurable.
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Common medications like ibuprofen can damage your kidneys
Surprisingly, in addition to disease, some very common medications can be hard on kidneys and interfere with their ability to function properly. Prolonged use of these medications can permanently damage your kidneys. This damage can result in a need for dialysis and, in extreme cases, may even require a kidney transplant.
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Malaria: a disease caused by protozoa carried by mosquitos
The mosquito is the carrier of a parasite that is in the saliva of the mosquito. When mosquitoes bite humans, they inject a unique anticoagulant contained in their saliva into the site of the bite so they can keep drinking blood without the blood clotting.
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Peyronie’s disease: a common yet obscure disease of men
When the condition is present, cord-like scar tissue can cause both penile curvature and depression or dents in the penile shaft, although a curved penis is the most commonly reported manifestation of the disease.
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Pets can be excellent for both your mental and physical health
Interacting with pets is good for one’s mental and physical health. Playing with pets decreases blood pressure, anxiety, depression, stress, cholesterol, and the risk of a heart attack and stroke. Studies show that pet owners also benefit from an improved immune system.