My Quora Answer to "Parents, what did your doctor do that pissed you off?"

My wife had just given birth to our third child, our first boy. We had decided not to have him circumcised. This was at a time when the medical (read more) 

establishment scared parents into getting them because it is a quick buck for the docs and hospitals. Despite newer evidence against routine use of the procedure, they still try to push it, although rather less forcefully or as in our case, less deceitfully.

After delivery and while she was still sedated (it was a C-section), and while I was in the nursery with my new pride and joy, a nurse or other staff person convinced my wife to sign the consent forms. And they KNEW of our stance beforehand! They mutilated our baby against our wishes. And the insurance company paid them for it!

Comments

Phoenix Andrews: Slightly off topic but I’m curious as to why you wouldn’t want to circumcise your son. I’m not a mom nor do I have a penis so I personal don’t have an experience with it in that sense. From what I know it’s better for your hygiene not to have it. Not judging you I’m just curious.

My Reply

Not off topic. I wrote my Answer hoping someone would ask.

It's a form of genital mutilation invented in the Bronze Age to set a certain group of men apart from those who didn't belong to their society. We are aghast at female genital mutilation yet look askance when it happens to baby boys. Note too, that it was forced upon the male slaves of the Patriarchs who, like infants, had no say in the matter.

While this happened to my oldest in my first marriage, my second wife and I prevented it happening to our two sons. With vigilent hygiene which we taught them, they had a total of maybe 3 yeast infections (smegma) in childhood. The worst case was in Benny, (of “earbuds in nostrils" fame) and that was very short-lived.

The other scare tactic was telling us that there is an increased risk of penile cancer in uncut men. More recent long-term studies have debunked this.

I believe that if you belong to a religion that still mandates circumcision, that it can certainly wait until the day of reckoning, which is 13-years old in the Jewish tradition. It also seems more in line with how it was done in ancient Canaan. After all, both Abraham and Ishmael were at least that old!

Magnesium Threonate

Magnesium Threonate

This is an amazing new find courtesy of my good friend Leroy Skalstad. Ever since my psychotic episode 14 months ago, I've had debilitating short-term memory loss problems, and the more anxious I get, the worse the memory loss. My long-term memory is still almost photographic, although I admit sometimes I forget to load the film. But it's still very, very accurate and precise for events, especially those involving personal interactions.

When I mentioned that I am hypomagnasemic, Leroy humbly suggested Magnesium threonate because he noticed that his memory improved by taking it. He thought maybe it was due to a placebo effect, but having started it myself, I guarantee it's not just placebo. This stuff actually works. It is the only form of Magnesium that actually crosses the blood-brain barrier. When I received mine in the mail, I took two instead of the recommended one three times a day. I then took two before bedtime and again two more in the morning. By noon the next day after starting it, I noticed an improvement in my short-term memory. 

This neuropsychiatric defect usually results in stuttering, the physical manifestation of word- searching. My stuttering went away but Itt will come back when I need another dose. I routinely take one capsule three times a day, but when I'm out and about and forget to take a capsule with me, the stuttering will return, albeit not as severely as before.

I am adding Magnesium threonate to my "highly recommended" list, whether you have memory problems or not because it is also neuroprotective. Do not take if you have renal failure or any condition that contraindicates its use.

https://www.neurohacker.com/magnesium-threonate

When a Doctor is a Patient

As a doctor, what is it like when you have to see a doctor?

Michael Mangold, M.D. Medicine and Healthcare & Psychiatric Treatment, Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences (1990)

I don't tell them, unless the info is critical for the specific encounter.

It is really um, “interesting” to do this. I have had a couple of visits where large parts of the exam were never done, yet the provider documented that they did.

My biggest issues are two-fold. First, when someone on the medical staff treats me like crap. That changes immediately when I inform them that I am a physician. Which really sucks when you consider how many patients are NOT docs.

The second is when I get sub-par service from Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. One recent episode illustrates both issues.

I tripped and broke my left arm near the shoulder while running for a bus to Chicago. When I got there, I went to an Immediate Care clinic in Park Ridge, IL. I think because of my reactions to the intense pain, the PA who saw me thought I was putting on an act in order to obtain narcotics. He manhandled my arm and his attitude was confrontational until he saw the X-rays. Then his tune changed.

What's this for to do with your Question? Well, the complaint letter I sent to administration DOES state that I am a physician!

Add a comment...

Marilyn Hubbard

People are documenting things they don’t do, yep, in the point and click medical record

The PA should have held their judgement for the X Ray. Not sure if the same thing might not happen with a physician

Carcinogenic Water

Great news but I wonder why she's confused. Breast cancer has both genetic and environmental causes. One unrecognized factor is bottled water. Plastics contain chemicals with estrogen-like effects and carcinogens. Some sit on store shelves FOR YEARS. Basically drinking plastic.

My older sister Pat developed breast cancer, first cancer victim in our family ever recorded. She's an RN and has always lived a healthy lifestyle, but she swallowed the propaganda and drank bottled water for almost 40 years, becoming a walking Superfund Site in the process.

The Evil in Men's Eyes

So a bus driver today wouldn't let an elderly Black woman on board because she was a quarter short. He was even rude about it, saying, "then why did you get on the bus?" And it was cold out. So I paid it.

I did a good deed.

I then had an epiphany: if I hadn't that would have been just as evil. If I observe it don't and let it slide, I'd be just as guilty as him. Einstein once said something about how the end of the world will occur because people stand by as it happens. Of course he was basing it on Naz Germany.

Taking this observation to it's logical conclusion, I have now refined my "evil, bad, and good cop" stance. I previously separated bad cops from their evil twins based on the former looking askance while the latter did their nasty deeds. No longer. They are evil, too. Especially since they just stand by while it happens.

I have NEVER believed in the "all cops are bad" stupidity. First of all, it is a gross and disgusting overgeneralization. Secondly, my maternal grandfather was the most loving, compassionate, caring, and generous person I HAVE EVER KNOWN! I can only assume you don't have any family members who are good cops. I will block you.

And for all you White Women with Privilege Deniers of White Women Privilege, shove that up your suitcase.

http://bit.ly/2LoC6No

Down Syndrome Prevention and Mitigation

What are ways to prevent Down's syndrome?

Michael Mangold, Son with Down Syndrome; Down Syndrome Association of WI

Originally Answered: Is there any way to get rid of down syndrome?

There are just a few that I know of, and they’re not highly effective.

There is a well-known association between maternal age and the risk of having a baby with Down Syndrome. This isn’t a big correlation, though. This rate rises significantly over age 35 because older eggs are more prone to chromosomal disruptions. However, more DS children are born to women under 35 simply because they have more babies.

The risk is higher in asymptomatic parents who carry the third 21st chromosome, and in those who have had previous Down Syndrome kids.

One under-appreciated risk was the anti-diabetic drug Rezulin (troglitazone). It was pulled from the U.S. market by the FDA for other adverse reactions like liver failure. 63 people died here because of that.

But there are MANY ways to increase intellectual capabilities. Some I base on research, and some I used on my son Jon. His results are nothing short of miraculous.

Firstly, there are some things you should NOT do. Avoid high-sulfur foods like asparagus. The extra 21st chromosome increases hydrogen sulfide in their brains, which destroys neurons. Conversely, Omega-3's protect brain cells which is why he supplements with fish oil. You can use krill oil and/or flaxseed oil if they have difficulties taking fish oil. Flaxseed, however, becomes less effective as we age due to the natural decrease in the enzyme that converts it into DHA and ALA, the two active fatty acid forms.

Lycopene is found in high levels in tomatoes. Or they can take the capsule. My observation is that the addition of any “good fat” like olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and even saturated fats from meats helps significantly. I believe this is due to enhanced absorption of lycopene, but am open to other mechanisms, too. One of Jon's favorite drinks is the water from canned tomatoes with a touch of fish oil mixed in.

Avoid sedating antihistamines like Benadryl. The non-sedatingn ones are ok.

Craniosacral Massage Therapy helps I believe, by increasing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

Avoid supplements high in sulfur such as SAMe and Glucosamine Sulfate. The latter is especially toxic since glucosamine destroys brain cells of these people.

Keep them mentally stimulated. Read to them and encourage them to read, especially aloud. Teach them sign language and learn it yourself. One of my most favorite activities with Jon was signing across the auditorium to each other during assemblies and holiday pageants.

Surround them with stimulating sights, sounds, and even smells. Small doses of TV are welcome, especially educational programming.

Tablets are excellent tools. One time we kept receiving Judy Garland DVDs from Netflix in the mail. It turns out that he had a thang for Dorothy.

The National Association for Child Development is a non-profit organization that I highly recommend. Jon's therapist was outstanding and performed wonders. Despite the name, it is also for adults: Home - NACD International | The National Association for Child Development.

My last but most important recommendation is love. Lots and lots of unconditional love. Ask me some time about my Parenting Lessons.

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"Eight Full Glasses per Day" is NOT the Answer

How much water do we need to drink to survive?

Michael Mangold, former ER, Urgent Care, and Family Physician (1990-2014)

Answered 2m ago

Surprisingly little. And the “Eight full glasses per day” thing is not the correct answer. It is too general and not based on solid research.

I read this first in a book called “Evolutionary Medicine” by Stephen C. Stearns and Ruslan Medzhitov. I learned quite a few surprises. Like that the edema (swelling) you get after injuring a joint like the ankle, is actually a form of splinting. It limits movement around the joint, preventing further damage. Recall the “RICE” mnemonic: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation? Turns out you only require ”R.”

Now water. It's been a few years since I read it so my memory may betray me a little, but there is no one magic formula, and it's less than you think. Humans in hot and arid regions obviously need more than say those in Scandinavia. Those of us who are physically active need more than the sedentary. The answer also depends on body height and weight and Body Mass Index. Bigger people need more fluids.

The 8FGpD approach says to never let your mouth get dry, and don't let your urine turn dark yellow or orange. EM says that's nonsense. A dry mouth is merely a measure of comfort, not hydration. For example, I have dry mouth because of certain meds I take, and all I need to do is to swish-and-swallow a quarter cup of water to feel comfortable again. And my pee rarely turns shades.

So how do you calculate how much YOU need? No clue. It's in the book but since it's cost prohibitive right now, I guess I'll find the correct Answer when I can afford it.

http://bit.ly/2O0gZ5z

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Lassez-Faire

My Quora Answer to:

What are some historical examples of laissez-faire capitalism?

Basically all of humanity before the Agricultural Revolution.

There are a lot more examples since then which I'll talk about later, but permit me to clarify a few things, especially in light of some of the erroneous and misleading Answers already posted here.

Laissez-faire capitalism is a relatively recent term used to describe the ancient practice of exchanging labor for goods and services without the intervention of the state. That's it. Money may or may not be involved. Witness cryptocurrencies.

The example given here about the factories in Industrial Age England is a misrepresentation and part of our educational system's indoctrination program. These factories were supported and encouraged by the British government, which profited from the exploitation of children and workers, too. This form of economics is called “mercantilism” and it's modern version is called “corporate cronyism.” In purely political terms, it is “corruption.” it is NOT LFC!

With the advent of the Agricultural Revolution, certain thugs realized that they could control others by controlling resources such as grain, water, and arable lands. This is also the advent of “civilization,” which is the biggest misnomer ever. Those who placed themselves in charge had the best food and luxuries, slaves, their choice of women to screw (including those who were already partnered), and later hoards of gold, silver, and precious gems. And they also brought us war and genocide. Prior to the that, there were merely battles between tribes and intermingling through non-forcedvsex. If that's your idea of “civilization,” please read no further

The example of Somalia is just ludicrous. This is an African nation that has been controlled by various foreign states for centuries and what we are witnessing is not “laissez-faire capitalism” but rather chaos created by past statist failures. A better comparison would be between pre-state and present conditions. Claiming that this is LFC is as stupid as saying an older alcoholic is the same as when he was a baby.

Speaking of chaos, most confuse “anarchy” with it. They are not the same and even ancient Greeks knew better. How far we've fallen in terms of education since then.

Chaos is disorder, violence, and unacceptable. Anarchy simply means without government. The overwhelming majority of anarchists, yesterday and today, have been non-violent, loving, and compassionate. Antifa is an exception. And they are not Anarcho-Capitalists but rather Anarcho-Socialists, which is an oxymoron, and who, like most socialists, and unlike us AnCaps, believe violence justifies the ends.

More examples of successful stateless societies? Most of the Pre-Columbian New World, Ireland until taken over by England, many utopian societies that failed because of state suppression, the Amish, and most of the world's countries like Nicaragua which, while nominally socialist, thrive because of unfettered capitalism. I should know. I lived there.

TID

My Quora Answer to:

If a prescription says take three times a day. does it mean 3 times in 12 or 24 hrs?

Carmel Maalouf is correct. TID means three times a day, essentially in 24 hours. If I wanted a med taken evenly spaced out over that time, I would write “every 8 hours.” My decision which to write depended on the efficacy and half-life of that particular medication. If the half-life, basically the amount of time it is effective in your system, is around 8 hours, then I would write it that way. If much longer, but less than 12 hours, I would write TID. Why 12 hours? Because then I would go for twice a day (BID), or “every 12 hours.”

FYI: the medical abbreviation for “every” is a q/Q with a line over it. Many hospital systems no longer allow their docs to use it because it makes the administrators cry.

http://bit.ly/2JHnyHE

Palpitaions, or My Heart is Beating Too Hard

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My Quora Answer to:

Why does it feel like a my heart's pounding like how it does after holding your breath too long, and why does my heart make a very hard beat during this?

Michael Mangold, M.D. Medicine and Healthcare & Psychiatric Treatment, Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences (1990)

Answered Thu

You need to see a physician and get an EKG.

The reason I say that is because there are both benign and malignant causes of palpitations, or the feeling that your heart is beating too fast or too hard. One example of the former is an arrhythmia called Supraventricular Tachycardia, which is very common. Ironically, at least in relation to your Question, is that taking a deep breath in, holding it, then bearing down like your having a constipated bowel movement, is actually the cure for this. It is called the Valsalva Maneuver, which is a reflexive response your body produces when it thinks you are under water. Plunging your face into ice water will do the same thing.

Malignant causes include frequent Premature Ventricular Contractions and Atrial Fibrillation. Untreated, they can lead to significant morbidity (disabling events like strokes and an enlarged heart or cardiomyopathy) and even death. Which is why you need to get that EKG. Stat

http://bit.ly/32PRYip

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About the Author

Michael Mangold

PADI certified scuba diver.

Author/Writer at Upwards Bound2014-present

M.D. Medicine and Healthcare & Psychiatric Treatment, Rosalind Franklin University of Health SciencesGraduated 1990

Lives in Milwaukee, WI2017-present

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