My nose is always running. I can’t stop sneezing. I’m constantly clearing my throat. And I have dark circles under my eyes. I’ve never had allergies, so what’s going on? It could be non-allergic adult rhinitis (NAR), which normally appears later in life. Of those who suffer from this non-allergic condition, 70 percent develop it …

The beginning of a new year means new resolutions. The No. 1 resolution I hear from people is their declaration to lose weight. They ask questions like, “Is there medication that can help me?” and “What is the best diet?” Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for shedding pounds. However, reaching an ideal weight for …

I recently joined the professional staff at Oak Street Medical, adding depth to our health care services for women. I look forward to working with the excellent doctors at Oak Street Medical and feel privileged to be chosen as the clinic’s first-ever nurse practitioner. Although nurse practitioners have been licensed to practice in Oregon for more …

Having recently struggled with breast cancer and treatment over the past year, one of my patients gave me a gift—a book titled, “Tripping Over the Truth” by Travis Christofferson, which many of my patients have heard me go on and on about. How sugar feeds cancer The book discusses the metabolic theory of cancer, and …

These are exciting times for the treatment of peanut and tree nut allergies in children. Protocols that aim to desensitize patients to foods have moved from being experimental to being available to patients across the country. In 2018, Oregon Allergy Associates performed desensitization for roughly 35 peanut- and tree nut-allergic patients. Results were highly successful …

Benzodiazepines are medications commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders and insomnia. Benzodiazepines have names, such as Alprazolam (Xanax®), Diazepam (Valium®), and Lorazepam (Ativan®), and have different timing of their action, often classified as short- or long-acting. Unfortunately, these drugs can cause both physical and psychological dependence along with withdrawal symptoms. Complications with benzodiazepines are more common …

Gluten is a protein found in many grains, such as wheat, barley and rye. As awareness increases, it’s become more and more common for people to ask to be evaluated for a gluten allergy or intolerance. Yet, many people are confused about what differentiates a wheat allergy, gluten intolerance and celiac disease. Here’s a quick …

Most of us would agree that life can be stressful at times. Generated by adversity or unfortunate life circumstances, stress can often lead to distress. It also occurs, albeit in a different form, from a positive response to stressors, known as eustress. Much on-going research is dedicated to uncovering ways to identify stress within our bodies and …