Ask, and you shall receive…

Here at FOX News Health, it’s been our mission to provide you with the best health news coverage available on the Web.

Now, we’re taking that coverage a step further, with a new 30-minute weekly show, exclusively for FOXNews.com. The “Ask Dr. Manny” show will extend the lead in health coverage that you, the viewers, have helped us to achieve.

Because of your positive feedback and constant hunger for more information, we’ve combined some of our best features — and added some new ones, to bring you a dynamic show that covers all areas of health and medicine — from skincare to sex and weight loss — we’re even sharing the secrets to living a longer life!

Each week, we’ll be tackling a new topic, providing viewers with vital health information by taking a look into the lives of real people, answering your e-mails, and getting to the bottom of health news making headlines — with a little help from our resident know-it-all Dr. Cynara Coomer.

And remember, this isn’t like any old trip to the doctor — so you can count on it being fun and entertaining — but you’ll still be healthier after tuning in.

“Ask Doctor Manny” will premiere next Wednesday, September 2nd at 4 p.m. EDT on “The Strategy Room.” Then every following Wednesday at 4 p.m. we’ll bring you a new, web-exclusive episode.

And if you can’t catch it at its regular time — we’ve got you covered! You can check out what you’ve missed after the show airs by logging onto foxnewshealth.com. After airing on the Strategy Room every episode will be there!  Think of it as your own DVR full of vital health and medical information.

For a sneak peak at some of the highlights, click here: Ask Dr. Manny Show …and let us know what you think by e-mailing drmanny@foxnews.com!

And as always, thanks for counting on us to keep you informed!

Thanks,
Dr. Manny

Spinal cord injury is one of the most devastating injuries that can occur because if its potential to leave a person totally disabled.

Every year thousands of people injure themselves jumping into pools head first because they don’t realize the depth of the water is not sufficient to withstand a close impact. The projectile force that a head can be exposed to can literally crush the cervical spine, causing permanent damage to the spinal cord.

The cervical spine begins at the base of the skull and is made up of seven vertebrae and eight pairs of cervical nerves. It protects the spinal cord, supports the skull, and allows head movement. Serious injury to this area typically paralyzes a person, and often injures vital respiratory nerves.

Location often determines the severity of a spinal cord injury. For example, an injury at the neck or cervical spine level may result in paralysis in both the arms and legs, and the use of a respirator to breathe. An injury to the lower spine, may only affect the legs other parts of the body below the injury site.

Spinal cord injuries should always be taken seriously, and if you think someone has suffered one, it’s important you don’t try to move them – keep them still until medical professionals arrive.

Signs of a serious spinal cord injury might include:

• Fading in and out of consciousness
• Extreme back pain or pressure in the neck, head or back
• Weakness, loss of coordination or paralysis in any part of the body
• Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in the hands, fingers, feet or toes
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Difficulty with balance and walking
• Impaired breathing after injury

From a medical perspective, repairing spinal injuries has had limited success. Many times, the damaged nerves cannot be repaired, and patients are left with diminished motor function and sensation. This is why significant research is being done in the field of regenerative medicine. The use of stem cells, right now, seems to be the most promising treatment for the future, but we’re still many years away from fully integrating spinal cord nerves.

This is why prevention is key. When you’re young, you think you’re invincible. But it doesn’t matter what physical activity you choose to do, you always have to acknowledge that your body has limitations. You have to be aware of your surroundings, and whenever possible, think of using protective gear.

There’s no doubt that this H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu, has been a real doozy. With more than 1 million people infected in the U.S. alone and approximately 263 deaths, attention must be paid to a potentially worsening condition.

I typically don’t like to scare people into paying attention to health care issues, but I do think that as soon as a vaccine becomes available here in the U.S. for the H1N1 virus, you should get it.

I recently learned of two alarming cases where pregnant women became affected with the H1N1 virus. Any type of flu can be quite devastating for a pregnant patient. The reason for the significant effect in pregnancy is that pregnant women typically have suppressed immune systems and their pulmonary compliance is significantly altered due to the pressure from the pregnant uterus. So when they get the flu, it could very quickly turn into a deadly pneumonia with very high degrees of complication for both the mother and the unborn child.

That was just the case with these two recent reports — one from Australia where a mother fell ill from the swine flu and ultimately the baby died in utero, and in the other case, a woman in Florida had to deliver at 27 weeks of gestation due to the flu, and the infant ultimately died from complications associated with his prematurity.

So the message is loud and clear: This new virus is very contagious. We don’t have natural immunity, and if you have any risk factors — especially if you’re pregnant — get the vaccine as soon as it is available.

Click here to read the full story.

About a month ago, during a routine obstetrical visit with one of my patients, she surprised me by telling me she found out she was having a baby boy. At first, I thought she meant that during an ultrasound, the technician had told her the sex of the child. But she said “No,” that a girlfriend of hers had recommended a new kit she could buy on the Internet — which allegedly is 99.9 percent accurate in determining the sex of the baby, and that for $275, she could test herself at home, and send it off to the company for the results.

At first, I was taken aback because I hadn’t heard of any such kit. But more importantly, I was upset that she did not share this information with me prior to doing the test so that I could advise her on whether or not taking this test was a good idea.

I always have a problem with people worrying too much about the sex of their unborn child. I guess I can understand it to some extent for families who want to plan ahead, who want to know whether or not to paint the room pink or blue, or to think about things like circumcision. But with all the potential problems and challenges women face in creating and carrying a child to term, it’s unfortunate that sometimes people get side-tracked with insignificant details — and it strikes a nerve with me, because it brings up the topic of sex selection.

Today I read a story about six mothers in New York City who are suing Acu-Gen Biolab Inc., makers of the Baby Gender Mentor test, because their test results proved wrong at the birth of their children! I guess they felt the company had committed fraud. I tried to reach the company today to ask them some questions, but no one wanted to speak with me.

Looking at their Web site, I couldn’t gather a lot of information, but I began to understand what the “science” is behind their test kit.

For years, in the medical community, we have known that fetal cells circulate freely in the maternal bloodstream. Many geneticists have looked at the possibility of studying these fetal cells in the maternal circulation for the purpose of testing for genetic disorders like Down syndrome. But none of the data has proven it to be a good alternative for genetic testing. Yet this company has been promoting this technology to patients directly as a “safe, quick and easy way to determine the sex of your baby.”

I don’t know what federal regulation this business has been operating under. It would be nice to see what kind of guidelines they’re using, because the last time I checked, medical laboratories need to be licensed and laboratory tests must be ordered by physicians.

Finally, what are the ethics behind such a business? Are women going to use this alleged test to decide that they might want to terminate a pregnancy because now they know the baby is not the sex they wanted? It sounds like a stretch — but you’d be surprised…

Are mothers who get faulty test results going to think that their babies were switched at birth in the hospital? And what about these women that are suing?

This case is a perfect example of wasted dollars, a perfect example of unsubstantiated medical testing, and a perfect example of the types of businesses that need to be scrutinized in this country if we’re going to see any effective health care reform.

Today we heard of a shooting at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. that appears to be the work of a single gunman, whom authorities believe to be a man in his late 80s by the name of James Von Brunn. If this is the suspect in custody, he is actually a World War II veteran and vocal member of the Holy Western Empire, which at this point, seems to be a white supremacy group.

It is sad to see people resorting to violence to settle their differences. And we have to be aware that we still need to be vigilant in our efforts to protect ourselves — despite the feeling of some Americans that security measures in this country have become too intrusive. It’s important to support our men and women in uniform, who at both the local and national levels, do a terrific job of keeping our country safe.

What this man did was an act of terrorism — domestic terrorism.

But the big question is: What’s the psychological profile of this shooter? If you look at some of the psychological profiles of past shooters, they are all different in their own way. However, there always seem to be some common themes.

Most of these people are angry at someone or a group of people, and share a psychotic belief that their misfortunes are predicated on the actions of those they hate.

Usually they are loners — they feel rejected by others or by society as a whole.

For some, substance abuse and depression are common themes, but even knowing these common themes, it is almost impossible to differentiate between who will just withdraw from society and who has the potential to snap and hurt innocent people.

I pray for those hurt in this tragedy and hope that we are able to create systems that could perhaps better identify high-risk people and prevent future tragedies from occurring.

Almost 25 million Americans have some sort of flying-related fear, from nerves and anxiety to full-on aviophobia.

And now, recent news of what we now know was the tragic demise of Air France Flight 447 on Sunday night over the Atlantic Ocean has awakened a fear in many people who might not usually dwell on it.

I’m sure, to some extent, most of us feel some level of anxiety or vulnerability as our flight turns the final corner on the runway before accelerating and finally taking off. For some people, it’s nothing a sedative or a pre-flight cocktail can’t quell.

But for those people with a real fear of flying, just the thought of that pivotal moment in their trip can be enough to bring on the sweaty palms and racing heart. And for some, that fear is enough to keep them permanently grounded.

Now, we all know that probability-wise, the risks associated with driving a car are significantly higher than those associated with air travel — with research showing that the latter has actually gotten safer over the last couple of decades.

In fact, statistically speaking, the lifetime odds of dying in an air travel accident are 1-in-20,000 compared with 1-in-100 for an auto accident. And according to the NTSB, highway fatalities account for more than 94 percent of all transportation deaths — airplanes included.

But even though we understand that logically and statistically speaking, our chances of getting in a car accident are much greater than anything happening when we fly, it’s often the fact that we relinquish all control over our own well-being — for however long it takes us to get from point A to point B — to the pilot and his crew.

And for people prone to anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorders, this loss of control and the vulnerability we feel can become overwhelming, triggering a panic attack or worse. So it’s important for people suffering from these disorders to make sure they always carry their medication with them while they are traveling.

Other common phobias that can contribute to a fear of flying include claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces) and acrophobia (fear of heights).

Fortunately, today there are places to get help with your fears. Support groups and therapy are two options that have been around for a long time. But more recently, airlines have started to offer classes with flight simulators to help would-be passengers confront their anxieties and become more comfortable with the experience.

So while it may seem like there has been a lot of aviation incidents between the news coverage of the “Miracle on the Hudson” in January, and the fatal crash involving Continental Connection Flight 3407 in Clarence, NY just a month later — considering the fact that there are more than 87,000 flights in the skies over the U.S. on any given day — flying is still one of the safest way to travel.

Perhaps what leaves so many people feeling unsettled and fearful after this most recent accident is the mystery behind it. After a horrible tragedy, part of the healing process is to come to terms with what happened and try to make sense of it all. But as the days pass and the world looks on as investigators try to piece together the clues, it seems in the end, there will be more questions than answers as to the final moments of Flight 447.

A recent story about a 17-year-old Boy Scout who died suddenly during a 7.7-mile hike in Florida has everyone wondering what went wrong. Every time I see a story like this, where an unexplained death occurs in a young person – especially an otherwise healthy teenage athlete – it makes me wonder whether it’s a good idea to have in-depth annual physicals performed on adolescents contemplating participating in high-endurance sports.

Most children get an annual physical as required by state law to attend school or play sports. I have three children, and for the most part, their physicals constitute a review of systems, blood pressure, weight and height documentation, vital signs and maintenance of vaccination schedules.

So the question is: Should adolescents have more in-depth assessments done to evaluate the status of their cardiovascular health?

This of course is a controversial question to ask because doctors can’t seem to agree on what tests should be done. And with the swelling numbers of uninsured Americans and the escalating costs of preventive medicine not covered by insurers, we’re immediately challenged with the dilemma of who’s going to pay for cardiac testing, and what happens if we do find something wrong?

A perfect example of this is the current criticism of prostate cancer screening. Many studies are now suggesting that these screenings may lead to unnecessary procedures and negative side effects — that ultimately are ineffective in changing the course of the disease.

Now I can understand evaluating the effectiveness of prostate cancer screening versus cost and quality of life issues – especially because of the nature of the disease and the age group that it typically affects.

But when it comes certain heart diseases in the adolescent patient population, we’re not looking at quality of life issues – but often, the difference between a life saved and a life lost.

One condition in particular that I think that teenagers should be screened for, is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is a genetic condition that affects one out of 500 people and is the leading cause of heart-related sudden death in people under 30. And unfortunately, if it goes undetected, most parents only find out about HCM after their child dies on the field or court.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood and sometimes interfering with its electrical rhythms. HCM tends to run in families, and children of parents with the genetic mutation for the disease have a 50 percent chance of inheriting it.

The reason HCM often goes undiagnosed, is because it rarely presents any noticeable symptoms. And while it can lead to severe cardiac problems at any age, but I would argue that if the condition is identified in the teenage population, proper monitoring could lead to a decrease in sudden, unexpected death among athletes.

Many states are looking into mandatory cardiovascular assessment of young athletes in an effort to identify patients at risk. Still cardiologists are not sure what the best method of screening should be — whether routine electrocardiography or echocardiograms prior to the start of the sports season would provide the most cost-effective, comprehensive data to aid in identifying athletes at risk.

I know that this debate will go on for quite a while, but I think that any parent with a teen or child participating in sports should have a conversation with their pediatrician.

I’ve been getting many e-mails over the past couple of days concerning swine flu.  So I’ve decided to answer a few of them here.

Dear Dr. Manny,
If I had the swine flu in 1976 after I received the swine flu vaccine as a college student, do I have any anti-bodies that may help ward off this version of the virus?
—Amy Gorman
Lutherville, MD

Probably not. This current swine flu’s genetic makeup is different from the swine flu from the ‘70s, and therefore the vaccination won’t be protective for you. But the silver lining is that this current swine flu is less lethal, and there may components in it that more Americans have been exposed to. So you may have a greater chance of being protected already which can minimize the symptoms.

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Dear Dr. Manny,
We have friends who have returned from a trip to Mexico City two weeks ago. How long would it take for swine flu symptoms to show up if they were infected?
Thank you for your time,
—Alan

The typical incubation time for a virus is 48-72 hours.  So if your friends have been back for two weeks, and don’t have any symptoms, you can feel confident that they are safe.

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Dr. Manny,
My wife and I are very concerned of the complications swine flu/treatment would pose to her pregnancy. Are the approved drugs for treatment approved for use during pregnancy?
Thanks,
Ben Demaline
Jacksonville, FL

Yes, all of the current flu treatments can be given to pregnant women. As a matter of fact, we tend to be more aggressive in treating the flu in expectant mothers because pregnancy can make flu symptoms worse and put the patient at higher risk. That’s why it’s recommended that all pregnant women get flu shots annually.

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Dr. Manny,
I will be flying to Las Vegas next week with a two-hour layover in Atlanta. I had a liver transplant five years ago and have done really well. Do you think that I should wear a mask at the airport and on the plane? I am very concerned about the large crowds and would like your opinion.
Thank you for any answer!
G. Savage

As a liver transplant recipient you are probably taking immunosuppressant therapy drugs and therefore you do have to take precautions to avoid exposure to the swine flu ― or any kind of flu. Even though I’m not a big advocate of wearing masks, I do feel that you should wear one. But remember: Not all facial masks are created equal, so get one that has been proven to protect against viruses. There are many supply stores that carry this specific mask for viruses. Also, try to wipe down all the surfaces on your airplane seat with antibacterial wipes. Be sure to wash your hands before, during and after the trip. And avoid any contact with anyone who you suspect might be sick. I know that this is a big stretch, but until we know exactly the extent of the spread, in your particular case, I would be extra cautious. I hope that this doesn’t ruin your vacation!

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Dr. Manny,
I have no choice but to commute using public transportation everyday.  How should I take precautions against the swine flu?
Thanks,
—Paul

If you can avoid public transportation, especially crowded subway cars, then do it.  But if you can’t here’s what you can do:

• If you are a healthy individual you can just use antibacterial products, including wipes and gels, chronically throughout your trip.
• Avoid contact with people who are coughing or appear sick.  If they are in your car, move to another one.
• As soon as you get home or to the office wash your hands, wipe down your cell phone, iPod or any device that you used during your trip.

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Dear Dr. Manny,
I’m a chronic nail biter and I’m really concerned about the swine flu.  What should I do?
Best,
—Mel

First and foremost — wash your hands. Your hands are the most common tool for picking up germs and viruses in general. So if you are a nail biter, this would be the perfect incentive for you to quit. Also, biting your nails can make you ingest things other than viruses that you don’t want to have in your body.

Today I read an incredibly tragic story about a 2-month-old baby in Pennsylvania who died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) because her parents were allegedly too drunk and high on cocaine to notice.

The parents, Jennifer Nicole Gaster and Daniel Keith Martin II, both 30, stood trial Monday on child endangerment charges alleging that after a night spent snorting cocaine and drinking beer and vodka, the couple was too incapacitated to notice their baby was dying.

This is not the first time we have seen a parents with a history of drug and/or alcohol abuse lose a child to SIDS. In February of 2007, a Michigan woman pleaded guilty to charges that claimed high levels of cocaine in her breast milk had killed her 5-month-old daughter. Although the cause of death was originally thought to be SIDS at the time the baby died, further testing proved otherwise, and at the trial, the mother admitted to using cocaine two or three times the day before the baby died.

Traces of cocaine can remain in breast milk for more than 48 hours after a woman uses it — and the transmission from mother to infant has been linked to respiratory failure, seizures, increased cardiovascular risk, central nervous system damage, irritability and addiction — just to name a few.

Babies are at high risk for SIDS if they:

o          Are born to mothers who smoke or use drugs

o          Have low birth weight or premature infants

o          Are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke

o          Sleep in a crib packed with soft objects and loose bedding

o          Are placed to sleep on their stomachs

o          Are between the ages of 1 and 6 months

Please be advised that most drugs are transmitted through breast milk. If you are abusing any kind of drug – especially cocaine – the effects can be deadly.