BY Samuel Mathis MD, MBA   Recently, my department hosted a grand rounds lecture that focused on the need for community and the rising loneliness epidemic across America. Research has now shown that loneliness affects health as much as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. In 2020, the health insurer Cigna published a report discussing loneliness and factors that contribute to it. Since then, the epidemic of loneliness and its health effects have only gotten worse....

BY Samuel Mathis, MD, Hasan Yasin, MD, and Victor Sierpina, MD   Mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and increasing scientific evidence backs their role in integrative medicine. When used appropriately, certain mushrooms offer significant health benefits, including immune system response rates, cancer-fighting properties, general well-being, improved sleep, and even psychiatric applications. Understanding both the possibilities and the limits of mushroom supplements helps us make recommendations for patients to use them safely...

BY Samuel Mathis, MD, MBA   In 2018, a NIH report was published regarding the rates of obesity in America. They found that nearly 1 in 3 American adults are overweight and over 42% of adults have obesity. The prevalence of obesity has also been increasing over time with it showing up earlier in age among children and teens as well. Over the past 20+ years, rates of obesity have climbed 12%. With the numerous...

BY Samuel Mathis MD, MBA, UTMB   Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a statement that there is no safe amount of alcohol that does not affect our health.  This is a shift from prior recommendations that found some potential cardiac benefit from moderate intake of certain alcohol-containing beverages. With this new guidance, it is more important than ever that we engage with our patients about alcohol use and the potential harm. For those...

BY Hasan Yasin, MD, Assistant Professor, UTMB and Samuel Mathis, MD, Assistant Professor, UTMB   “When you know better, you do better.” – Maya Angelou   The legacy of Rockefeller’s Standard Oil and the subsequent proliferation of petroleum-derived products have left an indelible mark on modern medicine and public health. As clinicians, it is essential to recognize how the omnipresence of petrochemicals, ranging from pharmaceutical precursors to food additives and plastics, may be contributing to...

BY Samuel Mathis MD, MBA   One of my favorite scents is lavender. It is a perfect fragrance of floral notes with a mix of herbal and woody scents combined. Smelling it always puts me at ease. While lavender is typically touted for its scent and used in soaps, candles, lotions, and diffusers, it actually has some wonderful health benefits as well.  A colleague recently sent me an article about the effects of lavender on...

BY Samuel E. Mathis, MD, MBA, CPE, FAAF, Assistant Professor, Fellowship Director, UTMB Integrative & Behavioral Medicine Fellowship, WD & Laura Nell Nicholson Family Professorship in Integrative Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch Recently, I have had several conversations about the benefits of exercise. We know that exercise has significant health benefits in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It also improves sleep quality,...

BY Samuel Mathis, MD, MBA   Over the last month, I had the opportunity to try out a commercial continuous glucose monitor. This device was attached to the back of my arm and provided constant feedback on my blood glucose levels. I found the experience enlightening. I learned that rice significantly raises my blood sugar levels. I also learned how certain drinks and sweets affect my blood sugar levels. I thought I would share some...

BY Samuel Mathis MD, MBA “There is no right way to live with your chronic illness. There is only YOUR way.” – Unknown There is a distinct burden for patients living with chronic disease. This burden is felt physically, emotionally, financially, and even socially. Patients with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, coronary artery disease, arthritis, fibromyalgia, stroke, and cancer (to name a few) all have significant stress associated with the condition. Chronic diseases are...

BY Samuel Mathis MD, MBA   Studies have found that the holiday time and winter season are the most likely times for heart attacks. This can be due to many reasons. The cold weather causing vasoconstriction, the stress of the holiday, late nights, and increased physical activity from normal sedentary lifestyles all increase the risk of a myocardial infarction. Our diets also don’t help with this risk.  With the holiday season upon us, many Americans...