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...

BY Samuel Mathis, MD, MBA, CPE   One of the hardest parts of my job in primary care is to inform patients of their diagnosis of cancer or a terminal condition. These conversations are hard for the patient, their family, and the clinical staff who care for them. Fortunately, these patients often continue to see us for their primary care needs during their oncology treatment. It is important to have a collaborative care model with...

BY Trevor Murphy MS3, Samuel Mathis, MD, MBA   In recent years, gut health has garnered significant attention—and for good reason. The gastrointestinal tract plays a crucial role in digestion and influences our mood and overall well-being. Our gut health is predominately determined by our intestinal microbiome. The proportion of “good” vs “bad” gut bacterial can have significant impacts on our health. Lately, more attention has been given to terms that were originally designed to...

BY Samuel Mathis, MD, MBA   Lately, I have had numerous patients present with symptoms surrounding grief. This is either due to the loss of a loved one or even loss in their personal life due to pain or disability. When we see these patients, it can be a challenge to identify therapies or strategies to help them overcome or engage with their grief in a healthy way.   It is well documented, that morbidity...