Tag Archives: 72 Hours Life

Dexamethasone in Treating COVID-19

June 17, 2020Infectious Disease, Toxicology/Drugs72 Hours Life, Behind the Curtain, Coronavirus, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a Day, asksterlingmd, Covid-19, DexamethasoneJeffrey Sterling, MD

Introduction

In the news, this Straight, No Chaser reviews new findings on the use of dexamethasone in treating COVID-19. Dexamethasone is a commonly used steroid that has sixty years of use behind it.

Findings on Dexamethasone

Dexamethasone is a steroid. Steroids reduce inflammation. COVID-19 kills largely through inflammatory reactions caused by the infection. Thus, there is a theoretical basis by which steroids could be used in treating COVID-19.
In a study of more than 6,000 severely ill COVID-19 patients, dexamethasone was found to cut deaths by up to one-third.
It’s not for everyone. On the positive side, after a month, it had reduced deaths by 35% in patients who needed treatment with breathing machines and by 20% in those needing supplemental oxygen. Unfortunately, it did not appear to help less ill patients.
Dexamethasone has side effects. It inhibits the body’s immune response to the virus, which could be deadly in some patients, although not overall. Steroids, in general, may cause some severe side effects, such as new or worsening diabetes, as well as psychosis or emotional disturbance. These potential side effects must be weighed against the real life threat being faced in real time.

Dr. Fauci, head of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has noted “This is a significant improvement in the available therapeutic options that we have.” This is significant, but you’re missing the point if you think this is the way forward. COVID-19 is a disease you want to avoid, not treat. Your best options will always be to take preventive measures and avoid the need to hope steroids pull you out of the fire. Know better, do better, be better.

Need Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Are you a first responder? Does your job make you one of the first exposed? Courtesy of SI Medical Supply, you have an option to provide masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and no-touch thermometers for your family and loved ones. Importantly, getting these product does not deplete the supply needed by first responders and medical personnel. Orders are now being filled (without shipping delays!) for masks at www.jeffreysterlingmd.com or 844-724-7754. Other items are preorders with an expected delivery date of May 8th. Get yours now. Supplies are limited.

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Feel free to #asksterlingmd any questions you may have on this topic. Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you, we’re offering you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share! Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.jeffreysterlingbooks.com. Receive introductory pricing with orders! Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample what you can get from http://www.docadviceline.com. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress! Like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com! Follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.

When a Virus Becomes Politics

June 9, 2020Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention72 Hours Life, CDC, Coronavirus, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a Day, WHO, asksterlingmd, Covid-19, PPE, hydroxychloroquine, Behind the CurJeffrey Sterling, MD

Introduction

This Straight, No Chaser addresses the notion of when a virus becomes politics, aka you’re too close to the source.

I can’t recall a situation (even including HIV), in which scientific information was being researched, discovered, information released and information politicized in plain view on a daily basis. I would suggest this level of transparency (subjecting research to the hourly news cycle) is not a good thing.

The Scientific Discovery Process

Scientific and medical consensus are rarely based on an individual research study, regardless of the quality of the study. Each study builds upon that which came before it, forming a medical consensus. Subsequent to forming consensus, recommendations and policies are announced to the medical and public health communities, which undergo additional analyses. It is usually at this point that information is released to the public in a mass fashion.

What you’re seeing with COVID-19 is both how the sausage is made and what happens when a virus becomes politics. Scientists aren’t close to being perfect. Studies are flawed, and interpretations are constantly (and sometimes successfully) challenged. This isn’t occurring any more or less frequently with COVID-19 than it ever has. It’s just occurring in a far more public manner that it has been previously, and it’s being done in a more premature manner than it should.

The scientific method is not well suited for public consumption. The public wants certainty. You correlate certainty with competence. That’s not what we’re seeing. Episodes ranging from hydroxychloroquine, to both the CDC and WHO’s statement on masks, and to the evolving evidence or case fatality rates are being interpreted as confusing by the public, and they are. However, this is closer to the norm than you’d imagine. You just haven’t been excessively exposed to this.

Health Empowerment is the Key

Overall, in the spirit of engaging, educating and empowering the public, this isn’t a bad thing. You need facts to help you determine your own best course of action. However, perhaps the biggest challenge is to avoid misinformation. Yes, there are those presenting information through a political slant, and there are those are imposing a political spin on every piece of new information. I want you to appreciate that facts themselves don’t come with a political bend. It is what it is. Perhaps you’re reading this information through a political filter. That’s on you.

Science follows the facts. Individuals decide what to do with the information. Hopefully, you’ll prioritize matters of health and not live your lives subjecting your health to the priority of adhering to a political ideology. When a virus becomes politics, everyone loses.

Stay safe. Make good choices. Ask good questions. Lives are in the balance.

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(Relatively) Safe Church Reopening Strategies

May 23, 2020Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention72 Hours Life, Behind the Curtain, Coronavirus, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a Day, asksterlingmd, Covid-19, PPE, Personal Protective EquipmentJeffrey Sterling, MD

Introduction

This Straight, No Chaser addresses how you can access safe church reopening strategies.

Between Sterling Initiatives and SI Medical Supply, we’re providing consulting and services for several houses of worship in anticipation of the time at which in-person services resume. Given the differences in each state and, in fact, each location, it is frankly irresponsible to offer a blanket set of recommendations as to how churches and other houses of worship should prepare beyond recommending adherence to CDC guidelines for reopening.

However, I’m always inclined to point out that it’s not just knowing what to do that creates success. Implementing best practices is what creates outcomes of interest. As such, Sterling Initiatives is offering the first fifty (50) houses of worship that reach out to us free consultation toward lowering the risks of Covid-19 infection. As time permits, we’ll do this through the end of the month. Are you or your house of worship is interested in discussing these steps? Reach out to us at 844-724-7754. You can also reach us at sterling@sterlinginitiatives.com.

Scope of Services

We’ll discuss some of the following, at no cost to you:

Making opening decisions
Review of risks and best practices
Facility preparedness
Communication strategies
Worship capacity
PPE needs
Medical preparedness
Risk mitigation

We’re here for you. Be ready so you don’t have to get ready. Embracing safe church reopening strategies is a must. You don’t want to face the alternative.

#KnowledgeIsHealth #HealthSelfEmpowerment

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A Call to Adjust Priorities within our Healthcare System

May 11, 2020Public Health, Health Prevention72 Hours Life, Behind the Curtain, Coronavirus, Health Prevention, Sterling Medical Advice, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a Day, asksterlingmd, Covid-19, Preventive Health, SIMPCOJeffrey Sterling, MD

Introduction

This Straight, No Chaser makes a call to adjust priorities within our healthcare system. Can we take a moment and reflect on how poorly designed our healthcare system is? If COVID-19 has done anything (besides killing over 80,000 Americans – and counting), it has shown us how our outcomes are the consequences of our choices and priorities. The American health care system is the world’s best at identifying and treating diseases and their complications. It is not nearly as good at promoting health and preventing disease. Clearly these last two considerations aren’t the same. Sadly, stressors like COVID-19 reveal how fragile our public health infrastructure is. The diseases display the limits of waiting for disease to appear to begin a response. This is true even before you address healthcare disparities, which exist between rural and urban areas, various ethnic groups and within socioeconomic classes. It’s time to stop just lamenting our current level of unpreparedness.

A Call to Change

I again make a call for a revisiting of our public health system and placing health promotion and prevention on an equal footing has curative care considerations. This is consistent with the modern need for patients to assume more responsibility for their own care between physician visits. Prioritizing this level of activity also strengthens individuals for those times when diseases arise. The COVID-19 pandemic must be viewed as not a once in a lifetime pandemic as much as an examination of our system. It reveals real opportunities for improvement but for transformation of our healthcare system. It’s time for innovation.

Enough With Only Addressing Sick Care

It’s time to stop viewing the emergency room as an appropriate portal of entry into the healthcare system for over 20 million Americans. This leaves individuals presenting with advanced disease in imminent risk of death. How can that be viewed as an acceptable option? It’s time to start reprioritizing health as a way of life. We must weave the notion of health promotion into the fabric of society and have individual communities educated, engaged and empowered. Let’s stop playing games and politics with that which translates into length and quality of life. Let’s stop primarily viewing healthcare as a driver of 17% ($3.5 trillion) of the US economy and start viewing its delivery as a fundamental part of what it means to have a society.

Imagining the Future

How can it be viewed as a bad thing to have an infrastructure in place that allows us to stay ready instead of having to get ready. Imagine an America with a national infrastructure inclusive of personal protective equipment (PPE) already in a state of readiness, as we do with military bases? Why not have a national screening apparatus in place waiting to be deployed? Instead of just slotting emerging healthcare professionals into curative care professions, let’s prioritize the development of exclusively preventive care professionals. These initiatives amount to way more than ounces of prevention. This reconfiguration of healthcare provides jobs, better health care outcomes and a more efficient system all around. I have recently created an organization along these lines. America’s first managed preventive health care organization, named SIMPCO, will be addressing these challenges in communities around the world. Doing so successfully will allow us to better address spontaneous eruptions like COVID-19 when they arise without hundreds of thousands of excessive lives lost beyond the unavoidable. Much of what we need to be successful lies in the hands of individuals to know better, do better and thus, be better. The future is upon us. Knowledge is health.

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Dr. Sterling’s Recent Media Appearances

May 5, 2020Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention72 Hours Life, Behind the Curtain, Coronavirus, Sterling Medical Advice, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a Day, asksterlingmd, Covid-19Jeffrey Sterling, MD

Introduction

This Straight, No Chaser features some of Dr. Sterling’s recent media appearances. View this, and get answers to many of your questions!

Recent Media Appearances

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PPE For the Public!

April 27, 2020Uncategorized72 Hours Life, Behind the Curtain, Coronavirus, Hand sanitizer, Sterling Medical Advice, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a Day, asksterlingmd, Covid-19, Protective Masks, PPE, Personal Protective Equipment, Thermometers, GlovesJeffrey Sterling, MD

Introduction

This Straight, No Chaser asks a straightforward question: Where’s the PPE for the public? Much has been made of the need to care for our first responders. I get that. I’m one of those, and I thank you for your support and encouragement. I am also concerned about first exposed. As data rolls in, we see healthcare disparities exist in certain communities and among certain socioeconomic classes. At this point, there hasn’t been much of anything said about getting personal protective equipment (PPE) into the hands of these individuals and the public in general. As many are preparing to reenter the workplace – or even if you aren’t – you are much better off with some basic supplies, which my team has arranged to be available for you.

PPE for the Public

These include the following:

We’ve been offering 3-layer protective surgical masks for a few weeks now and continue to do so.
We’re now offering gloves because COVID-19 can be transmitted from surfaces to your hands. From there it can get within you through contact with your eyes, nostrils and mouth. Using gloves reduces the risk of this happening. Please use the gloves episodically instead of all day, lest you’re just transmitting germs the same as you would with your hands.
We’re offering two sizes of hand sanitizer: a 4 oz version with aloe vera and a 3.3. oz version without. Both exceed the 70% alcohol content necessary to be effective against COVID-19.
We’re also offering disinfectant wipes for you to clean your surfaces.
Finally, we’re providing no-touch digital thermometers. These should be a part of your daily routine as a screening device.

We’re taking preorders on all items, and they will ship as available. We expect to fill orders on all items on or before May 8th. Use the code SAFE for free shipping between now and May 1st. We hope you receive this in the spirit intended. Protect yourselves and your family. Behave as if you’re already infected and don’t want to spread it to anyone else. We can help. Order at www.jeffreysterlingmd.com. Stay safe.

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Ten Recommendations to Get America Ready to Safely Reopen after COVID-19

April 26, 2020Public Health72 Hours Life, Behind the Curtain, Coronavirus, Sterling Medical Advice, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a Day, asksterlingmd, Covid-19, PPE, Personal Protective EquipmentJeffrey Sterling, MD

Introduction

This Straight, No Chaser offers ten recommendations to help us be ready to safely reopen from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question of the Day

I received a great question via social media. Here it is. “What would you do today going forward? What is past is over, we can hopefully learn from it, but we can’t undo what has occurred, so if you were President, what would you do now?”

Answers

The short answer: if you want to safely reopen, start from scratch. We still have to get our arms around the pandemic. It’s all about the fundamentals in anticipation of when we can reopen.

1. Start with enacting the Defense Productive Act and get masks, gloves and sanitizers for an entire damn nation. This would bring manufacturing and jobs back to America.

2. Nationalize a 21-day stay at home dictate.

3. Use the National Guard in large cities to enforce the stay at home dictate. Just say no to gyms and nail salons (love you when it’s safe, though!)

4. Use a stimulus to fully compensate individuals and businesses below a certain income level every month until recovery.

5. Test everyone with the risk factors translating into disproportionate deaths (which isn’t the same as “everyone”)

Here’s Five More

6. Use contact tracing and further quarantine these individuals as dictated by symptoms (in the absence of testing).

7. Incentivize America business to win the race for a vaccine and effective treatment.

8. Use this as an opportunity to decouple health insurance from employers.

9. Open up enrollment for the Affordable Care Act for everyone losing their job.

10. Expand hospital capacity in urban areas and ensure both rural and urban hospitals have sufficient ventilator supply. Do you think this sounds better than the alternative? If these were implemented by now, we’d have been well on our way to safely reopen.

Need Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Are you a first responder? Does your job make you one of the first exposed? Courtesy of SI Medical Supply, you have an option to provide masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and no-touch thermometers for your family and loved ones. Importantly, getting thes product does not deplete the supply needed by first responders and medical personnel. Orders are now being filled (without shipping delays!) for masks at www.jeffreysterlingmd.com or 844-724-7754. Other items are preorders with an expected delivery date of May 8th. Get yours now. Supplies are limited.

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Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.jeffreysterlingbooks.com. Receive introductory pricing with orders!

Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample what you can get from http://www.docadviceline.com. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress! Like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com! Follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.

Self Empowering Weight Loss Strategies

March 2, 2020Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness72 Hours Life, Behind the Curtain, Sterling Medical Advice, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a Day, Weight loss, Weight Management, 72 Hours in a Day, weight loss strategiesJeffrey Sterling, MD

Introduction

When you’ve tried, what have been your weight loss strategies? Excuse me for being Straight, No Chaser, but here it goes! Unless you have one of a few medical conditions or take medications that promote weight gain, weight loss strategies are simple and mostly variations of the same theme. Also, no, the best answers aren’t found in a pill.

If you actually want to loss weight – and regardless of the method – you must demystify the process. Your weight is simply a function of calories in or out. You spend your days consuming and burning them. Whether you lose or gain is dependent on the relative ratio of those two considerations. Simply put, weight loss (or gain) is nothing more than a math equation. If you take in more than you expend, you’ll gain. If you burn more calories than you consume, you’ll lose weight.

Nothing anyone ever tells you will be more simple or true than those facts. Diets and exercise routines are just means to an end. They’re all variations of a theme: close your mouth and get off your rear!

This next post in the Straight, No Chaser empowerment series gives you some basics. If you focus on these in the midst of everything you do, you will be pleased with the outcome. Meanwhile, those of you with medicines or medical conditions causing weight gain, have a conversation with your physician – early and often.

Straight, No Chaser Resources

Here are some posts to help empower you. They’re simple, effective and to the point.

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Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic. Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you, we’re offering you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!

Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress! Like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com! Follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.

Self-Help Through Activity and Exercise

February 24, 2020Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness, Personal Training, Health Prevention72 Hours Life, Behind the Curtain, exercise, jeffreysterlingbooks.com, jeffreysterlingmd.com, Physical exercise, Sterling Medical Advice, Straight No Chaser, 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

Introduction

Today’s topic is self-help through activity and exercise! Let’s start with your take home points:

Lesson one is on activity and exercise. Remember, these are two different considerations!
Lesson two is that every level of activity provides benefit to your heart.

In today’s post, we explore different options for you to produce heart benefits. Therefore, choose your strategy based on your objectives.

Activity and Exercise: What You Need to Know

Here are a series of Straight, No Chaser posts meant to give you the information you need. Of course, we suggest you learn it all!

The Benefits of Activity and Exercise: Let’s start with an understanding of what you’re trying to do. Also learn how and why it matters.

Invisible Health: This post discusses how healthy habits and activities produce ongoing health benefits. That’s right; you can get some things done without having to pack up and go to the gym!

Fat Burn vs Cardio: How Do I Best Exercise? There are levels to exercise. Accordingly, there are different benefits found in different types of exercise. We discuss those in this post.

Straight, No Chaser Exercise Vlog: Let’s chat for 2 minutes. View Dr. Sterling discussing exercise as a wrap up to the lesson!

Whatever you do, do something! Your activity today prepares your heart and other organs to protect you tomorrow. Toxins and disease aren’t inclined to go away by themselves. Get up!

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Healthy Eating is Healthy Living

February 17, 2020Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention72 Hours Life, Behind the Curtain, healthy eating plate, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a Day, healthy eatingJeffrey Sterling, MD

Introduction

Healthy eating is about as fundamental a proposition as you get on your journey to taking control of your own health. This Straight, No Chaser offers you tips that represent the basics of nourishing your body!

If you want to eat healthy, you really must learn about and try to eat in accordance with the Healthy Eating Plate. It doesn’t get more complicated that that, and you shouldn’t attempt to make it much more complicated.

Today, I’m going to speak on recommendations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, which I’m building upon for your success. These bakers’ dozen of healthy eating tips represent simple, easy-to-do tasks to keep your meals healthy.

Your Healthy Eating Tips

Eat at home. This accomplishes so many things. If you eat at home, you know exactly what you’re eating. That quality control is important, and it allows you to both save money and get creative in your pursuit of health.
If possible, take the cooking out of your hands. Those of you with less self-discipline would do well to simply express your healthy desires to your loved one. Give her or him directions on your health goals and eat what’s brought to you.
Use a smaller plate. This act with help you with portion control. If you’re one of those who must finish your plate, this will help prevent you from overeating.
Stop eating when you’re full. The body actually is trying to tell you when you’re hungry and when you’re not. Try to overcome that voice in your head that tells you “finish your plate.” Calorie control is the vital component of health.

Make half your plate colorful fruits and vegetables. If you just remember dark green, red and orange colors are consistently full of nutrients and healthy, you’ll do well. Think of tomatoes, sweet potatoes and broccoli as examples.
Eat slowly. Even if you’re not chewing each morsel 20-25 times before swallowing, learning to savor your food will improve your eating experience and promote a sense of fullness and satisfaction with smaller portions. No, it won’t necessarily make you want even more.

More healthy eating tips

Lean Protein. Limit your red meat. Learn to appreciate lean meats, such as chicken, turkey and seafood. Beans and tofu are also excellent protein sources. When you do eat beef and/or pork, ask for lean cuts.
Seafood, not see (more) food. Make it your main course at least twice a week.

Whole grains. Just say the words and look for the words. When you’re buying breads, look for 100% whole grain. At a restaurant? Specifically ask for whole grains in your breadbasket. You cannot assume your breads are whole grain otherwise.
Avoid the extra fat. There’s no good in eating healthy if you cover the goodness with heavy sauces, gravies, syrups or salad dressings. Ask if low fat, low-calorie alternatives exist.
Got dairy? Learn to move beyond whole milk. Fat-free, low-fat, soy or almond milks (or yogurt without a daily drink) are all better options and provide the same amount of calcium and other nutrients without all the fat and calories.
Satisfy your sweet tooth in a different way. Learn to enjoy a fruit cocktail, yogurt parfait, baked apples or other healthy options as your dessert. All you’re really wanting is a dab of sugar anyway!
Learn variety; build your choices. Have you ever tried mango, kiwi, lentils or kale? If so, did you give up after the first taste? Many healthy foods need to be prepared to your liking. Think seasonings and preparation. Get creative!

Whatever you do, fast food is not the option. Invest a touch of time into these very simple tips and undo the bad luck to be found in most of your diets.

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Wishing You Health and Happiness for the Holidays!

December 25, 2019Uncategorized72 Hours Life, jeffreysterlingmd.com, Sterling Medical Advice, Straight No ChaserJeffrey Sterling, MD

Straight, No Chaser has been offering you health and happiness for seven years. It isn’t a medical encyclopedia. It’s meant to empower you to make choices that best suit your lifestyle – the intersection between health and happiness. Even though today is Christmas, remember we offer you the gift of knowledge every day.

After more than 25 years as a physician, I still am fascinated at the health trade-offs people make for their pleasure – or “quality of life.” We have previously discussed your habits and how some of them negatively impact your health. Click here for that discussion. The literature on negative energy and health is well documented and robust. In short, avoid negativity and those that bring it to you! That said, we’re following our own advice and going positive today. To that end, here’s the other half of the “health and happiness” equation:

STATE OF MIND = STATE OF BODY

Research from the Harvard School of Public Health (Go, Crimson!) led by Laura Kubzansky, Associate Profession of Society, Human Development and Health, identified personal attributes that actually do translate into better health. Specifically these personality traits have been shown to help avoid or healthfully manage depression, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes and other diseases.

Her landmark 2007 study followed over 6,000 men and women for over 20 years, discovering that a sense of enthusiasm, hopefulness, engagement in life and the ability to face life’s stresses with emotional balance appears to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Her studies have also demonstrated that children with a positive outlook and ability to focus on a task at age seven are in better health with fewer illnesses 30 years later. An additional finding of hers is that optimism cuts the risk of coronary heart disease in half.

This isn’t that hard. It just requires a rewiring of some of our outlook on life. Make a change today. Become a more positive person, and you’ll become a healthier person! Incorporate these mental lifestyle changes and reap the benefits.

Emotional vitality: a sense of enthusiasm, hopefulness, engagement

Optimism: the perspective that good things will happen and that one’s actions account for the good things that occur in life

Supportive networks of family and friends

Good “self-regulation,” i.e., bouncing back from stressful challenges and knowing that things will eventually look up again

Healthy behaviors such as physical activity and eating well

Avoidance of risky behaviors such as unsafe sex, drinking alcohol to excess, and regular overeating

Speaking of Christmas, the Straight, No Chaser team greatly appreciates your readership, support and feedback. Over 40,000 of you both follow us and like us on social media and WordPress. We’ve had readers in approximately 200 countries around the world with well over 1,000,000 page views. We’ll continue to give you information to make a difference in your lives. Please continue to share your stories. It is very fulfilling and fascinating to hear how these efforts have made a difference in your lives. Feel free to continue to send us topic requests. We generally find a way to work them into the schedule.

Thank you so much, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, peace and blessings throughout the holiday season.

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Health Self-Empowerment: 2020 Vision!

January 6, 2020Uncategorized72 Hours Life, Health Prevention, jeffreysterlingbooks.com, jeffreysterlingmd.com, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No ChaserJeffrey Sterling, MD

Introduction

Straight, No Chaser is committed to health self-empowerment. In this new year, we’re going to help you have 2020 vision. Over the next ten weeks, we will systematically offer you an approach to becoming an active consumer of health. Simply put, gone are the days when you can afford (literally and figuratively) to leave 100% of your care in the hands of your medical team.

Health Self-Empowerment Series

Consider this series health self-empowerment. Here are the various topics we’ll discuss, all of which focus on health prevention. Let this be the year you move past sick care and googling.

1/13: The best ways to access health care (hint: it’s not the emergency room)
1/20: Health screening recommendations
1/27: Cost effective self-care
2/3: Stress and mental health management
2/10: Ten Questions to Ask Your Physician
2/17: Think healthy eating first, then diet
2/24: Think activity first, then exercise
3/2: Weight control
3/9: Avoiding accidents
3/16: Avoiding toxins
3/23: Putting it all together

You’ll notice that during this time, we are setting aside conversations about sick care and diseases. You should already know that there are over 2000 blog topics within Straight, No Chaser here at www.jeffreysterlingmd.com. You can find whatever you need in that regard by simply typing it in the search bar in the upper right corner. In the meantime, take control. After all, it is your life.

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72 Hours Life Time Management Tools

October 1, 2019Uncategorized72 Hours LifeJeffrey Sterling, MD

We can all use some extra motivation and inspiration to stay focused and on task, whether that’s at home, with our children, or at work. If only there were more hours in the day to get everything accomplished, then we might feel more productive. But what if there was a way to squeeze 72 hours into your day? It seems impossible, but it’s not. Dr. Jeffrey Sterling, MD, has developed the 72 Hours Life plan that helps you to manage your time, energy, and resources better so that you can be more productive and efficient.

We all only have 24 hours in a day. No one has the power to slow down time, but we all know that person that can get the most out of every minute of the day. What they do, however, is understand how to properly manage their time in order to make the most out of each day.

The same rules apply to increased time efficiency, whether you’re looking to fit in more time at work or home. A few time management steps that can help you get the most out of your time are: creating a time audit, which includes finding out exactly where your time goes; setting a time limit for each task, which prevents you from getting distracted or procrastinating; using a to-do list, and never abandoning tasks; planning ahead; and getting organized.

Dr. Jeffrey Sterling and the 72 Hours Life will provide you with proven tips for increasing productivity. As a productivity and healthcare motivational speaker, author, and consultant, Jeffrey Sterling, MD, has what it takes to help you live the 72 Hours Life.

Back To School Tips For A Healthy Transition

August 15, 2019Uncategorized72 Hours LifeJeffrey Sterling, MD

Back to school season is an exciting time for children of all ages, from preschool through college, as they head into a new academic year full of new experiences, lots of learning, and time with new and old friends. Unfortunately, back to school time can also mean germ and sick season for your home. As you prepare your children for the start of school, you can also ensure a healthy transition back to school, so they’re physically ready for the challenges ahead, by considering these tips provided by Dr. Jeffrey Sterling, author of 72 Hours Life, for a healthy start to your child’s new school year.

Wash Hands: It may seem obvious, but the most effective way to avoid spreading and catching germs is hand washing. For little ones, encourage them to make sure they’ve spent enough time on this essential task by singing the alphabet song as they wash the front and back of their hands and in-between fingers.

Immunization: Make sure your children are up to date. Every state requires certain vaccinations at different grade levels, so check with your physician before the start of the new school year.

Check-ups: An annual physical exam will ensure your child is in good health before the start of the new school year. You’ll also want to schedule an eye exam to ensure they can see well and a hearing test, if necessary.

Proper Nutrition: Providing healthy meal options for your children, including breakfast, helps students to be more alert. The right food combinations, as well as the right amount of rest, will help their bodies fight off infection.

Increase Your Productivity With The 72 Hours Life

July 15, 2019Uncategorized72 Hours LifeJeffrey Sterling, MD

Whether it’s in your personal life, at your job, or as a parent, each of us is looking for ways to be more productive. We all have the same 24 hours in the day to fit in all of the things we need to do, but there never seems to be enough time also to do the things we want to do. What if that doesn’t have to be the case? What could you accomplish with 72 hours in your day?

Dr. Jeffrey Sterling, MD, is the author of this remarkable book filled with accessible tips and tricks for maximizing your time. There Are 72 Hours In A Day isn’t just full of positive affirmations. It is packed full of real, clear, actionable steps that can help you be the most organized and efficient version of yourself, giving you the extra hours in your day to focus on your greatest priorities.

You can continue making your endless to-do lists, but are they helping you to reach your peak productivity levels? Or how about all of that caffeine that keeps you going? Is that transforming your life? The 72 Hours Life will teach you to be more strategic, to focus on a single task at a time, to help you form new habits to improve your efficiency and focus, as well as how to control your ambitions so you aren’t feeling overwhelmed each day.

Achieve greater success in work, finance, personal relationships, health, and more with the practical advice found inside the pages of There Are 72 Hours In A Day. Order yours today.

Straight, No Chaser: Patient Psychology, Expectations and Communication

October 28, 2017General Health and Wellness, Public Health72 Hours Life, 844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

I’ve always found the psychology of patients to be fascinating. Patients who present to emergency rooms most often are consumed with the fear of the unknown and are ultimately focused on the question of “What’s wrong with me, doc?” Of course in the emergency room (ER), we are less focused on what you have and more focused on the life-threatening conditions that you could have. It always seems to be very unsatisfying for patients when a firm diagnosis isn’t made in the ER, which is very ironic because in many cases, you really don’t want to have what we’re looking to find. The next time your ER physician tells you the tests were normal, and you’ll require more testing by your family physician, take that information and run with it. It usually means that you’ve escaped the clutches of the most immediately life-threatening considerations. Remember, we don’t always give good news.
Still, patients fear the unknown. After all, physicians are sometimes wrong. In other instances, your visit to the ER is just a “snapshot” of your condition. In two days you could look completely different. That nonspecific-appearing rash could bloom into full form. That persistent cold or other viral illness could have sufficiently lowered your immunity such that a bacterial infection could have simultaneously developed. It is very unsatisfying when your physician suggests that you’re ok, when you “know” you’re not. After all, that’s why you came to the ER! Don’t just stand there, doc: Do Something!
Of course, the fear hits the highest levels when it involves children. A parent’s intuition about these things is not to be disregarded. For some, “normal” is usually not good enough (meaning it’s not an acceptable answer).

So my question to you is “What are your expectations?” You would do well to take a deep breath, and think about that before you come in to be seen. In my experience, your concerns usually are among the following types.

Is there a clear but unknown illness or injury, and your concern is making sure the doctor gets the treatment right?
Do you “already know what’s going on,” and just want the doctor to do what will make you feel better?
Are you coming in “just to be sure?”
Do you not have a clue what’s going on but just know “something is wrong?”

Each of the above considerations represent an attitude you’re bringing to the table. If you take the time to identify your expectations, you’ll do a better job in convincing your physician that your desired outcome represents the best course of action. Much has been made of physicians who don’t listen. Resolve to do a better job of making your physician hear you. Also do a better job of asking questions, and take the time to hear what is being said back to you.

The discharge interaction is incredibly important. If you’re not listening or understanding your instructions, you’re not only going to be lost and frustrated, but you’re going to be at risk for worsening of your condition. In many instances, even if nothing was discovered, something could be wrong. In other instances your instructions have to do with handling your surrounding environment. If you’re tuned out because you didn’t get your preferred course of treatment, you will less well equipped to handle the conditions that could produce further injury or illness.
Understanding your own psychology going into a physician interaction is a big part of your health. Try it, communicate it and get better soon. This consideration is actually a big part of personal healthcare consulting. Your Sterling Medical Advice expert consultants work to help you flush out expectations and outcomes. Whether or not you do it with us, learn to make this a part of your self-assessment.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you for being a valued subscriber to Straight, No Chaser, we’d like to offer you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.72hourslife.com. Receive introductory pricing with orders!
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser In The News: The Cleveland Murder, African Americans and Mental Health

April 17, 2017General Health and Wellness72 Hours Life, 844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Cleveland Murder, Easter Massacre, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

In the news is a simply horrific, seemingly random murder in Cleveland that was posted to Facebook. Today’s Straight, No Chaser seeks to review a central aspect of the crime: the alleged perpetrator of the crime appears to be suffering from mental health issues, and he claimed to have lost “everything” due to gambling.
Straight, No Chaser has recently reviewed gambling addiction in the following post: Problem Gambling

There also is a fair amount of discussion, if not surprise, that the alleged perpetrator of the crimes was an African-American male, given that a “mental breakdown” appears to have been in play (which, medically speaking is a dubious consideration). Things have changed. There was a time when mental health disorders were not thought to be “much” of an issue in the African-American community (apologies to all historically affected). Over the years, this notion has led to mental illness being dramatically undiagnosed and undertreated in this segment of the population. However, as this data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health (DHHS/OMH) points out, that is a misperception at best.
Regarding mental health and African-Americans

African-Americans are 10% more likely to report having serious psychological distress than Non-Hispanic whites.
The death rate from suicide for African-American men was more than four times greater than for African-American women, in 2014.
However, the suicide rate for African-Americans is 70% lower than that of the non-Hispanic white population.

As these things go, there’s a relative consideration and an absolute consideration, and it’s true that more than one thing can be true at a time. As noted, African-Americans commit suicide at a significantly lower rate than others within the general population. However, it is also true that African-Americans have a significantly higher level of psychological distress. As such, a report from the U.S. Surgeon General found that from 1980 – 1995, the suicide rate among African-Americans ages 10 to 14 increased 233%, as compared to 120% of non-Hispanic whites.
Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out the strong correlation between poverty and mental health. Also from the DHHS/OMH:

Poverty level affects mental health status. African-Americans living below the poverty level, as compared to those over twice the poverty level, are 3 times more likely to report psychological distress.

All of this is to say, mental health concerns among African-Americans should be taken as seriously as they are in every other segment of society and not dismissed as something to be absorbed by the individual. Remove the stigma. Get people the help they need before a crisis occurs.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you for being a valued subscriber to Straight, No Chaser, we’d like to offer you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.72hourslife.com. Receive introductory pricing with orders!
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

There are 72 Hours in a Day – Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life

April 15, 2017Personal Training, Public Health, Health Prevention72 Hours Life, 844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

The teams at Straight, No Chaser, Sterling Medical Advice.com and 72 Hours Life are thrilled to offer you our newest book – There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life. The book defines a lifestyle of productivity that clears your clutter and allows you get to your meaningful pursuits, whatever they may be. There are 72 Hours in a Day is the statement of purpose for Living the 72 Hours Life. Rest assured, health considerations play a significant part of the book and in promoting productivity. Remember, the goal is living your best life, but the means is greater productivity and efficiency.

Here’s an excerpted book review from Kirkus, the industry leader for 80 years:

BOOK REVIEW
In this how-to book, an emergency physician provides strong rationales and helpful instructions for maximizing efficiency in many aspects of day-to-day life. Sterling (Behind the Curtain, 2015) is both an accomplished health care consultant with extensive experience in emergency medicine and a business owner. This varied experience forms a solid foundation from which he shares insights on how to “discover ever-increasing levels of efficiency.” His tone is logical, straightforward, and encouraging, allowing room for readers who may have different definitions of personal success. His book contains specific strategies that are, on the whole, easy to understand. They address how to make work, organizations, health, recreation, finances, and relationships more efficient, with an emphasis on “working smarter, not harder.” …An often clear and credible read that looks at how to clear space for one’s priorities.
We’re offering There are 72 Hours in a Day for the crazy low early bird price of $5.50! Order now at Amazon.com or at 72 Hours Life.com.
Here’s some of our other offerings related to The 72 Hours Life:
Books:

On May 1^st, we will release another book – The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days. The workbook will facilitate your assessing your current level of performance and provide you with tips, activities and other tools to help you implement the strategies espoused in the main text.
The 72 Hour book series will continue with other topics of interest.

Web Community:

We have created an amazing experience for you at www.72HoursLife.com and want to invite you to experience it. The web community is set up to offer you a completely interactive, if not “gamified” experience in becoming more productive. The website offers the following with an eye toward productivity, success and community:

Activities
- The website takes your through 72 days of reflections and activities, and it offers you tips and resources to allow you to practice and build upon your skills.
Forum
- Join thousands of other like-minded participants, or create your own group, in the pursuit of thinking through and discovering solutions to your productivity challenges.
- Enjoy the Open Houses being held by our star-studded group of efficiency experts and contributors.
Articles
- Learn from the unique perspectives of a broad variety of individuals sharing their approaches to productivity across work, finances, relationships, health/fitness and other aspects of life.
Training
- Enjoy individual consultations on your goals through the website.
- Sign up for strategy sessions on your specific projects.

Symposia and Workshops:

Personal productivity training workshops will be offered at multiple locations throughout the world.
Corporate training and consultations will be offered for executives and employees.

The 72 Hours Life isn’t about just working harder. It’s about becoming more efficient as a means toward uncluttering your life. Once you’ve accomplished that, you will be more successful in reaching your professional goals and having more time to enjoy the more pleasurable aspect of your life. Join the community. You’ll get everything you put into back out several-fold. Our goal is the same as it’s always been – to help you live a better, healthier, more fulfilled life.
Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you for being a valued subscriber to Straight, No Chaser, we’d like to offer you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Living The 72 Hours Life – Free Giveaway Included!

April 6, 2017Health Prevention72 Hours Life, 844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Conditions and Diseases, Sterling Medical Advice, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

Straight, No Chaser and the many other resources found at Sterling Initiatives (www.jeffreysterlingmd.com) have always been about empowering you to live your best life through better health (www.sterlingmedicaladvice.com), better access to information (SMA TALK / www.docadviceline.com), or better implementation strategies (www.sterlinginitiatives.com). We’ve brought you Straight, No Chaser daily for over three years and have even taken you Behind the Curtain. All the way, the goal is to provide services and accurate information that helps you sort through the clutter.

These considerations have been advanced and expanded in our latest effort. Allow us to introduce you to The 72 Hours Life (www.72HoursLife.com). We have assembled a phenomenal team to extend the same principles you’ve enjoyed in Straight, No Chaser to the other aspects of your life, including work, financial, personal and spiritual. The goal is living your best life, but the means is greater productivity and efficiency.
Here’s some of what we have in store for you:
Books:

On April 15^th, we will release There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life. This manual will provide a road map for approaching the necessary tasks in your life.
On May 1^st, we will release The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days. The workbook will facilitate your assessing your current level of performance and provide you with tips, activities and other tools to help you implement the strategies espoused in the main text.
The 72 Hour book series will continue with other topics of interest.

Web Community:

Activities
- The website takes your through 72 days of reflections and activities, and it offers you tips and resources to allow you to practice and build upon your skills.
Forum
- Join thousands of other like-minded participants, or create your own group, in the pursuit of thinking through and discovering solutions to your productivity challenges.
- Enjoy the Open Houses being held by our star-studded group of efficiency experts and contributors.
Articles
- Learn from the unique perspectives of a broad variety of individuals sharing their approaches to productivity across work, finances, relationships, health/fitness and other aspects of life.
Training
- Enjoy individual consultations on your goals through the website.
- Sign up for strategy sessions on your specific projects.

Symposia and Workshops:

Personal productivity training workshops will be offered at multiple locations throughout the world.
Corporate training and consultations will be offered for executives and employees.

The 72 Hours Life isn’t about just working harder. It’s about becoming more efficient as a means toward uncluttering your life. Once you’ve accomplished that, you will be more successful in reaching your professional goals and having more time to enjoy the more pleasurable aspect of your life. Join the community. You’ll get everything you put into back out several-fold. Our goal is the same as it’s always been – to help you live a better, healthier, more fulfilled life.
Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you for being a valued subscriber to Straight, No Chaser, we’d like to offer you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!
Preorder your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at www.72hourslife.com. Receive introductory pricing with preorders!
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress