There is a new hit song, Montero, by Lil Nas X, whose controversial video has recently become the talk of Pop Culture. The song’s lyrics reflect the classic love story between a young gay boy who falls for a closeted guy. Lord knows that I have been there! Although many gays praise the young rapper for his catchy and relatable lyrics, others, both gay and straight alike, find a … [Read more...] about The Conflict With Religion
Health
Ass Cancer and Me – The Hole Story, Part 2
The result of my biopsy identified pre-cancerous cells, and treatment would be necessary. The cherry on top of this HPV sundae--I also had a fistula in the lining of my rectum. “A what?” I asked, immediately returning his call. In a rather pre-occupied tone, I was told: "A fistula is an abnormal passage that sometimes forms from the anal canal to the skin near the … [Read more...] about Ass Cancer and Me – The Hole Story, Part 2
Ass Cancer and Me – The Hole Story
One morning, not very long ago, I woke up to discover that small growth clusters had begun to appear around the base of my penis and testicular area. I panicked and did what anyone with a medical mystery to solve would do – I ran straight to Google. There is a reason we should never self-diagnose ourselves using Google. Based on my findings, by late afternoon, I was almost … [Read more...] about Ass Cancer and Me – The Hole Story
Let’s Stay Safe! Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine!
Have you ever watched the movie Titanic? This 1997 iconic movie has so many great scenes that I still remember to this day. Of course, there is the scene when Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Jack, stood at the front of the boat exclaiming that he was, “King of the World!” There is also the scene where he is asked to paint Kate Winslet’s character, Rose, like “one of his … [Read more...] about Let’s Stay Safe! Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine!
Droplets, Cloth Masks & the Broad Street Pump
by Dr. MarkAlain Déry, DO, MPH, FACOI Most public health successes are the results of years of research. Vaccines are a good example; the research needed to develop them can take decades. In emergent settings where the luxury of time is absent, however, resolute action is needed. In 1847, after the Hungarian obstetrician Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis realized the necessity of … [Read more...] about Droplets, Cloth Masks & the Broad Street Pump
Protecting Our Vulnerable Front-Line Workers
by Dr. MarkAlain Déry, DO, MPH, FACOI The United States makes up less than 5 percent of the world’s population. Yet we have 25 percent of the world’s coronavirus cases — and those cases are not distributed evenly among the population. It has been well-documented that racial and ethnic minorities have sustained a disproportionate burden of illness and death … [Read more...] about Protecting Our Vulnerable Front-Line Workers
A Mask for 28 Days Can Help COVID Go Away
by Dr. MarkAlain Déry COVID-19 is the first global pandemic of the internet era. Information is now transferred at the speed of light rather than the speed of Morse code. This gives us a big advantage over our ancestors--if we use it effectively. The virus crosses national borders, so our response must do the same. We need a global mobilization for everyone on our … [Read more...] about A Mask for 28 Days Can Help COVID Go Away
Public Health in Your Hands
Across the United States and around the world, face masks are highly recommended, if not required, when going out in public. Some people wear masks; some wear gloves. Others wear both. While wearing a mask helps protect others from potentially being exposed to deadly COVID-19, we need to be aware of proper protocols for disposing of these daily-use … [Read more...] about Public Health in Your Hands
COVID-19 Phase One: The Potential Health Impact of Re-Opening
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards is using a phased-in approach to lifting stay-at-home orders which allows some businesses to re-open doors. Public health officials, however, are keeping a watchful eye. Opening too soon could be potentially dangerous with a new disease circulating and no vaccine to protect the public. It’s a difficult balance. Elected officials are under … [Read more...] about COVID-19 Phase One: The Potential Health Impact of Re-Opening
The Official Dish on My Encounter with COVID-19
Dear Ambush Nation, I thought it important to share my story with you so that you can realize just how serious the Coronavirus and COVID-19 disease are. I've been sick with COVID-19 for the better part of two weeks now. I can tell you it ain't pretty and it sure as hell isn't "just the flu." Today is the first day in 11 days that I've woken up without a fever and the first … [Read more...] about The Official Dish on My Encounter with COVID-19
