I'm Dr. Simeon Margolis, professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Together, let’s explore the issues behind the headlines to help you navigate the health care maze. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/ Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:19:31 -0800 Yahoo! http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/17825/biologics-and-multiple-sclerosis/ Recent studies have shown that a relatively new group of medications—biologics—are somewhat more effective for preventing relapses of multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as slowing damage to the nervous system which occurs with MS. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:19:31 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/17812/rising-costs-unneeded-tests-and-procedures/ An astonishing number of about seven billion medical tests are carried out each year in the U.S., by more than 200,000 approved clinical laboratories. Most of these tests are valuable for making a correct diagnosis or for proper follow-up of treatment. However, many are not needed, are done too often, or can lead to more costly tests and procedures. Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:04:12 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/17803/why-we-must-reduce-health-care-costs/ Health care costs continue to rise, with no end in sight. But many people aren't aware of what accounts for those costs and where the money goes. However, such awareness is key to finding ways to bring costs down. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:36:13 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/17769/migraine-headaches-are-a-risk-factor-for-strokes/ The risk of ischemic strokes—the complete blockage of a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain—is more than two times greater in adults who have suffered migraine headaches than in those without migraines. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:24:54 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/17744/radiation-exposure-from-airport-body-scanners/ The U.S. Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) plans to subject airline travelers to whole body scanners to detect hidden explosives. The public has mostly responded favorably to these plans to improve the safety of airline travel. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:20:03 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/17735/mammography-screening-following-the-evidence/ Even though much has already been said about the recent recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) regarding mammography, I feel compelled to weigh in with some thoughts and opinions. Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:20:19 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/17728/chronic-kidney-diseasemore-common-than-you-think/ Are you one of the approximately 25 million Americans who has lost 50 percent of kidney function? The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has risen in recent decades and now affects eight percent of all Americans. Sat, 02 Jan 2010 09:38:14 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/17726/risks-of-online-treatments-for-erectile-dysfunction/ An increasing number of Internet treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) or to spur sexual performance contain prescription drugs or other potentially harmful ingredients. Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:29:12 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/17725/treating-coronary-heart-disease-is-niaspan-better-than-ezetimibe/ The media have given much attention to the results of a recent research study that looked at two drugs used to treat patients at high risk for coronary heart disease. Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:26:09 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/17724/coping-with-copd/ Often caused by smoking, COPD is a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. While COPD cannot be reversed, its progress can be slowed. Mon, 28 Dec 2009 03:22:48 -0800 Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D.