Move Flyer

Dear Patients,

 

Sorry, I forgot to attach our flyer...guess we have lots on our mind. Also, our address is 5845 E. Still Circle, Suite 104, Mesa, AZ 85206.  We will be located on the North side of the intersection of Recker and Baseline.  As you travel North on Recker/Still Circle you will see three office buildings on the East side of the road.  Our office is located on the first floor of the middle building.  There are entrance doors on the North side of the building.  Remember to look for Arrowhead Health signage.

 

Take care and we will see you soon,

--
Keith E. Biggs, DC

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068

Moving Countdown

Dear Patients:

If you haven't heard yet, WE ARE MOVING.  We are on our official countdown now.  Our last day to see patients at our current address is on Monday, May 23rd.  We will re-open on Wednesday, June 1st under the new name Arrowhead Health Centers.  We are extremely excited to become a part of Arrowhead Health. If you have been in our office recently, you have probably heard about our move.  We have had several questions come up from our patients, so I will do my best to answer them in case you have the same concerns. 

Q: What's Arrowhead Health?
A: Arrowhead Health is a multidisciplinary practice that really centers their care around the patient.  We love the idea of our patients having access to multiple doctors/specialists under one roof.   Arrowhead Health has a corporate office in Glendale and they are expanding to East Mesa (our new location) and South Scottsdale.

Q: Will I still be able to see Dr Biggs?
A:  Yes, Dr Biggs will still be your doctor (and, yes, Kim will be there to do therapies too).

Q: Will I still be able to get a same day appointment?
A: Yes. Our phones will go through centralized scheduling at 623-334-4000.  You can always drop into our new facility and we will work you in just as we do now.

Q:  Why is the phone number a 623 #?
A:  Our corporate office is in Glendale. All appointments can be made easily by simply asking to schedule with Dr. Biggs at the Mesa location. ( For a short time our current Phone # 480-985-3334 will forward to out new 623-334-4000 # so don't forget to re-program your cell phones).

Q:  Will I need to fill out new paperwork?
A:  Yes.  All our records will now be electronic.  We want to make sure our patients all start off at Arrowhead on the same page(electronically speaking of course).  If you ever decide to see another practitioner in our new office, you will be set to go.

Q: Will you have the same hours?
A: Initially, our hours will be the same as our current hours.  As time goes on we will have expanded hours which will include earlier morning and later evening appointments to be more convenient for our patients.

Q: Will you take my insurance?
A: Arrowhead Health accepts many insurance plans.  There is a great resource on our new web site that our patients can view and compare insurance plans at www.arrowheadhealth.com. On the left side of the screen there is a button to compare insurance coverages.

I have thought long and hard about the decision to go to work for Arrowhead Health. I have full confidence that my patients will ultimately benefit from me becoming a part of Arrowhead.  I know that with change anxiety can increase.  Please know that Kim and I and the staff at Arrowhead Health are working hard to make this transition as smooth as possible.  Please be patient with us as we are bound to make some mistakes along the journey. We look forward to our opening on June 1st.  I have attached a flyer with more details about our new location. Please feel free to contact us so we can answer any questions you may have.  We hope you will all join us on this new adventure.

Best of health,
--
Keith E. Biggs, DC

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068

Office Hours Change

Dear Patients,

As some of you know we will be moving our office on June 1st.  In order to prepare for our move to our new facility, we will be training on Tuesdays and Thursdays. (to learn new software etc)   We are looking forward to learning new ways to best serve you.

Please know that during this transition, we are still here to care for you. We will have office hours throughout the month of May.  We decided to extend our training time frame to Tuesdays and Thursdays so that we can minimize our down time as our move date approaches.

Until our move, our new office hours will be:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 8:30 AM- Noon and 2:30-6:00PM

PLEASE NOTE:  Next week we will only be open Monday and Wednesday.  We will not have office hours on Friday,  April 22nd in observance of Good Friday.

Thank you for your flexibility with us during this exciting time.

Dr Keith Biggs and Staff


--
Keith E. Biggs, DC

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068

Office Hours Change

Dear Patients,

This is just a friendly reminder of some office hour changes in our near future.

Our office will be closed on Tuesday, March 8th. We will have normal business hours the rest of the week, March 9th through 11th.

In addition, our office will be closed the week of March 14th through March 18th.  We will resume normal business hours on Monday March 21st at 8:30 AM. 

Thank you in advance for your understanding. 

Best of health,
Dr. Biggs and Staff



--
Keith E. Biggs, DC

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068

Heart Attack!

I was reviewing some health related articles when I came across one on MSN Health News that talked about "triggers" for heart attacks.

The article stated that "A major analysis of data on potential triggers for heart attacks finds that many of the substances and activities Americans indulge in every day -- coffee, alcohol, sex, even breathing -- can all help spur an attack."

I just want all of my patients to know that I am doing just fine, in that of the above 4 causes of heart attack, I only have a problem with one of them. I let you figure out which one...

So, in spite of this recent brilliant article, please, keep breathing.


Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com

Running and Stretching

Every once in a while I come across a study that causes me to just stop and scratch my head. Recently, for example, I read an article about running and stretching. It was posted on MSN Health.

The study divided 2000 runners into two groups, one of which was instructed to perform about 5 minutes of stretching before running, while those in the second group were told not to stretch before running. The purpose of the study was to determine if running related injuries could be prevented through performing a simple series of stretches before jogging and running.

The interesting outcome was that it really didn't matter!  The rate of injury was the same in both groups, was about 16%, with most injuries occurring in the feet, ankles, and knees.

To make things even more strange, the study found that injuries were significantly higher for those that changed their routines in order to participate in the study. In other words, injuries increased by 40% in runners that were used to stretching before a run and then had to quit stretching to participate in the study. The injury rate was 22% higher in those that went from not stretching to stretching.

The moral of the story is that everyone is different, and routines vary from person to person. As a runner, I have found that I do not like to stretch before a run. Instead, I start lightly and gradually build the intensity of the run as I warm up.  If you find that you enjoy stretching before you run and exercise, by all means continue.

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com
http://therapeuticfoods.blogspot.com

Acupuncture Helps with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

A recent study that was done in Sweden, at the University of Gothenburg, shows that acupuncture can help to treat the symptoms of abnormal hormone levels and menstrual bleeding patterns associated with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

According to an article on Medical News Today, "PCOS is a common disorder that affects up to 10% of all women of child-bearing age. Women with PCOS frequently have irregular ovulation and menstruation, with many small immature egg follicles in the ovaries. This causes the ovaries to produce more testosterone which, in turn, leads to troublesome hair growth and acne. Obesity, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease are also widespread among these patients."



Subjects in the study were divided into three groups. One group of subjects received acupuncture treatment, a second group was instructed to exercise three times per week, and a third group acted as controls.  The study, which was published in the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, showed that both acupuncture and exercise helped these patients, presumably by reducing testosterone levels, thus leading to a more healthy and regular menstruation.  Of the two groups, the acupuncture group responded the best.  All of the test subjects were instructed in the importance of regular exercise and of eating a healthy diet.

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com  

A Generally Good Idea

I recently read an article written about Brigadier General Becky Halstead (retired). General Halstead is the first female West Point graduate in U.S. history to command at the strategic level in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Regrettably, she decided to retire prematurely due to the disabling symptoms that she was experiencing because of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a painful condition. There is no lab test, x-ray, MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound test that can be used to diagnose the condition. The diagnosis is one of exclusion. Once all the tests are done and there is no definitive abnormality, the patient is finally told that they must have fibromyalgia... or that the pain is psychosomatic (all in their mind).


Traditional treatment for fibromyalgia is... you guessed it... pain medication. Sometimes a sleeping aid will be used as well because of a possible link of fibromyalgia to insomnia and lack of REM sleep.  I have had patients who have been treated with anti-depressants as well.

What in the world is going on here?  Lets step back and take another look at this...

1) We have a disease/problem that is impossible to diagnose.  It does cause significant pain and in some cases the pain can be debilitating.
2) Fibromyalgia, being a chronic condition, is treated with pain drugs, sometimes over a lifetime, that only cover the symptoms and do nothing for the disease itself. This is done at the expense of the patient's liver, kidneys, stomach, heart, lungs, mind, etc.

There are alternatives... and General Halstead found them.  General Halstead said: "Chiropractic treatment helped improve my whole outlook on dealing with this chronic ailment. The spinal adjustments along with the postural and nutritional advice I received helped to treat the fibromyalgia and allowed me to have many days with minimal pain -- and most days without any medications. The care of a doctor of chiropractic was life changing for me."

Follow the leader. Stop taking medications like they are candy and like they have no bad impact on your overall health.  Try something else!  Try Chiropractic... or how about acupuncture to help manage the pain. How about doing some gentle exercise, or changing your diet for the better? If you try any of these alternatives to treat your fibromyalgia, the worst that will happen is that you will be generally healthier, even if your pain doesn't improve!

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com
http://www.therapeuticfoods.blogspot.com

Office hours change for today

Hello,

This is just a friendly reminder that our office hours will be a little bit different for today.  We will be closing the office at 3:00 PM; taking our last patients around 2:00 PM.  In order to accommodate our patients, Dr Biggs will be working through the lunch hour.  Please call our office if we can help you anyway we can. We will resume normal business hours on Monday at 8:30 AM.
Thank you in advance for your understanding.

Dr. Biggs and Staff

--
Keith E. Biggs, DC

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068

Colds and Flu

Did you know that an acupuncture analysis can often predict whether or not you are coming down with a cold or the flu, even before you have any symptoms?

This is a picture of an Acugraph analysis. According to Dr. Kimberly Thompson, L.Ac., a deficiency or split of the LU (lung meridian) is an indicator that the person might be coming down with a cold, and when combined with a split in the LI (large intestine) meridian, that the person has low immunity.

In the above case, it is clear that the LU points, as indicated in blue, are low, and that the LI meridians are "split" from left to right (one is high and the other is low), indicated by purple.

Acupuncture theory and treatment has been around for thousands of years. Now, thanks to modern technology, analysis, and charting, we can perform reproducible tests and accurately form an acupuncture diagnosis.

Have you seen the Chi?

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com

Oxycontin and Hydrocodone linked to Heart Diseases and Fractures

More pain medications are coming under closer scrutiny. Opioids (that include Oxycontin, Hydrocodone, Tramadol and Propoxyphene) have recently been shown, according to a recent study, to be linked with heart diseases and increased bone fractures.

The study was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. It looked at 13,000 Medicare patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis who received a prescription for either NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen), COX-2 inhibitors (such as Vioxx and Celebrex), or opioids (such as oxycodone and hydrocodone). The study was performed over a six-year period.

The study indicates that those that took opioids were at a 4.5 times greater risk of suffering a hip, pelvis, wrist, or arm fracture!

On top of that, the study suggests that opioid consumers were more likely to suffer from a heart attack than those that take COX-2 inhibitors (Vioxx was puled from the market because of its link to heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues).  According to an article on CNN: 

"In addition to the increased risk of fracture, people who took opioids were more than twice as likely to have a heart attack than their counterparts who took NSAIDs. Surprisingly, the risk of heart attack associated with opioids was even higher than that seen with Vioxx and other COX-2 inhibitors, a class of drugs that has been plagued by concerns about heart problems, including heart attack. (Vioxx and Bextra were withdrawn from the market for this reason, and Celebrex is now the only COX-2 inhibitor sold in the U.S.)"

Wow! I have told patients for years that taking any pain medication is a trade off, and this recent study confirms it.  Man-made chemicals are a risk to you and your health and should only be taken when all else fails.

Dr. Daniel H. Solomon, MD and lead author of the study said that "Opioids are not as safe as people had hoped," ( Dr. Solomon is a rheumatologist and epidemiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, in Boston, Massachusetts.) "We need to recognize that opioids are not without risk."

Dr. Solomon further recommends that physicians should take a closer look at the non-opioid pain reduction methods, such as NSAIDS (advil, motrin), and other NON DRUG METHODS for the treatment of pain...

Thank you Dr. Solomon.

Here are some suggestions for the treatment of pain without drugs:

1) A healthy, anti-inflammatory diet
2) Chiropractic manipulation or adjustments
3) Acupuncture therapy
4) Increased exercises and stretching
5) Massage therapy

Do you know what the side affects of the above 5 treatments is?  Good health...
The risks of non-medicine approaches for pain control are SOOOO minimal. Patients have nothing to loose to try them and possibly much to gain.

Keith E. Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com

TMJ

TMJ discorder is a condition that is characterized by abnormal motion, function, or pain in the jaw joints.  In my office, we have historically used jaw joint adjustment techniques and soft tissue therapies to the muscles involved in jaw joint movement.  At times, we also recommend a bite guard or "splint". Sometimes an oral surgeon or dentist must be employed.

Just today, in my office, I used a new technique to treat a patient with bothersome clicking and discomfort in the jaw joint.  I used a type of acupuncture therapy known as auriculotherapy. To put it simply, I used a small, hand-held electrical devise to stimulate acupuncture points in the ears that are related to TMJ disorders. The result was amazing and instantaneous. The patient moved her jaw after only 5 minutes of treatment, and the look of surprise in her eyes told of the amazing results. She was experiencing no more clicking in the jaw. The amazing thing about this case is that she has been my patient for several months, and I had tried many things to try and help the jaw clicking. All of my typical treatment methods had failed, and I had sent her to her dentist and an oral surgeon for treatment.  Within the past month or so, however, I had learned more regarding Auriculotherapy, and I decided today, with the patient, that we had nothing to loose by trying it.

Based on the results, I will be using this specialized acupuncture technique more frequently!

Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com

Arthritis Pain Alternatives

Recently I came across this article that was posted on MSN. I thought that it was well done, and provided some valuable information, so here is the link:   http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100267432

Pain medication for the treatment of arthritis pain only masks the symptoms.  There are also several negative side affects related to taking pain medication. For example, Ibuprofen is linked to gastrointestinal bleeding, and is responsible for an estimated 100,000 deaths every year. Tylenol, on the other hand, is severely toxic to the liver.

The good news about the alternatives listed in the article is that the side affects are improved health generally. In other words, if they don't have any affect on your arthritis pain, they are likely to help your body be more healthy generally.

Say No to Drugs... something that we try and teach our children, but something that many of us, as adults, should take to heart.

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com

Scientific Evidence of Acupuncture Benefits

A recent study in Germany showed activities within the brain on "functional" MRI with the application of acupuncture. Here is the link http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/209596.php

I found the article quite interesting. I demonstrated changes within the brain during the application of acupuncture that possibly describe how acupuncture helps to control pain.

Keith E Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com
http://www.therapeuticfoods.blogspot.com

Ear Acupuncture for Headache

It was a long day at work today, and at the end, I had one last patient to treat today... Kim, my receptionist. She is an awesome worker, and she said that she was feeling a nasty headache in the base of her skull and top of her neck.

Normally, I would place her on the adjusting table and look for abnormal joint motion in the upper neck and hypertonic or tight muscles in the neck and shoulder region. Instead, I grabbed the Stim Plus Pro, a small electrical acupuncture device, and I pulled up some auriculotherapy, or ear acupuncture charts, and started treating points in her left and right ears.

The response was amazing. I started working on her right ear, and within 2-3 minutes, the headache was totally gone on the right side of her head. I then moved to the left ear. Again, after spending a few short minutes treating points (all without needles!), the pain was gone in the head completely.

This was accomplished WITHOUT any medication, without chiropractic manipulation, without trigger point work, and WITHOUT NEEDLES.

Auriculotherapy, or ear acupuncture, is a branch of acupuncture, and it is amazing how powerful it is. If you or somebody you know suffers from headaches, perhaps this is a treatment method that they would benefit from. It is safe, affective, and relatively easy to apply.

There are many other conditions that respond well to this type of treatment. They include back pain, pain in other parts of the body, digestion issues, allergies, and smoking addiction, just to name a few. I am also currently treating patients for weight loss with auriculotherapy to help reduce appetite.

Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
www.therapeuticfoods.blogspot.come

Auriculotherapy

Auriculotherapy is s sub-specialty of acupuncture in which the points being treated are within the ears. It offers many benefits to the patient.

1)     All of the points being treated are in the ear. The patient doesn’t have to get into a gown or disrobe.
2)

 The treatment can be done with or without needles. In my office, I prefer to use a hand held electrical device that allows me to search for and treat the acupuncture points.
 The results of treatment can be instantaneous. Just last week I had a patient that excitedly said her lower back pain was gone after only 20 seconds of stimulation on 3 acupuncture points in her left ear!

There are literally hundreds of conditions that can be treated with auriculotherapy. Some of the most commonly known are the addictions. Many people find that auriculotherapy helps in smoking cessation, alcohol addiction, and in weight loss programs. Auriculotherapy is also very beneficial in treating painful conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches.  As stated before, it is painless and often immediately affective.

Like full body acupuncture, many internal organ issues can be benefited.  Just yesterday I had a patient that was being treated for weight loss. She was in my office for her second treatment. When we were done, she asked me if the treatment that I had given her might have some affect on her digestion. She said that she felt that her bowel movements were more regular after her first treatment. She confided in me that she often went for several days without evacuating her bowel.  A review of the points used for the treatment of digestive issues, when compared to those used for weight loss revealed several overlaps.

In short, auriculotherapy offers a painless, no-needle acupuncture option for the treatment of many conditions. There are no side effects and few contraindications for its use.

Keith Biggs, DC

www.eastmesachiropractor.com

www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com

www.therapeuticfoods.blogspot.com

Holiday Office Hours- Thanksgiving Week

Hello Everyone,
 
First, we want to wish all our patients and their families a most blessed Thanksgiving holiday.  We hope that you may find comfort in all that we really should be thankful for.

Second, our office will be open for the morning hours today (Wednesday the 24th). We will be closed Thursday the 25th through Sunday the 28th.  We will reopen on Monday the 29th at 8:30 AM.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Dr. Biggs and Staff

--
Keith E. Biggs, DC

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068

Stop Smoking Now!

Is it really necessary to argue the point that smoking kills?  I believe not, so lets move on...

The problem is that although smoking is so deadly, it is also extremely addictive. I have known some people who have quit smoking without any help, but the truth of the matter is that most smokers require some form of assistance to kick the habit. One thing is for certain. Some day, all smokers quit... hopefully before they die from it!

If you are a smoker, I can help.

Auriculotherapy has proven to be 75% affective, it is safe, and it is affordable.  The cost of the stop smoking program ($199) can often be recouped within a couple of months simply through not purchasing cigarettes. The life long savings are priceless. How much would you pay for an additional ten years of life?

The great thing about auriculotherapy is that it is painless, and requires no needles.  Treatment is completed in one week.

Not motivated yet? Is the risk of struggling to breath and suffering with heart disease, emphysema, lung cancer or some other horrible disease not enough to cause you to seek professional help?  Perhaps this will: For a limited time, you can quit with painless, needless acupuncture for only $99... but only if you act now.

Click this link to find out how you can save $100.

Now is the time to quit, and I can help. 

Give me a call or email me if you have questions.

Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
480 985-3334

Thanksgiving and Acupuncture.

Dear Patients:

Happy Thanksgiving!  This is my favorite holiday, and I would like to take this opportunity to tell you how much I have enjoyed you, and how grateful I am to know you. We don't get through this life on our own, and I feel blessed to know you. I hope that you enjoy the holiday with family and friends. It is a tough time for all of us, with the economy, job issues, etc, but take the time to give thanks this holiday. We all have been truly blessed regardless of our circumstances.

One last note... I am conducting a study in house. I am using electrical meridian mapping to attempt to measure the affect of energy bracelets.  The study does not require needles. I am looking for a few more people that are willing to participate.  Here are the requirements:

1) Must have a medium to large size wrist (I have only one size energy bands donated from the company!)
2) Must be willing to have me measure acupuncture meridian energy once per week.  (don't worry, no needles)
3) Must be willing to wear the wrist band 24/7.
4) The study lasts for at least 2 months.
 
The benefit is that you get a free energy band! These retail for about $30. Some bands are much more expensive.

If you would like to participate, please let me know. I have some that have already started the study, and I would like to get the remaining bands out and the rest of the test subjects started ASAP!

Happy Thanksgiving

Dr. Keith Biggs

PS:  Do you know of anyone that is struggling with their health because of smoking or drug addiction? No-Needle acupuncture has been shown to be a safe, affective, and inexpensive aid. Let me know if I can help.

--
Keith E. Biggs, DC

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068

Take This Pill, Call me in the Morning...

Imagine this conversation between a patient, Mrs. Smith, and her MD, Dr. House.

Mrs. Smith:  "Doctor House, I have bad back pain, it has bothered me for years. Please help."


Dr. House, MD: "No problem. Looks like you pulled a muscle." (actually, kind of sounds like a bulging or herniating disc to me... but I don't have the time to try and explain that to her.) "I know what you need. Take Darvocet. It works amazingly well."(...at covering up your pain so that you don't worry about what is really going on inside your body...)

Mrs Smith:  "Is it safe?"

Dr. House:  "Perfectly safe, don't you worry a bit!" (I will do periodic blood tests to see if you are having heart reactions and to see if it is sufficiently killing your liver to warrant me taking the drug away from you. I will also watch how many you take because since it is an opiate, it is very addictive...after all, I do care about my patients... I'm sure glad that I don't have to take it... I almost forgot... I have my chiropractic appointment later today! Dr... I mean Mr... Jones sure has helped my lower back pain!)

Mrs. Smith:  "You are so kind, and so smart Dr. House! Do you have anything that I could take for my headaches?"

Dr. House:  "Of course! There is this new little blue pill that is amazing." (at least the cute, young drug rep in the short tight skirt told me that it was a miracle...)

Patient:  "Is it safe?"

Dr. House:  "Absolutely, the FDA recently approved it!" (...after two double blind studies... or was it one study where they found that it might cause blindness... oh I don' remember...)

Patient:  "Dr. House, you are so smart, and so current!  I don't know what I would do without you!"

Dr. House:  "Thank you, thank you!  Please pay your $50 co-pay on the way out.... and let me know if you would like to take any more chemicals... I mean medications... for your depression, and make sure that you continue to take your high blood pressure medications! (poor girl just might die from an aneurysm. She Should loose weight and stop smoking, but I don't have the time... and she is probably too lazy to do anything about it anyway...).    "Oh, and one more thing... I am going to contact my good friend, Dr. Smith, the neurosurgeon to see what can be done about that nagging sciatica ( Dr. Smith ALWAYS gives me the nicest Christmas basket full of goodies. I sure like him.  Its a shame what happened to my other patient on his operating table two years ago... what was his name again?)

Mrs. Smith:  "Oh, I almost forgot.  Dr. House, little Jimmy is now in second grade, and his teacher says that he is driving her crazy.... claims that he has the classic symptoms of ADHD..."

Dr. House:  "Say no more!  I know what he needs. Make sure that you set up an appointment for Jimmy at the front desk. We should see him ASAP for that ADHD."  (A couple of weeks on my miracle pills and little Jimmy will be quietly sitting in the corner in no time!)

Mrs. Smith:  (to the receptionist...)  "I just love Dr. House. He is so thorough, and he really cares about his patients.  Can you get Jimmy in later this week?"

I know, there is a lot of sarcasm in this little dialogue, but satire is only funny if there is an element of truth.

Oh, by the way, did I tell you that the FDA, just last week, recommended that Darvocet be removed from the marketplace? "The drug's effectiveness in reducing pain is no longer enough to outweigh the drug's serious potential heart risks," the FDA said in a statement released Friday.

Don't worry though, it is perfectly safe, really. It has been used by thousands of patients since it was introduced in 1956...

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com
http://www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com