|
December 14, 2024 | SUBSCRIBE
Good morning. Unfortunately, the week before last brought two notable events in the healthcare world. One, the chilling murder of a health insurance executive. Shortly thereafter, Blue Cross/Blue Shield announced they would only pay for a portion of some patients' time under anesthesia.
Both are appalling, though in very different ways. A colleague of mine wrote a really thoughtful breakdown of how these two events fit in the larger picture of our failing healthcare system. I enjoyed the read and learned a few things along the way.
|
|
|
☝️ First Hand
Raise your hand if you've ever smashed your finger and watched your nail turn an alarming shade of purple.
You're not alone.
While blood under the nail is incredibly common, knowing whether it needs professional attention isn't always clear.
In today's guide, I'll explore the intricate anatomy of your nail, reveal the "50% rule" that could save your nail's appearance, and explain why some seemingly minor injuries might need surgical intervention.
Whether you're currently sporting a black nail or want to be prepared for future accidents, understanding these principles could make the difference between proper healing and permanent deformity.
|
|
|
Electrolytes and Protein Discount
** This section features an affiliate link, meaning I will earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you use this discount code **
A reminder that BioSteel has so kindly partnered with me if you need to stock up on protein powders or electrolyte drinks. Use this link or enter code: NICKGOLINVAUXMD at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.
And as a reminder, any proceeds go right back into funding this newsletter so it's better each and every week.
|
|
|
👀 X-ray of the Week 👀
If the clavicle (collarbone) weren't shattered in multiple pieces, this would be a great example of a 'shoulder separation.' That's an injury where the clavicle pops up in the air (see how high it is above the acromion, the little nub to the right of the shattered bone?).
This person fell directly on their shoulder. While skiing at high speeds.
And now they're left with two complex injuries in one. A shattered collarbone and a shoulder separation.
I think the proper medical term for this one is...a doozy.
|
|
|
📺 Grey's Anatomy Made-for-TV Case of the Month 📺
Alright, this one comes from a colleague of mine.
A couple of weeks ago, my colleague had a random day off. Somewhat unusual.
He's in his kitchen at 7:30 a.m. and gets a call from one of his best friends. "Hey man, are you at home?"
"Uhh, yeah? What's up?"
"I just totaled my car at the intersection near your house. And my thumb is really messed up. Any chance you could come take a look at it?"
Sure enough, my buddy walks down to the intersection and there are emergency vehicles everywhere. Multiple vehicles involved. And his friend is standing off to the side...with a dangling thumb.
So my buddy puts him in the car and drives him to our office where an x-ray shows an obviously dislocated thumb. He numbs him up, pops it back in...and off he goes!
He ended up getting an MRI and will ultimately need surgery. But he got quite the personalized service on the day of injury!
Brings a whole new meaning to a doctor's 'house call.' What are the chances...
|
|
|
🩸 Finger on the Pulse 🩸
🚶 Walk the walk: A wild discovery this month...turns out that stimulating an unexpected brain region has helped restore walking in some paralyzed patients.
|
|
|
Share "Rules Of Thumb"
If you're enjoying "Rules of Thumb," it would be a huge help if you'd consider sharing.
Just forward this email to a friend or send them to rulesofthumb.nickgolinvauxmd.com/join.
The more this grows, the more I can invest in it!
-Dr. G
PS. Rules of Thumb is a completely free resource for all those who want to learn more about the human body. Support Rules of Thumb here 🙏.
**Please do not use this email to try to obtain medical advice. I cannot legally or ethically provide that. If you are having a medical emergency, please call 911 and do not attempt to contact me through email.**
Rules of Thumb Archive • www.nickgolinvauxmd.com
|
|
|
Disclaimer (because, you know, lawyer stuff)
If you are having a medical emergency, call 911. Do not attempt to contact or obtain medical services through this site. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this site or materials linked from this site is at the user's own risk. The content of this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The content is my own and does not necessarily reflect the views of OCC.
Unsubscribe • Preferences
|
|
|
