By James McGuinness, M.D.
June brings summer fun, barbecues, parades, fireworks, lots of sunshine and the summer solstice.
Along with the changing season, we can’t help but notice changes in our climate. In the first five months of 2024, there have been many significant weather events associated with climate change. From aggressive wildfires to devastating floods and heat waves, the effects of climate change are everywhere. All of this relates to our safety, health and well-being.
We can help with this problem. Much of our electricity and heat are powered by coal, oil and gas. Use less energy by lowering your heating and cooling, switching to LED light bulbs and using energy-efficient electric appliances. Walk, bike or take public transportation when you can. Recycle as much as possible. Consider installing solar panels on your roof to generate energy for your home.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in May, rates of cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and flu remained low. COVID-19 infections were increasing in some states and decreasing in others. Although we are better off than we were at this time last year with COVID, don’t forget to observe social distancing and wear masks and/or gloves when appropriate.
We learn about new things almost every day from the internet. Currently we are hearing a lot about artificial intelligence (AI), which is the ability for a computer to think and learn. With AI, computers can perform tasks that are typically done by people. Doctors are using AI in the fields of radiology (e.g., CT scans, MRIs, X-rays) and dermatology. Use of AI for medical purposes by the general public is relatively new. The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the KardiaBand and Apple’s smartwatch series 4 to detect atrial fibrillation, an irregular and rapid heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots in the heart. This can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. With AI, some medical conditions may be diagnosed, treated or cured earlier.
Generative AIs such as ChatGPT4, Google, Meta and Microsoft, are improving a wide range of capabilities for all of us. AI has the potential to help fix many of health care’s biggest problems, providing that we use appropriate data. And will we be able to adequately control AI systems (remember “The Terminator”)? Although there is probably little chance of Al replacing medical professionals in the near future, those who use AI will most likely do better than those who do not.
I recently saw a patient at the Parker Family Health Center with a bothersome skin growth on his back. I sent a few pictures of his tumor to a dermatology app which identified it as a benign lesion. Just to be sure, I had a dermatologist friend confirm that it was benign. Score one for AI.
Speaking of that, make sure you and your family use sunscreen and follow the usual summer safety tips: drink plenty of water and use insect repellent.
Get out and appreciate the warmer weather and sunny skies. Eat properly, drink responsibly and exercise. We have all been through a lot and we all deserve a break.
Have a happy, safe and healthy summer.
“The natural healing force in each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.”
– Hippocrates
James McGuinness, M.D. is a family physician in Middletown and is the medical director emeritus at the Parker Family Health Center in Red Bank.
