During the annual physical exam, I typically ask my patients to categorize themselves as:  Underweight, Normal Weight, Overweight, or Obese.  Then I calculate their Body Mass Index (BMI) with an online calculator.  Usually, I get a look of shock or dismay when I tell people that they are overweight when they think they are normal weight.  Next, I recalculate their BMI with their guess as to what they think their weight should be.  Often, this is also above the normal weight for height.  Eventually, we come to a weight that when entered into the calculator is normal.  Then I usually hear another sigh, and a pause, followed by the statement “If I weighed that much, I would look sick and unhealthy!”

The BMI has not changed over the years, however our perception of what is “normal weight” has changed because many of us as a whole have gotten larger.  Imagine you are average height and you take a picture next to an NBA basketball team.  You would certainly feel short.  In this same way, if you are around people who are obese or overweight, you may not perceive yourself to be any different, or may even think of yourself as being thin.  The next time you are “people-watching” look at each family.  Obese parents will often have obese children.  Another good example is the sizes of clothes.  Over time, clothing manufacturers have had to increase the size of clothes to the point where a “Medium” today would be what was considered “Large” or “Extra Large” a few decades ago.  So when you think you have been a “Medium” for the past 20 years, you have actually been fooled.  Anyone who has travelled outside of the US and tried to buy clothes in Europe or South America will understand this.  In women’s clothing, they have had to make dresses in size “00” just to make sizes change with the times.  In New York City, there are subway car seats where very few people can fit in them comfortably today.  This is because the subway seats were designed in the 70’s when most people were smaller than they are today.

Portions of food are another way to see the change in caloric intake over time.  I recently purchased an antique dinner plate.  It was 9 inches in diameter.  These days, the average dinner plate start at 13 inches or more.  Portion sizes of all foods have increased and we are eating way too many calories.  It is not surprising that our waistlines are increasing as a result!

The BMI is as standard for good health.  Being in the overweight or obese categories increase risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even depression!  Know your BMI and your goal weight.  Work on it!

Is your pillow as flat as a pancake or more than 2 years old?  Are you waking up with neck pain?  The human head weighs about 10 pounds, approximately the weight of a bowling ball.  Your pillow is mainly responsible for supporting this weight while you sleep for approximately 7-8 hours per night.  Over time, the fibers or feathers in your pillow become compressed and unable to maintain their structure.  When your pillow is unable to do its job, the weight of your head is supported by your neck and upper spine.  As a result, you may wake up with neck stiffness or upper back pain.  It is crucial to recognize this and change your pillow regularly.  I change my pillows once a year.  You should also invest in a good quality pillow.  It may save you from having a “pain in the neck”!

If you suffer from allergies, make sure you do not have feathers in your pillow and you change your pillow regularly.  Dust mites are present everywhere and over time they secrete feces that accumulate in your pillow.  Many people with allergies are allergic to this material.  If you are waking up with crusted eyes or nasal congestion, getting a new pillow made of synthetic fiber could be your solution.  They also sell dust mite covers for your pillows to prevent the dust mite feces from escaping your pillow.  Be sure to wash these covers and your sheets weekly.

While you’re doing your spring cleaning this weekend, take a look at your pillow.  It may be time for a new pillow!

A study published in The Lancet today revealed that daily aspirin can actually prevent colorectal cancer and existing cancers from spreading.  Most people recognize daily low dose aspirin as an effective means of preventing heart attacks, but this new study only adds to the reasons why you should keep this anti-inflammatory medication in your medicine cabinet.

While scientists are still trying to find out the mechanism for aspirin’s ability to prevent/halt cancer cells, I believe the key may be the anti-inflammatory properties of this wonder drug.  We are finding that many cancers are caused by chronic inflammation.  For example, cervical cancer is strongly linked to HPV infections of the cervix.

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) was known to Hippocrates in 400 B.C. in the form of willow bark.  In the age of rapid advances in drug development, it amazes me that a chemical which exists in many of our parks and yards is found to have so many healing qualities.  I shudder to think what other “miracle drugs” are hidden in the remaining rain forests of the world that are one bulldozer away from extinction.

Should everyone be taking an aspirin a day?  I don’t think this is a wise idea.  Aspirin does have its own side effects, the most common being a tendency to bleed, gastritis and ulcers.  Any gastroenterologist will tell you that he/she has seen very severe bleeding ulcers from taking even enteric-coated or “safety-coated” low dose aspirin.  The Lancet study did mention that the risks of bleeding does appear to diminish over time.

However, if you do have a family history of colorectal cancer, or have a personal history of cancer, it may not be a bad idea to discuss with your physician the possiblilty of starting aspirin.  If you are currently taking aspirin, make sure you let your physician know that you are on it .