W. Gifford-Jones, MD and Diana Gifford-Jones

W. Gifford-Jones, MD is the pen name of Dr. Ken Walker, graduate of Harvard Medical School. Diana Gifford-Jones is his daughter, a graduate of Harvard Kennedy School. Their latest book, “No Nonsense Health” is available at: Docgiff.com Sign-up at DocGiff to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow our new Instagram accounts, @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones .

Most Recent Articles by W. Gifford-Jones, MD and Diana Gifford-Jones:

The Promise of 3D Printing in Healthcare February 12, 2023

3D printing is not a cure for cancer, but the technology is a reminder that solutions sometimes come from unexpected places

Is It Safe to Have an Alcoholic Drink Before Dinner? February 6, 2023

One of us now in the 100th year of life, hell will freeze over before this doctor dispenses with a pre-dinner cocktail. Does anyone lay blame?

Magic Mushrooms Are Moving Mainstream January 30, 2023

If a safe, natural, and low-cost mushroom can, in one well-guided experience, dramatically improve the well-being of someone suffering from conditions like PTSD and depression, why wouldn’t a caring society want to enable its use?

Edema Is a Common Problem Often Ignored January 21, 2023

Attention to diet, consistent moderate exercise, and maintenance of a healthy weight should be the goal – early in life, and all lifelong.

Aging Well at Home January 8, 2023

Has the COVID pandemic ignited new thinking among children about helping their aging parents stay at home? So it seems. Occupancy rates in assisted living facilities are down and “aging in place” is a top trend in senior housing.

Think Twice Before Shoveling the Snow January 2, 2023

Make arrangements with someone under 45 to shovel your snow! The youthful age limit relates to research showing that 85 percent of U.S. adults aged 50-plus already have underlying coronary artery disease

All Stuffed Up for the Holidays December 17, 2022

When the nose tickles, reach for a tissue

What A Dog’s Nose Knows December 10, 2022

For now, just know that those 200 million cells in the nose of a dog can tell when you are having a bad day

Sarcopenia, Not Cancer, But a Deadly Word December 4, 2022

Sarcopenia, weakened muscles from aging that robs one’s independence: Don’t wait until you can’t get up from a chair. Maintain your strength and enjoy better quality of life

What Have We Learned in 30 Years? November 27, 2022

Don't expect help from the government or public health associations. They'll protect you from dirty restaurants, but not from Type II diabetes

Game On for Video Games November 19, 2022

“Experience is the teacher of all things”

Poor Sleep Can Lead to Inflammatory Problems November 13, 2022

Sleep deficiency is linked to many chronic health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and depression

Bright Promise for the Dark Disease of Glaucoma November 7, 2022

Silent thief of sight--Glaucoma

The Right Omega-3 Reduces Risk of Heart Disease November 3, 2022

People are totally unaware they can change their risk for heart disease by making small investments in good nutrition, especially omega-3 nutrients contained in fish oil

Loneliness Among Men October 23, 2022

Getting older inevitably means losing the hard-earned friends made over a lifetime

We Are Not Ready for AI October 9, 2022

Maybe welcome? Maybe ill-advised? Like it or not, these new AI services and products are in the marketplace and probably already part of your healthcare

Rake Up the Leaves this Fall October 3, 2022

Remember moderation too. Raking leaves can be just as strenuous as shoveling snow. And that’s the next thing!

A Different Kind of Sickness September 25, 2022

Millions of seniors fall victim to fraud: Surround yourself with protectors

Constipation Causes More Trouble Than You Think September 18, 2022

Vitamin C: Are you among those suffering silently from constipation? The natural solution is one of nature’s best kept secrets

A Windfall of Science on Apples September 12, 2022

Here’s to your health this apple season and all year long!

Is Now the Time to Quit Alcohol? September 7, 2022

But is the sober curious movement as good for the old as it may be for the young?

The Seedy Story Beneath Healthy Cranberries August 29, 2022

Cranberries are high in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation

Ignoring Hazards Leaves Little Hope for Longevity August 22, 2022

Sadly, most people are largely unaware of how type 2 diabetes affects later life

Tattoos and Piercings Still Come with Risks August 15, 2022

The Dangers of Tongue Piercings

Know and Love a Woman? Protect Her Heart August 8, 2022

If you have read this column for years, you’ll know that high dose vitamin C with lysine has kept this doctor alive for 25 years after severe heart attack

When Is the Right Time to Hang Up the Car Keys? July 31, 2022

There is honour, too, in accepting when you have sight but poor vision, and don’t get behind the wheel.

Fainting Frightens, But Is Usually Benign July 25, 2022

If recovery is slow, get medical help

Online Grocery Shopping a Cause for Concern July 18, 2022

Shop Smart

No Guff – Swearing Eases Pain July 10, 2022

The next time the lid on a jar of pickles presents too great a challenge, give that lid a twist and some foul language too. Studies have shown people can perform stronger physical feats when they swear out loud

Viruses Love a Weak Immune System July 3, 2022

Ramsay Hunt syndrome and Justin Bieber