Dane Sanzenbacher makes the REAL decision in Ohio!

If you want to see a star athlete from Ohio who’s making a real decision, forget about Le-you-know-who.  Ohio State’s very own Dane Sanzenbacher, with the help of some of his football Buckeye teammates and Coach Tressel, has made an outstanding video about a decision that’s really important – signing up to be an organ donor.

At this time of year when we’re all thinking about the gifts we’re going to be giving and receiving, we should take a minute to think about giving the gift of life.  If Dane and his pals can do it while they’re busy getting ready to feast on the Razorbacks in the Sugar Bowl, then we can too. 

Go Bucks!

John A. Vaughn, MD
Student Health Services
The Ohio State University

Play the Medication Matching Game!

A

B

C

D

E

Last June, we did a post about generic vs. brand name medications.  Our point was that the generic (or “store brand”) version of a medication is identical to the brand name version, so all you are really paying extra for is the name on the box.  

So as promised – and in honor of finals week – here is a quiz to test your medication education.  Match the name of the generic medication below with the picture of its brand name counterpart to the right. (key below) 

Sure, unlike your real exams this test won’t help your GPA or get you into grad school or land you that job at a Big 6 accounting firm.  But it will save you a lot of money, which is practically just as good. 

Jason Goodman, PharmD, RPh
Student Health Services
The Ohio State University

1. Loperamide

2. Naproxen

3. Acetaminophen/Aspirin/Caffeine

4. Loratadine

5. Omeprazole

Answers:  1-D, 2-C, 3-A, 4-B, 5-E

Would you like to be interviewed by the OSU Alumni Magazine?

Hello loyal BuckMD readers,

The Ohio State Alumni magazine is writing a feature story on how we are reaching students online through BuckMD and they would like to interview a student who is a regular reader of the blog.  

If you are around campus over the next couple of weeks and would be interested in talking to the magazine (and telling them how wonderful BuckMD is), let me know and I’ll put you in touch with the editor.  You can email me at vaughn.7@osu.edu.

And just as an FYI, we’ll be cutting back to a once-a-week posting schedule over the holiday break.  We’ll be returning to our regular schedule after the New Year, when we will kick things off with a really cool contest, so be on the lookout!

Happy Holidays!

John A. Vaughn, MD
Student Health Services
The Ohio State University

Check Your Manhood in the Mirror!

I just came across a pretty funny video created by ZDoggMD, a physician in California who is really into making music video parodies about health topics.  He’s kind of like what would happen if Flavor Flav and Weird Al Yankovic had an illicit love-child who went to med school.  (Man, I’m dating myself with that reference…)

Speaking of dating yourself, ZDogg just created a video spoof of Michael Jackson singing about (and performing!!) testicular self-examination to the tune of “Man in the Mirror.”  Yes, it’s a little corny but it’s actually kinda funny and it has a good message about checking out the boys on a regular basis.  All in all, not a bad way to kill a few minutes.

We’ve covered testicle cancer on BuckMD before, and that message still stands.  Check yourself regulary, and if you find anything that doesn’t feel right, be sure to come in and see us.  I promise – we won’t sing.  And our exam gloves don’t have sequins on them.   

John A. Vaughn, MD
Student Health Services
The Ohio State University

Is high fructose corn syrup worse for me than regular sugar?

SugarStacks.com

Q: Is high fructose corn syrup worse for me than regular sugar?

A: Great question.  First off, let’s define what we’re talking about.

Fructose and Glucose are simple sugars that are found naturally in foods.  Our bodies use them for energy. 

Sucrose (table sugar) is a natural sugar made from cane or beet plants that is composed of a 50/50 combination of fructose and glucose.  Our bodies break apart the fructose and glucose to use for energy.

Corn syrup is an ingredient used in many recipes because of its unique properties.  You might have seen it for sale in the baking aisle under the brand Karo Syrup.  Like table sugar, corn syrup is composed of fructose and glucose, but it’s relatively lower in fructose and higher in glucose so it’s not as sweet. 

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is a processed form of corn syrup in which some of the glucose is converted to fructose, leading to a ratio of about 55% fructose to 45% glucose.  This higher amount of fructose results in a product that has the sweetness of table sugar and the cheapness and stability of corn syrup.  Great for the bottom line, not so great for our bottoms.    

Researchers noted that the alarming rise of obesity in America coincided with the increased use of HFCS by food manufacturers, which led many to blame HFCS for the problem.  But during that same time span, we started eating more calories in general; eating away from our homes more often; and getting a lot less exercise in our jobs and recreational activities.  All of these factors share some of the blame.

It is true that many foods that contain a lot of added sugar or HFCS usually don’t contain much else.  In other words, they are full of calories but very low in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber that fill you up and provide other health benefits.  So it is a good idea to avoid them, but it’s also important to remember a couple things:

  • Nutritionally speaking, there is no energy difference between any of the sugars.  For instance, even though honey is a ‘natural’ product, it is higher in fructose than HFCS.    
  • Weight loss always comes down to a simple, unbreakable rule – you need to take in fewer calories than you use.  Honey or HFCS, you’ll gain weight if you eat too much of it. 

Most health organizations agree that you should limit your added sugar consumption to about 10 teaspoons per day, which is about the amount contained in a typical 12-ounce can of soda.  Our advice?  Do your best to limit your caloric intake from added sweeteners; don’t be afraid to reach for veggies, fruit, and low fat dairy products; and burn off some of those calories with a healthy dose of daily exercise!

Cheryl Czapla, Med IV
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University

Greg Avellana RD, LD, CDE
Student Health Services
The Ohio State University