Author Archives: Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

About Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

CYNTHIA J KOELKER , MD is a board-certified family physician with over twenty years of clinical experience. A member of American Mensa, Dr. Koelker holds degrees in biology, humanities, medicine, and music from M.I.T., Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and the University of Akron. She served in the National Health Service Corps to finance her medical education.

Suturing a Wound – Part V – the British Way

Posted on April 9, 2011 by Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

There are as many ways to suture a wound as to sew a dress.  While that may be a bit of an exaggeration, the point is, there is not a single technique for every situation and operator. First we examine … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Injuries, Lacerations, Lidocaine, Medical archives, Perennial Favorites, Wound care | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Suturing a Wound – Part IV – Subcuticular Suturing

Posted on April 8, 2011 by Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

In Part IV another suturing technique is demonstrated:  Subcuticular Suturing. This may be accomplished using either absorbable or non-absorbable suture.  In this German video, it appears they are using a nylon thread, anchoring it at each end externally.  A nylon … Continue reading →

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Mental Health in Tough Times – Part I

Posted on April 8, 2011 by Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

The following post on mental health concerns is contributed by Pete Farmer,  who holds advanced degrees in research biology and history, and is also an RN and EMT. * * * My mother told me ‘Fore she passed away Said … Continue reading →

Posted in Allergy testing, Anxiety, Chronic diseases, Contributors, Depression, Medical archives, Mental health, Omega-3 fatty acid, Pete Farmer, Stress | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Week 5 – Question of the Week: How should asthmatics prepare to survive an Armageddon event?

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

Week 5:  2011-04-07  Today I’m asking our professionals to weigh in on the question:    How should asthmatics prepare to survive an Armageddon event? You, too, are welcome to post your responses and questions below.  Check back soon and see what our … Continue reading →

Posted in Advair, Albuterol-Ventolin-Proventil, Asthma, Asthma and COPD, Asthma/COPD, Chronic bronchitis, Chronic diseases, COPD, COPD see Asthma, Education, Emphysema, Lung disease, Medical archives, Medications, Prescription Medications, Question of the Week, Shortness of breath, Singulair, Stockpiling medical supplies, Stockpiling medications | Tagged , | 13 Comments

Suturing a Wound – Part III – Layered Closure

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

In Part III Dr. Cady addresses a deeper, gaping wound, demonstrating how to perform a layered closure. This video offers a much better view of the tissues than is usually seen in a bleeding patient, but practicing on an easy … Continue reading →

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Abscessed Teeth – Where will they lead?

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

Earlier today I was thinking about my patients who refuse to visit a dentist, for whatever reason.  Now and then they see or call me about a toothache, requesting an antibiotic until they can get to a dentist.  Amoxicillin usually … Continue reading →

Posted in Contributors, Dental, Dental antibiotics, Dental infection, Medical archives, Teeth, Tooth extraction, W Hampton - Tooth Doctor | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Suturing a Wound – Part II

Posted on April 5, 2011 by Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

Part II by the same doctor who taught Part I. (SDCady) I’m so happy not to reinvent the wheel.  He mentions that you don’t want the edges to curve downward (inward).  When the edges do curve inward, you end up … Continue reading →

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Expired Medications – Part 3: General Principles

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

The following article was originally published at www.survivalblog.com. * * * In Part 1 and Part 2 of this series, I reviewed the available information regarding expiration dates of specific medications, primarily antibiotics and antiviral drugs, as tested in the … Continue reading →

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Suturing a Wound – Part I

Posted on April 3, 2011 by Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

Rather than make my own video, I thought I’d save time and see if someone else had done the work for me. Luckily, they did!  Here’s the first in a series.  This doctor explains things quite well. Buy yourself a … Continue reading →

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Nuclear War Survival Skills

Posted on April 2, 2011 by Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

Free online book: Nuclear War Survival Skills Has anyone read the whole thing?  I’ve added this free online book to my future reading list. (Thus far, my preparation regarding nuclear war survival skills has centered on coming to know my … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Medical archives, Preparation | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment