Author Archives: Francisco Fernandez, MD

Insulin secretion is regulated by multiple factors, and although the direct effects of glucose acting on pancreatic β cells constitute the most prominent stimulus of insulin secretion, other mechanisms such as neuronal stimulation and incretin hormones may account for as much as 70-80% of the total insulin response to a meal.  There is something called […]

The use of acupuncture involves using very thin needles and inserting them through the skin at strategic points on your body. It is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine and is most commonly used to treat different pain conditions, but has also been used for other medical conditions and stress management.  Traditional Chinese medicine […]

Air pollution is still a significant threat to public health globally. In the past decades, the lung and cardiovascular systems have been considered the principal organs affected by air pollution as evidenced by numerous epidemiological and experimental findings. Recent evidence also suggests brain injuries arising from extended exposure to polluted air and the consequent neurodegenerative […]

Light at night (LAN) has been associated with negative health consequences and metabolic risk factors. Little is known about the prevalence of LAN in older adults in the U.S. and its association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.  In a recently published study, researchers found that any amount of light while sleeping at night was […]

Sleep is a fundamental requirement for all animals. Appropriate quality and quantity of sleep is essential for the maintenance of mental and physical health. Due to societal pressures and light pollution, sleep deficiency has become a common public health problem, affecting approximately 10-20% of individuals worldwide, especially children and young adults.  Short-term consequences of insufficient […]