Mark Tong, MD: Allergies: what are they FOR?

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Allergies: what are they FOR?

I have wondered what on earth allergies are for: can there be some underlying benefit?

This essay in Mosaic Science proposes a new theory (it's your bodies way of getting rid of toxic or noxious substances) in comparison to the prevailing theory (it originates in the way your body fights off infectious parasites such as ticks and worms).

I'm not sure I totally agree with the new theory, though I think it raises some good ideas. Frankly, I was never wholly convinced by the prevailing theory anyway...

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What is Family Practice, What do you do?

Declaration of Geneva

I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity. I will give my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due; I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity; the health of my patient will be my first consideration; I will respect the secrets which are confided in me; I will maintain by all means in my power, the honor and the noble traditions of the medical profession; my colleagues will be my brothers; I will not permit considerations of religion, nationality, race, party politics or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient; I will maintain the utmost respect for human life; even under threat, I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity. I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honor.

Personal Interests

When I'm not practicing medicine or managing my practice, I enjoy downhill skiing and boogie boarding. I'm working on longboarding, but it's way harder than it looks! I listen to a lot of music; just about everything except pop and oldies.

I also read both fiction and non-fiction for enjoyment, particularly on law, economics, science and historical and speculative fiction. I do not understand Hawking's "A Brief History of Time", and wonder whether more than a dozen people actually do.

I really like to cook and bake, particularly rustic or country styles of French, Italian, Spanish, Moroccan, Mexican and Indian cuisine. I also enjoy making by own sausage. Some day, I'm going to have to get back into beer brewing.

Home improvement is not my talent. I am thankful to my wife Sun, who is not only a Registered Nurse and my office manager, but also has a natural talent for home improvement and has never met a power tool she didn't like!

Mark Tong, MD

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Allergies: what are they FOR?

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