Information and Critical Thinking for Your Health
(Snippets from the frontline) Doctor statistics She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and statistically the chance of survival was good. It meant involvement of medical professionals to help beat the … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Two problems, one solution Government is rapidly attempting to rectify the homelessness problem by building permanent housing for those in need. As a geriatric doctor, I … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Practicing evidence-based medicine Evidence-based medicine is the foundation for decision-making when you seek care from a medical professional. It has evolved over centuries from the scientific … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Paramedic on the frontline She’s a paramedic being treated for Valley Fever, a fungal lung infection common in our area. Obsessively, she followed symptoms while monitoring … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Looming on the horizon Older adults have always feared being forced into nursing homes. Now their greatest fear is homelessness. I have provided housecalls to patients … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Hospice care: Follow the money Two criteria are needed for a patient to go on hospice: A terminal diagnosis; Two doctors verifying the need for hospice … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Paying for future care of older adults Taxes from working-age adults support many services and entitlements for those of the older generation. The sheer number of … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) A note on notes My cell phone stopped working as a tower near my home failed. Many of us have had this happen, leading to a … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Listen to my heart, doctor! A doctor visit is not cheap. It not only takes time and effort (especially for those older adults with mobility or … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Healthcare costs: Getting nickel and dimed You can’t escape it. Horror stories abound. Because of healthcare costs, Americans are getting nickel and dimed while losing their … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) An apple a day keeps the doctor away The adage did not intend to mean Apple, Dell, HP, Acer, Lenovo, etc., but that is exactly what … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) What if your doctor lies? Lying is a way of life for some politicians and Wall Street business people. Even though they might be caught, they … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Case scenario of a friend 67 year old male with no significant past medical history admitted to a well-known nationally ranked hospital with weakness and dizziness, … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Fast food My 97 year old mother loves fast food. Is it good for her? Easy answer: She’s 97 years old. Every other weekend, I pick … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Deductibles Before going on Medicare, my health insurance deductible was escalating exponentially. It was $5,000 per year, whereas two decades before it was $250. Enrolling in … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) MD + MBA Let me criticize some of my MD colleagues who now have MBA attached to their title. As you shift to the business team, … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Rising from the ashes Smoke was in the air and ashes rained down on us. Curfew confined the neighborhood at night, yet as young teens seeking … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Aging in place We must ensure seniors remain in their homes for as long as they and their loved ones feel comfortable and safe. The cost … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Lost Evelyn was my patient for 30 years. She lost her husband, and even a son. As mobility and vision decreased, she lost her drivers license … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Medically wise, fiscally responsible She passed away last week. I didn’t know her, but for 6 years I would say hello as I visited patients at … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Age discrimination Some want to retire at 65, while others are forced, relegating many viable older adults to the trash heap. This may be age discrimination. … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) The moral gray zone After eating a steak dinner paid by a pharmaceutical company, is it acceptable for a doctor to prescribe their new marketed drug? … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Staving off suffering I have patents who are in pain. Some had catastrophic events like motor vehicle accidents, or major illness resulting in immobility. Many are … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) An effective doctor office visit for patients Business interests have taken over healthcare, so most physicians are on a tight schedule. For patients, time is not … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) An effective doctor office visit for physicians Healthcare has changed in the past decade, making the doctor office visit integral in sustaining patient medical care. Here … Continue Reading →