Information and Critical Thinking for Your Health
(Snippets from the frontline) Pointing fingers We now know our present opiate crisis came not only from illegal foreign drug cartel distribution, but primarily from legally sanctioned and organized American … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Home, your comfort zone The majority of elders seniors pass away in a hospital or nursing home. My patients want to die at home. Home is … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Should hospitals employ doctors? Not legally in California. Why? Because they are afraid profiteering hospital administrators might dangle the salary of employed doctors forcing harmful patient … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Ron – the unknown soldier He was 60 years old when he passed away from a rare cancer on November 1st. Not ever in the military, … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) The other pain reliever My pain management patients use opiates (DEA “Schedule 2”) to make it through the day. I don’t see any of them abusing … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Beyond the realm of modern medicine She was 90 years old and admitted with a stroke. Two weeks before, her rent increased, so she cut her … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Older and sicker stay shorter When an elder senior is admitted to a hospital, Medicare pays a flat fee based on diagnosis to cover the length … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Anger management The patient was angry. He lived in assisted living and was acting out against other residents. I was called to de-escalate the tension…which means … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) In Denial You suddenly become ill. The emergency room doctor feels admission is necessary. Your physician agrees, so you are hospitalized with IVs and testing done. … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Our greatest asset My nephew has two children under the age of 10 who have dual citizenship with Japan. On a recent visit there, they got … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) A phone call away Your loved one has been admitted to a hospital. What is the diagnosis and prognosis? Here are suggestions how to stay up to … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Mother Nature vs. vulnerable seniors We’ve seen it with hurricanes in Florida, flooding in Texas, and fires in California. Vulnerable seniors perish. Why? Does their frailty … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Corralling votes The first objective of newly elected legislators is to get re-elected. Therefore in their crosshairs from the outset are two goals: 1) Expand campaign … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) What’s your DRG? Upon admission to a hospital, Medicare and some insurances assign patients a DRG code (Diagnosis Related Group). This complex system is based on … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) The stethoscope: A symbol or a tool The practice of medicine has become a lost art. When assessing their patients, doctors commonly rely on technology in … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Power of Attorney A major struggle families face is who makes medical decisions if a loved one is mentally incapacitated? Having a legal designee on a … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Age as a pre-existing condition When one reaches 65 years old, there is an option to apply for supplemental insurance known as a “secondary” to cover … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Cancer: The stop button Body cells multiply allowing growth and development. Some cells grow slowly, while others rapidly, all controlled by DNA. When you cut your … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Here’s the scam: Observation Status You’re admitted to the hospital with chest pain. Tests show you did not have a heart attack, and you are discharged … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Marijuana I don’t smoke marijuana but have no problem with those who use it judiciously and responsibly. For some pain management patients, I prescribe marijuana derivatives. … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Lie Detector Innocent prisoners of color pack our jails because they are poor and had no access to reasonable legal representation. Wall Street bankers responsible for … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Skin in the game Our nightmare has begun again as lawmakers are going at it in Washington, D.C. to develop healthcare legislation for the American people. … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Defining where a senior lives Some of my elder seniors have lived in their home for over 50 years, yet age forces difficult decisions moving them … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Drought-free America The essence of health is water. It makes up at least 60 percent of the human body, with our existence dependent on growing crops … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Safe Senior Driving Ever find yourself behind a slow car, and as you pass notice the gray haired driver tightly gripping the wheel while staring and … Continue Reading →