Information and Critical Thinking for Your Health
(Snippets from the frontline) Dodging bullets He fell and couldn’t get up, requiring hospitalization. A surgical procedure corrected the problem. On discharge, medications were changed including stopping a water pill … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Advice to new doctors Learning the art of medicine for 40 years allowed me to accumulate an abundance of clinical experience while being of service to … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Dissecting Life Expectancy statistics Life Expectancy for Americans is decreasing. This is a trend. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) publishes data annually along with interpretation … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) The indignity of getting old Eventually, we all get there. Some say it starts at 40; most hope not until 80: We see … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Embarrassed Gradually over 6 weeks, her symptoms worsened. Being a diabetic two decades, this 70 year old was sensitive to bodily changes. Now with progressive and … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Gatekeepers My senior neighbor, an avid walker, developed a knee problem with pain, swelling, locking, and popping. She went to an HMO primary care doctor who … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) The business takeover of medicine For centuries, American doctors were guided by the Hippocratic Oath caring for their patients. About 30 years ago though, business saw … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Because they can… Raise drug prices Increase rent Boost gasoline costs Inflate health insurance including premiums and deductibles Kick you out of the hospital after 4 … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) In the nick of time She is an 88-year old diabetic discharged from the hospital two days earlier after a three-day stay. Her admitting sugar was … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) The simple path of life Stewart had a green thumb growing seasonal flowers bringing color and sweet aromas to his home. “When I was in the … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Doctors as lie detectors His story was perfect, right out of a medical textbook. He needed pain medication for his unremitting migraine headache, but it was … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Too-big-to-fail should go to jail Thousands and thousands died. Many suffered along with their families. Homicide charges were never filed, and only a slap of the … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) The “glitch” He was ill requiring a stay in the ICU for sepsis. Still weak, yet recovering enough to eat, the “four-day rule” of hospitalization was … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Let’s put grandma in a nursing home! Older adults abhor the thought they might be forced into a nursing home. Yet, they might not have a … Continue Reading →
(Snippets from the frontline) Be a corporation, avoid jail time If a person commits a crime, they can be arrested, go to court, and even face prison time. If a … Continue Reading →
(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 →