Category: Editorials

(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 →

(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 →