He was in his ICU bed without movement or brain stem involvement. His weight was down to 90 pounds. His six-foot frame and skeletal body made me gasp. After countless sessions with the patient’s daughter to make her 92-year-old dad “comfort…
Category: Conditions
Menopause changes women’s singing voices
Singing during the years around menopause can bring unforeseen challenges for some women. To Elaine, a 56-year-old professional singer and voice teacher, her voice has felt like a mystery for the last few years. Her vibrato was wider than it used to be…
Teens need later school start times
Daily cries from parents, pediatricians, the press, and the public to reopen schools in the fall are certainly well-intentioned, but they are overlooking a critical opportunity to advance adolescent physical and mental health long after the COVID-19 pa…
JAMA retracts controversial masks study
A controversial study suggesting that masks may harm children by exposing them to high carbon dioxide levels was retracted on Friday. The research letter released in JAMA Pediatrics on June 30 had reported unacceptably high levels of carbon dioxide by …
During COVID, older patients stopped going to the doctor. Here’s how to change that.
When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out last year, Helen (not her real name) took all the right steps to protect herself. The 74-year-old self-isolated, wore a face mask, and practiced social distancing. Helen stayed safe from the virus during this time, …
The memories of a nurse’s old car
Today. Finally, a day off. I could oversleep, roll out of bed, then make a pot of coffee — and prepare for a “do nothing” day. But today is the day. After dealing with more electrical problems on this 160,000-mile-plus car, I will say goodb…
When air hurts and becomes the harshest invader
Wood art When Air Hurts When the Lung Repulses Air When Air Becomes the Harshest Invader When Air Is Heavier Than Mountains This work was inspired by my father and many other patients who were struggling to breathe. The soft, unnoticeable air suddenly …
A case for changing the way we talk about obesity
You are finger. No, I have fingers. You are leg. No, I have legs. You are pancreas. No, I have a pancreas. You are fat. Hmm … Now let’s try this with disease processes: You are diabetes. No, I have diabetes. You are cancer. No, I have cancer. You are a…
Tips to help you overcome your pandemic bad habits
When the COVID-19 pandemic began in the U.S., and states issued stay-at-home orders, many people vowed to use their time at home positively, learning new skills, virtually volunteering, and getting into shape. Now, more than a year into the pandemic, m…
A resignation letter to my patients: How do I leave you well?
Before I walk into clinic, I already know their response if I submitted my resignation letter today. I hear it monthly from multiple patients who have no reason to believe I’m leaving: “You aren’t going to leave too, are you?” &…
