About 20 years ago, a neighbor knocked on my door and very sheepishly asked me if I would answer a question for her. She knew I worked in the medical field and that’s why she was at my door. She told me that her doctor had just advised her that she needed an MRI and that he would see her back after it was performed. She very quietly said to … Read More
AGEISM IN HEALTHCARE
A couple years ago, I was waiting in an exam room at my doctor’s office to discuss a problem with her. The problem was potentially serious and I was anxious about it. In walked a very bubbly, 20-something, medical assistant. She greeted me with “Hi honey, how are we feeling today?”. This girl was younger than my son. Now, I suppose some people would think nothing of it; just write … Read More
DON’T BE BURNED BY MEDICAL GASLIGHTING
On the TODAY show recently, a woman in LA told the story of going to her doctor for stomach pain and severe back pain. She was told there was nothing wrong, not to worry, and that she just needed to lose weight. For four years, she kept going to her providers with the same complaints and was told the same thing. Her symptoms became more severe, she started losing her … Read More
MASTERING A HOSPITAL STAY
You’ve signed all the admission papers, been wheeled up to your hospital room, donned the blue-checked hospital gown and settled into your well-equipped bed. Now, you’re faced with the two big questions. How do I get the best care possible while I’m in here? And, how do I get out of here fast? There are many things you can do to accomplish both goals. I’ll begin with the most important: … Read More
“DOUBLING DOWN” ON YOUR HEALTH
One evening in April 1990, a 58-year-old diabetic gentleman named Jack complained to his wife that he was having a burning sensation in his mid chest and some pain down both arms. He had no prior history of heart disease but did have a history of acid reflux. When a few hours passed and he was not feeling better, his wife took him to the ER. The ER doctor did … Read More
IS SPEECH RECOGNITION HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH?
By now, I think we’ve all had the infuriating experience of calling our cable provider or any number of other oversized companies and being asked by a friendly but thinly disguised ‘robot’ voice to explain the reason for your call. It then processes and regurgitates what you’ve just said and asks you for verification. If it was incorrect, this process can continue until you find yourself screaming “REPRESENTATIVE!” into the … Read More