We are engaged in starting a new year, and with it, we are facing a host of issues that require the co-operation of federal and state agencies, as well as hospital systems and, above all, those of us who put on a white lab coat, a stethoscope and flashlight, and walk into homes, rooms, hospitals, and our offices every day. Regardless of how rich or poor a country may be, we all suffer from viruses, infection, oncological diseases, DM, heart disease and a plethora of other illnesses. Although our country is among the most sophisticated and educated, our position in the healthcare charts of the planet demonstrate that, “We can do better.” The job of doing better starts with you and me.
Prevention is the hallmark to try to establish a foothold on this mountain of attitudes: short care visits, lack of patient education, and the possible future of vaccines in this country. Where are we going? What ever happened to “throw out the bathwater but keep the baby?” Where is the common sense and scientific support, diminishing the very same things that started evolving in the fifties and almost totally destroyed polio, other childhood diseases, and stronger teeth because of fluoride? Yes, we can do better.
Martin Luther King once said, “When you are right, you cannot be too radical; When you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative.” I hope that I am not displaying a one-sided opinion; but the data is available for you to evaluate. Coach Vince Lombardi of the Green Bay Packers is a great source to find affirming quotes and challenging ideas. He said, “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field.” The United States Marines are an excellent example: they have not forgotten their oath and proudly say, Semper Fi. We all were fortunate enough to have a “white coat” ceremony and, for many of us, we were not simply repeating an oath. This was a commitment and an almost spiritual moment in our career that we can never forget. Every member of the armed forces took an oath saying, “I am an American fighting man (or woman) dedicated to serving my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.” How many wars do we need to fight to realize that once called, we maintain our pledge to our country? We can do better.
If we can do better, what can we do? Perhaps it is as easy as telling our patients who are over sixty-five that they are not middle-aged. I recently claimed this to my wife, who responded, “How many people have you encountered who are 150?” Seniors need to be coaxed into beginning an exercise program, to eat more nutritious foods, watch their alcohol consumption when they are on polypharmacy. It is never too late to ditch whatever they are smoking. Review their medications so that they may be informed as to what is redundant, no longer needed, and what the contraindications are when mixed with alcohol. They want to see the world better, hence your suggestion to have them visit an optometrist for both near and far sightedness, and the probable cataract. I know that this would make me more comfortable on the road. Most seniors begin to have minor memory problems, such as walking into a room and forgetting why they entered it. Perhaps they went into their office to obtain their glasses but forgot their hearing aids. When it comes to hearing, many seniors have issues, and treating this will help prevent an early state of dementia. They can fool-proof their homes by improving lighting, removing obstacles to places that you may enter at night such as a bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen. I noticed in my life that I was wearing the wrong type of shoe as the big, thick heel also causes a person to “rock and roll.” And please suggest handrails in the bathroom, showers and their stairways. Socks keep them warm at night but are a hazard when walking down wooden steps.
We treat the elderly but, in general, we are primary care oriented; our practices include children, their parents and friends. Have you looked at the reports from the DOH, and the WHO? Flu is a real disease that can result in hospitalization in an immune-compromised person. There is at present a very large increase in Influenza, Covid 19, and RSV. Yes, there are vaccines that can help to prevent them, but they are not perfect. Both my wife and I received all our immunizations and still got the flu, but it only lasted 18 hours. We still need to affirm the worth of this scientific knowledge and encourage our patients to avail themselves of the available vaccines. We need to advocate for our patients and in communities; we need to speak to those who have the ability to lower prescription drugs, which will stop highway robbery in the pharmaceutical industry.
As we start this new year, let us be optimistic: we can change the landscape if we are true to our calling. We can protect ourselves by healthy eating, which can be difficult with some of our specialties. We can spend more time with family. We can protect our family and our license by getting a tried-and-true malpractice company with an AA BEST- Superior rating, as they will be there when and if you need them. We can exercise and get more sleep; sleep deprivation is as dangerous as a drunk driver on the road. Do you wish to be good or great this coming year? Churchill once said, “The price of greatness is responsibility.” That is what we are looking to achieve in 2025, a sense of responsibility that makes us take the extra step to see our patients healthy and prevent sickness and injury. I and the CM&F team wish you a safe, healthy and productive new year.
Written For CM&F By: Robert M. Blumm, PA, DFAAPA, PA-C Emeritus
CM&F Clinical Advisor
