In Every Issue: The Lighter Side of Health Care
“Amy, I’m telling you right now that you can’t use contacts. You’re going to need bifocals and use them for a while before we can talk about contacts,” Dr. Anon said, leaving me feeling like an 8-year-old. Well, I can behave like an 8-year-old. “I don’t want bifocals. I can read just fine,” I said, … Read more
“Hey, you think she’s single?” my father asked as the beautiful nurse breezed past. “DAD!” I hissed, “Remember what we talked about, please. I’m begging you. Do. Not. Flirt.” In a put-on, aged voice he creaked, “Why no, honey. I don’t remember. I’m just an old man. You can’t expect me to remember everything.” The … Read more
When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I made the only rational decision anyone with this diagnosis could make. I inundated myself with more information than the average human brain could possibly absorb. Knowledge is power, right? Right? My bookshelves bow under the weight of books covering an impossible breadth of cancer-related minutiae, both scientific … Read more
“I … I think I have hyperthyroidism.” “What? Why?” “Or I might have Supraventricular Tachycardia.” “Supercali … what? What are you talking about?” “Google says my symptoms, heart palpitations and shaking could be…” “You also have a hangover and haven’t had anything but coffee today. You’re probably just dehydrated.” “Oh, yes. WebMD symptom checker says … Read more
It’s that time of year. Clean out the closets. Ditch what doesn’t bring you joy. Clear out the cobwebs. In January, I committed to an early spring cleaning of self-care. This did not include trips to the spa, mud masks or massages. Instead, I unburdened myself of behaviors that don’t foster a better sense of … Read more
“A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down,” Julie Andrews chirped along with a robin as she portrayed magical nanny Mary Poppins. She seemed quite unlike my paternal grandmother, Margot, who decided that cold medicine went down best with a jigger of I.W. Harper muddled into a swirl of hot tea, lemon and honey. … Read more