Halloween is heading our way and in spite of the COVID issues, the kids love this holiday.
Ghostbusters does the trick for children of all ages and I now know all the lines from the movie. Yesterday was “decorate the haunted Halloween cookie house day” as in-person school was out. Margie is three and a half and Hank is six, and they were playing together as well as can usually be expected for siblings. Hank had a bit of an attitude and his mother said, “I am sick of it” – maybe a bit over dramatic but a warranted observation/warning. Margie immediately said, I am “sickopate” as well. Everyone involved got a good laugh and the tension was broken. Hope you can find the time to learn some new words this week end.
Hank and Margie went to the Doctor today for their flu shots. Kudos to their mother as both went with a positive mind set and felt very brave and confident with the mostly painless experience. Margie said it did not hurt at all and Hank was similarly stoic. Perhaps this relationship with their health care provider can continue and grow. Benjamin Franklin in 1736 advised as a fire threatened Philadelphians, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The same wisdom applies to guarding our family’s health.
Today I have my annual physical. I have already seen my lab results and “overall” good test results does not allay my basic fear and trepidation. I spent many years on the St Luke’s hospital board and I worked closely with several Chief of Staff physicians. That position is critical to an organization that believes Physician leadership is of paramount importance. The Physician provides guidance to the medical staff and promote’s effective communication between the medical staff, the administration and the Board of Trustees. I asked one COS, what was the most challenging requirement of her work. “I am required to have the skills of Sherlock Holmes and a border collie.” She explained that most of her patients made her determine what was wrong with them from less than straight forward clues and then herd them like a sheep dog to take their medications. A recent study suggests that as many as 80% of all patients lie or withhold information from their providers. It is inexplicable why Patients would put themselves at risk by tryIng to fool their health care advisors. Be true to yourself – and if not you better hope your Dr. is a fine sleuth.
I hope you were able to watch the debate last night. It is very clear in my mind who has the health of our country top of mind. If you have not already voted please make my dream come true—8645.
Mike