Health Care or Health Scare?

Would you feed buttered white toast to someone suffering from obesity? It’s a silly question, isn’t it? Of course you wouldn’t. That would be counterproductive and even damaging. This seems like common sense that doesn’t remotely require a medical degree. Why then are so many hospitals feeding patients with foods that can, and do, more harm than good?

My sister, Samantha, has been struggling with a rare auto-immune disorder called Dermatomyositis. It’s a mouthful, I know. Among the many dastardly effects of this disorder is inflammation.

Medication Recalls, Oh My!

It was a morning almost like any other. The sun was shining on this late November day, the birds were chirping, the coffee was perking, and the zen was flowing. Then, all was interrupted by a text alert that a particular high blood pressure medication had been RECALLED.

The first thing I considered as my step-father read the details aloud was that I had always associated the word RECALL with THINGS like cars or phones or toys. How wrong I was. How awful to think that a medication that you are currently taking to improve or maintain your health can actually harm you.

After sharing with me the details of the recall, my stepfather announced that this medication was, in fact, the medication that he currently takes. Without missing a beat, or paying any attention to the terror on my mug, he emailed his doctor:

 Hey, Dr. Doctor: 

I just wanted to let you know that I just read about the recall on my high blood pressure medication. I did take it this morning. Let me know how you would like to proceed.

I was impressed with that he hadn’t immediately had an urge to panic or feel anger or despair. He took control by letting his doctor know that he was keeping up with current trends in medication.

Does this make me worry less about why there are medications being perscribed that are potentially harmful? Nope.

Lesson: Take control of all things that pertain to you by being informed. Read, listen, and watch and advocate for yourself by talking with your doctor. Do not rely on blind trust and an assumed expertise. You are your own best advocate. 

Cyber Monday!

It’s CYBER MONDAYYYYY. OMG. I don’t know about you, but I can’t help feeling torn between wanting to reject shopping entirely or wanting to embrace the frivolous frenzy of buying as much as possible before the day’s end. I have a theory about what makes me feel this way. 

To begin with, there are many smart marketing people out there playing on our every emotion in order to make us feel  like we MUST take advantage of one of a kind deals on Cyber Monday. 

Florida?

We’re waking up this Sunday morning to a beautiful view of the Fort Lauderdale Intercoastal Waterway. It is, in our opinion, one of the most unique places to be. We love to travel and have been to many amazing and magical places, but there is just something about Fort Lauderdale that makes you, well, fall in love. 

The Intercoastal Waterway system here in Fort Lauderdale is as impressive as it is functional.