A Heart to Heart About Inflammation and Wellness
Dear friends, I recently met with a woman who had been dealing with stubborn back pain. She tried stretching, heat, rest, almost everything she could think of. When her doctor explained that inflammation might be the real source of her discomfort, she looked surprised. No one had ever told her that the immune system can […]
Who’s in the Study? What Every Patient Should Know About Clinical Trials
Dear friends, Every January, I take a moment to pause and think about the year ahead. What can I do better as a woman, wife, parent, and grandparent. But also, what can I do better as a physician and patient advocate? From the professional perspective, that question came into sharper focus during a medical conference […]
Say Yes to Less and More to Me
Dear friends, This year has been a teacher. It has brought joy and heartache, full schedules and quiet moments, and more than a few lessons I didn’t know I needed. One of the biggest was learning how to set and honor my own boundaries. This was not only for the sake of my peace, but […]
Hope, Comfort, and Clarity: Knowing Your Options Before You Need Them
Dear friends, November is both National Family Caregivers Month and National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to talk about something that many families tiptoe around until it’s too late. What happens when health takes a turn, and how do we honor someone’s wishes at the end of their life? […]
Are Pink Ribbons and Dresses Enough to Save Us?
Dear friends, For 40 years now, October has meant pink everything, from ribbons to football cleats to grocery store displays. And while I appreciate the power of awareness campaigns, I’ve been thinking: have we let the message about breast cancer get too comfortable? Awareness is where the conversation starts, but action is what saves lives. […]
Don’t Suffer in Silence, Break the Pain Code
Dear friends, Let’s talk about something most of us deal with but don’t always talk about: pain. I don’t mean the kind that fades after a stubbed toe, paper cut, or even an occasional headache. It’s the kind that lingers and disrupts your workday, your mood, your relationships, and your ability to simply enjoy life. […]
Back-to-School Basics Every Family Needs
Dear friends, Before August hits, like clockwork are the commercials for backpacks on sale, school supplies in every aisle, and kids everywhere groaning like summer break just got canceled forever. Whether you’ve got toddlers starting preschool or teens who suddenly grew six inches over the summer, one thing is certain: back-to-school season is the perfect […]
Good Sleep Is Good Medicine
Dear friends, If there were a prescription that could improve your memory, help regulate your blood pressure, boost your mood, keep your immune system strong, and even slow the aging process, wouldn’t you take it? Well, that miracle medicine already exists. It’s called sleep. Give yourself permission to rest. In a world that constantly pushes […]
Let’s Talk Men’s Health
Dear friends, Ladies, let’s talk. In your household, you’re probably the appointment-makers, the gentle nudgers, and the health whisperers when it comes to healthcare for your family. You’ve likely done it all at one point or another: scheduled your dad’s colonoscopy, convinced your husband to get that blood pressure checked, and made sure your teenage […]
Grief: A Personal Reflection on Managing Mental Health
Dear friends, I recently experienced something that every single soul on this planet has or will eventually go through. I lost my Mom. Grief impacts the body as well as the mind. When possible, focus on getting restful sleep, more movement, and staying hydrated. These small, but powerful acts of self-care can support healing from […]