Just Walk!

Just Walk!

Even if you walk slowly, even if you walk uncertainly, even if your joints are a little sore, even if you’re a little afraid of falling, even if walking makes you tired, just walk! As I do geriatric house calls around the San Francisco Bay Area, I find myself harping...
Don’t Give up Too Soon

Don’t Give up Too Soon

Recently, I had a patient who kept having terrible bouts of diarrhea. His symptoms were terrible, as terrible as any experienced by a cholera patient. Imagine the worst bout of bowel trouble you’ve ever seen. My patient went to the emergency room, and then he went...
A Reclining Wheelchair is not a Luxury

A Reclining Wheelchair is not a Luxury

I was recently caring for an elderly gentleman who was getting weaker and walking less and less. He lives in a skilled nursing facility. Whenever one of my patients begins to move less, I begin to worry more. Once the elderly begin to really slow down, it’s difficult...
How Can You Avoid the Flu?

How Can You Avoid the Flu?

There are steps you can take in your daily life to help protect you from getting the flu: • #1 Best Step: Wash your hands often with soap and water at least 20 seconds to create a full lather and to reach all crevices of your hands and wrists • Use an alcohol-based...