A Will Is Not Enough

A Will Is Not Enough

In America, we don’t like talking about mortality. Nor do we like planning for it. About 60 percent of us die without a will. This is a tragedy. Lack of planning can lead to all kinds of problems as the end of life approaches. If you’re not clear about...
Vaccines Can Save Your Life

Vaccines Can Save Your Life

Nothing frustrates me more than all the controversy about vaccines. This tool, the vaccine, has saved uncounted millions from early and terrible deaths. I think many misunderstandings about vaccines have their roots in a misunderstanding about how the practice of...
Planning is Key as Rural Hospitals Shutter

Planning is Key as Rural Hospitals Shutter

No matter where you are, caring for an elder with medical and cognitive issues can be challenging. It can be doubly difficult if you live in a rural area. One trend that hasn’t gotten much public attention is the closing of rural hospitals nationwide. Since 2005, more...
How to Keep Your Gut Healthy

How to Keep Your Gut Healthy

Who knew that gut health could be such a hot topic? Constipation is perhaps the problem I see most often as I’m doing house calls for elders around the San Francisco Bay Area. I often say, “If your gut isn’t healthy, nothing else matters.”...
Elder Agitation Not Always UTI

Elder Agitation Not Always UTI

Your Elder is Anxious and Upset. A UTI Might Be to Blame As I emphasize daily, when an elder is agitated, the first thing to do is look for practical reasons. Very often, a urinary tract infection (UTI) is to blame when an elder is upset. A UTI results when bacteria...