Futurelawyer

I Had A Doctor's Appointment Today And I Didn't See Him.

My Health Light Now. I had my Six Month checkup this morning, and I checked email and browsing while I waited in a virtual waiting room. I had a pleasant conversation with my GP, whom I have known for over 30 years, and he was in his office, and I in mine. He had my blood work, and went through it with me. I did my own blood pressure, ECG, Blood Oxygen level, Heart Rate, on my SmartWatch and Smartphone. I joked with him about Physicians' becoming obsolete, and he agreed. But, his wise counsel has been invaluable to me for over 30 years, and we have valuable discussions about my aging body and heart. He and I find it incredible that I am still testing normal on everything. I explained that one of the benefits of genetics; especially Italian-American genetics, is that centuries of hard labor have conditioned us to survive. So, for at least another day, I am alive and kicking. More than that, no one can ask.

Quick, Somebody Call My Cardiologist.

I may have blundered upon the cause of my medical issues. It is the way I was raised. My family is the cause of all my issues. Quick, somebody call my cardiologist.

 

Follow The Science.

I cringe every time someone tells me to "follow the science". Science is the state of daily discovery; and, what was science yesterday, is the false narrative of today. We need to develop a healthy skepticism about what others say about science. Lawyers become quite familiar with so called "expert witnesses", and their questionable "scientific analysis". I tend to play the odds. When scientists tell me that an experimental vaccine is protection against a virus, I recognize that they can't be certain. But, I look at the odds, and decide to get vaccinated. I am not "following the science". I am judging the advantages, risks, and disadvantages, and making a personal decision. Fifty years ago, this is what passed for science in the field of medicine:

If You Need A Mood Altering Drug, Caffeine Is The Best Choice.

5-healthy-reasons-to-drink-coffee. We all experience the need, on occasion, to alter our mood. As a senior, I have chosen, for many years, to use coffee, which has the drug, caffeine, and which has the pleasant effect of increasing alertness, and serving as an energy boost. In fact, I drink it all day long, and have developed a tolerance for it, such that I can drink a cup late in the day, and still sleep soundly. I seldom drink alcohol, with an occasional single malt scotch, several times a year, being the extent of my use of that drug. The negative health effects of too much alcohol have informed my limited use of it, and I have never liked the effects of it anyway. So, if coffee is the choice I have made, I decided to do some research into the long term effects on my body. Of course, at my advanced age, it is too late to make any life changing habit changes; but, I wanted to know anyway. I am happy to report that the science says that caffeine is health enhancing, in several ways. Coffee has been proven to reduce the risk of cancer, reduce the risk of stroke, and help to lower the blood sugar, reducing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. It also has a beneficial effect on depression, and can reduce the risk of dementia, progressing into Alzheimer's disease. My biggest fear, in my declining years, is the loss of mental capacity, and studies have shown that caffeine blocks inflammation of the adenosine receptors in the brain. The adenosine receptors can start a chain reaction to begin a cognitive decline. So, forgive me for this not intended to be humorous post; but, I am going to get another cup of coffee.

If You Grew Up In The Fifties.

Uh, even this graphic is a little outdated. I wear a device on my wrist that has access to all of the cumulative knowledge of mankind, I talk to it, get voice answers, use it to measure my blood oxygen levels, and conduct medical grade ECGs. 

What If A Billionaire Used His Power And Money For Good?

Mark Cuban founds company to provide low cost, generic drugs. Mark Cuban is my new hero. Rather than follow the lead of Big Pharma, and raise drug prices to vulnerable populations, he is using his money and power to found a low cost pharmacy that sells needed drugs at a cost plus price that is transparent. Capitalism works when capitalists are good people. Profit is the best incentive for progress. Yes, some follow baser instincts. But, government control is not the answer. Thanks, Mr. Cuban. You have earned a thank you. Why isn't this on the front page of the Tampa Bay Times?

Shakespeare Was Right. The Past Is Prologue.

I posted this ten years ago. Who knew then about Pandemics? We all thought Monk was crazy, and a character in a TV situation comedy. Shakespeare was right. The past is prologue.

January 24, 2012

"Do You Know Where Your Hands Have Been? As I grow older, germs and illness become more worrisome. Aging geeks need to be conscious of health risks, and we tend to wash our hands more frequently, and use disinfectant wipes more often. However, are you aware that the most dangerous thing you do today may be sitting at the computer reading the FutureLawyer blog? Quick, where are your hands right now? If they are on or near your keyboard or mouse, you are touching the most germ infested places in your house. Yes, that includes the bathroom. If you then touch your face or scratch your nose, or whatever, you have just increased your risk of illness. What to do? Well, my rule has always been, WWMD. No, not the nuclear option, silly. What Would Monk Do? My favorite detective may be obsessive-compulsive; but, he has one thing right. Hands and keyboards and computer mice need to wiped down with a disinfectant wipe regularly. Hands need to be washed often. And, keyboards need to be deep cleaned less often; but, still on a regular basis. This kit from WalMart will make the job easier. Unlike some, I don't recommend removing each key. I have ruined a few keyboards when I couldn't get the keys back on properly. So, stop reading this blog. Get a disinfectant wipe. Wipe down the keyboard and mouse. Go back to computing. Repeat."

Coffee Is My Drug Of Choice, And It Is The Reason I Don't Have Dementia.

Drinking Coffee May Reduce The Risk Of Alzheimers Disease. First, the studies showed that caffeine consumption reduced heart disease and had anti cancer properties. We already knew that coffee increased alertness and awareness. Now, studies show that coffee reduces the accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins, which clump up and clog the brain pathways in Alzheimers patients. Forget an apple a day. Drink 4 to 6 cups of coffee, and keep your wits. This is not a joke, he said between sips of his favorite beverage.

Modern Arthritis Remedies.

Old age and arthritis go together. Sufferers will try anything. Pills, shots, whatever, the medical establishment really has no permanent remedy. Of course, there are many causes, and old age is just one. But, what if we could wear a magic talisman and make the pain go away? If it acts as a finder of lost cutlery, that would be a bonus.

If Masks Are Essential To Public Health???

World Leaders Demonstrating The Necessity Of Masking. I hate wearing masks. However, I follow laws and regulations. I do not, however, give up my right of free speech. If masks are so essential, why did we have to wear them into the restaurant, only to remove them at the table? If vaccines are so necessary, why do we have to wear masks after getting them? Is this just an optics thing to maintain control? Click the link above to see how serious politicians are handling the crisis.