Congratulations Drew and welcome back home to Ohio
RichC | July 1, 2017
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Thinking of a college roommate and his family today
RichC | June 11, 2017
It was one short year ago (6/11/2016) that the the news shocked me that one of my college roommates collapsed and died while cycling near Columbus Ohio. My college orientation roommate and one of three 4th year roommates, Bill Gordon was an avid cyclist and was probably in far better physical shape than most, but […]
Archive: A look at allergy medication options
RichC | June 8, 2017
A lot of people struggle with seasonal allergies, but for me it seems to be something I’m noticing later in life? As with most minor health issues, we deal with it and move on when it goes away. This past month or so the runny-nose and watery eyes symptoms have bothered me enough to take […]
Rep Tom McClintock (R-CA) weighs in with Neil Cavuto
RichC | April 5, 2017
As California Congressman Tom McClintock (R-CA) excogitated his ideas and explained the slow progress of repealing and replacing Obamacare with Neil Cavuto, he quoted one of his late fellow Californians, Paul Masson, "We will sell no wine before its time." How apropos to healthcare reform (listen or watch below). That wasn’t the only smart saying […]
What does one do with an old cigarette box or cigarettes?
RichC | February 21, 2017
I was fortunate to have one of the greatest childhoods. My immediate family was very close with my mom’s parents (my grandparents) and her sister and family. We spent many times together and every holiday. My cousin Diane and husband Bert remain “relatively” close to this day and occasionally text message back and forth. Hm, […]
Can the Federal Government find political balance?
RichC | January 26, 2017
My answer: Rarely does the pendulum find the middle. Neither the fiscal or social policy balancing coming from Washington DC makes much sense to me. There have to be moderates who see validity in each others positions? Rather than the black and white collisions between the liberal Democrats and the conservative Republicans’ points of view, […]
CVS Generic Competitor to EpiPen for $109.99
RichC | January 12, 2017
CVS is now selling a rival, generic version of Mylan’s EpiPen at about a sixth of its price, just months after the maker of the life-saving allergy treatment was eviscerated before Congress because of its soaring cost to consumers.The drugstore chain says it will charge $109.99 for a two-pack of the authorized generic version of […]
Music Monday: Starting 2017 with a favorite song by The Carpenters
RichC | January 2, 2017
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Dad posts heartbreaking photo of daughter
RichC | November 3, 2016
This is not a feel photo or story, and I suspect like me, seeing 4 year-old Jessica Whelan suffering from cancer and in pain in front of her dad is enough to bring tears to the eyes of any parent. For those sheltered from this kind of agony, a social network shared photo like this speaks […]
Can science and snakes help solve our Opioid problem?
RichC | November 2, 2016
Our go-to pain killers are addictive and over prescribed … that’s a given. The problem is what can be done besides better management and stiffer penalties (debatable) to solve the near epidemic problem with Opioid addiction (PDF). Enter the lowly venomous snake. Toxins in the venom of poisonous snakes have the properties of triggering nerves […]
Eating Fruit While Pregnant May Boost A Baby’s Intelligence
RichC | August 31, 2016
Now that I’m going to be a grandfather, it is time to start reading (or re-reading) all those important articles about babies again. Eating Fruit While Pregnant May Boost A Baby’s Intelligence By DANA WECHSLER LINDEN Aug. 29, 2016 9:00 a.m. ET New research raises the intriguing possibility that eating more fruit during pregnancy […]
So very true: Living Near Water Can Reduce Stress
RichC | June 7, 2016
The other day in Mental Floss I read that a "Study Confirmed What We Already Knew: Living Near Water Can Reduce Stress." I can attest to this since we lived by the water when I was a boy. My parents had a home on the shores for Lake Erie with a 150 foot private beach […]
MedAire Travel Risk Map for 2016
RichC | February 11, 2016
(lower resolution JPG image above – download full resolution PDF from MedAire) MedAire launched its Travel Risk Map 2016 PDF, an interactive map that highlights medical and security risks across the globe. The online map rates regional security as ‘extreme’, ‘high’, ‘medium’, ‘low’ or ‘insignificant’, and medical risks as ‘low’, ‘medium’, ‘high’, ‘very high’ or ‘rapidly […]
So when is it overkill to be worried about infectious disease?
RichC | January 18, 2016
Do you really need to put toilet paper on the seat like mom taught you? "If it makes you feel better," says Melissa Hawkins, director of the public health scholars program at American University, who’s an expert in biostatistics, behavioral health and community health. "The toilet seats are not a vehicle for the transmission of […]
A Walgreens buying Rite Aid deal could be $10 Billion
RichC | October 28, 2015
With a few connections in the drug store world, it is always interesting to see who’s next in the acquisitions and mergers. On Tuesday, the financial news filled up mid-day with the latest deal: Walgreens Boots Alliance seeking to buy Rite Aid Corp. This would merge the second and third largest chains together and reduce […]
Return to work day for Brenda after her summer accident
RichC | October 13, 2015
It’s been almost 10 weeks since Brenda fractured her pelvis and busted up her shoulder and today is “return to work day.” We are hoping she can tolerate it. The physical therapy has gone well but it has been a challenging recovery in getting to this point. Brenda is exceedingly appreciative to one particular occupational […]
A day with doctors and shoulder surgery follow-up
RichC | September 29, 2015
It was the first day of rain and ugly weather that we’ve had here in Cincinnati for a while as we have had a near perfect end to summer and beginning of fall … so, it was not all that bad of a day for doctor appointments. First, I had my annual physical knowing that […]
Music: Put a little sugar on it honey, put a little sugar on it baby
RichC | September 27, 2015
My brother-in-law Gary is in the hospital in Atlanta recovering from surgery this past Friday … and while we were thinking about him, Brenda and I laughed at the few odd things that Gary says and does (some funny and some just odd … I smile just thinking about it!) At one of our family […]
Have scientists found a cure for seasickness?
RichC | September 7, 2015
Imperial College London scientists are developing a device that will plug into a mobile phone and deliver a short shock to the head via a set of electrodes. They hope it will be on sale within five years. Source: Have scientists found a cure for seasickness?
Update: Rehab for Brenda is slow, painful but steady
RichC | August 25, 2015
It has been 25 days since surgery and about a month since my wife’s fall off a ladder. The rehabilitation is actually going well when observing the healing from the outside — the incision is relatively clean. Brenda isn’t ready for photos … so I’ll just include the last photo (right) of her are pre-injury […]
Rehabilitation Birthday wishes to my wife Brenda
RichC | August 12, 2015
Those having endured recovering and rehab know the challenges ahead for Brenda and those following my limited blog posts probably know what I’ve been pre-occupied with after my wife’s fall and my dad’s stroke … but we’re moving forward. Today (August 12th) is my wife’s birthday … hardly a “yippee” event this year … but […]
Temporary ramp is ready for the return of the Bionic woman
RichC | August 4, 2015
It has been a whirlwind week as we hope all medical checks on Tuesday morning are a “go” for returning home. Brenda and I weighed the options and since she can’t do any weight bearing physical therapy on her left leg or left arm, there isn’t much sense to going to an in-patient rehab facility. […]
Dad back from 3 days in the hospital and THE INCISION
RichC | August 3, 2015
It was the weekend for visiting … both my dad who returned to Lane Park Assisted Living in Sidney, Ohio and my wife Brenda who is recovering from her fall from a ladder (previous posts: One, Two and Three with more below). Thanks to my brother Ron, decisions for my dad was something I didn’t […]
Surgery update on Brenda and my friend Keith is also ailing
RichC | August 1, 2015
As my daughter Katelyn told me prior to Brenda’s surgery to reconstruct her damaged shoulder and upper arm … "take a deep breath." I did, but didn’t know I would be holding it for 4 hours (a few details below – also previous posts 1 and 2). When the surgery was over, Dr. Wyrick […]
Surgery — Waiting, waiting, waiting…
RichC | July 31, 2015
While waiting outside on a beautiful afternoon for Brenda’s surgery to be finished, I will try a blog post from my phone. The reconstruction of her shoulder/arm was scheduled for 11am, but she was not wheeled away until 12:45pm. Hopefully all will go as planned in the scheduled 3 hours? Last night I took a […]
A difficult week and it is not over yet
RichC | July 30, 2015
The above is a pretty innocuous photo: pine trees, a tree trimming pole and a ladder on the ground. It was the beginning to a difficult week as my wife Brenda started to trim a couple larger white pines (as she often does with magnolias and other smaller trees and bushes around our home). She […]
The Supreme Court upholds Obamacare subsidies
RichC | June 25, 2015
Most Americans, not covered under government healthcare programs, have been feeling the higher cost of healthcare since Obamacare as traditional policies give way to high deductible plans which cost them more than their previously “more” inclusive lower deductible plans – so much for “keeping your healthcare plan.” Commonsense dictates that restructuring so those who actually […]
New Study: Vitamin Pill could reduce risk of skin cancer
RichC | May 20, 2015
Looks like we may be onto something here … People who took a single vitamin pill twice a day cut their risk of the two most common forms of skin cancer by nearly a quarter, Australian researchers reported Wednesday. (Tweet This) The vitamin is a form of vitamin B3 called nicotinamide, and it’s sold in […]
New Fixes for Worn Knees
RichC | May 6, 2015
Millions of people damage their knees. Scientists are testing implanting an artificial meniscus or inducing the body to grow a new one. Source: New Fixes for Worn Knees
Personal: We moved my dad from rehab to assisted living
RichC | April 17, 2015
I don’t think many of us are properly prepared to make the decisions that are needed to care for elderly parents. Even though my brother and I have been through medical needs, nursing and then hospice care for my mom, we were still not knowledgeable when it came to handling dad. Thankfully, if you have […]
One of the more interesting Health Care discussions …
RichC | April 15, 2015
NPR’s Tom Ashbrook entertained an interesting discussion around the Cadillac plan tax which is part of Obamacare. If you’ve notice changes in your plan (just as colleges have), you will understand the emotions in the discussion. Well worth listening too … and yes, I’m a conservative who sometimes listens to NPR. NPR Tom Ashbrook […]
The Color of Pee — Cleveland Clinic
RichC | March 29, 2015
It has long been known that the color of urine can give doctors a insight into a patients health. For most in our day to day lives, it is a good way to monitor IF we are drinking enough water. Check out the info graphic below or the Cleveland Clinic Health Hub.
Busy dealing with health concerns for our parents
RichC | March 15, 2015
The past couple of months have been filled with caring for our parents as both my wife’s mom and my dad are facing common issues associated with aging. No matter how you deal with it, having health issues in your eighties is neither easy for elderly parent or the family struggling to care for them. […]
March marched in like a lion with weather and health concerns
RichC | March 7, 2015
A catch up post since hear in Cincinnati we have had a much snowier February and early March than usual … although a change is coming, so I hear? Sharing a few medical concerns: Activities this first week of March have revolved around medical care for a few in my family. Most pressing concerns are […]
How about putting ALL that health care savings into a 529 plan?
RichC | January 28, 2015
After 6-years of saving $2,500 each year on our “unchanged plan” or greatly improved “21st century” Obamacare health care plan, Democrats in congress and President Obama have made it possible for average Americans to have now amassed $15,000 (6 yrs x $2500) … no thanks to those Republicans voting against it (#sarcasm). And since getting […]
Archive: Future hope for Ménière’s, tinnitus and hearing loss
RichC | January 12, 2015
As a conservative … politically, I probably don’t give enough credit to the Old Gray Lady for their often excellent articles covering content outside of politics. This weekend was no exception and I wanted to archive an article which has personal interest … and is something I’d like to look in to as an investor […]
An update on my dad and his not so friendly visitor
RichC | December 13, 2014
Wow … just couldn’t believe the lower gas prices this week as oil continues to tumble down under $60/barrel. The abundant supplies and inventory along with the recession in Europe and slowdown in China has really put pressure on world prices. I’ve seen news photos of gasoline selling under $2.00 out west and while driving […]
Weekend wrap up with my dad and ethanol problems
RichC | December 8, 2014
The last week or so has been busier than usual with my dad needing to make a surprise visit to the hospital after a fall. He lives alone since my mom past away (2 years ago – wow time flies) and has not been doing the best job with fixing meals for himself or monitoring […]
Good news: Dr. Katelyn Oostra is officially board certified
RichC | November 21, 2014
Even though my “kids” are now adults, I’m continuing my “proud papa” blogging. My daughter Katelyn sent me a cellphone snap of her “passed the 2014 General Pediatrics Certifying Examination” letter. Way to go Dr. Oostra … you are now officially board certified and working at a great group practice. Speaking of an well run […]
Obamacare remarks from Jonathan Gruber draw media scrutiny
RichC | November 15, 2014
Some of the political hot-potato news this past week was related to self described “off the cuff” comments from MIT’s Jonathan Gruber a respected health economist. He helped craft President Obama’s health care law and was captured on video commenting about the “stupidity of the American voter” and suggesting the law was passed dishonestly (NYTimes). […]
The Ebola Song – humor from the IMUS in the morning show
RichC | October 22, 2014
Youtube VIDEO was Removed It is probably in bad taste to be chuckling at anything related to Ebola … but neither my wife or I have been able to get the Imus show’s Comedian Rob Bartlett‘s ‘The Ebola Song’ (audio mp3) out of our heads. I’m hoping you’ll don’t have the same problem every time […]
Glen Campbell performing I’m Not Gonna Miss You
RichC | October 18, 2014
Glen Campbell was always a favorite entertainer, singer and songwriter while I was growing up … especially that 1975 “Rhinestone Cowboy” year. He was one of the few musicians enjoyed by both my parents and me, which either made me an “odd” teen or very fortunate to have similar musical taste? Unfortunately for his family, […]
Policies need to change to stop Ebola and protect U.S. citizens
RichC | October 15, 2014
WSJ’s “Ebola’s Deadly Reach” map of locations I understand our government’s reluctance to over react to the deadly Ebola virus, but disagree with the lack of precautions being taken to prevent the spread by those traveling from Western Africa to the United States … particularly by air. Commonsense dictates that we expect too much from […]
Ebola: How serious is it in the U.S. and what should we do?
RichC | October 9, 2014
Reality … as of yesterday … is that the long studied Ebola (EBOV or the related strain Marburg virus) is now a killer in the U.S. Hopefully those having contact with the first U.S. death, Liberian Thomas Duncan, are quarantined and that the infectious virus is being contained to the Dallas area. After a couple […]
Archive: My daughter Katelyn is now certified in Pediatrics
RichC | June 30, 2014
After blogging about my kids for years, it is difficult to stop archiving events in their lives, so I might as well mark another milestone for my daughter. Katelyn completed her pediatric residency at Columbus Ohio’s Nationwide Children’s Hospital (seems like she just matched) and is anxious to start her practice at Wayzata Children’s Clinic, […]
Sarcopenia and working to maintain your muscles as you age
RichC | June 29, 2014
Aging sneaks up on most of us and before you know it your muscles have atrophied and often joints become a painful reminder that we may have abused them in our youth. Thankfully, I’m still functioning on all cylinders even if I’m regularly reminded that I can’t (and shouldn’t) try to physically work as I […]
Adding select herbs to your diet for health and healing
RichC | June 2, 2014
My go-to “supplement” is usually natural whole foods for ailments, but a Google+ friend shared a handy chart for using herbs and I’m taping a version of it on the inside of our spice cabinet thinking that we might give it a try. Noticing that Curry powder is used for joint pain I may just […]
Global obesity rates for children are up 47% since 1980
RichC | May 29, 2014
I notice short bit in the WSJ about He Liang and his “homemade suitcase vehicle in the streets of Changsha, China,” and about the only difference I can see is that the Chinese “scooter” is a little narrower when compared to our American-sized versions? (I would include a smiley below, but it is more shameful […]
Obamacare is on life support. It is time to pull the plug.
RichC | December 28, 2013
2013 introduced us to the pain of what sold to America as the Affordable Health Care for America Act by the 2008 Democrats during President Obama’s first term. Instead of “affordable,” Obamacare launched with high premiums, high deductibles and far more frustrations for those who were already insured by their employers or paying for health […]
Challenging changes that were part of 2013
RichC | December 27, 2013
It has been both a wonderful and unsettling year of change for our family. We’ve had the highs of a wedding (Katelyn and Drew) and a college graduation (Taylor), AND the emotional lows with the passing of parents. The above events were as they should be and in keeping with the human condition … but […]
How to get rid of a headache without taking an analgesic
RichC | December 22, 2013
Who says spending time on social networking sites like Twitter is a waste of time? Here’s a tip that makes perfect sense in theory (mind you, I have not tried it). I don’t often have headaches, but if I do, it would be nice not to resort to taking Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or […]
What can we learn from overseas health care
RichC | December 11, 2013
The other day in sorting through my email inbox (need to work on a few more filters), I ran across a personal story about medical care overseas … in this case Bangkok, Thailand. For some of us, including the author, there is a preconceive notion that going into a hospital in southeast Asia is dangerous […]
Holding our breath: National Fellowship match day is here.
RichC | December 4, 2013
We are anxiously waiting to find out where Drew and Katelyn will be living next year, but more importantly … I suppose [grin] … which Hematology fellowship program my son-in-law will be in. After talking with him about each of the interviews, there are pluses for each medical program (of course he’s a positive guy). […]
Human frailties and the need for our Father’s hand
RichC | December 2, 2013
While messaging my friend Scott last night, I realized just how painful relationships amongst humans can be … be they casual friendships (caring for one another) or intimate bonds between family members (parents, spouses, children). In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray […]
Taking a personal look at the Affordable Care Act
RichC | November 21, 2013
Partisanship and opinions aside a moment, I took a serious look at the Affordable Care Act and exchange pricing just to see what it might cost IF one was to retire early and purchase heath care on the exchanges. As a resident of Ohio (or Florida), which both have federally run exchanges, the monthly outlay […]
Obamacare – Dave Ramsey suggests doing the math
RichC | October 20, 2013
Last week Dave Ramsey attempted to simplify the Affordable Care Act on his financial advice radio program for his listeners. He asked listeners to take off the political blinders – be they those of the supporters of Obamacare or those who want the law overturned. In a “tough love” Dave Ramsey kind of way, he […]
Pediatric Medicine: Buzzy for pain free shots
RichC | October 11, 2013
When information on Buzzy came to my inbox, I had to forward the URL to my daughter just in case she wasn’t aware of it as won’t be long before she’ll be finished with her residency. She is currently in her third year at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus and will soon be joining or […]
Obamacare will impact NE Ohio and the Cleveland Clinic
RichC | September 22, 2013
The Cleveland Clinic is a bright spot in medical care for those of us living in Ohio and for people from around the country (and world) who need some of the best medical care available. The Clinic was even touted as a role model of health care by President Obama when pushing for his Affordable […]
Chewing string cheese to reduce tooth decay
RichC | September 10, 2013
Saw this in the Wall Street Journal personal section today and although I knew about the gum, I did not know about the string cheese (for the fun of it, I’m trying the iPhone’s Mobile OCR app to capture text). Studies show two things people can chew to help ward off tooth decay. One, Dr. […]
What Obamacare will cost if you are in your 20s or 30s
RichC | July 27, 2013
The question posed by the WSJ this past week was “will the young and give up disposable income to pay for health insurance” or with they pay the penalty until it becomes too expensive? It has been difficult to explicate the complex and questionably titled “Affordable Care Act” – Obamacare to many who are politically […]
Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee
- lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
- digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.