Dr. Snyder's Healthy Family Blog

Doctor Heal Thyself?

2012-02-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

There's an old saying, "Doctors make the worst patients." This may or may not be true, but I can tell you being both a doctor and a patient is......well a bit weird. I'm not exactly sure why, but I have a few ideas. Tomorrow I'll have a chance to experience being a patient once more and maybe that will shed some light on the issue.

I have a condition called subglottic stenosis. This is a fancy way of saying I have scar tissue that has grown in my upper airway. We're not sure why I got this. It is a condition which is usually congenital and usually diagnosed in children. In adults it almost always happens due to trauma to the airway, either being on a ventilator, or trauma to the neck. In my case, I have idiopathic subglottic stenosis. Idiopathic is doctor speak for "we have no idea why you have it".

At any rate, the condition causes a narrowing in my airway. This limits my breathing and makes it hard for me to tolerate any kind of physical activity or exertion. It also means that any cold or allergy problems I have make it worse. Imagine breathing through a drinking straw all the time. Well, that's how I feel. I was diagnosed with this problem in 2007. Tomorrow I'll have the procedure to fix it for the third time. It's a simple surgery where they use a laser to burn off the tissue and restore my airway to near normal size. It may or may not come back again, but at least for some time I'll get relief of my symptoms.

Here's some pictures of my first surgery

The picture in the upper right hand corner is before the procedure.That tiny little hole is what I breathe through. If you head straight down that hole you'd hit my trachea and then lungs. This is about the size of a baby's airway. The picture in the upper left hand corner is the picture after the laser burns away the scar tissue. That is about 2/3 of what a normal adult airway should be but you can see it's a huge improvement. The other 2 pics show after the doctor inserted a balloon to dilate the area before the laser. After the laser he injects medication into the area to try to reduce swelling and future scarring.

I think being a patient is hard for me and other doctors for several reasons. First, we know what happens backstage. Not to say there is anything scary or wrong going on, but we do know every conceivable thing that might go wrong. All the things that we would assure our patients hardly ever happen. Like any other patient I have to realize that the benefits of the procedure outweigh any risks.

Second, our colleagues and people we supervise are going to see us naked. Yes, it is just weird having someone you will see next week in the staff meeting while in a gown and no undies. Just weird. At least a regular patient will hopefully never see the nurses or doctors again. With me, there's a chance I'll be chatting with them at lunch tomorrow.

Giving up control is very difficult for doctors. We're used to calling the shots, making the hard decisions. Naturally each of us thinks his or her way of doing things is the best. As patients we have to sit back in the passenger seat and let someone else drive. And anyone whose ridden while their spouse drives knows how hard that is. No matter how much you trust that person, sometimes you get jumpy if traffic piles up.

I think all doctors should have to experience being a patient at some point. It certainly has taught me a lot about how to help patients through their procedures. For instance, I always try to stay away from too much medical jargon. When I've been a patient I notice so much doctor speak being used. Of course I know the language and I don't need an interpreter, but many patients won't necessarily know what intravenous fluid or endotracheal tube means.

And even with all my advantages knowing all the risks and benefits. Knowing exactly what the anesthesiologist will do, what drugs they will use, what the nurses will do, how the surgeon will perform the procedure, being a patient is just plain scary. I think it is so important for all of us healthcare providers to remember that. We deal with these things everyday. We live in this land of needles and x-rays and drugs and scalpels. Our patients do not. It's like being dropped on a different planet.....naked.

The biggest advice I can give to patients is that you should never be afraid to ask questions. Never be afraid to let your nurse or doctor know that you do not understand something they have said. If you feel uncomfortable about something, let someone know. But also, choose physicians and hospitals where you can place your trust. It's important that when you are at your most vulnerable you know you have someone that is doing everything to help you. And then......try to relax. Being anxious and uptight can only make things more difficult.

Finally, do what your doctors say. Rest when they tell you, eat what they tell you and don't do things they've told you NOT to do. This is the hardest for doctors. We all think we're superhuman and that we can be back to work seeing patients sooner than we should. We all think we know better. Well....we don't. And we often tell our patient's one thing and do another. Of course not me. NO, no me. I promise I will do what I'm told. I want to feel better.

I want to get back to my workouts and Taekwondo classes and heck, being able to climb the stairs without sucking wind. I am thankful that my health problem is simple to fix. There are many way worse things that can happen. For the time being, I'm going to let my doctor self rest and turn myself into patient me. At least I'm going to try!

What's your excuse???

2012-01-23T20:13:00.000-08:00

Right about now the new has worn off those resolutions. It's a little harder. Maybe you're going a little longer between workouts. Maybe you're eating a little more than you were at first. I know how it goes. Two years ago I never worked out. Two years ago I was 75 pounds heavier. I can't tell you what made me do it, but I can tell you I just decided. It's not like I didn't know what to do. I just never did it. I had ALL sorts of excuses for why I couldn't eat right and exercise.

Over the last 2 years the thing that surprised me most is how much I really do enjoy exercise now that I do it consistently. These days I'm working out 5-6 days a week, sometimes twice a day. I have 3 kids and a full time career. I have a very busy life, but I made the decision that my health was worth the sacrifice. I get up early for a cardio workout most days. I have a stationary bike and some weights at home. I also have videos and a treadmill. In fact I have a WHOLE collection of exercise do-dads collected over the years as I made resolutions year after year. All of them were gathering dust, but not anymore.

On top of that I started Taekwondo classes. I go to class a minimum of twice a week. I am now half way to black belt. I don't know how long it will take me to get there, but I am absolutely determined to do it. That's going to take comittment and healthy eating and more weight loss. I have to be in better shape than I am now. That's OK. I'm not planning on going anywhere. I plan to be around working toward my goals for a VERY long time. And now.....there's a much better chance I'll make it.

I know what you're thinking. "Yeah, but...." I've used every excuse in the book to talk myself out of exercise. I didn't realize it at the time, but now I recognize it. Even now working out is sometimes a drag. I don't bound out of bed everyday and hop to it. No.....I STILL have to fight myself some days to get the workouts done. Even though I know how much better I feel. Even though I know if I don't do it I won't lose weight. AND even though I KNOW that once I get going I'll enjoy it.

I've complied a list of excuses I've used. Maybe you'll recognize a few of your own here. I can say this: Do.Not.Wait. There will always be something standing in your way. ALWAYS. That's life. If you let it, it will rob you of your chance to have a longer healthier one. Make a commitment. SCHEDULE your work outs and stick to the schedule.

Here's a few of things I've used to justify NOT exercising:
I'm too fat. People will look at me. I might hurt myself. I don't have time. I'm too tired. Exercise is just not my thing. I'll never be skinny anyway. I have too much to do. I should be spending time with my family. I just need some alone time for me.

It's too hot. It's too cold. It's too windy. I can't find my shoes. I forgot my shoes. I need new shoes. My friend said she'd go with me and then backed out. If only I had an "accountability partner". I'll lose a little weight first, then it will be easier and I can really focus on exercise.(huh?) It's too late at night. It's too early. I'm not sure what to do. I don't know HOW to do it. I don't have a gym membership. I have a gym membership but I'm too embarrassed to go.

My work out clothes are too tight. My work out clothes are too loose. My workout clothes aren't fashionable enough. My workout clothes are too nice and I might get them too sweaty. (No, really I actually had this thought once)

I'm sick. I'm getting sick. I MIGHT get sick. I might get hurt. My back/ neck/knee/ankle/leg/elbow/3rd finger/ left big toe hurts. I have a migraine. I MIGHT get a migraine. It's too noisy in the gym. It's too crowded at the gym. There's not enough people there and the trainers will all be looking at me. I'll have to take the kids to the childcare center and I'm already a working Mom, so I should spend more time with my kids. I should be spending time with my husband/pet/mom/cousin/neighbor.

My closet is a mess. Laundry. Dishes. Kids homework. My homework. I deserve a break. I've lost so much weight and am achieving my goals so I deserve a day off. (pretty twisted one, right?) I'll start on Monday. I'll start on the weekend. I'll start after this semester/project at work/the busy season at work. I'll start after the holiday/birthday/kid's birthday/trip/summer break/spring break/cruise/vacation/doctor's appointment. I'm depressed. I'm just in too good of a mood. (really??) I'm too hungry and I won't have time to workout AND eat (oh my!).

I'm on my feet all day at work and I never sit down so I'm REALLY active. I "ran late" at work. I have a meeting. I'm just too darned busy. By the end of the day, I work so hard I just don't have the energy to do it.

I've got my period. I'll be getting my period soon. I'm bloated. I'm dehydrated. I don't want to have to change clothes and shower again. I forgot clean underwear/socks/my makeup/shampoo/pony tail holder/gym membership card. I might be over training. I might get big muscles. I might not be building enough muscles anyway. EVERYONE needs a rest day.

I'll do it later. I'll catch up on my workouts over the weekend. I overslept. I slept too much. I didn't sleep enough. I forgot to track my food anyway today(how this relates to me working out, I don't know) I just can't face another workout. I screwed up my training schedule so I might as well wait until tomorrow and get back on track. I'm really hungry. I just ate. I forgot my water bottle and I have no money. (Umm...can you say water fountain?)

My cell phone battery is really low so I can't listen to my music. I don't have my headphones. My headphones are broken. I never have time to make me a good playlist for working out. I forgot the book I was reading when working out. I just want time to read my book.

I have diarrhea. I'm constipated. I have a rash. I might get a rash. I need gas (for the car, silly). I have a flat tire.(OK so that one should probably be acceptable). I really wanted to DRIVE THROUGH the car wash (while sitting on my butt of course).

I don't want to make my husband feel guilty since he's NOT working out. (seriously!?!) I don't want my BFF to be jealous if I work out MORE than her. (good lord) My BFF is so much BETTER at working out that me. I'll never be an athlete anyway. Once I start I'll have to keep going or I won't STAY in shape (most twisted one EVER!!)

I SWEAR! If I'd spent half the amount of time working out as I have spent finding reasons why I couldn't or shouldn't work out, I'd be at my goal weight by now.

Learn to recognize an excuse when you "hear" yourself make one. Spend more time thinking of ways to make getting in a workout easier and removing obstacles. Spend a little time planning workouts into your schedule and then treat it like you would a business meeting or doctor's appointment. That time should be committed to exercise and if anyone or anything tries to interfere with it, make sure it's important enough that you'd cancel a meeting with your boss/lawyer/doctor/dentist. Because it's THAT important. Because YOU are THAT important.

I WANT A DOUGHNUT!!!!

2012-01-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

The alarm went off at 6:35am and by 6:44am I was finally opening my eyes and beginning to stretch when I hear it. Crying. I looked at the clock again and decided that I would indeed be facing this day whether I wanted to or not. Sitting up in bed, I looked up to see my youngest child sniffling and crying. Ready to comfort her from a bad dream or mediate some sort of sibling dispute, I began to ask her what happened when out of her mouth came the statement, " I WANT A DOUGHNUT!"

Shocked and confused as to why the pursuit of a tasty sugared breakfast pastry would make a 6 year old sob, I asked calmly for her to repeat her statement. " I SAID....I WANT A DOUGHNUT."

OK. This is a new one. I have not in 14 years of being a parent ever been roused from bed by a crying child demanding pastry. I have no idea where she got the idea that I had a doughnut to give her in my bed. Perhaps she thought I have a secret stash under my pillow? After explaining that I do NOT, in fact, posess such a treasure and that if I did I certainly would not deny anyone in such a state of distress, I asked her why in the world she wanted a doughnut.

Apparently 6:47am is not the time for a 6 year old to articulate the rationale for anything as the question made her bawl harder and frankly she became down right angry. "Because they are GOOD! And I REALLY WANT ONE."

Well.....it's hard to argue with such logic and I certainly wasn't going to win any debates without coffee. I tried the old standby....distraction. "Why don't you go watch some TV? I'm so glad you are up early and you even got all dressed. OH I like your new sweater. Isn't it nice? The one Nana got you for Christmas. Since you were so good at getting dressed, I'll let you watch TV while I shower."

This seemed to confuse her a bit. Mission accomplished. She was only sniffling now and cast a glance at me that said, I KNOW what you're doing. But....I really want to watch my show. (generally TV in the morning is NOT allowed in my house) Somewhat reluctantly, she headed off to the living room. Another parental crisis averted.

Feeling quite impressed with myself and my incredibly intelligent and skilled parenting expertise, I headed off to shower and dress. Fifteen minutes later I emerged clean and dressed and mostly just ready for coffee. She was sitting on the sofa happily watching some cartoon on PBS, still red eyed from crying, but calm. My middle daughter had now joined her and was pleased to see the TV on. I asked the question thinking that it was now safe. "What do you guys want for breakfast?"

Suddenly it was clear to me that my expertise in parenting was not nearly as refined as I had thought. If I had thought that moment through, I would have just quietly gone to the kitchen and prepared her favorite oatmeal. It probably would have done the trick. But, the question.......that question was at once a trigger for what I can only describe as a meltdown.

She looked at me as if I'd lost my mind. Obviuosly she'd been quite clear in her requests for breakfast foods that morning. What the heck was wrong with mom anyway? Had she forgotten English? Did she not KNOW what a doughnut was? WHY is it so hard to understand? Doughnuts are good. I like them. I want one. And I want it NOW.

Of course none of the above was articulated, but CLEARLY it was implied by the crying and sobbing and chanting of "I want a doughnut. PLEASE I want a doughnut, Mommy."

I calmly sat down next to her on the sofa. I looked lovingly into her eyes and took her into my arms. I told her how much I understood that doughnuts are yummy. I also explained that they are not good for our bodies and they are for special occasions. Today was a Wednesday like any other and did not warrant such recognition. To this she responded that to HER it was a special day because for HER it was ART day and ART day is SPECIAL!

Alright. Right about now, I've had just about enough of the logical parent tactic. Didn't seem to be working anyway. Time for phase 2: The because I said so.

I told her she was NOT getting a doughnut. I reminded her that we do NOT eat doughnuts regularly in this house. I can count on one hand the number of times in the last year this child had doughnuts for breakfast. I explained that there is no such thing as a pastry deficiency and that nobody NEEDS a doughnut. Our body needs healthy nutritious food and by God, she was going to have a HEALTHY breakfast before school.

I am happy to say that she seemed to recognize her defeat. She was contemplating all of this and seemed to accept it. We decided on oatmeal and orange juice. Mission accomplished. And then.....

"Mommy. Can I have hot chocolate?"

Sigh..........

An Attitude of Gratitude

2011-11-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

Here we are officially entering the time of year when most of us find ourselves immersed in activities for the holidays. If your family is like ours, nearly every weekend is filled with some sort of activity between church and kids and school and other family obligations. It can be a very stressful time of year. It can also be a very fulfilling time of year.

I've noticed many of my friends and family celebrating an attitude of gratitude by posting 30 days of thanksgiving on their Facebook pages. Each day they list something they are thankful for. I think this is an excellent idea. No matter whether you are religious or not, being thankful puts your mind on positive thoughts. Psychologists tell us that focusing on the positive is healthy for our body and mind. Keeping our thoughts toward the upside can help enhance not only our mental health, but physical health as well.

Studies have shown that people who have more positive attitudes on psychological tests have longer lives. People facing illnesses who have a positive outlook have better outcomes. People who are happy are less likely to get sick, even from the common cold. There is a direct relationship between how you feel emotionally and how you feel physically. Several studies have even shown that patients who have heart disease have lower death rates when they are happier emotionally.

We don't know for sure why this is, but scientists theorize that positive thoughts raise levels of certain brain hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are involved in sleep, appetite, mood, motivation and concentration and many other body systems. Higher levels of dopamine, reduce other hormones produced throughout the body in times of stress and lower levels of these stress hormones means less physical stress on organs like your heart.

I encourage you to participate in this attitude of gratitude. Sometimes when things are stressful, remembering what we are thankful for helps us focus on the things we have and forget the things we don't have. So as we enter this holiday season, spend some time being thankful. Your body will thank YOU for that.

The Dreaded Phone Call

2011-10-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

Hopefully none of you will ever receive this phone call from someone you love:

"My doctor felt something in my beast at my check up. I have to go for a mammogram."

Or this one:

"The mammogram does show a suspicious mass. I have to have a biopsy."

Or even worse:

"The biopsy was positive. It is breast cancer."

I received all three of these calls recently from someone I love very much. It is a shocking and horrible feeling to know that someone you care about is facing something so terrible and potentially life threatening. The only saving grace is that the person I love got her yearly check ups every year. She went for regular mammograms. Without them, this aggressive cancer might have been found too late. Fortunately, the breast cancer was detected early and chances for cure are good.

There has been a lot of confusing messages in the news lately regarding when to have mammograms and how often. It's no wonder since there are a lot of conflicts among experts in the field. In November 2009, the US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) released new guidelines on using mammograms for screening for breast cancer that were radically different from the previous ones.

Their recommendations were that women should have mammogram for screening every 2 years starting at 50 and no mammograms prior to age 50. They recommended that mammograms not be done past the age of 75. They also stated that they didn't have enough evidence to recommend self breast exam or teaching women to do self-exams.

Many of us in the medical field were concerned that these new guideline would not only confuse patients about what to do for early breast cancer detection, but also influence how insurance companies pay for screening. The task force is a group of scientists and doctors and policy makers with the government. They have very strict rules about when a test should be recommended. They take into account the cost of performing a test and how many need to be done to show benefit. They concluded that the potential cost of the mammograms, both the actual cost and the cost of false positive tests, when weighed against the benefits were too much to recommend mammogram before age 50.

However, the American Cancer Society, the American College of Gynecologists, and the American College of Radiology recommend annual mammogram beginning at age 40 and continuing through age 75 or later depending on the wishes and recommendations of the patient's personal physician. All three also recommend self-breast exams and breast exams annually by a physician. My own professional society, the American Academy of Family Physicians, released recommendations in line with the current USPSTF recommendations.

So......what are we to do? Most of my colleagues are continuing to discuss screening mammogram with our patients beginning at age 40. I generally explain that those USPSTF recommendations were made because there was insufficient evidence to recommend otherwise. It doesn't mean that a women in her 40s should not have mammograms or examine her own breasts. It just means that the scientists don't have enough evidence to say that it is beneficial for the overall public health.

What do I do?

I examine my own breasts monthly. I see my physician annually for a breast exam. I get a mammogram. In fact I had my first one this year. I know there are risks in doing mammograms in younger women. There is radiation in a mammogram. There is the possibility of a false positive mammogram which might lead to other unnecessary tests. But, I still believe that early detection is important and that those risks are minimal in light of the fact that detecting breast cancer early is so important.

October is breast health month. I encourage you to talk to your physician about whether a mammogram is right for you and when to begin screening. If someone you love has not had a mammogram, please encourage her to go. And remember.....breast cancer can happen in men also. Don't ignore changes in your breasts whether you are male or female. See your family physician regularly. It really can be the difference between life and death.

It's a Whole New World!

2011-09-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

This time of year has me thinking about college. Kids going off to college, college football and all the rest. It's a big transition for the whole family when one leaves the nest. Such an important time for your family. There are many things to think about.

For the student, there is a WHOLE new world to explore. The freedom to come and go and do pretty much what you want. Eat what you want. Sleep when you want and so much more. This can be such an exciting and rewarding time, but also there are many things to consider.

If you're new to college or just starting out, you might feel overwhelmed with the new routine, responsibility of being on your own, trying to keep up with your classes, and meeting so many new friends. It can make people really anxious. Sometimes the tendency is to get caught up in your new social scene and lose sight of the academics. On the other hand, some students get so focused on studying and the new burden of all the schoolwork that they forget to have fun. College students need both a social life (whether Mom and Dad like to admit it or not) and a rewarding academic life to achieve all their goals. Make sure you find the right balance for you. If you find yourself overwhelmed, ask for help from other students, parents, counselors or teachers. Most colleges have free counseling available and other services to provide you with support.

In all the chaos of starting school, health sometimes gets left behind. We always hear about "the freshman ten" or the pounds that many people starting school gain. Remember that just because you CAN run to Taco Bell in the middle of the night when you're hungry and studying doesn't mean you SHOULD. Keep healthy snacks like granola bars or fresh fruit in your room that you can grab when you are hungry. Make sure you don't forget to eat something GREEN now an then. Well....if you're eating in the cafeteria at school you might be seeing more green thatn you'd like. But, there are some things Mom and Dad say that are true (whether you want to believe it or not). Vegetables and fruits are important to your health. If you don't have decent healthy fuel in your body, it's awfully hard to keep your busy schedule.

Sleep is another thing that college students sometimes skimp on. Your brain needs sleep. It has to re-boot. Every night. Without it, your brain just won't process all the information your are trying to shove in it right now. Get plenty of sleep and try to keep a regular schedule. Staying up very late one night and oversleeping the next day can really confuse your brain about when it's supposed to sleep and when it needs to be working.

Remember that illnesses spread through college campuses quickly. Get your immunzations to be sure you are protected. Especially the meningitis vaccine. Meningitis is an infection of the nervous system that can be serious, even fatal. It is especially deadly to college students in dorms where it can be passed from person to person quickly. And don't forget your flu shot. Every year we see a campus shut down from widespread flu.

Finally some advice for the parents. It's hard letting go, but you have to. Don't be one of those "helicopter"parents you're hearing about. The best thing you can do is give your child some freedom to learn their way in their new world. But, stay close enough to give advice when asked and comfort when needed. As a parent myself, the thought of it terrifies me. But, just think of this time as your "final exam" as a parent. No pressure.(Grin.)

Back to School

2011-08-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

Well here we are the start of another school year. We made it through that first week and hopefully everyone is starting to settle into the new schedule. It's a very exciting time of year, but can also be very stressful for parents and for children.

Many parents are pleased to see their kids return to school. It allows for more structure in their day. Plus it allows parents to get back to their busy routines and a break from the kids. But, other parents (like me) are stressed when the kids go back to school. Forms to fill out. Homework to supervise. Lunches to make. After school activities. Emails, phone calls, PTA meetings.....it goes on and on.

If you find yourself feeling overly stressed with back to school, try to slow down. Use lists and reminders to help you manage all the things you have to do. Don't over schedule yourself or your kids. You need some downtime to relax. Be sure to exercise regularly and get enough sleep which will help relieve the stress. Finally, if you feel like the situation is not manageable or you feel overwhelmed, see your primary care provider for help.

Also keep in mind that kids can feel stressed out by school starting. Especailly kids new to school .My kindergartener complained several times last week of tummy aches, usually when getting ready for bed. We talked calmly about school and the things she likes about her new class and this helped take her mind off her nerves. Remember that tummy aches that last should be checked by a doctor.

To make your school schedule easier, be sure to allow enough time in the morning to get ready and off to school. When you are rushed, you will be more stressed and your kids will, too. Try to keep a regular school day routine with dinner, homework, baths, and bedtime at around the same time each night. This allows kids to adjust to their schedule and provide structure to their time at home. Kids will know what to expect and this will avoid battles with your kids over bedtime and homework. If you feel like their is a problem developing with your child's behavior, follow your instincts and see a doctor.

Hopefully this year will be a happy and successful school year for all of us!

In the Beginning..................

2011-08-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

In the beginning I just wanted to help people. I was 9 years old when I decided I would grow up to be a doctor. Around that time, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. After spending many days in the hospital sitting in the waiting room and wondering what all these people where doing and seeing how they helped so many, I knew I wanted to know more and do THAT.

All through high school and college I was focused on that goal. I just knew I could help people and I wanted to learn more and more about doing it. I graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1992 with a degree in Microbiology and minor in Chemistry. I figured I could do something in science if I didn't get accepted to medical school. But, happily, I did get accepted and I graduated with my Medical Degree in 1996. I went on to do my residency in Family Medicine at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

People often ask me how I decided on Family Medicine. There are several ways to answer that. First, I love really getting to know my patients and their families. Knowing about all aspects of patients can help you understand where patients are coming from. Patients are people who happen to be sick. I always hated it when residents referred to patients as "the diabetic in room such and such" or "the heart attack guy". I quickly learned that specialists in Family Medicine understand that best.

Second, truthfully I like variety. The last thing I could imagine was staring only at a patient's feet or talking only about noses all day. In Family Medicine we treat ALL your parts. I like to think of myself as the CEO of your healthcare. While your cardiologist may concentrate on your heart and you surgeon wants to remove your gallbladder, it's my job to focus on ALL you parts and make sure ALL of you is healthy.

Finally, Family Medicine is all about KEEPING patients healthy. Preventative care is a primary focus of what we do. Understanding your family medical history helps us direct what screening and preventative tests to do. Knowing what your social life is like helps us understand what sorts of problems you might run into. Keeping track of all your past medical problems helps us know what direction to take in treatment and evaluation of new problems. As family doctors, we don't just wait for something to happen. We try to keep you healthy and detect any health problems as early as possible.

Today, I am entering my 12th year of private practice. My practice has changed and grown in size, but my approach to what I do and my love for doing hasn't changed. I am starting this blog as just one more way to help patients or even readers who are not patients. I will use this venue as a way to share important health information for you and your family. I'll also share specific information about myself or my staff from time to time and perhaps descriptions of the kinds of services I'll offer. But, this is really about a way for me to share things about me, my life and what being a family physician is like. I hope this will be both informative and entertaining for all who join me here. Thanks for reading!