he's not heavy, he's my patient
While most of the media is covering the Republican Convention, a couple "big" stories managed to catch my attention. On Sunday, CNN reported on a new $3 billion health care market catering specifically to the unique needs of obese Americans. One need not read the entire article to find the most significant statistic:
The government estimates about two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese; 31 percent fall into the obese category.
A quick look through my
posts will reveal I not only challenge patients to lose weight, but also their doctors. In the next few weeks mounting up to the election, both parties will try to find their own ways of reducing government spending, decreasing health care costs and balancing the budget.
Want my opinion? Get Americans off their asses and into the gym.
In a related story,
a woman in Washington is suing Southwest airlines for discrimination after being questioned whether she was too large for a single seat on the plane. As a passenger who has had to sit next to someone that took up more than their fair share, I believe it is the airline's responsibility to make sure all passengers are comfortable. I hope this lawsuit, like those against the fast food industry, will be dismissed.
strange but true
In the latest segment of medical oddities, the Lancet reports, via CNN, that doctors in Europe have successfully grown a man's lower jaw under his shoulder blade using the patient's own stem cells. The jaw was then removed from the man's back and attached to his face; weeks later, it was completely functional.
I think many probably remember the ear growing on the back of the mouse, but a jaw on some guy's shoulder? It's truly amazing, and frightening, what science can do.
This gives new hope for Democrats everywhere, as soon it is likely physicians will be able to grow brains on their patients' asses.
lost and found
If my blog seems sporadic lately, there's good reason. After all, assuming I retire at 65, I only have 40 chances left to win the Nobel Prize; it's never to early to start.
Also, this week's anatomy observation: Old mens' testicles get substantially bigger after they die, and their penises get proportionally smaller. I must investigate this relationship further.
return to glory?
Perhaps this will be my return to blogging... but don't hold your breath. The life of a Med II is busy, to say the least; although I must admit I've never had so much fun with formaldehyde before.
As Sandy and I struggle with the muscles of the back and shoulder, I'll attempt to blog on a more regular basis, i.e. once a day. In the meantime, here's a picture of Sandy and I in NYC at Sparks. It was a great steak restaurant, but after soliciting some bad advice from Nate, I foolishly tried the oysters and ended up with food poisoning at Roxy. It was great fun!
listen carefully
On my first day back from NYC, I still don't have my pictures scanned in yet. Since I'm already late for my first day of anatomy, I will offer this joke instead:
Students at a large medical school were receiving their first anatomy class with a real dead human body. They all gathered around the surgery table with the body covered with a white sheet.
The professor started the class by telling them, "In medicine, it is necessary to have 2 important qualities as a doctor. The first is that you not be disgusted by anything involving the human body."
For an example, the Professor pulled back the sheet, stuck his finger in the butt of the corpse, withdrew it and stuck his finger in his mouth. "Go ahead and do the same thing," he told his students.
The students freaked out, hesitated for several minutes, but eventually took turns sticking a finger in the butt of the dead body and sucking on it. When everyone had finished, the Professor looked at them and told them, "The second most important quality is observation. I stuck in my middle finger and sucked on my index finger. Now learn to pay attention."
rainy day in nyc
I swore to myself that I wouldn't blog while I was in New York, but here I am; it's pouring in the Big Apple (remnants of Bonnie, I suppose), and honestly, I'm tired of shopping. Yes, it can happen.
The city has been great so far though, and while I have yet to stay out until last call, you can bet I'm going to give it a try tonight.
Don't fret; I'll be back on Sunday, with lots of pictures coming soon on Monday. Have a good weekend and I'll catch ya after Hurricane Charlie!
off gallivanting... will blog later
getting out of my republican rut
I'll admit, the last few days have been pretty bad for the Republican party. Job growth has nearly halted, the war in Iraq isn't getting any better, and the terror alerts are doing more damage then good.
Well, maybe this news will help: The White House is expected to announce this morning the nomination of Porter Goss as the next director of the CIA. Maybe with this new appointment, the intelligence community can finally appear to "turn the corner".
