Let me explain my absence

I apologize.  For the past year I have been extremely busy--but inexcusably absent from this important writing and from your faithful readership.  I have ended one career after 27 years as Vice President Medical Director of Northwestern Mutual, the largest and best underwriter of individual life insurance in America, and, at age 60, I am starting two new careers: 1. starting September 2008 I will be the director of the lifestyle and comprehensive physical program at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin and 2. a medical underwriting and life expectancy consultation service (don't ask). 

For those who are interested, my life expectancy is at least age 92, my age of independent health with minimal limitations is 88, and my (tentative) planned age of retirement is 78, at which time I will have at least 10 healthy years to travel and do some save-the-environment work.   

So now I will return to blogging, something I learned to love when writing about bird flu, that now distant worry.  I have many articles in my files that we need to discuss.  So without further ado, it is time to write.  My first article, and a fitting start to my return, is a discussion of Tara Parker Pope's "Well" section of today's New York Times.    

Tara Parker Pope's "Well" section of today's New York Times is a balanced discussion of healthful activities that everyone should read.  Much too much of today's medical reporting focuses on the latest discoveries, even if they contradict both common sense and all of the science that has proceeded them.   I encourage you to read this section.  It is not perfect, just really good. 

And, if reading the whole thing takes too long, then just read this almost perfect 265-word post that  Janice Nelson wrote on Tara's Well blog:

Janice writes: "This was a very nice guide. I doubt, somehow, that people will read everything and follow much of the advice. That is the way that most people are. As a nurse, I see it all the time. Most people don’t feel the symptoms of high blood pressure, so why take the medicine? Oh, that donut won’t hurt me. What is wrong with a few beers? You only live once…and on and on. The simple ways are still the best; eat your fruits and vegetables (organic if possible), don’t smoke, don’t drink alcohol to excess, wear sunscreen, walk a lot, get out into the sunshine and stretch your body daily. Brush your teeth twice a day, go to the dentist every 6 months, get a physical yearly, if you feel tired get to bed early,take a mutivitamin every day and drink water (not from plastic bottles). Take deep breaths several times a day and attempt to reduce your stress. Wear a seatbelt, slow down on the road and turn off the cell phone. And chill out once in a while, cause life does end, yes it really does, so enjoy it now while you can. Too simple? Well, maybe so, but proven to help. Also, if you do get a disease, and you may anyway, your body will be better equipped to handle it. And you may actually survive. If your body is a train wreck, then it will be harder for it to heal. The best advice is to use your common sense. Now, if only there were a guide for that…..

— Posted by Janice Nelson

Stay well.  Dr. Bob Gleeson

    

Comments

[Janice Nelson]

Thank you for posting my comments from the NY Times Health section on your site. What an honor! I have been a nurse for 28 years and it always amazes me how little people do to prevent disease. I am now a hospice nurse, so I am even more convinced that personal responsibility and common sense are the keys to a longer, healthier, happier life.
I love your site as well, and will be following your blogs.

Thanks.
Warm regards,
Janice Nelson