Did you know that there are treatments for COVID that can significantly decrease the chance of serious, deadly outcomes of this disease? Did you know that these are available in the outpatient setting? This all sounds wonderful, and these therapies are indeed excellent tools in our COVID-fighting toolbox. But these treatments have been difficult to … Read more
Mask requirements are changing, and I’m conflicted. I, along with all others on the planet who have been faithfully masking to protect self and others, am looking forward to being rid of these hot, itchy, uncomfortable things and to seeing everyone’s lovely faces again. But even though I don’t so much worry for my own … Read more
Recently my two sons returned from a long-awaited and well-deserved week at sleep away camp. The camp required vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours of attendance and had very reasonable masking guidelines (masking was required when gathering indoors in groups but not when outdoors). Yet, both kids (both fully vaccinated) came home … Read more
The process by which we make decisions is suffused with emotion. We can’t escape it. We are genetically programmed to behave in an emotional, instinctive manner. It is what helped us survive as a species. When our early human ancestors were confronted with a threat, say a charging lion, they didn’t stop to contemplate the … Read more
I, like many people, will be traveling this summer – Europe, here I come! This is our second jaunt abroad with Disney Adventures (they are awesome and, no, they did not pay me to say this). But, unlike the prior trip, this time around I am having to make sure that my family is all … Read more
As a family physician, I not only have the pleasure of discussing vaccines with my parents of young children and teens but I also get to walk my adult patients through their ongoing need for immunizations as well. Almost all adults need the following (check with your primary provider for individualized recommendations): a yearly flu … Read more
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard that there’s a measles epidemic brewing in the United States. As of April 26th, 704 cases of measles have been documented in 22 states across the country. This is the largest number we’ve seen since 2000, when measles was declared no longer endemic in the … Read more
The Clark County measles outbreak (in and around Vancouver, WA) is still going! The most recent case was confirmed on Tuesday, March 13. This brings the grand total thus far to 72 infected individuals. Of these, the majority are under 10 years of age with only 4 cases being over the age of 18. 63 … Read more
Dear Parents, First, let me say that I care about you and your children deeply. It is my life’s work to help you be happy and healthy and to be able to live your life to its fullest potential. As a family physician, prevention of disease is my passion. I would much rather educate and … Read more