by RICK RADER, MD * EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Researchers in veterinary medicine and epidemiology have long demonstrated key connections between animals and humans in the areas of emerging infections. “Zoobiguity” looks at connections that are closer to home, including cardiology, gastroenterology, pediatrics, oncology and also psychiatry. A man rushes his limp dog to the veterinarian. The doctor…
A Point Well Taken
A Point Well Taken Nov 5, 2013 by RICK RADER, MD * EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The struggles and challenges of parenting a child with special needs have been met by parents “pointing” out their rights, their needs and their obligations to many deaf ears; ears that couldn’t or wouldn’t hear. Seems like “pointing” comes in handy when…
Take As Directed
by RICK RADER, MD * EDITOR-IN-CHIEF It’s a scenario as old as medicine itself. Patient presents his or her pains, complaints, concerns and fears. The physician questions, pokes, prods and probes. The physician scribbles on a slate, parchment, paper or touch screen and offers, “Take this, it will help.” Ah, the prescription. Panaceas, bromides and…
The Weight of Numbers
by RICK RADER, MD * EDITOR-IN-CHIEF This past January first put me in a league with half of all Americans when we made a New Year’s resolution. The league I was in was characterized by our rounding the bases with less speed, less grace and less ease. Our league was literally the “big league,” and…
Copy That
Copy That Aug 3, 2013 by RICK RADER, MD * EDITOR-IN-CHIEF One of the most intriguing, novel and exciting applications of 3D printers is in biotech, namely human tissue replacement. One of the attributes of aging (okay getting geezer-like) is the opportunity to experience the evolution and transition of ideas, technology and innovation. Take copying.…
Designing a Child-centered and Accessible Home
By Deborah Pierce, AIA, CAPS In the accessible home, disabilities become abilities because barriers cease to exist. This is the possibility of the accessible home. Photos by: Kathy Tarantola Every parent is exceptional! Our kids challenge us to expand our limits – to be more patient, more tactful, more generous, and, when circumstances call for…
On Being Too Short to Get On the Ride
On Being Too Short to Get On the Ride Jul 8, 2013 By Rick Rader, MD Sarah has cystic fibrosis, which requires a lung transplant to save her life. But the top of 10-year-old Sarah Murnaghan’s head is apparently below the bold line that entitles her to get on the “ride to live.” To those…
A Kink in His Armor
A Kink in His Armor Jun 3, 2013 Our take home message about Hephaestus is the same message we glean from hearing stories about others with disabilities. That hard work, diligence and support will prevail. by Rick Rader, M.D. Working in the field of disabilities, one quickly becomes sensitive to the prevailing “myths.” In fact,…
A Token of Appreciation
A Token of Appreciation May 6, 2013 When exceptional parents find themselves on the board game of “Special Needs” and are trying to “win at all costs,” they are employing the same principles of “game theory.” By Rick Rader, MD When I was in college and fumbling through “connecting,” I remember the first time I…
Boredom
Boredom Apr 2, 2013 By Rick Rader, MD The hope is that with an enlightened appreciation of the dynamics of boredom, psychologists will be able to devise strategies to prevent, overcome or reduce the impact of being bored. “Bowwww-ring” The word is so reflective of its meaning that it causes us to pronounce it in…