I liked what you said about “calling your doctor” when you have questions. It would be great if we could do that. The doctors I have had in recent years are protected by so many layers of screening. If I’m persistent I can get a nurse but I rarely get to talk to my drs on the phone. I spent a whole career of 40+ years as a public school teacher and administrator. I know how important personal contact is to good communications. Why are doctors so afraid of it? Even when I get through and leave my question, it is the nurse who returns my call and often several days after it was asked. Just blowing off some steam! Thanks for a great column. I don’t miss any of them and I hope to sit in on one of your Zoom sessions soon.
I hear you loud and clear. I really don't think that doctors are afraid of communicating w patients; it's that our healthcare system is broken. Primary care docs in particular are stretched too thin, don't have adequate time to spend with patients, and cannot possibly field all of the calls they get. Doctors are incentivized to prescribe, refer, and test more than they are to talk with the patients. And it's not the doctors' fault. In my opinion we need to flip the American healthcare model on its head - and make the *relationship* and *time* with the doctor the commodity - not more testing and referring. Prevention saves lives and saves money, but we continue to be focused on damage control at the expense of patients' health and physician wellbeing.
Thank you for this excellent, fact-based information. I see and hear what you address so often as I own a TRX (body weight suspension training) studio called Rehoboth Strength and Balance targeted for women over 50 looking to build/maintain strength and balance for these very reasons. The community and confidence aspect of what we do is often the most important!
I have Osteoporosis and with my doctors support decided to do yearly infusions of Reclast instead of taking weekly drugs. What is your opinion of Reclast infusions?
Yes! Reclast is the intravenous "cousin" of Fosamax. It is administered once a year instead of once a week so there is that nice convenience, and it is less likely to cause GI side effects. As with everything, we weigh the pros and cons for each patient. I hope that helps!
Thanks, Lucy, for your comprehensive discussion of osteoporosis and Fosamax. Quite a few years ago I had early osteoporosis in my hips and osteopenia in my spine. I took Fosamax for many years longer than I should have because no one told me to stop, but have been off it for over 5 years). When I retired 17 years ago at 60, I joined a gym for yoga, cardio and strength. Even though I'm a prime candidate for osteoporosis with small frame and Northern European heritage, I was happy to discover that last year's bone density scan showed I only had osteopenia in my hips(4% improvement from 2013) and normal density (8% improvement in my spine). I'm glad to report that your recommendation of consistent moderate exercise seems to be working well.
Your good sense, easy to understand and relate to descriptions of the care and feeding of our skeletons sparked a meaningful discussion between me and my husband this Easter afternoon. After walking the measured path at the Rio area of Gaithersburg, we were able to better appreciate all of the emotional,spiritual,psychological and physical benefits that walk provided for us. Thank you for giving us the framework in which to look at our lives. You, Dr. McBride, are a blessing.
I liked what you said about “calling your doctor” when you have questions. It would be great if we could do that. The doctors I have had in recent years are protected by so many layers of screening. If I’m persistent I can get a nurse but I rarely get to talk to my drs on the phone. I spent a whole career of 40+ years as a public school teacher and administrator. I know how important personal contact is to good communications. Why are doctors so afraid of it? Even when I get through and leave my question, it is the nurse who returns my call and often several days after it was asked. Just blowing off some steam! Thanks for a great column. I don’t miss any of them and I hope to sit in on one of your Zoom sessions soon.
I hear you loud and clear. I really don't think that doctors are afraid of communicating w patients; it's that our healthcare system is broken. Primary care docs in particular are stretched too thin, don't have adequate time to spend with patients, and cannot possibly field all of the calls they get. Doctors are incentivized to prescribe, refer, and test more than they are to talk with the patients. And it's not the doctors' fault. In my opinion we need to flip the American healthcare model on its head - and make the *relationship* and *time* with the doctor the commodity - not more testing and referring. Prevention saves lives and saves money, but we continue to be focused on damage control at the expense of patients' health and physician wellbeing.
Have spent several sessions in Neuro Balance Center @ Kettering Health Network.
Especially careful after reading obituary of way back friend Astronaut Walt Cunningham. Death “results of a fall” at 92.
Working on balance is such a great investment in your health!
Thank you for this excellent, fact-based information. I see and hear what you address so often as I own a TRX (body weight suspension training) studio called Rehoboth Strength and Balance targeted for women over 50 looking to build/maintain strength and balance for these very reasons. The community and confidence aspect of what we do is often the most important!
Love it!! Strength is so critical for our physical *and* mental health. Keep up the good work!
I have Osteoporosis and with my doctors support decided to do yearly infusions of Reclast instead of taking weekly drugs. What is your opinion of Reclast infusions?
Yes! Reclast is the intravenous "cousin" of Fosamax. It is administered once a year instead of once a week so there is that nice convenience, and it is less likely to cause GI side effects. As with everything, we weigh the pros and cons for each patient. I hope that helps!
Thanks, Lucy, for your comprehensive discussion of osteoporosis and Fosamax. Quite a few years ago I had early osteoporosis in my hips and osteopenia in my spine. I took Fosamax for many years longer than I should have because no one told me to stop, but have been off it for over 5 years). When I retired 17 years ago at 60, I joined a gym for yoga, cardio and strength. Even though I'm a prime candidate for osteoporosis with small frame and Northern European heritage, I was happy to discover that last year's bone density scan showed I only had osteopenia in my hips(4% improvement from 2013) and normal density (8% improvement in my spine). I'm glad to report that your recommendation of consistent moderate exercise seems to be working well.
So glad to hear it!
Your good sense, easy to understand and relate to descriptions of the care and feeding of our skeletons sparked a meaningful discussion between me and my husband this Easter afternoon. After walking the measured path at the Rio area of Gaithersburg, we were able to better appreciate all of the emotional,spiritual,psychological and physical benefits that walk provided for us. Thank you for giving us the framework in which to look at our lives. You, Dr. McBride, are a blessing.
ellen sirkis