Fifty years ago this week, the Watts riots began. Three years ago, I wrote how the community where I grew up rose from the ashes excelling athletically, allowing some of us to moved forward “transplanting” to the Santa Clarita Valley. Written just before the 2012 London Olympic Games, we...

Draping a shroud of 1930s Depression on any dust bowl child can thicken the skin, so my 88-year-old patient learned to be fiercely independent with a “talk to the hand” attitude and a “don’t get in my way” personality. Even after her husband passed away, she remained autonomous, traveling and...

Caring for those who are hospitalized allows recognition of impalpable forces that go beyond healing skills of doctors and nurses.  Many times it involves subtle clues surrounding patients from unexpected sources supporting their health and survival. Patricia Pelino was hospitalized and recovering from...

Once the 2008 economic spiral began and unemployment escalated with wallets and purses zipped closed, causes were not initially recognized. Since then, the causal details of this downturn were ferreted out pinpointing emanation from Wall Street banks. Public discontent demanding change has been ignored...

Within the past few years as a hospice doctor, I have had two cases of young patients in Santa Clarita dying from a brain tumor and lung cancer. In common, both lived next to high-power transmission lines. The citizens of the Santa Clarita Valley have learned to live with power lines. The question remains:...

None of us can avoid the mirror of life reflecting physical aging. Innately, we fear languishing in a nursing home, so we grasp every opportunity to stay in our comfort zone. Aging sometimes forces us away from independent home living as debilities jeopardize our well-being. This involves many factors...

Flying across country has occasionally led to a worrisome plea from the flight deck, requesting doctor assistance for a fellow passenger. Of the several times I have stepped forward, others have identified themselves, leading to a quick check of credentials as to who had the best expertise to provide...

Within the confines of a hospital nursing station, it is hard not to overhear conversations concerning patient care. Typically not knowing names maintains confidentiality and does not encroach on HIPAA violations. But because computers, phones and premium space are shared by doctors, nurses, discharge...

My mother was born in Canada more than 92 years ago. Her father immigrated from Japan in 1910 to escape political persecution. She grew up on a farm in picturesque British Columbia growing apples – she still makes the best apple pie – and spoke perfect English with an occasional “eh.” After...

Should a healthcare problem occur in an elder Santa Clarita senior, they are secure in knowing 911 can be called.  Having treatment within the “golden hour”, especially for heart attacks or strokes, can be critical in administering life-saving care. Emerging now are unforeseen financial consequences...