Sometimes, an early symptom of coronavirus is the loss of taste and smell. Tuesday is garbage day, so when I run, being downwind in the wake of empty containers reassures me I am not infected. Many neighbors run, so I intentionally social-distance and try to stay outside of their “wake.” Are little...

For years, I watched infectious disease consultants advise hospital staff to wash hands diligently to prevent patient spread of bacteria and viruses. Despite their reasonable advice, some healthcare professionals did not heed the warning. Many hospital-acquired infections (known as nosocomial infections)...

“Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.” Inspirational words from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that will forever reverberate in my mind and soul. We have continually evolved as a nation, tasting freedom, energizing our spirit, motivating creativity, learning from...

At Medicare, we understand you may have concerns about going to your doctor’s office during the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic. Like so many Americans, our Medicare beneficiaries are rightly observing social distancing guidelines to protect themselves and others from possible infection. We also recognize...

Someone had to go. We needed to decide. Why should we both be in harm’s way when the other could remain safe? One of us had to be the sacrificial lamb, no matter what the danger. For me, it was an easy choice, so there’d be no flipping coins. I was the one who had to do it. I was going to Trader...

Older adults are vulnerable and disproportionally suffer more during the COVID-19 crisis. Technology took a fast lane and passed many seniors. Known problems associated with aging include decreased mobility and chronic medical conditions resulting in reduced function and participation. The mostly invisible...

The coronavirus is running rampant through senior residential facilities, especially nursing homes. One source: Hospitals. Ten years ago, as the conveyor belt of medicine geared up, profiteering hospitals learned to discharge patients as rapidly as possible. Some patients went home, but to expedite the...

I’m grateful to everyone who is doing their part to protect the health of our community. Our L.A. County residents have stayed home and our local businesses and nonprofits have stepped up to help. Combating COVID-19 takes each one of us, and I am thankful for your support and compliance with the...

How very nice. TV commercials telling us how sad it is to see us suffer, but “We are there for you.” (Insert sad-face emoji.) How many people in our country, let alone around the world, don’t already know the impact of this virus? Yet there is no escaping end-to-end “sympathy commercials” reminding...

Leadership during this crisis has been powerful from the city of Santa Clarita, city and county of Los Angeles, and the state of California. Officials have stepped forward to serve those who elected them. There is logic to what we do as healthcare professionals, driving us to achieve a rational approach...