The recently announced resignation of James Levine of the Boston Symphony Orchestra has brought a large amount of attention to the physical ailments of a very talented conductor.  Levine suffers from many ailments, but most notably at this time it is his chronic back pain that has sidelined him from his duties with the orchestra.  No doubt, conducting an entire orchestra is very physical work.  Standing for hours at a time, using intricate hand motions and maintaining one’s focus and composure at all times while directing a large group of musicians nonverbally is an incredibly demanding …

The price of lettuce has gotten astronomically high in the past two weeks.  My favorite produce shop, which shall remain unnamed but is on Route 1 in Dedham, is reportedly paying $50 per 20 count box of lettuce. Needless to say, the price for a head of romaine lettuce is now hovering at $2.99, iceberg lettuce rolls in at $1.99 and both salad staples are slated for a price increase in the coming weeks, says a confidential source.  As a consumer, I am aghast.  As a seasonal dieter, I am concerned. How am I going to slim down and lose my “hibernation pounds” from winter during the dawn of  the “…

It's moving weekend at my house, and it's already taking a toll on my back!  I've been spending hours packing, repacking and shuttling things from house A to house B.  I have some wonderful friends who will be helping me with the big items, but I have a nagging suspicion that even this "pre-moving" work is detrimental to my back.  It's going to be a long weekend here, and many more local folks will be packing up and moving in the coming months. As the warm, spring weather approaches, so do the "For Sale signs" and the optimal time to show and view houses for sale. For all of you who are …

Deval Patrick’s new autobiography is not yet available in stores, yet the book is already making front page headlines.  In advanced reviews of his autobiography, ”A Reason To Believe”, the Boston Globe reports that Governor Patrick’s wife, Diane was so overcome by depression in 2007 that he questioned whether or not to stay in office.  I believe that his autobiography will once again bring to light the dramatic effect of depression on the entire family.  It has not been since Al Gore and Tipper Gore revealed their personal family battle with depression that a major political figure has been …

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), February is American Heart Month.  While the focus for many Americans is typically on the red cardboard “valentine” variety, the American Heart Association is actively urging all Americans to focus on their cardiovascular health this month.  This is a highly applicable health theme, as Heart Disease is a year-round killer of Americans of all races, genders and ages.  Indeed, in light of current research, the prevalence of high blood pressure is rising among children.  As for adults, one in three Americans has high blood pressure, which …

The digital age is influencing consumers’ perspective on self-management of their health, chronic illness and things like weight and smoking.  For example, as we all know, the market for iPhones, iPads, and tablet computers has spurred a tsunami of innovative “apps” in which consumers can, for a minimal price, choose from a host of “virtual products” designed to increase healthy behaviors. As a consumer and a health-care professional, I am extremely interested in the potential of such devices.  They bring to mind many questions.  Do weight-monitoring apps really have an effect?  Are people …

 For over 30 years, primary care providers have been encouraged to delay the use of antibiotics for ear infections. The “watchful waiting” approach reduced antibiotic exposure, by requiring a follow-up visit 48 hours after the initial diagnosis, to see if the ear infection went away on its own.  While every parent hopes that ear infections clear on their own, there is breaking news to suggest that pediatric ear infections are about twice as likely to resolve in the first 48 hours when treated with antibiotics, as compared with patients who did not receive antibiotics in the first 2 days. …