Happiness in this World » prevention

Criteria For Screening

Alex Lickerman — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 23:00:35 +0000

Photo: zilupe

I had a patient once who wanted an exercise stress test even though he had neither symptoms nor risk factors to suggest the presence of coronary artery disease (such as chest pain with exertion). I argued vociferously against it. However, extenuating circumstances (not relevant here) prompted our mutual decision to go [...]

The Problem With Prevention

Alex Lickerman — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 22:00:10 +0000

Photo: Photos8.com

Eating right, exercising, avoiding the sun or using sunscreen, moderating alcohol consumption, abstaining from tobacco use, getting mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies—almost every measure we’re asked to take to safeguard our future health is difficult. It’s a strange paradox that we have to work in some way, to expend energy, and experience [...]

Preparation Prevents Piss-Poor Performance

Alex Lickerman — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:04:54 +0000

One day, about a year and a half ago, my wife and I were walking along a street near our home when she grabbed my arm and suddenly exclaimed, “I think that woman is in trouble!”

I followed her gaze to a car stopped at a light and saw to my horror a woman [...]