Well, things have certainly changed.
My second doc (yes, I've got two of them now) is trying to help me handle on all this pain with different medications. And you know I've got a lot of it. Pain, that is.
Well, she has helped me reach a significant improvement! Can it be that the Bear is actually pain-free?
OK, not quite, but getting there. Bear is beginning to recover his long-lost vitality! There is some new energy here! Bear may actually start being human again. (Only that would mess up his identity; need to rethink that language.)
Uh, well, hmmmmmm. Lets not get over-excited. But! We'll take a few simple steps first. We'll keep watching the progress. We'll keep celebrating small improvements. And then, one day. . . .
------------
Also brought to you by the letter V:
• vigilant
• vexatious
• vanquish
• very
• volume
And from the New Phonetic Alphabet, V for la France.
Showing posts with label health care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health care. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
FOCUSED
It was a week or so ago that I wrote about the experience of feeling "diminished" by all the "editing" we are doing in our lives, and our life together. All because we are moving into an apartment which has about half the size of our house, and has little storage space.
A lot of things are going to Village Green (our Mennonite-operated thrift or "goodwill" shop). A lot of paper is being recycled. All of this is good.
It also means I'm engaged in a process of sorting out what is important.
What do I really want to do in this last stage of my life (my "psychosocial development"), where the virtue is wisdom, and the options are integrity (i.e., wholeness) or despair? (This, according to psychologist Erik Erikson.)
In addition to my personal introspection, I'll continue to work (in one way or another) on ethical projects. Those include health care and animal welfare. But they will also include a closer involvement in issues of poverty, hunger, and homelessness. I may not be able to walk as much at rallies, but my fingers move quickly, and my thoughts can be sharp. (Such things happen when you combine a journalist and an ethicist.)
I'm not changing my commitment to life, and to others around me. To change would mean betraying who and what I have been, and am. What is changing is the manner in which I live out my commitment. But I'm not changing that commitment.
A lot of things are going to Village Green (our Mennonite-operated thrift or "goodwill" shop). A lot of paper is being recycled. All of this is good.
It also means I'm engaged in a process of sorting out what is important.
What do I really want to do in this last stage of my life (my "psychosocial development"), where the virtue is wisdom, and the options are integrity (i.e., wholeness) or despair? (This, according to psychologist Erik Erikson.)
In addition to my personal introspection, I'll continue to work (in one way or another) on ethical projects. Those include health care and animal welfare. But they will also include a closer involvement in issues of poverty, hunger, and homelessness. I may not be able to walk as much at rallies, but my fingers move quickly, and my thoughts can be sharp. (Such things happen when you combine a journalist and an ethicist.)
I'm not changing my commitment to life, and to others around me. To change would mean betraying who and what I have been, and am. What is changing is the manner in which I live out my commitment. But I'm not changing that commitment.
Monday, November 29, 2010
RELIGION AS A SOURCE FOR SOCIAL GOOD?
I was reading the latest version of The Globe and Mail on-line, and got a very significant shock.
There was a poll about the the effect of religion. The question: "Is religion a force for good in the world"?
Of the 7,500-plus respondents, only 230 said, "Yes." That's a whopping three (3) per cent. The rest, 97 per cent, said, "No."
It is, of course, not a statistically significant poll, in terms of involving the proper balance of participants. It is simply a "straw vote" among the participants in the poll — the readers of the newspaper.
Given, however, that The Globe and Mail is a major, national newspaper in Canada, the results important to consider. Simply because of the sheer imbalance in those numbers.
The poll was done in relation to a recent debate between Tony Blair and Christopher Hitchins at the University of Toronto's interdisciplinary Munk Centre for Global Affairs.
Blair, the son of a "militant atheist" (in his owns words), an Anglican turned Roman Catholic, feels religion is a force for good. Hitchins, a "outspoken atheist," is dying of cancer in the throat, but is rediscovering his own Jewish roots, while claiming that religion is a source of social ills.
It would have made a very interesting debate. Not being in Toronto, I didn't get to see it.
For me, three issues stand out. First, the sheer numbers on the poll, which I have already mentioned.
Second, the short-sightedness of our social view of religion, at least in Canada.
To consider Christianity for example, the "religious" have been the prime promoters of both health care and education. In the earliest centuries of this historic era, Christians were caring for poor, sick, and hungry, regardless of their religious persuasion. (In that time, the primary religion would have been the worship of the Roman gods.) That emphasis went with Christianity, wherever it moved.
Likewise, when Robert Raikes began his "Sunday Schools" in the mid-1700s, the emphasis was on working with children in the slums of England, teaching them to read and write. By the 1830s, about 1.25 million children were involved in such schools — about 25 per cent of the people of Great Britain. Out of that movement the English public school system grew.
Third, Christianity in particular, and other religions in general, have sometimes been co-opted —used — as a source of division, and even war. This s often in direct opposition to their major beliefs. On the other hand, Christians have also led the process of peace-making in the world.
Where this current debate is likely to end is not something I could possibly guess. But the process, including its inherent lack of social and historic understanding, will be both interesting and challenging.
There was a poll about the the effect of religion. The question: "Is religion a force for good in the world"?
Of the 7,500-plus respondents, only 230 said, "Yes." That's a whopping three (3) per cent. The rest, 97 per cent, said, "No."
It is, of course, not a statistically significant poll, in terms of involving the proper balance of participants. It is simply a "straw vote" among the participants in the poll — the readers of the newspaper.
Given, however, that The Globe and Mail is a major, national newspaper in Canada, the results important to consider. Simply because of the sheer imbalance in those numbers.
The poll was done in relation to a recent debate between Tony Blair and Christopher Hitchins at the University of Toronto's interdisciplinary Munk Centre for Global Affairs.
Blair, the son of a "militant atheist" (in his owns words), an Anglican turned Roman Catholic, feels religion is a force for good. Hitchins, a "outspoken atheist," is dying of cancer in the throat, but is rediscovering his own Jewish roots, while claiming that religion is a source of social ills.
It would have made a very interesting debate. Not being in Toronto, I didn't get to see it.
For me, three issues stand out. First, the sheer numbers on the poll, which I have already mentioned.
Second, the short-sightedness of our social view of religion, at least in Canada.
To consider Christianity for example, the "religious" have been the prime promoters of both health care and education. In the earliest centuries of this historic era, Christians were caring for poor, sick, and hungry, regardless of their religious persuasion. (In that time, the primary religion would have been the worship of the Roman gods.) That emphasis went with Christianity, wherever it moved.
Likewise, when Robert Raikes began his "Sunday Schools" in the mid-1700s, the emphasis was on working with children in the slums of England, teaching them to read and write. By the 1830s, about 1.25 million children were involved in such schools — about 25 per cent of the people of Great Britain. Out of that movement the English public school system grew.
Third, Christianity in particular, and other religions in general, have sometimes been co-opted —used — as a source of division, and even war. This s often in direct opposition to their major beliefs. On the other hand, Christians have also led the process of peace-making in the world.
Where this current debate is likely to end is not something I could possibly guess. But the process, including its inherent lack of social and historic understanding, will be both interesting and challenging.
Friday, August 13, 2010
MINDING MY MEDS
Almost all of us, at one time of another (or perhaps continuously), take medications — often in the form of pills. When these work well, they are very helpful.
But things can go wrong with them. Either the medications can upset our body more than they help, or they combine with other medicines to cause problems.
I recently went through such a problem, and thought I would take some time and reflect on it.
Hope you can give the matter some though.
But things can go wrong with them. Either the medications can upset our body more than they help, or they combine with other medicines to cause problems.
I recently went through such a problem, and thought I would take some time and reflect on it.
Hope you can give the matter some though.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
WAKING THE SLEEPING BLOG
NO, I didn't get that wrong. I did not substitute "Sleeping Blog" for "Sleeping Dog." Besides, Her Ladyship, Miss Sadie, likes to be woken up, if there's going to be some kind of action — like a walk.
My blog The Ethical Pilgrimage was my first, I think — it goes back to 2007. And while I've branched away from it, I'm going back to it, as I reflect more fully on issues of human and animal care.
Typically, I start things slowly, then "pick up the pace," as I become more confident. I've just been a bit slower than usual with this. OK; a lot slower.
I have many things on which I'm working, and which I want to share. I also have colleagues who are working on things, and who might be persuaded to share some thoughts, via a guest post.
I'm going to be posting something on a recent "medical misadventure" of mine. In the meantime, I'll link in so you can figure out how to reach this new-old location.
Please join me. I would appreciate your company, and your comments.
My blog The Ethical Pilgrimage was my first, I think — it goes back to 2007. And while I've branched away from it, I'm going back to it, as I reflect more fully on issues of human and animal care.
Typically, I start things slowly, then "pick up the pace," as I become more confident. I've just been a bit slower than usual with this. OK; a lot slower.
I have many things on which I'm working, and which I want to share. I also have colleagues who are working on things, and who might be persuaded to share some thoughts, via a guest post.
I'm going to be posting something on a recent "medical misadventure" of mine. In the meantime, I'll link in so you can figure out how to reach this new-old location.
Please join me. I would appreciate your company, and your comments.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
TAKING RISKS — HOPEFULLY SURVIVING
Sonia (over at Gutsy Writer) got me thinking about this topic a few days ago. I had some questions for myself.
What does it mean do take risks?
Why should I take risks?
What kinds of risks could/should/would I take?
I've taken a lot of risks in my life. Changing jobs; changing careers; moving across a country for work; walking into burning buildings with nothing more than an inch and a half (diameter) fire hose; getting married; having children; writing, broadcasting and blogging; upholding unpopular beliefs and ideas. In each case, these were things I did because I thought they were the right thing to do. A couple of those proved to be really bad (two were health destroying); the vast majority were good, and I'd do them again.
Even though I'm hitting retirement, I don't expect my attitude will change much. I'm probably a bit old for walking into burning buildings and having more children. I'll probably spend more time upholding unpopular ideas, in a time when democracy, human rights, co-operation, citizen action, and faith are all under attack, particularly in North America.
I'd love to have you come along. And if you're coming along, I really hope you will chat with me about what you and I are thinking.
Do we have a deal?
What does it mean do take risks?
Why should I take risks?
What kinds of risks could/should/would I take?
I've taken a lot of risks in my life. Changing jobs; changing careers; moving across a country for work; walking into burning buildings with nothing more than an inch and a half (diameter) fire hose; getting married; having children; writing, broadcasting and blogging; upholding unpopular beliefs and ideas. In each case, these were things I did because I thought they were the right thing to do. A couple of those proved to be really bad (two were health destroying); the vast majority were good, and I'd do them again.
Even though I'm hitting retirement, I don't expect my attitude will change much. I'm probably a bit old for walking into burning buildings and having more children. I'll probably spend more time upholding unpopular ideas, in a time when democracy, human rights, co-operation, citizen action, and faith are all under attack, particularly in North America.
I'd love to have you come along. And if you're coming along, I really hope you will chat with me about what you and I are thinking.
Do we have a deal?
Sunday, June 27, 2010
LAMENT FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 2010
Two very different events, contests of a sort, are making news today.
On one hand, the FIFA World Cup of Football (or Soccer) continues in South Africa. The defending champions, Italy, and the highly favoured French, have been knocked out of contention, along with the United States. One of today's key matches pits England against Germany. The quote that hangs in the air comes from Bill Shankley, a former Liverpool manager. "Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I can assure them it's much more serious than that."
On the North American continent, leaders of the 20 major industrial countries, the so-called G20, are meeting in Toronto, Canada. Their presence has be marked by large, peaceful protests, but also violent and destructive action by anarchists. In the midst of talk about global banking and economic reform, and the possibility of a second recession, ordinary people on the street are asking, "What about us, and those even less fortunate? What about safe food, clean water, pure air, effective health care — especially for women and children?" Real matters of life and death, or things perhaps "much more serious than that."
Holy God,
Holy and mighty,
Holy, immortal one,
Have mercy upon us.
On one hand, the FIFA World Cup of Football (or Soccer) continues in South Africa. The defending champions, Italy, and the highly favoured French, have been knocked out of contention, along with the United States. One of today's key matches pits England against Germany. The quote that hangs in the air comes from Bill Shankley, a former Liverpool manager. "Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I can assure them it's much more serious than that."
On the North American continent, leaders of the 20 major industrial countries, the so-called G20, are meeting in Toronto, Canada. Their presence has be marked by large, peaceful protests, but also violent and destructive action by anarchists. In the midst of talk about global banking and economic reform, and the possibility of a second recession, ordinary people on the street are asking, "What about us, and those even less fortunate? What about safe food, clean water, pure air, effective health care — especially for women and children?" Real matters of life and death, or things perhaps "much more serious than that."
Holy God,
Holy and mighty,
Holy, immortal one,
Have mercy upon us.
Monday, December 21, 2009
AN EYE FOR AN EYE
Today we'll do the medical; next time we'll do the Biblical. (The Biblical is quite fascinating, because it doesn't mean what most people think today.)
Catracts are patches on the lens of the eye through which one cannot see. The standard treatment is to remove the lens using a technique called phacoemulsification. A surgeon uses an ultrasonic beam to break up the hardened lens, and then vacuums up the pieces from the eye with a suction device. An artificial lens, called an intraocular lens or IOL, is inserted to replace the cataract lens.
That's what happened today — right after lunch. (No breakfast this morning; tea and a tiny bread roll post surgery.) All kinds of drops put into my eye, to fight any potential infection or inflammation, and then to "freeze" the eye. They to the surgery. Then Home. (NO I didn't drive mysef — Momma Bear did that — thankfully!!)
Over the next week my vision is supposed to get better. Right now, it's worse — which is why I'm writing in such large type -- so I can "sort of" see what I'm saying. I have to keep putting drops in my eye for the next four or five weeks, to prevent infection.
The really fun part is that the surgeon will check my eye again tomorrow. At 7:00 a.m. In his office downtown. (Is there really a 7:00 in the morning? I thought they got rid of that a few years ago.)
And bye and bye the surgeon will do the other eye, which is almost as bad.
Other than that, the day was fairly boring. Sadie and Nuala hardly notice anything. I slept when I got home, sitting up. My eye is starting to hurt so I'll take something for that. And I'll probably go to bed fairly early. For not having done much today, I'm feeling awfully tired.
I trust you've found this "insightful."
√
Catracts are patches on the lens of the eye through which one cannot see. The standard treatment is to remove the lens using a technique called phacoemulsification. A surgeon uses an ultrasonic beam to break up the hardened lens, and then vacuums up the pieces from the eye with a suction device. An artificial lens, called an intraocular lens or IOL, is inserted to replace the cataract lens.
That's what happened today — right after lunch. (No breakfast this morning; tea and a tiny bread roll post surgery.) All kinds of drops put into my eye, to fight any potential infection or inflammation, and then to "freeze" the eye. They to the surgery. Then Home. (NO I didn't drive mysef — Momma Bear did that — thankfully!!)
Over the next week my vision is supposed to get better. Right now, it's worse — which is why I'm writing in such large type -- so I can "sort of" see what I'm saying. I have to keep putting drops in my eye for the next four or five weeks, to prevent infection.
The really fun part is that the surgeon will check my eye again tomorrow. At 7:00 a.m. In his office downtown. (Is there really a 7:00 in the morning? I thought they got rid of that a few years ago.)
And bye and bye the surgeon will do the other eye, which is almost as bad.
Other than that, the day was fairly boring. Sadie and Nuala hardly notice anything. I slept when I got home, sitting up. My eye is starting to hurt so I'll take something for that. And I'll probably go to bed fairly early. For not having done much today, I'm feeling awfully tired.
I trust you've found this "insightful."
√
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
HEALTH AND FITNESS TIPS (3)
This is the latest in the series.
1. Lie with your back flat on the floor (knees bent if you wish).
2. Set your 20 pound dog across your chest -- nose to one side of your body, tail to the other.
3. Bend your arms at the elbows, so the back of your hands rest on your shoulders (or at least close to the shoulders).
4. Cradle your dog's hips in the palm of one hand, and your dog's shoulders in the other hand.
5. Lift your dog by extending your arms straight up.
Recommended by the dynamic duo of Nuala and Sadie (who get to alternate).
Warning: Don't try this if you haven't done the earlier exercises (i.e., Health and Fitness Tips).
1. Lie with your back flat on the floor (knees bent if you wish).
2. Set your 20 pound dog across your chest -- nose to one side of your body, tail to the other.
3. Bend your arms at the elbows, so the back of your hands rest on your shoulders (or at least close to the shoulders).
4. Cradle your dog's hips in the palm of one hand, and your dog's shoulders in the other hand.
5. Lift your dog by extending your arms straight up.
Recommended by the dynamic duo of Nuala and Sadie (who get to alternate).
Warning: Don't try this if you haven't done the earlier exercises (i.e., Health and Fitness Tips).
Saturday, July 4, 2009
INFLUENZA UPDATE
While the a/H1N1 influenza may have been banished to the back pages of the papers, and the backs of our minds, it is still out there.
There have been 13,000 new cases reported in the last two days. And there have been 50 deaths in those two days.
You'll find the latest on my "Bears Noting" blog.
No cause for panic -- but vigilance is important.
There have been 13,000 new cases reported in the last two days. And there have been 50 deaths in those two days.
You'll find the latest on my "Bears Noting" blog.
No cause for panic -- but vigilance is important.
CELEBRATING TWO NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
Canadians celebrated our national holiday, Canada Day, just a few days ago. Today, it's the Americans turn to celebrate "Independence Day." So near -- yet so different -- those days.
On my "Bears Noting" blog, I decided to reflect a bit on the differences, our different national philosophies, and, particularly, our differences in health care. Both of those differences are quite significant.
Happy reading. And joyous celebrating!
On my "Bears Noting" blog, I decided to reflect a bit on the differences, our different national philosophies, and, particularly, our differences in health care. Both of those differences are quite significant.
Happy reading. And joyous celebrating!
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