The last 4+ months have been busy ones! I have been fortunate enough to work with a fantastic writing partner, Robert Norman DO. Our book 100 Questions and Answers about Chronic Illness we released on December 1, 2009! We hope you will buy it! http://www.amazon.com/Questions-Answers-About-Chronic-Illness/dp/0763777641/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260980615&sr=8-6
Approximately 1 in 3 Americans has a chronic medical condition, one that will last a long time, perhaps for life. 7 out of 10 twenty year olds now working will end up on disability at some point in their career. 23.5 million American have autoimmune diseases. Why are there so many sick people?
Diseases that were fatal half a decade ago are now treatable, but not always curable. Diseases are diagnosed and treated earlier. Aging boomers are becoming senior citizes with the many problems that come with age. More people stay alive longer with chronic conditions.
We need a differnt model for managing our chronic conditions. Most doctors receive most of their training in acute care. Acute conditions that have a clear beginning, diagnosis and treatment. In acute care, the doctor often takes a paternalistic role. But chronic care is another matter altogether. In chronic care, the doctor and patient must be partners in managing the disease.
The American Journal of Public Health estimates that 45,000 deaths a year in the United States can be attributed to lack of health insurance! These people often wait until a problem is significant before seeking medical attention. Some of their conditions, which might have been curable at the onset, have now become chronic.
100 Questions and Answers about Chronic Illness looks at issues that are common to all chronic illnesses. Many of the ideas for the book began aas posts in this blog.
So, the prodigal is back to the blogoshere today, with renewed commitment to keep posting! Thanks!
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