Evidentia

Montreal cyclists act like a zombie invasion

The miraculous survival of my ancestor John Howland during the Atlantic crossing of the Mayflower in 1620 bears a lesson.

Considering how crazy some doctors are, I have come to the conclusion that for general (not fatal) complaints, the patient knows best.

I am of English, Scottish, Québécois, Acadian, Narragansett and Wampanoag origin. And so much the better!

I am left wondering whether the Vancouver Games will be a moment when a country of couch potatoes was entertained by Canadian athletes symbolizing the youth of this country, as they got one gold medal after another. Or whether the Vancouver Games will mark a new awareness among every-day Canadians that our health depends, in large measure, on our own efforts.

One of the most interesting interviews I ever conducted, and one of the most astonishing, was with Sir John Sulston, head of the British part of the Human Genome Project. Astonishing, because early on the morning of the interview I called him by telephone, asking what would happen to our appointment if he learned later that day that he had been awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine.

I would like to see the “care” put back in “health care”. Of course, as everyone knows, the real question is how.

When I look at all the bad news on television, I feel anxiety - - I often walk deep in the forest to get away from all the hyped-up buzz; but I also understand the importance of hope, which can motivate positive action

Dr. Rita Charon of Columbia University is one of the leading lights of the Narrative Medicine movement, which teaches health professionals how to listen to their patients, to recognize their personal narratives, and to treat patients with respect and dignity.

I have nothing against wine, but I’ve decided to have just a glass, from time to time. I find water more refreshing. I sleep much better without alcohol.