Women who kick ass: Nobel Centenarian edition

I will be happy if I am only 1/4 as fabulous as Rita Levi Montalcini when I'm 1/2 her age.

I mean, come on.  Just deal with this picture a minute. This lady eats  awesometoast with fabulous jam every day.

This is what I want to be when I grow up.

Italian scientist Rita Levi Montalcini, turning 100, still making. It. WORK.

Dammit Jim, I'm a doctor!

You've got to give it to Bones McCoy on general principle, but it's Doc Cottle for the win!

io9 Triviagasm: What's Up, Doc? (Twenty of the Best Physicians in Science Fiction)

Time to bite the bullet instead of the brownie

A few weeks ago I wrote about my quest for a doctor.  I actually saw her on Monday, and it's a relief to be in the care of someone who seems competent and caring.

I'll be seeing her again on Friday to discuss the results of my blood work.  I already know she's going to tell me my cholesterol is sky high (like, heart explodingly high) and that my glucose levels are inching towards diabetes.  And then there's the knee x-rays that show the onset of minimal to mild arthritis.  Bloody hell I'm 37!

I need to come to Jesus and with a quickness.  Fortunately, my friend Nicki has just started a new group called Losing It for people who want to lose weight, get in shape and live a healthier lifestyle.  Sound good?  You in?  Then slide on over and join us.

Ironically, Nicki and I first bonded over food - namely our shared dislike of onions.  Neither one of us can stand the crunch.  *shudder*

And I guess I have to rescind my previous statements about parking it on the couch.  I'm still going to drink more champagne.

I can see clearly now

My goal for this New Year's week is to clean my flat top to bottom.  Not company clean, for reals clean.  Closets will be cleaned out, cabinets will be emptied ... baseboards will be wiped down, people.

If during your winter's cleaning you come across any old eyeglasses (or non prescription sunglasses) you can donate them to the Lion's Club.  Your specs will then be distributed to people in need.  A stranger will be able to see ... and hopefully won't judge you overly much for your hideous fashion sense.  Just keep telling yourself those giant 80's frames were actually in style once. 

Sci Fi Passings

Daughter of the Fifth House, Holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx, and Heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed.

Rip: 'First Lady Of Star Trek ,' Majel Roddenberry, Dead At 76

What do you do if you're really sick?

I'm still pretty psyched that wax|wendy has gone global. This morning Ms. Constantine (Antipodes, represent!) posted this comment regarding my quest for a doctor:

I'm a bit surprised if I ring my doctor in town in the morning and can't get an appointment for the next day at the latest. Usually if I ring in the morning I can get an appointment in the afternoon.

But then I live in New Zealand, there are constant news stories about a lack of doctors but it sounds like we are doing well compared.

What do you do if you're really sick?

That is an excellent question.  And it's part of what prompted me to finally get a GP.  Two events occurred in close succession back in the spring.  First, I fell on my knee and bruised it quite badly.  It was hugely swollen, and I really thought I might have fractured the knee cap.   Then,  a few weeks later, I developed an ear infection.  In both cases, my initial reaction was "Shit!  What do I do?!  What do I do?!".

With my knee, I got lucky.  My company has a nurse on staff, who made a call, and got a doctor to fit me in that afternoon.  I had briefly considered going to the Emergency room.  Which, for a lot of people in the US, insured and uninsured, is where they go for primary care.  But I decided I didn't want to sit around for 5 or 6 hours to have some resident poke at me, tell me it was a bruise, ice and elevate it.  I could do that for free at home.

With the ear, I went to a MinuteClinic - a walk-in drugstore clinic staffed by a nurse practitioner.  Its not a perfect model, but it definitely fills a need.  You don't need an appointment.  You get in, get your self diagnosis confirmed, get some drugs (maybe pick up some milk and glossy celebrity tabloids), and you're on your way.

In the past, when I did have a regular doctor, I rarely had a problem getting a last minute appointment.  She was part of a fair sized practice, including several other MDs and nurse practitioners.  So even if she didn't have an opening, someone else did.

I'm hopeful that once I'm established with my new doctor, that will be the case again.

But for a lot of people, I think they just make the most of whatever services are available. Otherwise, they just do without and hope for the best.

Hidden hurt, or count your blessings

I spent 90 minutes today trying to make a doctor's appointment. I have a lady doctor, but it's been at least 5 years since I've had a regular GP. I was hoping to find someone close to home. My boss recommended his doctor's practice, but they're *whine* all the way in Capitol Hill. I don't want to go to Capitol Hill when I'm sick *end whine*.

Unfortunately, Georgetown isn't taking new patients. None of the other university hospitals are either. Or they don't take my insurance. Or I couldn't get an appointment before May. I found one doctor who could see me in February, but on reflection, the requirement to send her a check for 25 bucks to hold my appointment seemed a little sketchy.

30 seconds after bitching about my no-good-very-bad situation on Facebook, the wondrous Kate came to my rescue. 10 minutes later I had a new doctor who could see me on January 5, and is 2 blocks from work. She's in the medical district. Its one street over from the hammock district.

In addition to my lady doctor, I'm also established with a dentist, an optometrist, and a dermatologist. Who are all 2 blocks from work. And I have insurance to pay for them. And a job that provides me with generous medical leave and a boss who doesn't begrudge me popping out for a few hours in the middle of the work day.

All of which is to remind myself that I am extrodinarily lucky, and had no business bitching. Because it could be a whole lot worse.

credit: Michael Williamson - The Washington Post (all)

Hidden Hurt: Desperate for medical care, the uninsured flock by the hundreds to a remote corner of Virginia for the chance to see a doctor - washingtonpost.com