Elderly!
[Previously published 02/04/24 on Medium, X (Twitter), & LinkedIn] It was a routine appointment with my primary care physician, and we were reviewing my standard lab tests. All the numbers were on point until we got to the HgbA1C (a test to check average blood sugars). My usual range is in the mid-6’s, which means my Type II Diabetes is “adequately” controlled. This time, a red 7.2 popped up. Yikes! My doctor assured me the higher result was likely due to holiday excesses and that she actually preferred to see a bit higher number in her elderly patients. ELDERLY! The remainder of her explanation flew over my head as the dreaded word hit home. Yes, my 70th birthday occurred at the end of 2023. But when did I get old ? I have collected a basket of chronic diseases over the past 30 years, partially due to genetics, the remainder probably impacted by my high-stress, 80 to 100-hour work weeks as a Trauma Surgeon. All of these ailments have stayed in a moderate stage tha...