Understandably, the world has been hyperfocused on the global SARS CoV-2 pandemic. It has wreaked — and continues to wreak — havoc on many parts of our world. At the same time, there are other threats to the global health order to which we must pay attention, and one of these threats come from what we feed Fido.

Researchers tested fifty-five samples of industrial dog food (25 brands; 22 wet, 14 raw frozen, 8 dry, 7 treats and 4 semi-wet) for various bacteria. The results were alarming:

Enterococcus (n = 184; 7 species; >85% E. faecium and E. faecalis) were…

Today, the country celebrates its independence from the British Crown. Fireworks shows abound. It is a stark contrast from last year, when celebrations across the country were canceled due to the public health emergency. What a difference a year makes.

For many, it is not only a celebration of our nation’s independence, but it is also a celebration of independence from COVID. All across the country, so many are acting like the pandemic is over. In fact, nearly one-third of Americans think the pandemic is over, according to a recent Gallup poll. During a recent trip to Tennessee, my hotel…

It was a very hot summer. A young man showed up to my ICU several years ago after suffering a seizure. His sodium level was dangerously low, which was the cause of his seizure. He was treated and recovered quickly. When he regained consciousness, I asked him his story.

He told me that he rode from Ohio to Illinois on his motorcycle. He had a helmet on, and it was very hot. He sweat profusely. Here’s the key: he drank only water the entire time.

This summer is also turning out to be very hot, especially in the Western United…

Twelve years ago today, our eldest daughter died of cancer. It was the most horrific moment of my life.

I knew that, one day, I was going to bury her. She had a genetic condition to which most of those afflicted ultimately succumb. Yet, despite playing the movie of her death in my mind a million times, the day I finally faced it was the absolute worst day through which I have ever lived.

Twelve years later, the pain is still fresh. The grief is still suffocating. The deep-seated ache in my heart has never resolved.

As time goes by…

We had a patient who suffered brain death after cardiac arrest. He had previously signed up to be an organ donor, and so when he was declared brain dead, the organ donation network (called Gift of Hope here in Illinois) came and arranged to have his kidneys donated to two people. His other organs, unfortunately, could not be donated.

Prior to his leaving the ICU to the operating room, we all gathered together to honor him and his gift of life to another person. I was distinctly honored to read a poem, and I then led the group in a…

Lock Down Was Hard…Even Though I Wasn’t Locked Down

I so miss the ocean
The water crashing on the sand
I so miss the ocean
Where the water ends the land

I so miss the ocean
Lock down was very hard
I so miss the ocean
The death has left me scarred

There is something about the water
Dancing and prancing about
It has always called me to gather
Calming when I want to shout

The ocean is always in flux
It is never the same each day
It’s power and grace is the crux
Pointing to The One Who…

This past weekend, my extended family had a long-awaited reunion. Almost all of the adults — but for a few intransigent members not wanting a vaccine — were vaccinated. It was outdoors. There were family members I had not seen in more than a year.

We hung out, ate, drank, and laughed together, without any fear of giving COVID to each other or to vulnerable family members. We argued with those remaining few who just adamantly refused to be vaccinated. We played sports and had a genuinely amazing time. It was so awesome.

If this is not a reason to…