Surviving AmericanSurviving
American Medicine

In a spectacular 2013 Academy Awards show, many health and disease issues were in the background. Here are my nominees for my Award for Most Important Performance by an illness or an individual.

• Amour, for the portrayal of stroke, cerebrovascular disease, and caregivers
• Silver Linings Playbook, for the portrayals of mental illnesses and adjustment to illness
• Michael Douglas, for demonstration of outstanding survivorship after throat cancer and its treatment
• Robin Roberts, for her appearance on the red carpet showing America how a person can recover after breast cancer 5 years ago and now a severe bone marrow disease (myelodysplastic syndrome, a pre-leukemia condition, possibly a side effect of her breast cancer treatment) recently treated with a bone marrow transplant
• Halle Berry, for her coping and overcoming diabetes.

My choice for my Award is…Robin Roberts. She had the courage to appear in front of the world with her very short hair. Despite this, her energy, smile, beautiful appearance, and stunning dress showed all who are battling illness that beauty is in a woman’s eyes, lips and smile, no matter how many side effects of therapy have occurred.

From this years ceremony, here are my medical tips for you:

• Ask your doctor if you are at risk of stroke and what can be done to prevent it (like carotid artery ultrasound)
• Discuss any mental challenges you may be experiencing with your doctor and get needed help to overcome them
• If you are facing cancer, have the courage to endure the treatments knowing that a good quality of life is in your future
• Know that chronic disease, although not curable, can be  treated effectively and maintain good health and productivity.

For more advice on discussing illnesses with your doctor for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, see my book Surviving American Medicine.