(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

We went to our family physician this week for our regular 6 month medication review. It used to be so easy; unless you were pregnant, you probably only had one doctor. These days we have so many, one for every part of the body it seems. There is the neurologist, endocrinologist, cardiologist and so on. When the doctor asked me about things I was concerned with, I had to look at my pocket calendar to know which specialist had run which test when and had gotten which result.

My family physician is not only a good doctor, he is a good person. When the doctor I had as a child retired, my current doctor took over and has been there for me ever since. I trust him completely. After years of being able to rely on him anytime I needed him, he deserves my praise. Love to tell you his name but that wouldn’t be right. I hope you have a doctor you trust like I do mine. If not, maybe you should find a doctor with a good reputation for caring about you more than the position. Of course, my doctor has to make a living but it is obvious he cares for his patients. He tries to keep up on our tests and medications. With two different health care systems in our area, he automatically only gets from the one he is in. The other one we need to request results be sent to his office. Then his competent, caring staff puts the information in our files. On our next visit they make sure everything is correct.

I shouldn’t complain about all the specialists we have to go to. After all, they are the best in their special fields. They seem to keep track of me. I’m the one who can’t figure out; I tell this one about such and such and tell that one about the other thing. Then it all gets put together by my faithful family physician.

Now that I am “old” I have more things going wrong with my body. Most of the time they are minor complaints and sometimes it turns out a decision of treatment has to be made. But you know what? I am so thankful to live in this country with my retired husband doing the things we love to do like: we still dance, watch movies, go out to eat, and stay home to do our separate hobbies. Our doctors work to keep us around longer and stay as healthy as possible. Maybe I should be sure to let each of them know how much I appreciate them. If it were not for them and my faith I wouldn’t be here with you today.

I leave you with my wish for you: to be healthy and happy.

Bonita (Bonnie) Eaton

Vienna