We live in a pill-popping society.  The first line treatment for many of the medical problems that walk through our doors is a medication.  Have heartburn?  Forget about avoiding the foods that cause your symptoms — just take a pill.  New diagnosis of diabetes?  We give lip service to lifestyle modifications and then start patients on Metformin.  Hypertension?  Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta blockers — take your pick, and I …

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Practicing medicine sometimes feels a bit like pulling teeth, and getting regular exercise often resembles flossing.

I have only recently started flossing on a regular basis. For most of my life, the bulk of my flossing activities would happen in the few days before my rapidly approaching dentist appointments. The “logic” I used to employ: I could make up for months of neglect by applying some short-term elbow grease to the …

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