Such is life, what there is of it
Life expectancy has been falling in the U.S. in recent years, slipping from 79 years old in 2019 to 76 in 2022, thanks to the COVID and drug use epidemics. That reverses years of progress attributed to less smoking and consequent deaths from cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
The lost years have hit men harder than women. A man’s life expectancy is now 73 compared with a woman’s 79 years, the biggest gap since 1996.
Body of knowledge
Published research by scientists at Emory University suggests that more attentive fathers tend to have smaller testicles. The theory is that lower testosterone production makes the men more empathetic, less aggressive and more attuned to their children’s needs.
Stories for the waiting room
In the waning years of the 18th century, a Connecticut doctor named Elisha Perkins began selling “metallic tractors” — a pair of 3-inch-long rods that he said drew harmful metals out of the body when rubbed along the skin. The tractors supposedly eased “pains in the head, face, teeth, breast, side, stomach, back, plus rheumatism and some gouts.”
Perkins sold thousands of the rods, including to of Congress, the Supreme Court and George Washington himself (who ultimately died from another dubious remedy — bloodletting).
In 1799, yellow fever struck New York City and Perkins rushed in with his tractor rods to save the day — and died of yellow fever.
Doc talk
Mania of the week
Never say diet
The Major League Eating speed-eating record for bologna is 2.76 pounds in 6 minutes, held by Don Lerman.
Life in Big Macs
One hour of chopping wood energetically burns 1,156 calories (based on a 150-pound person) or the equivalent of 1.6 Big Macs.
Best medicine
During a physical exam, a doctor remarked on a new patient’s extraordinarily ruddy complexion. The patient replied, “High blood pressure, doc. It comes from my family.”
“Your mother’s side or your father’s?” asked the doctor.
“Neither,” replied the patient. “My wife.”
Observation
“Knocked down a doctor? With an ambulance? How could she? It’s a contradiction in .”
Medical history
This week in 1832, 34-year-old Thomas Hodgkin delivered a paper to the Medical and Surgical Society in London. Since he wasn’t a member, the Society’s secretary had to read it for him. Only eight were present.
The title was “Some Morbid Appearances of the Absorbent Glands and Spleen.” Hodgkin’s findings were mostly ignored. It was not until late in the 19th century that the rare lymphatic disease was named after him.
Hodgkin wasn’t the first to write about Hodgkin’s disease. That was Marcello Malpighi in 1666, but he was the first to fully document it, though in retrospect with more knowledge, only three of the seven cases he originally described were actually legitimate examples. The others were mimics.
Perishable publications
Many, if not most, published research papers have titles that defy comprehension. They use specialized jargon, complex words and opaque phrases like “nonlinear dynamics.” Sometimes they don’t, and yet they’re still hard to figure out. Here’s an actual title of actual published research study: “Premature speculation concerning pornography’s effects on relationships.”
Published in 2018 in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, the authors concluded that current literature and findings on the topic were, well, unsatisfying.
Medical myths
Lots of rest is not good for back pain. In fact, it can be counterproductive. While doctors may recommend short rest, it’s best to remain active. When you’re inactive for long periods, the body quickly gets out of condition and may lead to greater pain when you eventually get moving again. Limit exercise when pain is intense, but pursue normal activities as much as possible. And, of course, always consult your doctor when you have questions or concerns.
Self-exam
Q: When the palm of the hand is facing up, it’s supinated. What is it called when the arm is turned and the palm is facing down?
A: Pronated
Epitaphs
“I’d rather be in Acapulco.”
LaFee is vice president of communications for the Sanford Burnham Prebys research institute.
