For What

I’ve received quite a few responses to last weeks column about the di culty of getting an appointment to see a physician now that the local hospital has its hands in scheduling at a central station. In my opinion it is cold, unfriendly, and seems to lack empathy of those who eld the calls, but perhaps there’s nothing they can do about it, and perhaps those receptionists are sick and tired of hearing how a sick patient needs to be seen sooner. ere can be blame all around, or perhaps nowhere, maybe it’s just the sign of the times. I do not know of any physicians who are uncaring, although some may be, but I do know that I have heard talk of some of them dissatis ed with the way things are working, so frustration everywhere.

If I ran the medical facilities, I’d have a few ideas to toss around. For one, I think it’s silly to give a prescription to patients who are leaving the emergency room. If these people were healthy enough to get around, they wouldn’t be spending hours waiting to be seen in an ER. In hospitals I have worked in, in other states, and in other decades, there

by Dr. Melfi, Ph.D.

was an all night pharmacy in the facility that could ll the prescriptions right then and there. I mean, I know there are pharmacies associated with our hospitals…that is how inpatients get there medications. Why not help out a few patients who have no one to go to the drug store for them? at would ease their minds, and allow them to focus on getting well.

e next thing I would be thinking about is the need for more convenient urgent care centers in neighborhoods.

ere is one in Jensen, one in Palm City and one in Stuart, o the highway, but there are an enormous number of senior citizens who either can’t drive on the highways, shouldn’t be driving on the highways, or are too sick to get themselves help. If not, then how about a hospital owned transport company, not ambulances, who can take sick people to facilities that will treat them on the spot, instead of having them stand in a virtual line for months waiting to be seen. By then, they’ve either gotten better, or unfortunately, much worse. In case the higher-ups haven’t factored in the need to assist people, especially the elderly, widowed and alone, who o en can’t or won’t call an Uber. e elderly are worried about their safety, getting into a car with a complete stranger, and I don’t blame them.

I don’t know how these issues can be addressed, how much money it would take, who could pay for these bene ts, and if anyone even cares to try to rectify our medical situation, but if anyone much more intelligent than I am could tackle these problems, please let us all know.

For What it’s Worth, no one feels more alone than someone who is sick, and no one has a worse doctor than themselves when they attempt to selfmedicate for lack of bona de, quali ed, timely, medical attention.

JB Roo ng Explains… What’s in a Roof?

Not all roofs are made the same! If you need to install a new roof, then you should know what options are available to you. After all, how else can you make the best, most informed decision?

Thankfully, JB Roo ng is here to explain… what’s in a roof:

Shingle Roofs

Light and exible, yet durable, asphalt shingles adapt to either standard or unconventional roof angles. They come in a variety of styles and colors, so you can easily nd the perfect t for your unique taste. Additionally, asphalt shingles roofs are among the most affordable options for not only a total roof replacement, but also for roof repairs. In the event that a shingle blows or breaks off your roof, then you can just replace that speci c shingle versus a large section or the entire surface area.

Metal Roofs

• 5-V CRIMP METAL

One of the most popular options, 5-V Crimp Metal Roofs are generally the most affordable among metal roo ng systems. They are energy-ef cient, long-lasting, and durable. Furthermore, 5-V crimp metal panels are available in a range of colors.

• STANDING SEAM METAL

Ultra-reliable, standing seam metal roofs promise incredible longevity. The design protects the roof’s metal fasteners from harmful and destructive UV rays, wind, rain, and hail, so these roofs often last for at least 50 years. Standing seam metal roofs also boast a more modern look for your home.

• STONE-COATED METAL PANEL

Rust-proof, re-resistant, and durable, stone-coated metal panel roofs will last for a long time and require little maintenance. They are also corrosionresistant, watertight, and heat-resistant. Finally, stone-coated metal panels will increase the value of a property.

Tile Roofs

Weather-resistant tile roo ng can handle high winds, re, heavy rain, and hail. They can also reduce some of the heat from the sun, thus lowering your air conditioning costs. Finally, tile roofs are immune from insect destruction, as they are pest-resistant.