School Days

(FYI this is a repost) Greetings and Happy Humpday! Another week is flying by and it's the last day of August with Labor Day upon us. This time of the year is always hectic with the return to school and work after summer vacations. It's "back to reality time"! But as we re-enter reality, we do have things to look forward to, like fall football, cooler weather (and hopefully less rainy weather), and Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte! This week also ushered in the start of the US Open (tennis) in NY. This year's Open is noteworthy for a few reasons. Novak Djokovic, the reigning Wimbledon Champ and one of the best players of all time was forbidden to play since he is unvaccinated, and as such, could not enter the country. So even though Covid has now become endemic (as opposed to a pandemic) and the vaccines are under fire given the current Covid rates amongst the vaccinated and boosted, the Covid lunacy continues.

This year's Open is also noteworthy since several players have announced that this year's tournament is their last and that they are retiring. Last night was Sam Querry's last Open. But the real headliner is Serena Williams. She has announced her exit from tennis. She won her first round, and fans will be watching to see if she can go out with a bang. She is also playing doubles with her sister, Venus. Serena has been controversial at times (especially her outfits!), but the role that she and her sister have played to transform the sport is indisputable. She is an amazing player and athlete and has already embarked on a business career, with a venture capital fund to support female and minority-owned businesses. Serena is also a mother and is one of several mothers playing in the Open. In my mind this speaks to the grit and determination of these women to return to such a grueling sport after having children, and also how the sport has evolved as we are seeing players extend their careers into their thirties, or even forties in the case of Serena! I believe these women are great role models to young women.

As many of you know, I am a mother to an 18-year-old young woman. (Wow, that's weird to say, since I still see her as my little girl!) Many of you also know that I recently moved her into college at the University of Florida. For any of you who need a good laugh, there is a funny TikTok video about the "college move-in" and the differences between male and female college students! The transition to college is such an exciting time for growth and development. We hope our students learn to spread their wings, live independently, hopefully make friendships of a lifetime, and most importantly, skills that will help launch them into the "real world" in four years. When I think of our educational system these days, I think of the song "Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd. Boy, did my mom hate when I listened to that song growing up! But here is where I'm going to shift gears and need to inject some seriousness, no pun intended, and extend a public service announcement.

The drug crisis is real, particularly Fentanyl. It is showing up in what looks like colored candy, and it seems like all recreational drugs are being tainted with it. Narcan may not be able to reverse the effects of an overdose. People are dying, including children. So, please educate your children and explain that an assumption must be made that any and every street drug is laced with Fentanyl. Several Ohio State students died in the spring from Adderall laced with Fentanyl, which they likely took to help their exam performance. This crisis is real! Another malicious trend has sprung up on college campuses: water bottles that have been injected with Rohypnol (a ruffie). So just when your coed thinks she is doing the responsible thing taking a bottle of water at a party, instead of alcohol, beware. Please spread the word!

So if I have stressed you out with this scary information and if the craziness of the return to school has you tired and exhausted, don't fear. Kelly and I have you covered with the introduction of our Rehydration Station! We are offering iv infusions to boost your energy or immune system (don't forget that flu season is around the corner) and we can tailor the infusion to meet your needs and help you feel your best.

I hope you have a great holiday weekend!

Til next time.

Heidi Williams, MD