to the February Health and Medicine issue of NorthBay biz. Healthcare is an ongoing hot topic on the national as well as the local scene, whether discussing its cost, availability or quality. When we sat down a few months ago to begin planning this issue, we had a long discussion that ended with us focusing on the question of quality and posing this question: What are North Bay hospitals doing to ensure better health care for their patients? And, as you’re about to find out, in three separate lead stories, the answer turned out to be they’re providing better care by investing heavily in innovation. In addition to these stories, several others focus on different facets of the healthcare industry, including a look at the growing demand for specialized plastic surgery, a convalescent hospital with a nurturing, home-like atmosphere and a story about what’s new in the world of health insurance.
In last month’s column I talked about the magazine’s ceaseless pursuit of excellence and mentioned that we’d be introducing more new columns and features throughout 2006. In that vein, I’m pleased to announce that two new monthly columns make their debut in this issue. The first is a money and investing column we’ve named WealthWise. It’s penned by David Raub, founder of Larkspur-based Raub Brock Capital Management Inc. David comes to the magazine with a wealth of financial knowledge and experience. For the past 15 years as a registered investment adviser, he has excelled in helping clients maximize their financial assets while avoiding the many potential pitfalls. Prior to starting his investment advising business, David practiced law as an estate-planning attorney. He was also a member of the Mill Valley City Council for eight years.
Our other new columnist is Allen Gruber, MD. His new monthly column is called Executive Wellness. Allen obtained his medical training at some of the finest schools on the West Coast, including U.C. Berkeley, U.C.S.F., University of Washington and Stanford. After doing his residency in anesthesiology, he was one of the first physicians in America to complete a post-graduate fellowship in pain management. Despite his impressive educational background, you’ll never accuse him of scholarly naiveté because before he was fully invested in his medical career some of the jobs he held included cab driver, lifeguard, Navy officer, field biologist, factory worker, mason’s assistant and hospital administrator. Allen recognizes the unique stress often associated with being an executive and/or being self-employed. In Allen’s words, “They face special pressures, excessive time demands and a lack of well-defined boundaries between work and the rest of life. So it stands to reason that special maps may be required for people to navigate from Executiveland to Wellville.”
We’re extremely pleased to be adding two such well-credentialed and outstanding leaders in their fields to our already fine cadre of columnists. You can look forward to them sharing their insights with you each month in NorthBay biz—the North Bay’s only locally owned business publication. We’re eager to hear your feedback on any of our new features or columns. Also, please feel free to share any other ideas or comments you might have on how we can continue to improve the magazine.
Now to fill the rest of the page—below is a list that’s been bouncing around the web that is sure to elicit a grin or groan. It begins with this preamble: “We, the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty hereby try, one more time, to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional and politically correct bed-wetters. For those confused by the Bill of Rights here is the Bill of Non-Rights for clarification.”
ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.
ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone—not just you. You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, but the world is full of idiots and probably always will be.
ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from self-inflicted harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful. Do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you independently wealthy.
ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are charitable people and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes.
ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but if public housing is a guide, it just doesn’t work.
ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, maim or kill someone, don’t be surprised if the rest of us want to see you get the death penalty.
ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods of other citizens, don’t be surprised if you get locked up for a while.
ARTICLE VIII: You don’t have the right to a job. All of us want you to have a job, so why not take advantage of educational opportunities and vocational training to make yourself employable.
ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to the pursuit of happiness—so don’t blame us if you’re not.
ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don’t care where you’re from, but you need to learn our language if you want to live here.
ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country’s history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in God. You are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all, with no fear of persecution. The phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” is part of our history and heritage and if you are uncomfortable with it, too bad.
That’s it for now. The page is filled. Enjoy this month’s magazine.
