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In This Issue:
Martin Solomon, MD, talks about his book “Don’t Worry, Be Healthy”
"I recall one patient...who has been blind since a tumor was removed from behind his eye many years earlier. In spite of his significant handicap, he is happy and successful in his work...When I walk out to the waiting room to greet him, he always responds with a ready smile as his wife guides him down the corridor to my office. Once seated, he immediately asks about my health and my family. We spend a significant part of his rare visits telling jokes and stories, and our conversation is frequently interrupted with laughter. The medical exam that follows is almost an afterthought. Not only does he feel well, he makes me feel good," writes BWH internist Martin Solomon, MD, in his book “Don’t Worry, Be Healthy.”
In “Don’t Worrry, Be Healthy,” Solomon shares anonymous patient stories through the eyes of a primary care physician. Ironically, Solomon finds that the most upbeat and positive patients whom he treats are often those who have serious health problems or those who have been dealt the most unfortunate of circumstances. As he explains in his book, these are the patients who are the first to ask about his family and well being, only to discuss their own serious ailments and health issues at hand afterward.
The Kessler Library within BWH’s Bretholtz Center for Patients and Families hosts “Book Talks” every Monday from 1 to 2 p.m. to introduce and discuss the library’s assortment of new books. At the November 11 talk Solomon led an interesting discussion related to his inspiration for writing the book, which provides a humorous viewpoint of common conditions (i.e. colds, flu, vitamins and aging) and his overall outlook on leading a healthy and wise lifestyle. Solomon discussed with BWH volunteers, patients’ family members, employees and other guests how humor has helped him separate his personal and professional lives and how learning to laugh at himself makes him a better physician and person.
At the time he wrote “Don't Worry, Be Healthy” Solomon was going through some personal crises as several of his family members were battling various diseases. “Writing provided me with a chance to crystallize my thoughts during a very difficult time,” said Solomon, who produced his first 30 pages of manuscript in only six hours. When the book was completed, he established his own publishing company in order to market it. The first 5,000 copies sold quickly. Since then, he dismantled his company and has been busy with two other books aside from a very full medical practice at BWH.
“Don’t Worry, Be Healthy,” is available to borrow or purchase ($16.95) from the Kessler Library. Solomon has donated copies of his book to the Library, so the proceeds will go toward purchasing future resources for patients and families. Email librarian Cara Helfner for more information at chelfner@partners.org
Next Up: guest author Margie Levine, will discuss her book “Surviving Cancer,” from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Kessler Library on December 9. To register call ext. 2-8103.