I with this cartoon was merely satirical, but unfortunately it's reality. Frequently I receive inquiries about acupuncture and Medicare—especially now that many Medicare patients have heard they have coverage for lower back pain. Given how common low back pain is among seniors, the possibility of receiving regular acupuncture can feel incredibly encouraging. But then the truth comes out. Yes, Medicare covers acupuncture for lower back pain—but licensed acupuncturists are not recognized...

“You’re so calm.” “You’re the most chill person I know.” “Your vibe is so California—easy, breezy. How do you stay like that?” I’ve been asked these questions many times over the years, but especially in the past year or so. And truth be told, I’m not always calm, cool, and collected. After all, we do live in New Jersey—and this state requires us to have an edge at times. But notice those key words: at times. Most of the time, in my experience, an edge isn’t needed. For me, living a lifestyle...

If I could choose the Merriam-Webster Word of the Year, mine would be discern . In an age where so much information — and misinformation — is at our fingertips, the ability to discern what makes sense and what does not is a skill worth cultivating and instilling in our youth. However, discernment becomes far more challenging when the information presented is new and we lack foundational knowledge on the subject. Acupuncture is a perfect example of this. Incorrect locations of acupuncture...