Q: Our family doctor and I became friends in the fourth grade, and we've been friends ever since. Recently after golfing, we enjoyed a glass of wine and relaxed. I asked him what his main gripes were about his patients. He felt most doctors believe they are bearing the brunt of the growing anger about health care. Reasons given include knowing that more money is coming out of their pocket for treatment and medications, juggling Medicare options, increasing insurance costs and decreasing payouts for treatment and medications, and they fear the worst is still ahead. Do you foresee more challenges?

A: Unfortunately we are aware that is where we are headed. Population growth, uncertain governmental regulations, higher insurance rates and larger deductibles are in the hopper, and the strong possibility of inflation increasing lies on the table.

Doctors are also concerned about the growing rudeness of patients. Because seniors experience declining health, they are often lonely and unhappy, have less money, and there is the looming fear of not being able to take care of them. Seniors often become crankier and depressed. Although patients do not usually intentionally lie, doctors know many of their patients are not taking their meds because they cannot afford them, they know they're not exercising but smoking, overdrinking, and other diagnostic questions.

Most patients want their doctors to like them. Sometimes they omit information to obtain handicapped parking permits, or they don't reveal using substances injurious to their own health. The interaction between patients and doctors are best served by both parties agreeing that honesty and trust provides the denominator for better health!

Q: My grandparents love me as I do them. However, as a struggling college student away at school, I am unable to spend much time with them when I can come home for holidays and vacations. I feel the tension and competition between my families in wanting me to share my short time with them. My girlfriend is a high school senior, and we need our short time together, too. How can I best manage to juggle my wonderful, loving family, my woman and successfully graduate?

A: How fortunate that you are in such demand! Make it a point to discuss your time limitations with your family and girlfriend. This is the time when you are under pressure to finish your education, begin your career and hopefully find a passion for your life. When you are at school, try to squeeze in a few phone calls to let them know how challenged you currently are. This will make them feel they are sharing your maturity. Although postcards and writing are out of style, buying a dozen notecards and occasionally sending a few words of your activities means more to them than you can imagine. It reminds them of your love and makes a world of difference to those who receive them. Remind them you that you are looking forward to sharing your love with them. Everybody is a winner!

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at [email protected]. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.