Timothy Byars

4 weeks ago | kevinmd.com | Debbie Moore-Black |Curtis Gattis |Wes campbell |Timothy Byars

I stood at the check-in counter of my physician’s office, waiting for my yearly physical. Beside me, another patient was checking in. I recognized her instantly. It was Denise—my childhood best friend. And yet, I couldn’t bring myself to say hello. We had spent our childhoods side by side—playing Barbies, cheerleading, swimming at the neighborhood pool. Every single day. She wasn’t just a friend; she was my safe place. We stayed close all through high school, best friends through and through.

May 1, 2023 | kevinmd.com | Timothy Byars |Jill Becker |Pat Rich |Jamie Katuna

Imagine that you are suffering from chronic pain. The pain keeps you awake at night so you don’t get much sleep. Lack of sleep most nights and the ensuing chronic fatigue causes you some anxiety during the day. Your primary care physician suggests that she is concerned with the increasing amount of aspirin and ibuprofen you are consuming to manage the pain. She can prescribe opioids to help with the pain, a benzodiazepine to manage the anxiety, and a sleeping pill (such as zolpidem) for insomnia.