My Final Column for Post Media Newspapers
28 Dec 2019
Life is full of surprises. It’s ironic my recent column explained why I still work at 95 – that avoiding retirement is a healthy choice. To keep up with technology, I recently upgraded my computer to Windows10, an exercise that challenged my sanity. But despite my efforts, I was informed last week that Post Media has decided to discontinue my column! So, what can I say to my many readers in Sun newspapers?
First, my thanks to Sun Editors for publishing my column for so many years. It’s been a privilege to discuss medical matters with your readers. The column began 45 years ago, and for many years, the Sun papers have helped me reach a wide audience. Although your readers will no longer find me in your pages, they can continue to receive my weekly column on my website or in other papers.
What about my readers? They offer me huge motivation. Over the years, I’ve received thousands of letters and e-mails thanking me for passing along useful medical information and not being a fence-sitter on controversial subjects.
Some readers have disagreed with me. It’s impossible to win a popularity contest when writing about controversial health and societal matters. A vocal minority will be happy to have the pages rid of me. They’re the ones who write to editors, “Fire the idiot.” Or, “Did he ever go to medical school?”
Some critics have never believed in the value of a debate. It’s their way or the highway. This is not my philosophy. When I am proven wrong, I stand down. But when I have doubts, I will always speak up.
Any regrets? Maybe one. This year I wrote a letter to every Member of Parliament and every Senator on the issue of medical assistance in dying. I presented an idea that would guarantee no one would ever receive medical assisted death who did not request it.
Only one Senator replied! So, I wrote a column “Rotten Law, Rotten Politicians, Rotten Eggs”. I wish I had gone to Ottawa to toss rotten eggs at Parliament to show my contempt for politicians who, with one simple vote, could stop needless suffering. I may toss the eggs yet!
Although it’s time to say goodbye to the Sun’s print media, there’s no need to say goodbye to me. My column will continue, posted weekly at at www.docgiff.com where readers can sign up to receive it by email, and shared on my Facebook and Twitter accounts.
The year 2020 marks 100 years since Sir Frederick Banting discovered insulin. I’ll be writing about advancements in nanotechnology that will soon allow millions of patients to toss away needle injections for Type 2 diabetes and create potential new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
Now it’s time for a little hilarity. I’ve said jokingly that I have a wish for the next life. That is, I’d wish to own all the newspapers so I would have no limits on what I write! I’ve also enjoyed a vivid imagination, and that when an editor ceases to publish my column, thousands of readers respond with protests. As I think you know, I believe laughter is good medicine and we need more of it.
Sun readers and I have had a long run together. I wish all of you good health in the years ahead. No doubt, our health care system is under great financial stress with an aging population, more expensive medical procedures, and longer wait times. This makes it more important to take responsibility for your own health.
Remember, if you keep going to hell with a faulty lifestyle you will eventually get there. I hope you will never forget Gifford-Jones Rule #1 to practice a sound lifestyle. Rule #2 is never to forget Rule #1.
Make sure you encourage your family members and friends to sign-up on the homepage to receive my weekly e-newsletter and follow me on Facebook and Twitter @giffordjonesmd.
To send an email directly to me: info@docgiff.com
