Exiting the Columbia University’s Graduate Faculties in 1981, my long-pursued degree in hand, I was ready for the next step. At that time, the start of my career, my sole aim was to teach and do research in the field of international relations. I could not even imagine anyone suggesting that I might end up in the halls of the U.S. government, in the mountains of Afghanistan, in Iran, or in any other unusual place. Yet the academic phase turned out to be but one facet of an unusual path.

One of the many fascinating aspects of a career full of surprises, and at times of dangerous situations, were the people with whom I came into contact. Some were well-known and in high positions, some not so high. Some were courageous and principled, some with blood on their hands. Some with whom one would not wish to be alone in a dark alley and some who died violent deaths.

When I was asked to write about healthy options for shalach manos, I laughed. To me, the two have often felt incompatible – maybe because I’ve grown accustomed to seeing what my grandsons collect from their Purim deliveries: a veritable trove of tooth-decaying treasures that would make any trick-or-treater green (dye #4) with envy.

That said, from the vantage point of my own home, I’ve also seen some genuinely health-positive inclusions over the years: oranges, water bottles, and tahini, alongside the  varied homemade muffins, cookies, and hamantaschen  made with love and no chemical additives. I’ve enjoyed watching the creativity people bring to their gifts – sometimes choosing foods that match a theme or even their costumes. Condiments, coffee for a “coffee break” theme, and even the occasional beer or mini-liquor bottle have not gone unappreciated.

When compiling a list of healthier ideas, I went back to the basic requirement of shalach manos: ready-to-eat food or drink, enough for the Purim seudah. That rules out pantry staples like rice or dried beans. I also tried to avoid foods that require refrigeration, since safe transport and storage can be tricky. Soups, salads, and mini-quiches would all be welcome if there were clear instructions and fridge space available.

Glowing with happiness for the new couple, the host waits for silence so his heartfelt words can fill the room. Guests quickly refill their glasses, preparing for the inevitable toast that will close his remarks. Whether wine or whisky, everyone raises their drink in unison and shouts “L’chaim,” their sincere wishes of bracha and health imbuing the moment with meaning and warmth.

Low back pain is everywhere. It’s in the grocery line, in the leather office chair, in that wince made when getting out of their car. It’s that nagging soreness that steals sleep, makes stairs feel like a negotiation technique, and turns picking up objects from the floor into a well-choreographed dance. According to the American Family Physician summary of the VA/DoD guidelines, 84% of adults in the United States will experience low back pain at some point, and nearly 40% report an episode within a three?month window. Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and it’s become a common, painful reality for far too many people.¹

We often expect our children and grandchildren to inherit our qualities, whether they want to or not. We unconsciously observe and compare them to ourselves to the point that when we see a glaring inconsistency, we start to ponder the age-old question of nature versus nurture. This question hit me squarely in the face when I saw my granddaughter walking around with a sprinkle cookie in one hand and a piece of broccoli in the other. The even more confusing part was that she was munching on each item with an equal amount of enthusiasm. Although you wouldn’t know it, this is contra-indicated for my side of the family.

by Robert Edelman, M.D.

On January 5, the CDC, under the direction of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., released a revised vaccine schedule for children. Instead of 18 mandatory vaccines, there are now 11. The major contagious childhood diseases – such as measles, DTaP, and polio – are still required, while six vaccines fall under the category of “shared decision making” between parents and doctors, centering on such issues as whether the child is “high risk.” This move is laden with controversy, pitting the anti-vaccine views of RFK against those of the medical and public health establishment. As a result, many parents are confused and are looking for guidance.

As a retired Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, I will summarize some basic information regarding vaccines, focusing on anti-vaccine myths, which play a central role in the controversy.  I hope the facts presented help parents better clarify their attitudes toward vaccines and vaccination for themselves and their children.   

A young patient of Dr. Sondra Heiligman, a beloved pediatrician in our community, once went to an urgent care for an earache. The PA who examined the child playfully told her that he saw an elephant in her ear. The child was surprised and said that her doctor, Dr. Heiligman, had said the same thing. It turned out that the PA was one of the students who had studied under Dr. Heiligman.

This amusing anecdote shows Dr. Heiligman’s enjoyment of children as well as her desire to serve others, including medical students. These qualities, along with her interest in science, led her toward a career in pediatrics. Volunteering in the hospital playroom was one experience that helped shape her path. She graduated from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1985, did her residency and training in Maryland, and later completed a fellowship in pediatric endocrinology.

When was the last time you planned a day trip or vacation and didn’t have to worry about bringing food (aside from Israel and New York)? Surprisingly, the country of Panama is that place; it is frum and kosher friendly.

For the past several years, friends and relatives have visited Panama City and raved about the sites as well as the approximately 40 affordable kosher restaurants – everything from high-end steak houses to frozen yogurt. Several months ago, at my Monday mahjong game, I said, “I’d like to go to Panama.” My friend Phyllis replied, “Me, too!” Finally, in August 2025, we got together to plan our seven-day trip (including two travel days), which we took this January.

Every doctor knows that stress can trigger or worsen physical problems. High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, skin conditions, and arthritis are just a few conditions that stress can cause or worsen. They are typically treated with medication. The problem is that there is no pill for stress management that is 100% effective. So how do we get rid of stress and its effects?

by Miriam Sidell

When the snow came a few weeks ago, my husband and I were wondering how our sidewalks would be cleared. We are in our early 70s and not really up for the task. A neighbor’s two boys came over and offered to shovel our front walk. We offered to pay them, but they said, “No, it’s fun for us.” (In the end my husband gave them each something, taken reluctantly.) Then another neighbor sent their son over, and he shoveled our back walk.