Gramps’ smokes can be real drag

Dear Annie: My grandfather suffers from emphysema, but he continues to smoke. While visiting recently, I discovered that he is smoking while hooked up to his oxygen tank.

Grandpa is in total denial of the danger he is putting himself in. His rationale is that since nothing has happened so far, it must be OK. It has become quite clear to us that cigarettes are the most important thing to him, more important than his life or the lives of his children and grandchildren.

I don’t want to visit Grandpa if he continues to do this, but I can’t really ask my mother not to see her own father. I fear that if I stay away, I will be the only one left to arrange all the funerals when he blows himself and everyone around him to kingdom come.

Any advice on how to handle this situation? – Desperate Grandchild in Arizona

Dear Desperate: You are right to be worried. While there is a possibility of an explosion, the much more likely danger is fire (oxygen acts as an accelerant).

You can ask the doctor to speak to Grandpa, but you already know he is so addicted to cigarettes that he can’t quit, no matter the risk. You can’t do much about his choices when he is alone, but you can ask him not to smoke when visitors are present. We hope he values the lives of his children and grandchildren enough to make the effort.

Dear Annie: We work in a hospital emergency department. Many people use the emergency room for minor injuries or because they don’t have access to care anywhere else. Can you print a few reminders to help expedite the process?

• Bring your identification, Social Security number and any insurance cards. Even if we have it in the system, we must verify it every time. This includes children.

• Bring your medical history and a list of all medications, including doses and frequency, or just bring your shoebox full of medicines.

• Bring something to occupy your time as even a seriously ill patient may expect to spend several hours waiting.

• Respect the privacy of others.

• Do not give food or drink to a patient without asking a staff member. It could delay needed treatments or surgery, or endanger the patient’s life. Don’t bring in food.

• Don’t use cigarettes or cell phones in the patient’s room.

• If you have valuables, leave them at home or give them to a trusted relative or friend.

• Please don’t ask us to assist you in filling your prescriptions or getting a ride home.

Remember that the care you receive in the emergency department must be followed up with your primary care provider. – Thanks from a Hardworking ED Staff