It seems that in our fast and furious lives, we are always trying to find new things to do to celebrate special occasions. We all try to create something a little more special than the previous birthday, anniversary, holiday, etc. Personally, at my age, being with family is sufficient to fulfill my need for that something special. This past Father's Day was extra special, yet simple and effortless.
 
Father's Day happened to fall on my birthday-even a greater reason for someone to try to make it extra special, right? So, if you're wondering what I did, here goes. I woke up late (6:30 by my standards), had coffee with one of my best friends- Bemac, and read the Sunday paper.  I spent the rest of the day with my two month old grandson Adam.
 
For lunch, we went to the Columbia Restaurant, a historic Tampa eatery. After lunch, my wife and I spent the day babysitting little Adam together, while his parents got a well deserved break to go see a movie. Later that afternoon, Adam and I watched the US Open, took naps, and watched more of the US Open. I promised to take him to watch the tournament live someday and play 100 golf courses when he's a little older.

We finished the day with his first dip in the swimming pool. He loved it! I then mustered up enough strength to run on the treadmill, although some would disagree on whether that could be classified as running. We ate dinner on TV trays, while we all watched the Curious Case of Benjamin Button. My favorite line in the move is Brad Pitt's statement, "There's nothing wrong with growing old." That line was the ideal climax to an unforgettable day!
 
In retrospect, I can definitely say that I had the perfect Father's Day and birthday! I am, however, extremely blessed because with my kids, everyday is a perfect Father's Day. How did you spend Fathers Day?

In March, I wrote a post, saluting mothers across the world and at that time, I reassured the guys that they would not be forgotten. So, today, I am taking the time to recognize fathers across the world. Being a proud dad, I am always honored and humbled by any display of appreciation by my kids. Lord knows, I try to do the best I can because I think that it's my duty, so to be credited for fulfilling my responsibilities certainly goes far beyond my expectations!  However, I am grateful, and cannot deny that I feel a great sense of accomplishment when my kids tell me that I have done a good job.
 
Isn't it amazing how the dynamics of the relationship between parents and children change over the years? I recall being a child, yearning for my father's favor and beaming with delight at any indication of approval. As a dad, I have come to realize that those roles have reversed, or I should say - reciprocated. I, like other parents, derive satisfaction from my kids' admiration and respect, just as they do from mine. Many of us will agree that one of a child's greatest fears is disappointing their parents, while a parent's greatest fear is disappointing their children.
 
Whether it involves not being able to buy your kid his favorite toy, take him or her to the park, or lift them for a piggyback ride, you know - it cuts like a knife. Patients have expressed that they experienced some of their  lowest moments when their grandchildren would stand before them with their arms outstretched and they couldn't pick them up or play their favorite game, which often involves chasing them around the house - little balls of energy I tell you! At the risk of perpetuating gender stereotypes, I will say that most men seem to take a greater emotional hit when they are unable to fulfill their roles. Guys, you know what I mean. It's that macho in us!

Fortunately for me, I was able to find relief from my excruciating pain. Had I not found Dr. St. Louis, I would never be able to lift my beautiful grandchild or work out with my son. Thankfully, I'm not the only dad who has been able to get back to the things and people I love! Immediately, I think of Brian Casey, Rimoun Goris, Peter Jacobsen, and all the other dads and grandfathers who have been able to experience similar joy.  But, whatever your history, challenges, or triumphs, us dads share a common element- love for our kids. It is this love that binds us together, bridges the gaps between us, and sustains the bond we share. Happy Father's Day!

Over the past few weeks, we have read and heard about two tragic stories - the Air France plane crash on June 1st and more recently, the shooting at the Holocaust museum in Washington, DC. I would like to take this opportunity to express my condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the passengers and crew on Air France flight 447, as well as those of the victims of the museum shooting incident. Words cannot express or erase the pain and anguish of losing a loved one, but we can all try to help in soothing the grief by providing support to others in their time of bereavement. So, let's join together in solidarity and be our brother's and sister's keepers!

Earlier this year, Director of Strategy and Research and recent North American Spine Society (NASS) inductee, John Polikandriotis, was a guest blogger on this site. He discussed our method for collecting and analyzing data to evaluate and optimize surgical outcomes, as well as our plans to eventually publish these findings in top-tier medical journals.

Three abstracts were submitted to two of the largest spine-related medical societies, The North American Spine Society (NASS) and The American Academy of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgeons (AANOS). It gives me great pleasure to announce that NASS selected one abstract for presentation by John Polikandriotis, Ph.D., along with LSI Chief Spine Surgeon Dr. James St. Louis, while AANOS selected all three!

The selected abstracts analyze safety and complications results against strong patient satisfaction results, documenting LSI's 0.2% infection rate vs. 4.0%, the industry average. In addition to maintaining a stellar patient safety record and overall healthcare quality, the data demonstrates our success in delivering above and beyond customer service; "99.8% of patients would recommend this facility to a friend or family member."  Finally, the success of lumbar and cervical spine procedures were analyzed, with a reported 80% of LSI's lumbar and cervical patients returning to their daily activities within six weeks of surgery.
 
As we progress, LSI will continue to work tenaciously to exceed industry standards, providing the best care to each and every patient who walks through the doors of our facilities. Please click here to read the abstract summaries in their entirety.