Every time I write a column, I try to think of another topic to write about other than subjects that are already in the headlines of most newspapers. However, to think up or come up with a new and original topic is no easy task, especially, when one is obligated to readers or wishes to have an audience. I always pick up one of my many strewn-about books to lead me to an idea. This morning, I happened upon a witty remark attributed to the British writer James Agate who did most of his writing between the two world wars.

He said, “I just can’t bear to run short of Acetylmethyldimethyloxamidphenylhydrazine.” It was said in humor and quickened me to something to write about. It was written that he spoke this of his asthma medicine. It is rare that I believe everything I read; I like to fact-check. So, what is this monstrous mouthful word that can give one the side effect of dizziness, but really is not too difficult to pronounce by syllables?

It is a complex organic compound used in synthetic chemistry and has nothing to do with the treatment of asthma. But, that doesn’t take away the comical effect. So, all of this brought me to think about the prescribed medications that I ingest daily. Their names are not quite as long as the aforementioned, but rest assured that I can’t bear to run short of them!

I take carvedilol (Coreg), clopidogrel (Plavix), atorvastatin (Lipitor), and acetylsalicyclic acid (Bayer Aspirin) all of which are on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. Basically, these things are only of special interest to patients (millions according to ClinCalc.com) with particular conditions and of course of required interest to cardiologists.

My first question to my physician was, “Doc, how long do I have to take these things?” His reply was, “The rest of your life.” Well, I suppose I can live with that as we all also take food and water on a daily basis. The problem is the timing of intake, but more especially so, not forgetting to intake. My brother, same condition, refused to take the assortment and he met his demise in just a few months.

My local doctor is Matthew Joseph, who also placed my two stents, he is from the southern tip of India which has a sizable number of Christians. Hence, my doctor’s Bible-book name. He is knowledgeable, concerned and very friendly. Last visit I asked him if he was taking any medications. He said he was taking anti-cholesterol medicine that fights the low-density lipoproteins. I take atorvastatin to fight the same bad cholesterol. I look forward to my next checkup for his reiteration that I shall continue to be okay.

In finality, other than your personal physician, I leave you with the other six best doctors in the world: (1) sunshine (2) rest (3) exercise (4) diet (5) self-esteem and (6) friends.

The author (wrjones@vsu.edu) published the novella “Beyond Harvard” and teaches English as a second language.