Opinion

One of my recent birthday cards inquired as to how many things are still left undone on my “bucket list”. I thought about that one for quite awhile.

Orthopedic medicine is truly a team sport; we have the opportunity to collaborate with nonsurgical professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, among others, to deliver comprehensive musculoskeletal care. While there are proven surgical options to help our patients where indicated, in many cases, patients are able to achieve pain relief and improved function with nonsurgical treatment options. Much of orthopedic surgical training is appropriately dedicated to the planning and execution of surgery, but it is also important to understand and recognize patients who present with conditions readily addressed without surgery and the accompanying risks of invasive procedures. It is also important to advocate the idea of prevention.

Each year on the 4th of July, families across Nebraska come together to celebrate more than just fireworks and festivals. We celebrate our founding ideals — the belief that all are created equal, endowed with the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Today we celebrate the 249th anniversary of America’s founding. With the Declaration of Independence, our founders sought to overthrow tyranny with a simple and self-evident idea. They knew that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights. Our founding ideals of freedom, justice, and equality have guided our country for nearly 250 years.

There is an old saying about corn and this time in July. That saying has gotten “blown out of the water” this year.