September 4, 2026: Challenges and Rest
What do you think are today’s greatest challenges in medicine?
Cancer? Yes, that one will likely never go away. Last week, news broke that a new pill for pancreatic cancer will give you 6 more months of life. You don’t want me to list the side effects. Maybe you will want to take a class in cell biology to learn more about cells gone rogue.
Infectious disease? They say it’s only a matter of time until the next big one comes our way (infectious disease, that is). We need more ways to fight these diseases. Think about how incredible the simple discovery of antibiotics was! My own grandfather died before the widespread availability of antibiotics, because of a splinter. A little cream today would probably do the trick. Maybe we should all take a class in microbiology or immunology to learn more about this constant battle going on inside of us.
Heart disease and stroke? The leading cause of death in the US. A real challenge that requires a broad range of knowledge. But have you ever thought about the wonder of a human heart when it is working right? I did the math: at an average resting heart rate of 70 beats/minute and an average life expectancy of 79.0 years here in the US, one can expect their heart to beat, on average, 2,906,568,000 times. That’s a lot of beats! Take a class in physiology to learn more about the amazing design of your body!
Well, if you’re still with me, the reason I’ve been thinking about this is because of what I’ve been reading recently: a lot of smart people think that aging is the greatest challenge in medicine. The most recent issue of National Geographic, a favorite magazine of mine, has the front-page title “The End of Aging?” It is a little mind-blowing to read about the things people are planning to regenerate aging tissues, to slow diseases of aging, even to provide a ready supply of spare parts. (If you want to read more interesting news in National Geographic, all recent issues are on the shelf in the bio office for your perusal!)
However, I’ve noticed that no matter how much plastic surgery one gets, aging still catches up. Last week we lost America’s sweetheart, Dolly Parton.
No matter how many supplements one takes, aging still catches up. I heard that biohacker Bryan Johnson, who has spent millions to stay young (he aims to live to 163), was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder.
Based on my reading of the Bible, I think that immortality is unlikely this side of Heaven. Of course, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't strive to live longer, healthier, and happier - many of you want to make that kind of difference through your career! I appreciate the words of the teacher in Ecclesiastes.
NLT. 11:7-8.Life is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning. When people live to be very old, let them rejoice in every day of life… 9.Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. 12:13.Here is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.
So please enjoy the long weekend. Get some rest. Talk to a good friend. Go for a walk. Maybe catch up on your sleep. Perhaps catch up on some study – this could help you to enjoy future days more. God wishes the best for you. So do we!
The coming week will be a little different, with no class on Monday, and fewer classes on Thursday, Change Day! Remember to sign up to participate!
