Recommended: Dermatologist

Our companion email list, the Cleveland Park Listserv, is a treasure trove of recommendations. We want to share on All Life Is Local, on a periodic basis, the best recommendations that have been posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv. You'll be able to search All Life Is Local for "contractor," "plumber," "doctor," "computer tech," "auto body shop" -- whatever you need.


I recommend Dr. Lynn McKinley-Grant. She's been our family's dermatologist since our daughters were in NCRC together nearly 20 years ago. She has accurately diagnosed and successfully treated everything from eczema to squamous cell carcinoma. "Love" would not be an overstatement: Lynn McKinley-Grant, MD, 5454 Wisconsin Avenue, #1275, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-941-8166

Recommended: Gynecologist

Our companion email list, the Cleveland Park Listserv, is a treasure trove of recommendations. We want to share on All Life Is Local, on a periodic basis, the best recommendations that have been posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv. You'll be able to search All Life Is Local for "contractor," "plumber," "computer tech," "auto body shop" -- whatever you need.


James A Simon, MD is the sort of doctor I wish all mine were. He is highly trained, does serious research and takes time with and listens to his patients. (202-293-1000, http://www.jamesasimonmd.com).

Recommended: Doctor Who Can See You Now

Our companion email list, the Cleveland Park Listserv, is a treasure trove of recommendations. We want to share on All Life Is Local, on a periodic basis, the best recommendations that have been posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv. You'll be able to search All Life Is Local for "contractor," "plumber," "computer tech," "auto body shop" -- whatever you need.


My family goes to Doctors Kerry and Michael Gray. They are a husband and wife team who run a walk-in clinic in Bethesda across from Bethesda Sport and Health. It's at  4314 Montgomery Avenue, on the one-way street that runs parallel to East West Highway. You can go anytime during business hours and some time on Saturday. The downside is sometimes there is a long wait. Kerry Gray has become our family doctor. We love her and she takes Blue Cross. Call the office at 301-951-3606 for more information.

DC's Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan Enrollment Is Open

The District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) reiterates the availability of the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) through the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The program provides affordable health insurance for District residents unable to purchase health coverage in the commercial marketplace because of a pre-existing medical condition.

PCIP was first announced in September 2010 by the DC Department of Health Care Finance, a co-chair of the District’s four-member Health Reform Implementation Committee, along with DISB. (The District departments of Health, and Human Services are the other two members.)

The PCIP was established by the federal health reform legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as a transitional program that provides coverage until the health insurance exchanges are launched in 2014. To qualify for the PCIP, one needs to have a pre-existing condition, has not been insured for at least six months prior, and must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.

The program is administered by GEHA, a health insurance carrier under contract with DHHS. “PCIP offers a much needed option for residents who face significant barriers to purchasing affordable health insurance in the commercial market,” said DISB Commissioner Gennet Purcell, Esq. “This is another step toward ensuring access to affordable health insurance to all District residents.” District residents can apply for the program, with coverage starting less than a month later. Information on the application process and monthly premium rates for DC can be found at www.pciplan.com.

What to Do If a Body Part Comes Off

I have to admit this was a very, very hard article to read. But it's a good one and an important one. And worth reading because there may come a time when something really bad happens to you or to somebody you're with. Stuff happens to people, either on purpose (remember John Bobbitt? -- and if you don't, then read about him here), or by accident. Fingers, teeth, even eyes, don't always stay where they belong. And what you think you know about dealing with this kind of emergency is probably wrong. (Don't put knocked-out teeth in milk for instance; keep fingers cold, but not frozen.) Read the article it and keep it handy.

And it's always a good idea to have a first aid kit at home.

Free Health Fair Saturday

St. Timothy's Episcopal Church will have a health fair on Saturday, September 11. The fair, which goes from 10am to 2pm will offer free testing and information about: Alzheimer's, arthritis, blood pressure, breast cancer, colon cancer, cholesterol, dental health, diabetes, eye disorders, HIV, kidney disease, pulmonary disorders, substance abuse, healthy families, men's health and more. St. Timothy's is located at 3601 Alabama Avenue, SE. Visit the church's website for more information.