Glasbergen Cartoons by Randy Glasbergen for January 18, 2025

“Sphere” of influence.

This reminds me of an incident in Voltaire’s novella, “Zadig.” A king is treated for vague lingering illness by a corrupt court physician who, among bogus medical treatments, prescribes exposure to a basilisk.

Zadig recommends instead the king daily vigorously punch a bag full of supposed magic herbs. When the king regains his health, Zadig reveals it was the needed exercise that cured him. The court physician resented losing influence; and Zadig is persecuted and forced to flee persecution.

Just read an article by a physician who recommended pickleball for adding years to a healthy life. Tennis is also good, but pickleball has the added advantage of being far more social and easier to learn. It is also easier to play as we age because of the smaller court — yet challenging enough to get you out there and moving.

That square room will give you a workout…….

This invokes a common myth that exercise can offset overeating. For example, 45 minutes on a treadmill will burn approximately 300 calories which equates to about one glazed doughnut. A far better strategy is to not eat the doughnut. In other words, good health and fitness begins with a prudent diet.

Dennis Miller is a former pharmacist who writes that pharmacists keep their jobs only by dispensing pills. They don’t dare tell customers about alternatives.