E-mails certainly take up enough of our time, but that’s exacerbated by the BlackBerry’s ability to bring them to us immediately, as well as other things such as podcasts, Facebook and Twitter.

Doctors are highly educated, navigate within a world of ongoing learning, use regulatory and abstract language, and put high importance on both printed material and technology, whereas less literate Canadians (their patients) have less education and learn through life experiences, prefer practical, simple, concrete language and verbal plus visual information. This mismatch causes breakdowns in communication and unmet expectations and needs.

When Dr. Ian Hutchison joined the Royal Montreal Golf Club as a junior member in 1943, Canada was at war and physicians made up a big part of the venerable golf and country club’s membership. “Wednesdays were known as ‘Doctors Day,’ ” says the retired internal medicine specialist and third-generation member of the RMGC. “There were always four or five foursomes of doctors.”

Harry was a fellow I was asked to consult on up north. As a psychiatrist, I would fly to northern communities every few months to hold a clinic for people who would otherwise not have such an opportunity. Harry had been on the roster of patients the nurse had given me on my previous couple of visits but had not showed up for the appointment.

When 10-year-old Abbie took up playing the fiddle, she was delighted when her Auntie Wanda gave her the old violin she had used to play. Little did she suspect that the instrument could be worth well into the six-figure range.

The One Best Way? Breastfeeding History, Politics, and Policy in Canada by Tasnim Nathoo and Aleck Ostry. Wilfred Laurier University Press, 260 pages.

German wines have long languished in Canadian markets, even though many are among the best in the world. My urgent message to you, dear reader, is that they belong on your table as soon as you can get them there.

Riding to the rescue of family physicians in Nova Scotia is a lone health authority.

This dazzling array of restaurants offers culinary delights featuring local produce and new twists on traditional dishes.