All Health Comments

A Spoonful of Sugar / Comment:

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:41:47 GMT

I have a friend whose child recently needed emergency hospital care for a week. She just got the bill for $50K and is unsure how much her insurance will cover - she has a $5K deductible and is worried that she will also be responsible for quite a large percentage of the total. Since I had just read the "Options for Avoiding & Managing Medical Debt" doc linked from the "Health Care Puzzle" article on this site, I have strongly encouraged her to NEGOTIATE with the hospital to get her bill down! Like the $450 pajamas, it is scary how high the costs are - and how quickly they can add up.

Young Mortals and Medical Debt / Comment:

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:55:53 GMT

This is a very important issue. With the way healthcare is set up in our country there's practically no way a person can obtain healthcare on their own. Private health insurance is shoddy and expensive and medical bills are obscenely huge. I'm interested to see what suggestions you've come up with.

Young Mortals and Medical Debt / Comment:

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 05:13:54 GMT

I'm so glad you are talking about this. An illness in college left me in debt and my credit score a disaster for years. I've just recently dug myself out of this, (9 years later), and it was not easy. Just telling people that they are not alone in this situation will be a great help.

The Effect of a Fast Food D... / Comment:

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 06:18:14 GMT

Reminds me of Morgan Spurlock's "Supersize Me"... very scary!

The Effect of a Fast Food D... / Comment:

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 06:55:45 GMT

That's what the study reminded me of as well. It is very scary. Thanks for the comment.

How Can Chiropractic Care H... / Comment:

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:57:02 GMT

I saw a chiropractor for several months. I really think he helped me with back pain. The only thing I didn't like was the fact that my health insurance only allowed for a certain number of visits a year, so I had to stop going.

How Can Chiropractic Care H... / Comment:

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:15:21 GMT

At two different times in my life, I have gone to chiropractors for jaw pain. Both treatments seemed to resolve the problem after a few visits, so I was pleased. But I have a question about method. The first Dr. used his hands to adjust me; the 2nd used a little gun-like pressure device which she popped all over my body. I had never seen this before and it seemed a little weird. Is either method better? What is the thinking behind using the device vs. the hands-on approach? I should have asked the Dr. at the time, but I felt like I did not want to question what she was doing ...

How Can Chiropractic Care H... / Comment:

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:20:07 GMT

I have only been to one chiropractor. He used the same method as your second chiropractor. It was a very holistic approach and did not feel invasive. He told me the gun-like device was to stimulate a response and realign my spine. It seemed to help. Out of curiosity, which method did you prefer? Maybe Channing has something to add to help explain the holistic method in more detail.

How Can Chiropractic Care H... / Comment:

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:00:58 GMT

The first method, using hand contacts which generally result in cavitation (popping/clicking sound) is called manual adjusting. There are many technique systems that utilize manual adjusting, the most common is called Diversified which integrates a variety of techniques. This type of adjusting is probably the most common form used by chiropractors. The second method uses a low-force adjusting instrument called an Activator. The Activator delivers a very fast (faster than a Dr.'s hands) pulse into a smaller contact area which causes the joint to move. Some practitioners use only the Activator while others integrate this instrument with manual and other forms of adjusting. Both manual adjusting and use of the Activator can successfully adjust the spine. In my opinion, the technique and practitioner that is the best, is with the Dr. you trust the most and who listens to your concerns or preferences with regard to how adjustments are given. Some patients prefer manual adjusting because they like the way that it feels. Others, especially those who are nervous about quick motions or the sound of cavitation, may prefer the Activator or another low force method. Most practitioners have a variety of ways to adjust the spine and should talk to you about their techniques, ways of adjusting, and approach to health during your first visit. As with any health care provider, you should always feel as though you can ask any questions you have and that you are receiving thoughtful and direct answers to those questions. If you have an experience with a chiropractor, or other practitioner that makes you feel as though you cannot speak freely, or ask for explanations I would recommend either speaking to them directly about this or interviewing some other practitioners until you find someone who is the right fit for you. For a good general overview of some chiropractic techniques: http://www.bthcc.co.uk/treatments.html For more information on Activator: http://www.activator.com

How Can Chiropractic Care H... / Comment:

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 06:37:05 GMT

Thanks for the info. I liked the manual adjustment better, but given what has been said I realize now that was colored by the fact that for some reason I trusted that Dr. more and felt more comfortable with him than the other!

Patients Playing Their Way ... / Comment:

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:26:11 GMT

Interesting side note: I just got a Wii as a present from a friend.

My Mom Died One Year Ago Today / Comment:

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 08:48:20 GMT

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Please accept a BIG hug across the computer. I lost my mom 4 years ago February 20. It still stinks, and I still miss her everyday. She had lung cancer, for about 6 months, she never told us girls and we had figured something was up, but she kept saying lukemia. She didn't want to be treated differently. Bless her. We always thought she'd come home from the hospital. It's funny, it was a long five days in that hospital, but seems those five days were way too short now. We keep thinking she didn't suffer much, however, dragging around an oxygen tank for about two months couldn't have been too fun either. My husband, the sweet man he is, and I, and the three dogs and cat, moved in with dad five months later. It has been a great pleasure, and also a bit sad,to get to see all the things that remind me of mom. I would not have it any other way. In fact, in her memory, I got a tatoo just about two weeks ago. I will always carry her memory in my heart and all the good things and wisdom she taught me. It is much easier to talk about mom and what she did and what she would say and don't ever stop thinking that way about your mom. Seriously. Let people look at you when you say "mom would have thought that was crazy" or what have you. That has been one of my saving graces, is talking like she still is here, which I believe, in all my heart, she is "around" and knows what is going on. Once again, HUGS to you and hang in there. Happy memories ever fade, revisit them often (one of my favorite sayings)

My Mom Died One Year Ago Today / Comment:

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:48:10 GMT

Thanks for the comment and condolences. I really appreciate it. It's been extremely tough without her. I do occasionally say, "Mom would have said/liked that." I just wish I could undo what happened, but I can't. I really wish she was around so I could share news of my upcoming wedding with her. She'd be so happy. I feel like she was cheated. She missed out on seeing her children get married and having grandchildren. She mentioned this to my cousin as well, about how she felt cheated. One of the things I find hardest to deal with is the fact that she was extremely terrified of dying and I couldn't help her. She was a very emotional person, just like me. Spending most of the last 10 months of her life in a hospital wasn't fun. She had periods of pain and suffering. Dying from cancer is not a pleasant, peaceful death. It was almost unbearable to watch her go through that. A wonderful person like her shouldn't have had the ending to her life that she did. My fiance got a tattoo in memory of her mom as well. I think that's a good idea and very meaningful. Again, thanks for your words. I appreciate it.

States Raising Dependent Ag... / Comment:

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:21:20 GMT

I agree heartily with Billy Amon: any policy that gives young people access to quality, affordable health coverage is a step in the right direction. Many young people lack health insurance, not because they don’t want to have health insurance, but because they don’t have a job that offers coverage or they can’t afford a policy on the individual market. Also, too often “affordable” insurance available on the individual market is barely worth the monthly expense due to high out-of-pocket costs and excluded services. The purpose of insurance is to 1) give people access to care and 2) protect them from financial harm when they get sick. If insurance doesn’t fulfill these conditions and people end up with medical debt and constrained access to care, there is product failure. I disagree with J.P. Wieske’s contention that young people are better off getting onto their own policies ASAP. Most of the individual market plans designed for young, healthy people include significant cost-sharing, limited primary care, and low coverage caps. In other words, it’s coverage that doesn’t pass the litmus test for product failure: this kind of insurance barely helps people access affordable care and it won’t protect them financially in the case of serious illness. Wieske’s organization, the Council for Affordable Health Insurance, has an 8-point “Common sense solution” to health care reform, available here: http://www.cahi.org/cahi_contents/resources/pdf/CommonSenseSolutionMarch2008.pdf. It promotes access to “affordable” health insurance. “Promoting a regulatory environment that fosters choice” and “limiting mandated benefits” are cited as two policy goals. Rather than helping people, I believe that both of these policies would erode access to comprehensive, quality insurance. “Mandated benefits” are defined as particular health conditions that insurers are required by law to cover. For instance, 46 states and DC require insurers to cover diabetes treatment. See related article here: http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/diabetes.htm. Where a diabetes mandate does not exist, insurers can, and do, completely exclude coverage for diabetes. Uncovered diabetics have to cover their health care costs on their own Other mandated benefits include mammograms may require coverage for breast cancer, mental health, HIV/AIDS, fertility treatments, etc. While mandated benefits may marginally drive up the cost of health care premiums, many analysts argue that they are insignificant cost-drivers compared with insurer profits or lack of access to early preventative care for people with dual-diagnosis chronic conditions. A number of reports have shown that mandated benefits have a small effect on overall premium costs, including an industry study from 2006 that found mandates increase premiums by an estimated 5%. Industry study available here: http://bulk.resource.org/gpo.gov/hearings/109h/27984.pdf. When mandates don’t exist and people are left uncovered for necessary services such as mammograms or diabetes treatment, they still have to pay the costs out-of-pocket, which are much more expensive than a small premium increase. The purpose of insurance is to spread risk over a large population of both healthy and unhealthy people; mandates help to do exactly that so the sickest among us aren’t unduly burdened by health care costs. It’s important that young, healthy people are part of large group insurance pools because it helps to drive down costs for the entire pool. Having access to “affordable” insurance is not enough. People also need access to quality, comprehensive insurance that provides real coverage and real access. Offering insurance policies targeted to young healthy people segments the insurance market and drives up costs across the system. The only way to lower premiums significantly, even for healthy people, is to cut back on covered benefits. Thus, while young people may be paying lower premiums, they are also getting less quality products. Having more bad choices on the insurance market doesn’t help anyone. Allowing young adults to remain on their parents policies is a decent solution to increase insurance coverage among this group. However, this is a stop-gap solution that doesn’t address the broader systemic problem of spiraling health care costs. As a society we need to figure out how to contain costs and craft policy solutions that promote access to affordable AND adequate, comprehensive insurance.

States Raising Dependent Ag... / Comment:

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:24:47 GMT

I agree heartily with Billy Amon: any policy that gives young people access to quality, affordable health coverage is a step in the right direction. Many young people lack health insurance, not because they don’t want to have health insurance, but because they don’t have a job that offers coverage or they can’t afford a policy on the individual market. Also, too often “affordable” insurance available on the individual market is barely worth the monthly expense due to high out-of-pocket costs and excluded services. The purpose of insurance is to 1) give people access to care and 2) protect them from financial harm when they get sick. If insurance doesn’t fulfill these conditions and people end up with medical debt and constrained access to care, there is product failure. I disagree with J.P. Wieske’s contention that young people are better off getting onto their own policies ASAP. Most of the individual market plans designed for young, healthy people include significant cost-sharing, limited primary care, and low coverage caps. In other words, it’s coverage that doesn’t pass the litmus test for product failure: this kind of insurance barely helps people access affordable care and it won’t protect them financially in the case of serious illness. Wieske’s organization, the Council for Affordable Health Insurance, has an 8-point “Common sense solution” to health care ( http://www.cahi.org/cahi_contents/resources/pdf/CommonSenseSolutionMarch2008.pdf ) reform that promotes access to “affordable” health insurance. “Promoting a regulatory environment that fosters choice” and “limiting mandated benefits” are cited as two policy goals. Rather than helping people, I believe that both of these policies would erode access to comprehensive, quality insurance. “Mandated benefits” are defined as particular health conditions that insurers are required by law to cover. For instance, 46 states and DC ( http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/diabetes.htm ) require insurers to cover diabetes treatment. Where a diabetes mandate does not exist, insurers can, and do, completely exclude coverage for diabetes. Uncovered diabetics have to cover their health care costs on their own Other mandated benefits include mammograms may require coverage for breast cancer, mental health, HIV/AIDS, fertility treatments, etc. While mandated benefits may marginally drive up the cost of health care premiums, many analysts argue that they are insignificant cost-drivers compared with insurer profits or lack of access to early preventative care for people with dual-diagnosis chronic conditions. A number of reports have shown that mandated benefits have a small effect on overall premium costs, including an industry study from 2006 ( http://bulk.resource.org/gpo.gov/hearings/109h/27984.pdf ) that found mandates increase premiums by an estimated 5%. When mandates don’t exist and people are left uncovered for necessary services such as mammograms or diabetes treatment, they still have to pay the costs out-of-pocket, which are much more expensive than a small premium increase. The purpose of insurance is to spread risk over a large population of both healthy and unhealthy people; mandates help to do exactly that so the sickest among us aren’t unduly burdened by health care costs. It’s important that young, healthy people are part of large group insurance pools because it helps to drive down costs for the entire pool. Having access to “affordable” insurance is not enough. People also need access to quality, comprehensive insurance that provides real coverage and real access. Offering insurance policies targeted to young healthy people segments the insurance market and drives up costs across the system. The only way to lower premiums significantly, even for healthy people, is to cut back on covered benefits. Thus, while young people may be paying lower premiums, they are also getting less quality products. Having more bad choices on the insurance market doesn’t help anyone. Allowing young adults to remain on their parents policies is a decent solution to increase insurance coverage among this group. However, this is a stop-gap solution that doesn’t address the broader systemic problem of spiraling health care costs. As a society we need to figure out how to contain costs and craft policy solutions that promote access to affordable AND adequate, comprehensive insurance.

States Raising Dependent Ag... / Comment:

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:33:26 GMT

Fundamentally, I am skeptical about the age extensions because they actively discourage self-reliance, something that is sadly lacking in the U.S. today. (Give a man a fish . . .) But more importantly, won't the age extensions just make health insurance more expensive for everyone else and harm especially those twenty-somethings like myself who are taking care of themselves (either because they are responsible or because their parents can't or won't)? If mommy and daddy want to continue to baby their adult children, they should have to (and probably would) pay full price for the kids' insurance. I absolutely agree with Mr. Cohen that the real solution is to focus on affordability of health care in general.

States Raising Dependent Ag... / Comment:

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 02:06:43 GMT

Thank you for sharing your opinion A Spritzer. I've seen that opinion in the health blogosphere. How you think the age extensions will make healthcare costs rise for everyone else? Do you believe this is due to the fact that the premium cost will be less when on the parents' plan compared to being on an individual plan? Thanks again.

Top Three Tips for Eating H... / Comment:

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 23:55:16 GMT

It's so true what you are saying. A basic rule to which you can judge food, is to look if it's processed or not. If a food product is natural it's very likely to be healthier than if it's enhanced in some way. Prime example beeing the High Fructose Corn Syrup, derived from corn. In it's unprocessed form, corn is a healthy food. When processed, many essential nutrients are lost. As a result High fructose corn syrup is useable in just about any kind of fast food. (for example, the majority of sodas are filled with high fructose corn syrup.) Now this rule applies to just about anything... - Water = natural, soda = water filled with color additives & sugar - Whole rice is healthier than processed white rice - Whole fruit is healthier then fruit juices,.. etc...

Top Three Tips for Eating H... / Comment:

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 01:31:35 GMT

Hi I notice you don't mention cutting back on meat, dairy and eggs. Animal food products are a known cause of heart disease (because of the saturated fat and cholesterol) and several types of cancer, in particular bowel and breast. Switching to a plant based diets has also shown positive impacts for diabetics, reducing their need for insulin and reducing the damaging effects of atherosclerosis, which they are especially prone to. There are a number of other health benefits to a meat-free diet. The number one tip for being healthy is to go vegan. www.ethicaleating.org.uk

Top Three Tips for Eating H... / Comment:

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 05:34:50 GMT

Hi Nico. You are soooo right about the high fructose corn syrup...best to avoid it at all costs. Thanks for commenting.

Top Three Tips for Eating H... / Comment:

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 06:44:33 GMT

Hi there "Ethical Eating" I totally appreciate what you are saying. But, I wrote this post strictly as as quick introduction for anyone wanting to "begin" to make healthier food choices. And, you are correct about medical problems being associated with a high fat diet, but there are also natural predispositions and environmental aspects that play a large role in these diseases as well. Most doctors will tell you that even a "reduction" in fat is better than not making any changes at all. That's why I try to encourage everyone to be "aware" of what they are putting into their bodies, and if they are not ready for radical change just yet...then a gradual modification towards healthier choices is still a good place to start. Thanks for your comment.

Top Three Tips for Eating H... / Comment:

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 07:41:41 GMT

This is so timely for me, and you are right that beginning with small steps and then "taking it to the next level" are necessary. Years ago, I stopped drinking soda for good. Just last week, I started carrying a water bottle around which I have been refilling regularly, and I feel much better since I have been doing it (I would let myself get really parched and go most of the day without drinking before, because I did not have instant access to water). My skin looks better too! Now, on to cutting out the cookies (I just ate two before I read this - drat).

Top Three Tips for Eating H... / Comment:

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:28:11 GMT

Hi "cookiemonster" It is GREAT that you are now drinking plenty of water, and that you have seen the benefits first hand. And don't worry about the cookies. If you normally eat two, try eating one slowly (maybe even break it in half so it feels like you have two). Taking your time when you eat is also very important, especially since it take some time before your stomach tells your brain that it is all filled up. Now, this might sound weired but...also take a moment to "smell" your food before you eat it...your brain actually finds this very satisfying. Some people even swear that they can curb their craving for sweets, by smelling what they are craving and waiting a few minutes. Thanks for your comment.

Top Three Tips for Eating H... / Comment:

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:06:07 GMT

I found this blog very interesting and informative. Thank You.

Top Three Tips for Eating H... / Comment:

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:01:17 GMT

This article is so great. Very informative in my case since i am not that into healthy eating. These are great tips. Eating in a healthy way is the best way to take care of ourselves.

Top Three Tips for Eating H... / Comment:

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:44:04 GMT

I'm glad you found this post so helpful. Catherine is a great blogger.

Campaign for Easier Reporti... / Comment:

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:59:08 GMT

I don't think that prescription drug companies should be advertising on TV, period. Prescription drug costs are ridiculous. The companies claim that it's all for research, but I'm sure a lot of money is spent on those commercials (ex. Cialis during the Super Bowl.) If the companies wouldn't waste money on sometimes misleading ads, then maybe drug costs wouldn't be as high. According to those commercials, I have LOTS of problems and should be taking lots of prescription medications. I feel awful for doctors, when patients come in saying, "I have this and you need to prescribe me this medication, because the TV told me it would solve all my problems." Enough ranting for now...

Campaign for Easier Reporti... / Comment:

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:01:35 GMT

Thanks for sharing Meredith. I think you raise some good points and I understand what you're saying about doctors. It is becoming more common for people to self-diagnose and go to the doctor for the prescription.

Dealing with Breast Cancer ... / Comment:

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:32:14 GMT

DEAR NATALIA, GOD BLESS YOU! I HAD A SIMILAR SITUATION WHEN I WAS REFUSED TREATMENT FOR MY CANCER DUE TO ME BEING ON MEDICAID,LUCKILY I HAD FRIENDS WHO GOT ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND A DR AND HOSPITAL THAT WOULD HELP ME. THE HOSPITAL WAS A TEACHING HOSPITAL AND THEY DON'T REFUSE ANYONE.I DID NOT LOSE MY MEDICAID THANKFULLY BECAUSE MEDICINE AND TESTS WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE TO BUY.I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GO BACK TO WORK AND RECEIVE SSI AND STILL HAVE THE MEDICAID CARD. MY MEDS COST APROX. 3000.00 A MONTH AND SOME OF THEM WILL BE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.SINCE MY ILLNESS I'VE SEEN DIFFERENT COMPANIES NOW WILL HELP WITH MEDS AND THERE IS THE ONE MONTEL WILLIAMS DOES. DON'T GIVE UP,BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE AND DO LOTS OF RESEARCH. I PRAY ALL IS GETTING BETTER FOR YOU! DON'T GIVE UP HOPE AND MY MOTTO IS "LIVE EACH DAY TO THE FULLEST".

Link Between Belly Fat and ... / Comment:

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 03:10:10 GMT

I always knew those french fries were going to drive me crazy!

Cell Phones Are Convenient,... / Comment:

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:27:51 GMT

Wow! That's really scary. I use my speakerphone pretty much all the time, but more for the convenience factor. I'll have to tell my parents about this the next time they fuss at me for putting the phone on speaker.

Cell Phones Are Convenient,... / Comment:

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:20:33 GMT

That's a good idea to use the speakerphone. I wish my new cell phone had a speakerphone. I'm using the Bluetube headset for planned long calls.

Is the Digital Age Taking a... / Comment:

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 03:04:15 GMT

I definitely think this is something that's important to keep in mind. It's incredible how fast time can fly by when you;re working on the computer! Also, there's not a lot of moving associated with working on the computer all the time and I know that there are a lot of back and neck problems that are associated with computer work. I do think, however, that bloggers experiencing health complications as a result of trying to keep up with the ever-amazing Internet is a symptom of a much lrager problem. I think America in general has forgotten how to relax. We've all got Red Queen syndrome in that we're all running as fast as we can to stay in the same place. There's beauty in letting go of that, though, and I respect Stephanie's decision to remove herself from the rat race.

Is the Digital Age Taking a... / Comment:

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 03:41:15 GMT

Thanks for sharing Piper. You're absolutely correct about time flying by while on the computer. I glance at the clock and am usually astounded at what time it is. I agree with you that we have forgotten how to relax. We're always on the move and have problems taking time for ourselves. It's very difficult when we're connected to the world through a variety of means. I think I'll experiment and remove myself from technology for a day (turn off the cell and computer) and make myself unreachable. I really cannot remember the last day I wasn't online. Maybe I'll blog about it. Thanks again for sharing.

Is the Digital Age Taking a... / Comment:

Thu, 15 May 2008 08:44:55 GMT

I too worry that technology is taking a toll on our health due to the pace of work it creates and the "never unplugged" aspect of life today. Technology is a great thing, but we need to guard against overload for our own good ... here is a song that captures its incessant nature for me! [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyIC3Munnyw]

Using HealthVault to Store ... / Comment:

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:42:53 GMT

Here is an interesting blog post with more info comparing MyMedicalRecords (which is the health records component of MyEsafeDepositBox) and HealthVault: http://thedunningletter.blogspot.com/2008/06/making-sure-you-put-your-medical.html

Additional Uses for MyEsafe... / Comment:

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:43:00 GMT

CNN had a good clip recently about the pros and cons of storing your personal health records online; see http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/health/2008/06/05/intv.cohen.records.cnn. The person they profiled happened to check his online medical records via his health provider, and discovered a health problem in his records that his doctor had missed! He was able to get it taken care of, but would not have known about it at the time if he had not gone online and fully reviewed his medical records.

Everything in Life is Negot... / Comment:

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:31:55 GMT

See a clip of Andrew and other experts speaking about medical debt on the June 11 M & J Show here: http://www.mandjshow.com/videos/%e2%80%9cmj-investigates-medical-debt/