Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Medical and dental mission in Albay
About 200 indigent medical and dental patients were treated in a mercy mission conducted by Ako Bicol and the Armed Forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Concerns on Community Organizing for Development (ACCORD). The one day health mission was conducted by a team from the Municiapl Health Office MHO), 5th Regional Community Defense Group, Army reserve Command and the Philippine Army
at the Barangay Ilawod in Albay.
The civic organization Ako Bicol also extended its help to the village of Salvacion whose farmers and animal raisers benefited from a carabao deworming program initiated on December 2 to 4, 2009.
Projects like these are a big help to the impoverished residents who need periodic assistance only generosity and humanitarian care can give. (Photo Credit: Soot Goon) =0=
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Changing the guidelines of mammography may increase breast cancer mortality
The US Preventive Task Force, a panel of experts, none of whom are oncologists, has recommended the following which has stirred much confusion and controversy:
1. Raise the age of first mammogram from 40 to 50 years old
2. Mammogram will be done every two years instead of every year
3. Stopping mammogram when a woman reaches 74 years
4. Patients and doctors may not do breast examinations
Mammography has been recognized as a vital tool in breast cancer detection. I believe a delay of 10 years before the first mammogram will miss cancer at an early stage when it is treatable with the best chance of survival. The panel thinks greater morbidity and mortality can be avoided if patients talk to their MDs on the cost-benefit assessment of the procedure. It is doubtful if this is true.
Those who advocated raising the age of taking mammograms ignored the successes in the fight of breast cancer which were achieved in last 10 to 20 years. About 15% of women in their 40’s are diagnosed with breast cancer from routine mammogram screenings. Since the use of mammograms in the early 90s there had been a 30% drop in mortality, about a third of which were women with ages 40 to 50. The procedure had been mainstay to early cancer diagnosis and treatment in this age group.
The change from a yearly mammogram to every two years will miss breast cancers at an early age. And halting the procedure after 74 years (at a time when longevity is getting longer,) can lead to more women dying of mammary tumors in their old age. The panel rules the number of patients falling in these categories is negligible and therefore can be ignored. Yet, in truth, looking at these "negligible" patients as expendable groups (not as individuals) is unfair and inhumane. What if it is you, your wife, mom, or sister who has the risk of having the disease?
Not recognizing the utility of breast examination to diagnose cancer goes against the grain of experience in medical practice. There are instances when during breast exams, patients are alerted of tumors that turned out to be cancers. Therefore, breast examination still plays a role in cancer detection.
I believe the lowering of the frequency of mammograms and the delay of conducting the routine procedure for women will adversely affect the gains in the fight against breast cancer. Women in ages 40-50 are the most productive and to preserve their life, they deserve a the best medical care.
Obviously, the new guidelines that are recommended are flawed. They come at a time when the pressure to lower the cost of medical services is among the hardest to tackle in the healthcare reform. Many doctors don’t agree with the recommendation of the US Preventive Task Force. Even the American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology voice their objections to the proposed guidelines. =0=
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Hospital services overstretched by illegal immigrants
Supported by taxpayers to give medical care to Americans and illegal immigrants alike, Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia suffers like other hospitals in the country from budget crunch. Its services have reached breaking point because of high volume of charity patients and dwindling money support.
After decades of humanitarian work spanning more than a hundred years, the hospital which provides dialysis for patients with end-stage renal problems has started cutting down services for lack funds, worrying patients who come regularly without any means to pay for treatment. Approximately $50,000 dollars are needed yearly to keep a patient alive for a year.
In October 4, 2009, the public hospital stopped its outpatient service, putting uncertainty on the survival of its regular clientele, mostly undocumented aliens. They are left to figure their next move to get healthcare right in the US territory or in their homeland.
“With limited exceptions, illegal immigrants are ineligible for public insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare and often cannot afford private coverage. When major illness strikes, they have few options but to go to emergency rooms, which are required by federal law to treat anyone whose health is deemed in serious jeopardy…
Officials at Grady, which will provide more than $300 million in uncompensated care this year, estimate that as many as a fifth of its uninsured patients are illegal immigrants. Although the numbers are elusive, a national study by the RAND Corporation concluded that illegal immigrants account for about 1.3 percent of public health spending. “---New York Times (11/20/09)
With the economic downturn, America is now experiencing financial difficulty in supporting the health needs of about 10 million illegal immigrants among the 46 million who don’t have medical insurance benefits. When they become covered by the healthcare system, available medical services may not be enough to accommodate them. The deluge of patients can precipitate doctor and nurse shortages, making Pres. Barack Obama’s healthcare reform more contentious.
Because of the huge number of new holders of insurance benefits, elderly Americans, the disabled, and those with rare diseases and needing chronic care may be marginalized as services become scarce or trimmed down --something that is likely to happen when patients flood the system and cost-saving measures are implemented.
It is no surprise then that the public is confused and fearful. Citizens find it hard to digest the almost 1 trillion cost of the proposed healthcare reform bill that awaits deliberation in Capitol Hill after the Thanksgiving holiday. (Photo Credit: Benedicte destrus) =0=
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Healthcare bill hurdles the senate
The democrat-dominated US senate has voted (60-39) to continue the healthcare bill debate towards making into a law on Satruday, November 11, 2009. There were 58 democrats and 2 independents who voted to clear the 2,074-page bill for the next stage of deliberations slated after the Thanksgiving holiday. All 39 Republicans rejected the bill.
Hailed by Pres. Barack Obama, the healthcare revamp which promises medical insurance coverage for 94% of the population needs about 1 trillion to finance is deemed too expensive. Those who oppose the bill worry more government control--- lesser Medicare services such as more taxes in insurances and payroll incomes, elective operations (cosmetic surgery,) and drug manufacture (i.e. H1N1 vaccine productin.) (Photo Credit: Hoffman, Brendan/ AFP/ Getty images) =0=
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Death toll of H1N1 reaches 4,000 in the US
In a recent estimate by the Center of Disease Control, H1N1 flu claimed the lives of 4,000 people since the disease spread to the United States in April. The number was more than the 1,000 that was previously reported. The rise in mortality was explained by adding the deaths caused by flu complications such as pneumonia and other infections.
So far about 40,000 people stricken with the H1N1 virus have been treated in hospitals. Authorities believe that the swine flu will not cause deaths more than the ordinary seasonal flu which kills about 36,000 people in the US yearly. The World Health Organization has placed the death toll of H1N1 pandemic to 6,000 across the continents.
The vaccine for H1N1 is now available and being administered to vulnerable individuals including those with pre-existing medical condition such as asthma, end stage renal disease, diabetes, those undergoing chemotherapy and immunosuppression. (Photo Credit: Amadaruth) =0=
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House passes US healthcare revamp bill
On late Saturday, November 7, 2009, in a vote of 220-215, the house passes the healthcare bill proposed by Democrats that will provide coverage for 96 percent of Americans. It will make healthcare “affordable and accessible” to most Americans at a price of greater than $1 trillion in 10 years. Hailed by Pres. Barack Obama, the bill’s approval is facilitated by excluding funding for abortion (240-194 vote) previously proposed in the bill.
“The Congressional Budget Office estimates that by 2019, the bill would leave about 96% of legal residents with health insurance, up from 83% now. To pay for expanding insurance coverage, the bill calls for hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts to Medicare aimed at eliminating its wasteful spending.
It levies a 5.4% tax on the wealthy that targets individuals earning more than $500,000 a year and couples earning more than $1 million a year. All but the smallest employers would be required to provide insurance and pay for most of the premium, or they would face a fine of up to 8% of their payroll.”----Wall Street Journal (11/08/09. Adamy, J; Bendavid, N.)
The Democrats headed by Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) were jubilant. The passage was a victory of Pres. Barack Obama and party members who needed to advance their campaign promise to mend the broken healthcare system, a centerpiece project of the current administration which was left undone by those that preceded it.
Most Republicans voted against the bill and pushed their own proposal of improving healthcare that is far less expensive ---- $61 billion in 10 years. The resistance by the Republicans against the Democrat’s house version arise from many unresolved issues--- i.e. the soaring cost, high tax burden, government interference on doctorr-patient relationship and failure to drive down the budget deficit and come up with tort reform to curb lawsuits and control fraud in the system.
The ambitious healthcare overhaul will need to clear several hurdles before it transforms into law. There will be more debates and uncertainties in the coming weeks to streamline the bill’s stipulations. The senate needs to approve its own bill to reconcile with the house version before Pres. Obama can sign it into law. (Photo Credit: www.techimoto) =0=
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In spite of emergency declaration, USA suffers from H1N1 flu vaccine shortage
Of the 250 million doses of H1N1 flu vaccine purchased by the US government, only 40 million was expected by Center of Disease Control (CDC) to be available by mid-October. CDC director Dr. Thomas Friedman however said, in reality, only 22.1 million were shipped.
Despite the emergency declaration of Pres. Barack Obama on the flu pandemic, the delay in vaccine availability has led to scrambling for the few medicines available as swine influenza surges in 46 states as of mid October.
“The CDC identified at-risk groups, including pregnant women, children and young adults, and recommended they be vaccinated first. But in many cases, even physicians who have vaccine don't have enough to inoculate all their high-risk patients.”----amednews (11/02/09, Moyer, C. S.)
People waiting in community clinics are afraid of catching disease as they learn the vaccine is in short supply. Since the outbreak of the flu in April, there have been 1,000 deaths and about 2,000 hospitalizations.
The CDC suggests that patients with flu-like manifestations and showing severe symptoms should be given antiviral treatment. Since it takes time to make a lab diiagnosis of the flu and the maximum benefit of the antiviral is within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, health authorities recommend that doctors start the medication even without the laboratory confirmation.
Vaccine production is accelerating to meet the demand. In response to CDC request, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA,) has approved the use of emergency intravenous antiviral peramivir for hospitalized patients with worse symptoms and do not respond to oral and inhalational anti-flu medications.
The public is encouraged to watch for advisories regarding the flu including particular attention to precautionary measures, prevention, and treatment regimens. In spite of the health preparations and citizen alerts conducted by health authorities, the vaccine delay is causing fear in the community.
Obviously the expectation on drug availability doesn’t match what has happened in the field. Doctors advise those with flu-like symptoms to stay away from people, wear masks, and bypass staying in patient’s waiting rooms---all to avoid spread of the disease. More cases of the virus infection are expected as the flu season goes in high gear. (Photo Credit: Ben Chau) =0=
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Democrats introduce its controversial health reform plan
With about 2,000 voluminous pages detailing the healthcare proposal, the Democrats headed by Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) unveils a healthcare plan that many have found to be difficult to read. To enforce the bill, (introduced at the end of the week,) it is estimated to cost $1.055 trillion, way above from the proposed budget originally thought. The quote doesn’t include the $245 billion needed to halt the decrease in compensation of doctors and healthcare providers. The relaxation of government-funded Medicaid eligibility will increase the charity beneficiaries to 15 million within a 10 year period----raising expenses and taxes further--- making healthcare less affordable.
Rushed before the general public could understand the bill, the text of the legislation isn’t readily accessible for the public to read. In the bill, the proposed government-run “public option” has been retained with some room for doctors to negotiate their fees instead of being imposed upon by government.
On bill's unveiling at the west front of the Capitol Building, only attendees listed among the welcomed guests have been permitted to attend. The contrarians who oppose the proposal have been kept out of being part of the audience. Given a quick thumbs-up by Pres. Barack Obama, the legislation remains enigmatically deceitful and infuriating as before.
Republicans who question the bill insist it is too expensive with confusing hidden expenses which befuddle the legislators and public as well. Proponents of the bill however insist it will make available medical insurance to 96% of Americans with a net price tag of $900 billion when those who refuse to avail of the insurances are penalized. According to those who designed the proposed legislation, the cash generated from such penalty will be used to lower down the expenses of healthcare.
To further control cost of medical care, the proposal calls for drastic cuts of about $460 billion on government-run Medicare programs---- raising accusations that eventually, healthcare services will be rationed--- giving the government to much power to intrude on the lives of private citizens.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is unsure if the actual expenses quoted to underwrite the proposed healthcare revamp will be greater than what the democrats tell the public. The numbers are preliminary, but the likelihood is high that the cash requirements to enforce the bill will be high. There are suggestions that the belt-tightening proposal in this bill won’t bring down expenses as promised.
Eighty five (85%) of Americans are satisfied with the current health system, but they fear of losing what they believe is the best healthcare system of the world. Though most of them agree that a change to cut down the astronomical rise in medical cost which could bankrupt the system, they are not ready to give away the choices of doctors and the promptness of medical care delivery they enjoy. The current proposal failed to address tort reform and Medicare fraud which jack up expenses further.
In the proposed revamp, cost-cutting will include drastic cessation of certain Medicare services including programs for the prevention of diseases. Slashing the Medicare budget raises the lingering suspicion that healthcare will be rationed at the expense of the elderly, disabled and chronically ill. Approval of certain diagnostic tests, procedures, and treatments may be harder to get under this plan.
In spite of assurances to the contrary, the public, doctors and the rest of the medical community are not fully convinced. An income tax increase to be imposed on rich Americans is expected to generate $570 billion to help lower medical expenses thus approximating the 10 year spending projected in the budget. Whether this will materialize is the subject of disagreement and continuing debate.
Opponents of the bill believe that these grandiose projections and questionable assumptions are not realistic. They do not augur well for success since lack of trust, poor management, corruption, and failure in many government enterprises are worse as before. (Photo Credit: gnotalex) =0=
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Smoking ban decreases heart attack rates
Researchers who analyzed studies of smoking ban and its effect on the rate of heart attacks revealed that in communities in America, Canada, and Europe where smoking ban was implemented, a 17% decline in heart attack rate was noted after a year.
Compared to those without smoking restrictions, communities enforcing smoking ban achieved 36% reduction of heart attacks after a three year period. The decrease in heart attacks in time was reported in the journal Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
The findings are consistent with the American Heart Association's Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2009 data that non-smokers subjected to secondhand smoke at home or in the workplace have a 25 to 30 percent higher chance of contracting heart disease. This adverse effect of smoking do not include respiratory diseases that are linked with the habit.
"This study adds to the already strong evidence that secondhand smoke causes heart attacks, and that passing 100 percent smoke-free laws in all workplaces and public places is something we can do to protect the public,…Now we have a better understanding of how you can predict what will happen if you impose a smoking-free law."--- James M. Lightwood, Ph.D., adjunct professor, Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of California-San Francisco. www. consumeraffairs.com ( 09/22/09, Limback, J.) (Photo Credit: cbc.ca) =0=
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Opposition to healthcare reform rises to 56%
At the end of the week, Rasmussen poll released its new number on Obama’s campaign to sell his healthcare proposal---the nationwide opposition against the measure climbed to 56% compared to only 43% in favor. Contrarians dominate over those who approve of the plan since the last week of June 2009 when opposition registered at 50% and approval at 45%. This is in spite of Obama's aggressive promotion of the healthcare bill, undoubltedly one of the centerpieces of his administration.
The overhaul of healthcare became more unacceptable to the doubting public as the details are laid bare in the on-going debate. The confusion, lack of transparency, and truthfulness at the onset were partly to blame. Top leaders of the government react to criticism sorely as they wanted to ram their proposal to the public's throat--- hook line and sinker. Rasmussen revealed that for August, the public perception of protesters (wrongfully accused by being rabble-rousers and Nazis for airing their concerns) improved, making the Obama administrtion to pay more attention.
“If the plan passes, 26% of voters say the quality of care will get better, and 51% say it will get worse. In August, the numbers were 23% better and 50% worse. Fifty-one percent (51%) say passage of the plan will make the cost of health care go up while 20% say it will make costs go down. In August, 52% thought the plan would lead to higher costs, and just 17% thought it would achieve the stated goal of lowering costs.”---Rasmussen (09/18/09)
These numbers make Democrats worried. More people are speaking against the heathcare plan as much as they demonstrate their opposition to the bailouts of banks, financial institutions, and the auto industry at the expense of taxpayers’ money. These are on top of humongous spending by a government with trillions in budget deficit on its back. (Photo Credit: ctv.ca) =0=
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Woldwide, a million suicides per year says United Nations
The World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that about a million people die of suicide each year around the globe. The count puts killing oneself as frequent as one in every 40 seconds. In the last half a century, the rate of suicide has increased to 60% and the trend is likely to go up, putting the number to about 1.5
million annually by the year 2020---that will be a staggering 33% increase in a matter of about 10 years.
According to mental health experts, the risk factors in suicide vary across different cultures. Accounting for about half of all violent deaths, suicide is more common in men although more women are likely to attempt killing themselves without being successful. A quarter of suicide victims are young adults below the age of 25 years.
“The WHO report says most suicides in occur in Asia, which accounts for up to 60 percent of all cases. But it reports Eastern European countries have the highest rates of suicide. The lowest rates are found in the countries of Mediterranean Europe and the predominantly Catholic countries of Latin America and Asia, as well as in Muslim countries, such as Pakistan.’---VOA (09/10/09, Schlein, L.)
The rise in suicide may reflect the increase in the “stressors” that operate in modern life. A reduction of suicide may be achieved by education, identifying and treating mental illnesses, and recognizing the early signs of suicide among individuals. (Photo Credit: campinocastillejo) =0=
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ADA not so happy about Obama’s healthcare bill
The American Dental Association (ADA) is not all smiles for the Obama healthcare reform. Reason? The new proposal doesn’t increase Medicaid payment rates and doesn’t decrease the administrative burden in taking care of indigent patients. The healthcare revamp doesn’t answer the dentist’s main concern--- the need to fix the Medicaid payment scheme which pays less than cost of keeping the business. ADA does not approve of a single-payer plan if it will mandate their compulsory participation.
For lack of monetary incentive, only about 15%-20% of dentists service Medicaid patients and some dentists opt to just give free treatment because of low and tedious reimbursement process.
Yet there are provisions in the bill that ADA supports. The group somehow agrees with the new house bill and the Senate Health Labor and Pensions (HELP) plan of expanding dental care---more for prevention treatment and infrastructure funding.
ADA supports greater patient access to dental services by increasing personnel in community health centers. The organization supports the bill’s proposal of eliminating out of the pocket payments for patients. (Photo Credi: Leannemichelle) =0=
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AARP loses 60,000 members in July-August 2009
Parallel to the erosion of Pres. Barack Obama's approval rating, the Association of American Retired Persons (AARP) reported the withdrawal of 60,000 members from July to August 2009. Associated Press (AP,) disclosed USA's leading senior citizen organization attributes the attrition from the AARP’s position on the healthcare debate. Pres. Obama earlier said AARP supported some of the provisions of the reform bill, but was later debunked by AARP as inaccurate.
The organization of seniors supports the need for a healthcare revamp to rein on the expenses and make it more affordable. But its managers have not been keen in defending the sick nnd elderly from "rationing. high premiums, government intervetion, and “death panels”---things that worry the senior citizens. AARP instead helped the US president in claiming the association supports his proposed medical reform which mnny members rejected.
According to AARP, it is fighing for the following:
1.Stopping insurance companies from charging older Americans unaffordable premiums because of their age.
2.Ending the practice of excluding people from insurance because of pre-existing conditions.
3.Holding down health costs and making insurance coverage more affordable for all Americans.
4.Making prescription drugs more affordable by narrowing the Medicare doughnut hole, bringing generics to market faster, and allowing Medicare to negotiate better drug prices. Source: eCancerAwareness.com (08/06/09, Sacto, Eric )
A. Barry Rand, CEO of AARP underscored the need to stop the rise in healthcare expenses which accounts for 16% of the 2007 GDP. Deemed unsustainable, without healthcare reform, he said expenses is expected to climb to 25% and 49% of GDP in years 2025 and 2082 respectively. Yet, he didn't offer enough assurance that seniors will not be short-changed in medical services once the revamp is approved.
According to AARP spokesman Drew Nannis, with 40 million members, dropping from the AARP roll is expected. The group is watching how many members have opted to drop from the list because of their disapproval on how AARP represents them. (Photo Credit: boraeke) =0=
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Sen. Sarah Palin stirs the healthcare debate with her warning of the “death panel”
If Alaska Sen. Sarah Palin is dumb as her detractors have portrayed her all along, how come, in spite of her resignation from her governorship, she has been getting attention from the American public? In her recent indictment of the healthcare overhaul proposal of Pres. Barack Obama, she speaks of a “death panel” that looms when it is approved.
Sen. Palin refers to the effect of rationing that has to be done to rein over the cost of medical care. Rationing is almost inevitable in Obama’s healthcare reform for it plans to cover 47 million uninsured people including illegal aliens. There will be sharp need for doctors and nurses for the expected rise in the demand of medical services. Long waiting times may occur. Quality of care will suffer. Delays in diagnostics and treatments like what happens in Canada and other countries are likely. All these can result to an overall rise in the price of the whole healthcare services. And it can lead to the decline in the preeminence of US medical care which attracts patients worldwide.
There are sectors in society who boldly sell their judgment on who is worthy to avail of the resources of the government. If there will be any cost-cutting measures, the elderly, the disabled, the very young and handicapped are threatened to be denied of services in favor of the young and productive.
Healthcare Discrimination
Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, the brother of the White House chief of staff, a radical adviser of Barack Obama believes that the life of Americans 15 to 50 years are more valuable and therefore deserving of services more than the old, the chronically ill, and the dying. Put in a compromising stance, Emanuel disavowed his previous support on rationing. Disguised as humanitarian, his scary point of view is an extension of the old debate that supposes that the unborn in the womb is expendable and it’s OK to abort them. Obama is pro-abortion.
After reversing the pro-life policy of Pres. George W. Bush, Obama has already started funding of abortion at taxpayers’ expense not only in the United States, but outside the country. One can see why the debate on “death panel” raised by Palin has morphed into a human rights and moral issue that casts doubt on the Obama plan. The selection on who may live may shift from fetuses in utero to those who are old and unproductive in society.
My Personal Experience
Sen. Palin knows so well because of Trig, her son born with disabling Down’s Syndrome. I can just sympathize with her because I too am handicapped with an unrelenting rare blood disorder. Under Medicare, I have been denied of diagnostic tests and treatments, an aftermath of cost-cutting and government rules interfering with my doctor’s medical judgment.
My doctor and I have to be contented with a medical regimen that is second in line (and probably less effective than what was originally planned.) Such insurance-mandated treatments may shorten my survival and that of other patients who are prevented to get the first line medical intervention.
I have to buy additional coverage from private insurances to help when my primary insurance falters. Speaking from experiene, by responsibly planning one's medical needs and spending for them, one can avoid devastating mistakes. Despite the imperfections of my coverage, my gut tells me problems in healthcare will worsen with what Obama is proposing.
End of Life Issues & Medical Reimbursement
In a push to “popularize” end of life decisions, a group of Obama supporters have inserted in the healthcare bill an end of life provision that will give reimbursements to doctors who discuss to their patients on how to decide on death issues. The provision somehow validates Palin’s “death panel” fears. It is a step closer to the door of euthanasia or something more sinisterly evil. Though optional, the proposed money incentive creates a pressure to direct a patient to decide. To avoid problems ahead, the congressmen decided to drop the provision.
Sarah’s liberal detractors labeled her assertions as “false rumors” and "alarmist" but the intent of the Medicare reimbursements are ominously suggestive. The provision they dropped has hints of selective triage on who deserves to live. That’s not unexpected for there those who won’t stop at anything---at a cost on trampling on age-old moral values---just to cut down the expense of healthcare.
The old and the very young and those with diseases requiring expensive treatments are vulnerable in these cost-saving measures. If they think certain persons are socially expendable, they want to throw the sanctity of life out of the window. Assurances to the contrary is offered by Obama, but will they hold when the right time comes?
Healthcare Intrusion to Private Lives
Plans are in the offing for a group of health experts in government to oversee the decision on who can avail of standard medical care and who will avail of them with what kind of doctor and where. The experts will have access to information of patients when electronic records are set up. Those who fall outside their regulations may be denied or be challenged to go on appeal, delaying treatment, without assurance of success. So we know why the healthcare debate has heated up all over America.
Bureaucrats are inching their way to ram into the throats of the public a social plan that tends to devalue the life of a certain segment of society. The town meetings across America are airing the voice of the angry opposition. Trying to snuff off dissent, those who want to push the healthcare reform have accused these meetings as disruptive handiworks of the mob. Obama blamed the media for paying attention to the protesters.
Foiling Effective Dialogue
Sen. Nancy Pelosi of California (D,) among other partisans, called protesters of the heathcare bill anti-American and pro-Nazi. Such immature accusations by a government official frustrates meaningful discussions to resolve the complex issues of the problem.
The healthcare proposal is promised to be cheap. But the calculations of expenses have run into trillions of dollars that compromise taxpayers’ money. The huge spending and debts scare ordinary Americans who believe it will be hard to come out solvent in this ambitious plan. There are so many promises to digest from Pres. Barack Obama and his self-avowed cognoscentis. Tempers rise. Frustration and confusion take over.
What Can be Done?
Reining on healthcare expenses can start with limiting bureaucracy and fraud in Medicare and Medicaid. Electronic records will bring savings. Personal healthcare accounts and aavings for expected medical needs must be encouraged. Give the people medical choice (not the single public payer which give the government too much control) to allow market forces to work with competing companies.
Implement tort reform in mediicine to discourage frivolous lawsuits that jack-up the overhead expenses of health professionals. Disease prevention must be emphasized to avoid expensive treatment when people get sick. Limit government intrusion on the freedom of doctors to treat their patients.
Palin as Victim of Media bias
Amazing! Sarah Palin whom the arrogant liberals and the biased media have demonized, cajoled, underestimated and labeled as dumbed now stands in the forefront of “activism." In her straightforward way, the victim of hate and scorn helps make the public aware of the other side of Obama’s healthcare proposal. She asks people to weigh on crucial issues that our health system, comprising a 1/6th of the US economy.
Sarah may be more informed than some of her political counterparts. Many lawmakers and their constituents don’t know the intricacies of the healthcare bill which comes in more than a 1,000 pages. Majority of lawmakers don’t know what is in the book. They haven’t read it. But Obama wants it approved in a snap of a hand, just like the $787 billion bailout that is hyped as the panacea of America’s financial problems. In bated breath, America is waiting with trepidation. (Photo Credit: infacinatorin; healthcare4every1) =0=
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Healthcare reform loses support from the elderly, chronically ill, and the disabled
As lawmakers went on their August recess, Americans from all sides of the political aisle had started debating on the merits of Pres. Barack Obama’s ambitious healthcare reform. Even though only a few legislators read the more than 1,000 pages of proposal to overhaul the medical insurance system whose budget constitutes a 6th of our economy, the administration had been rushing and pushing for changes that had been met with growing opposition.
The senior citizens, elderly, the handicapped and disabled are for a universal health care that is cheap. But they are up in arms against what they perceived to be a threat to their health and lives. Even with more than a trillion budget (contrary to Obama’s campaign promise that healthcare will be kept inexpensive,) the specter of rationing of services, prolonged waiting times in doctor’s offices, denial of certain medical tests and treatments, the weakening of America’s leadership in medical science, and the discrimination of the severely ill and those with disabilities are real issues that spark shouting matches in town meetings all over the country.
My Personal Experience
As a disabled with an unrelenting chronic medical condition, I have serious concerns about Obama’s healthcare proposal. Even with the current system, cost-cutting has already started. Presently, I am due for chemotherapy in New York, but my nurse told me, we have to hold-off because Medicare, our government insurance system, has not approved the treatment. In short, I am being denied access to a live-saving medical intervention. The disapproval is directly linked with cost-cutting and I need to appeal to justify my treatmen. Obviously, the denial is intrusive to medical wisdom and interferes with my doctor’s trained judgment. The delay in treatment it causes can surely jeopardize my health. So if this is happening to me now, how much more when the Obama’s proposal takes effect?
I worry for those who don’t know how to deal with the complexity of the current medical system. I'm apprehensive for us who'd be dictated by new rules that may shut-down apt treatment for the severely sick. The healthcare change will serve best if one is not sick, but when someone contracts a difficult health problem, the nightmare begins. From my experience, the sick is practically alone to negotiate the system in order to survive.
I was denied coverage of claims for certain medicines before and I had to dig deep into my pocket to pay for them. Scrimping on my budget, I had to buy additional medical insurances to supplement my coverage. Putting up medical claims is confusing and takes a lot of effort. Too much cost-cutting can lead to morbidities and deaths.
Questions Demanding Answers
Forty six (46) million people without insurance will be added in the system when Obama’s healthcare reform gets approved. How will America pay for them except from taxpayer’s money? In a socialistic bent, why will certain sectors of society pay more in favor of others? Why is personal responsibility not emphasized among us---giving priority to pay for one’s medical insurance, discouraging fraud, supporting medical tort reforms among others?
Do we have enough doctors and nurses who will take care of the newly insured? How can Obama assure there will be no lines in the ER and doctor's offices? On what basis will the sick be denied or approved of their diagnostics and treatments?
Who has the moral authority to select which patients deserve medical care over the other? Are the lives of the elderly any less important than the young as suggested by some of Obama’s radical healthcare planners?
How can the public trust Capitol Hill’s health experts when they demonstrate partisanship, show sharp adherence to their brand of morality and social agenda? Why is accountability in their decisions lacking?
Sen. Nancy Pelosi (California-Democrat) in criticizing those who oppose the healthcare plan immediately labeled them as “nazis” and "unAmerican." In her maturity, why can’t she engage in a rational, free and honest debate on the issues that will affect the people for generations?
Why do some administration officials like Obama and Pelosi rush the public to decide on the proposal just like the wishy-washy approval of the $787 financial bailouts of banks, housing and auto industries without the public’s understanding? These are some questions that aren’t satisfactorily answered by the administration who promised wild things during the past election.
As a result, in August 11, 2009, the Rasmussen poll has showed a precipitous drop in Obama’s approval---51 disapproved (with 37% strongly against) and 49 (with 30% strongly against) approved. This is expected to worsen as the real intent of his healthcare revamp is fully revealed to the public. In the meantime, the gnashing of the teeth is getting louder in limbo. (Photo Credits: Ben Heine; flikr Nurse; barack obama) =0=
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Rising antidepressant use in USA & the nation’s state of mental health
In a recent study which appeared in the Archives of General Psychiatry, Dr. Mark Olfson of Columbia University in New York and Steven Marcus of University of Pennsylvania disclosed that the use of antidepressants in America had astronomically increased: 13 million people received prescriptions in 1996 versus 27 million in 2005----a doubling rise in less than 10 years.
If so, the number of those needing to up their mood medically now accounts for about 10% of the population. The study shows that the diagnosis of depression is more common and having the malady is more acceptable now than in past decade.
One way of looking at this is by considering the secular world. In a liberal society where traditional values and beliefs have been replaced by materialism, more people contract emotional and mental problems. There are more sufferers of psycho-emotional instability in an alienating world---more so when support systems are frayed and families ties are disrupted. Coincident to the stresses of 911 and the economic slump, Americans are increasingly in need of medications more than any people in the planet.
"Although there was little change in total promotional spending for antidepressants between 1999 ($0.98 billion) and 2005 ($1.02 billion), there was a marked increase in the percentage of this spending that was devoted to direct-to consumer advertising, from 3.3 percent ($32 million) to 12 percent ($122.00 million)."---Source: Reuters (08/03/09, Barbara, P.)
Considering the drug industry, 164 million prescriptions had been prescribed last year generating about $9.6 billion sales. The unbridled use of these medicines pushed by pharmaceuticals could be attributed to many factors, but in my opinion, “medicalization” of depression had been part of it. The promotion of antidepressants to keep mental health had been going on. Treatment rather than prevention was the emphasis. There had been a tendency to treat reflexively without allowing the normal healing mechanisms to take care of itself.
Americans seems in danger of losing their natural ability to regulate their minds and feelings if they heavily rely on antidepressants. I believe this does not bode well on the well-being of the country. Blunting their natural coping mechanisms, Americans can't continue taking antidepressants for their emotional and mental problems.
The use of antidepressants continues to rise even if warnings have been issued of the heightened risk of suicidal thoughts and tendency for suicide even among teenagers. There is an increase of those wishing to end their life among the middle aged.
In spite of the widespread use of antidepressants, there is no indication that America is in any way mentally healthy. Americans tend to use drugs for they are readily available. Psychotherapy is harder to obtain; it’s time-consuming, labor-intensive, and insurance reimbursement is low. (Photo Credit: aga.moreno) =0=
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Sarkozy faints during jogging exercise
We like leaders to be in the pink of health. We want to see Pres. Barack Obama play golf or take a deep to swim in a beach, We don’t want to see North Korea’s Kim Jong Il gaunt and wasted after he was reported to have suffered a stroke. We’re glad to see French President Nicolas Sarkozy, a running and cycling fan, do his exercise the way Pres. George Bush did when he was still in the White House.
However, last Sunday, July 26, 2009, during his jogging, Sarkozy fainted prompting him to undergo medical tests which were thought to be normal.
“ Sarkozy, 54, was elected in 2007. He last underwent a medical examination July 3, when his cardiovascular and blood tests were normal, the Elysee's medical service said.
His first medical bulletin issued shortly after his 2007 election said Sarkozy's health was "good" and compatible with his presidential duties. Since his election, Sarkozy has maintained a frenetic pace, travelling the world and performing political activities, as well as divorcing his second wife and marrying his third, the former fashion model and singer, Carla Bruni.”----www.iol.co.za/ zapa / AP (07/27/09)
The French leader was brought by military helicopter to the medical facility for observation. He had to stay in the hospital to be sure nothing was medically serious. (Photo Credit: CBC.CA) =0=
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Dengue death toll in Cagayan Valley rises to 21
Lending proof that Dengue, a hemorrhagic viral illness is deadlier than the H1N1 flu, the Department of Health in its regional office in Tuguegarao City reported 21 deaths of Dengue since the onset of the year. The mosquito-borne disease which surges during the rainy season in endemic areas such as the Philippines, has infected at least 546 people. The latest mortality are two boys with ages 3 and 8 who died in the town of Ramon.
“Several villages in Ramon, meanwhile, had been observed to have rising dengue cases, among them Barangays Ambatali, Bugallon Norte, Bugallon proper and Raniag.
Already hitting 14 percent more than the number of cases last year, dengue has been most monitored in the provinces of Isabela (including Santiago City) and Cagayan, the regional health office in Tuguegarao City said.” ----Daily Tribune (07/26/09, Boehnert, T.)
It is said that majority of the Dengue infections happened in May and health authorities asked the help of the public to destroy the breeding grounds of the carrier mosquitoes. A cleaner environment plus spraying to kill mosquitoes are helpful in lessening the spread of the disease. Most morbidities and deaths in Dengue are observed in children. (Photo Credit: Kozzmen) =0=
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Legislation stalled: Americans question Obama's healthcare overhaul plan
The attempt of Pres. Barack Obama to hasten the approval of his universal health care plan met significant opposition when Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced the floor will take up the contentious matter after the August recess. At the earliest, the legislation will be voted, in September 2009 to allow time for legislators and citizens to think.
“Obama envisions legislation that would, for the first time, require all Americans to be insured. A new government insurance program would compete with private insurers, and insurance companies would be barred from excluding people with pre-existing conditions. The goals are to hold down costs and extend coverage to most of the 50 million uninsured. The price tag: $1 trillion-plus over a decade.”----AP (07/24/09, Werner, E.)
But a growing number of citizens and leaders from both sides of the political aisle are questioning the huge price tag of healthcare overhaul plan----exactly the reason why USA is pushing for a change. Many are resentful, appalled and worried that the reform will lead to rationing of medical services as 47 uninsured will be included. The danger of overtaxing the system is there---leaving doctors, nurses and caregivers overworked, underpaid, and unable to deliver the quality of care America expects.
Taxes which Obama promised to keep low, are likely to rise astronomically to subsidize at least 10 million illegal aliens who will crowd the system. The elderly and disabled may suffer denial or delays of service as the government wants to give the young and socially productive the priority in health services.
Through government machinations planned by a few supposed medical experts, many tests, procedures and treatments are in danger of being denied from the seriously sick, chronically ill, and those who suffer from rare diseases. This practice has begun even in the current system and is expected to be greater when the Obama plan takes effect.
Doctors often complain of being slowed by insurance disapprovals and delays to the detriment of their patients' health. Reimbursements of claim from medical services have been cut or denied on top of over-regulation. People have suddenly realize the creeping interference of government in their lives.
So therefore, it is easy to understand why enough time must be given for study and deliberation before a decision is made. There are reasons to doubt Obama and his contentious plan. As it is, his proposal for reform doesn't fly with the people he wants to serve (53% disapproved vs. 46 approved as one recent poll shows.)(Photo Credit: Reuters/ US Health Politics/ Reed, J; AP/ Burke, LV) =0=
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Sen. Edward Kennedy survives longer under the world’s best medicine available
Edward Klein’s book entitled “Ted Kennedy: The dream that never died” details how the senator has weathered a deadly brain tumor (malignant glioma)--- longer than the usual expectancy. Without the current system, there is almost no way one can have this brand of excellent US medicine working in his favor. This makes us think twice on what Washington wants to do with our health.
Americans are endangered of losing healthcare today if the Obama government dismantles the current system. In the rush to implement a universal healthcare plan that is cheap and affordable, freedom of choice to get the best doctor and avail of quality treatment may altogether be lost. Here below is a glimpse of an astounding healthcare that helps Kennedy survive and the Obama government wants to change.
“The meeting on (Friday) May 30 was extraordinary in at least two ways,” wrote Lawrence K Altman, M.D., the chief medical correspondent at the New York Times. “one was the ability of a powerful patient ---in this case, a scion of a legendary political family and the chairman of the Senate’s health committee---to summon noted consultants to learn about the latest therapy and research findings.
“The second was his efficiency in quickly convening more than a dozen experts from at least six academic centers. Some flew in Boston. Others participated by telephone after receiving pertinent tests result and other medical records.”
At the May 30 meeting, opinions were divided over the benefit of surgery. According to Dr. Altman, “Some neurosurgeons strongly favored it; two did not.” Among those opposing surgery was Dr. Raymond Sawaya, chairman of neurosurgery at Baylor College of medicine and the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr. Sawaya believed that the cancer had spread over a large area and, therefore, that most of it could not be eradicated.
“Tumors in the brain in the brain are like real estate,” said Reid Thompson, director of neurosurgical oncology at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. “It’s all location, location, location.”
“No matter what treatment you use,” said Dr. Henry Brem of the Johns Hopkins Hospital, “It tends to be an aggressive, quickly replicating, quickly growing tumor.”
Nonetheless, Dr. Vivek Deshmukh, director of cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery at George Washington University Medical center, urged the senator to take his chances with the scalpel. “The treatment that has been shown to make the most difference as far as survival is removal of the tumor,” Dr. Deshmukh said, “Surgical removal carries the greatest benefit in terms of extending his survival.”
And also, on Friday afternoon, the senator put in a call to Dr. Allan Friedman, co-director of the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University Medical Center. The 59 year-old doctor was considered by many as his colleagues to be the Mozart of brain surgeons. He was preparing to to take off for a long-planned vacation in Canada when his cell phone rang. On the other end of the line was Sen. Edward Kennedy, who told the doctor that he had searched the world for the best neurosurgeon to remove his cancerous brain tumor.
“And I want you.” ----Klein, Edward. Ted Kennedy: The dream that never died. Crown Publishing Group. 2009, pp. 209-210.
No matter what these politicians tell the people about healthcare, when one is stricken ill, especially by a life-threatening disease, gut instinct tells of the need for the best treatment. It happened to Kennedy, a "royal" Massachusetts democrat and seasoned politican in Capitol Hill. He is a proponent of a government-controlled universal healthcare system that will likely bring cuts to available life-saving treatments that has extended his life. In trying to rein over expenses, the new healthcare plan will likely detach the very sick, the elderly, disabled, and those with incurable diseases from care that has made their survival possible.
Yet, Kennedy like other politicans don’t worry so much about undoing what is supposed to be the best medicine available on earth today. Part of the social experiment America is embarking, the Obama government wants to put in place an alternative socialized and rationed healthcare for Americans akin to those in Canada and Europe---extending medical coverage to as much people but endangering the quality of care and advance of US medical science. They know whatever medical care is made available in this country, the influential, educated, and well-connected will have the power to get excellent medical care which may be distant from the reach of ordinary Americans. (Photo Credit: learfieldnews) =0=
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