CITIHEALTH | Healthy Magazine

National Healthcare | The Facebook Dialogues

2009-07-24T15:00:00.001-07:00

So - my favorite left-leaning nephew posts the following on his Facebook......Here's the dialogue that ensues. I'd love your feedback and opinion on either side of this equation.

Tony Anderson :
Harcore Republicans: What makes health care so different from things like deciding to go to war or whether or not police officers should patrol our cities? Next time we want to pick a fight with a country, I want to vote. I'm not picking a fight here, but I don't get why the line was drawn around certain things and not others. Why not complete anarchy? Why not total Socialism? Where does it stop on either end?

Hollie Anderson and Julia Ma like this.

Jeremy Thompson:
Amen.

Ryan Chabot:
What are you saying? Why are you calling out "Hardcore Republicans"? I don't recall voting for the ever expanding "Hardcore Liberal" bailout plan. I don't know about you but I do NOT want my doctors office run as efficiently (intended sarcasm) as the DMV and other government run agencies. Just ask any Veteran that uses the VA for their health care services.

Tony Anderson:
You know exactly why I am calling out "hardcore republicans". There are people who pick at everything the President does, no matter what the decision. As for health care, could it simply be that the reason places like the DMV are not efficient is that there is a fundamental flaw in how they are organized, but that the overall concept is not a bad idea?

Yes, giving health care to more Americans would necessarily create some inevitable chaos. But saying that you are against the idea and then not providing any solution is basically saying that you don't care about the millions of uninsured Americans. I'm not all for Obama's plan, because I think there are some unanswered questions about how all of this will be funded, but if (and this is a big "if") 1. More Americans will be able to get affordable health care, and 2. The overall costs in health care will go down, I feel that it is our obligation to at least CONSIDER such a plan, and not toss it away.

Tony Anderson:
I mean, if you think our government can't do anything right, then I return to my intial question: "Why have any government at all? Why not just let everyone do what they want and have complete and total survival of the fittest?" What makes us think that a government body should make such a monumental decision as telling us that we are going to war, but we can't even CONSIDER the idea of the government making health care available to a greater number of individuals. I understand the implications involved, but I feel that when people toss out the idea simply based on the idea that other government plans aren't very efficient, they don't have a very solid argument, because not ALL government programs run inefficiently, and if they do, then why have government at all?

John Anderson:
Chaos? What chaos? Question is....what IS the role of government? Is it the responsibility of the Federal Government to provide extensive healthcare benefits to every citizen (and illegal?) Its laid out pretty well in the Constitution. I definitely don't think the Federal government is there to provide national healthcare, though you MAY make an argument that it is a STATE level program - which, according to the Constitution, it is the type of program that should be governed and regulated at the State level. Now, there isn't time here to go into the math and finances of 'affordable' - we'll leave the quagmire of funding healthcare for another forum - Let's just pretend for the sake of argument that it IS affordable (and we'll even pretend that the affordable plan will be 'sufficient and adequate' coverage - yet another HUGE discussion for another time. So, let's just focus on WHO will benefit from this plan. The poor?

John Anderson:
They have 100% coverage through Medicaid (which we pay for). Seniors? They have the best benefits of all in America through Medicare - which we cannot afford. So, which group will 'benefit' by a nationally sponsored health plan? The middle class - you, me, and everyone remotely able to work. So, national health insurance will be offered to us at 'affordable rates' - but who is going to pay? We are. The working class. And here's my biggest problem with it - what about people who choose to NOT have insurance? Who want to save their money, or pay cash? Yes, there are millions in America without health insurance. But millions also choose to NOT have insurance. I just feel that there is a much better way to extend access to the healthcare system. I'd like to explore the concept of HSA's - both private and company funded - and a complete overhaul of the health pricing system. It's the only industry in the world where you go get a service and don't know what it will cost you...

Tony Anderson:
John, those are good thoughts. I do like the idea of exploring other options, and I don't support any system that would "force" health care on anyone. I think that would be extremely wasteful for those situations, as you mentioned, in which people choose not to have health insurance. But I think the current system is flawed, and agree with the President that a good deal of fat can be trimmed out of the equation.

As for the anarchy comment...My beef is this: we always go back to the Constitution as our source for everything, but neither you nor I had any say in how the Constutution was constructed. So, yes, according to the Constitution, all of the answers to my question are provided for, but that's assuming we all subscribe to the idea that the Constitution is complete as is. I don't really like the "it's in the Constitution answer", in the same way I don't like the "it's in the Bible" answer. My curiousity on this issue is broader than a legal document; I am asking why the Constitution was drafted in that way. Why is my individual decision to go to war any less of my personal business than my health care? I submit that it is not.

John Anderson:
Fat trimmed? Then please, let's not ad $1.5 trillion for the creation of a national healthcare program. That's the cost JUST to get it established, but the ongoing operational costs will be much higher. And, it won't be optional - once passed, it will be doled out to everyone whether we like it or not - hence the higher costs of covering those who don't feel healthcare is a pressing concern at their point in life. Look - it's a noble Robin-Hood-ish idea - which is my main problem with lefty perspectives - let's take care of everyone in a uniform one-size-fits-all fashion. It's enforced equality. But it ironically dilutes the better benefits for seniors and the poor, dumps benefits on the middle class, and makes everyone pay for it. You keep wanting to vote....So, when do we get to vote? And can we line-item veto the program? Again, there's just a much, much better way to revise healthcare while maintaining individual choice and opt-in.

I read the Constitution for the first time ever front to back this year. If you haven't had the opportunity to do it, I'd highly recommend it. Pretty inspiring. And depressing. I especially like Article V - very short piece on how to mend and amend the Constitution to help it breathe with the times. Interesting little tidbit in there that describes the two ways to Amend the Constitution. One way is very traditional - Senators, Congressmen, Bills, ratification, House, etc. The other is an unused, VERY possible option that bypasses Washington altogether and rallies the local State Legislatures. Did you know that the Constitution can be changed with unity among 2/3 of the state legislatures? Hmmmm. Very intriguing. There's a movement underway to do just that - I can't wait to see how it plays out. Takes ONLY 34 states to agree. First item on the agenda - term limits for Congressmen and Senators - the only group who don't have limits - and hence - status quo.

Question for all of us on this last matter is.....can you even name ONE local Legislator? Most people cannot, yet they have the same constitutional amending authority and power as Senators and Congressmen. They get voted in during the 2-year off-season vote (IE in 2010) (when there's typically only a 5% voter turnout!) With a little coordination, Legislators can make substantial alterations to the Constitution. And, if we took the time, we could have a much closer relationship with our Legislators who live in our neighborhoods and attend our town meetings than we could have by the big money lobby supported Washingtonites who quickly meld into the Washington-machine politics in order to maintain their unlimited term in office. But hey, don't get me going.....

Pricing Values

2008-04-22T14:22:00.000-07:00

What’s the most important thing you’ve ever earned? Think about it for a minute. What in your life of value have you worked for and earned? Your degree. Your career. Your income. Your home. Your family. Your relationships. Your championship ring. Your freedom. These are things with varying degrees of importance and long-term value, but consider this: The harder/smarter you work to earn something, the more valuable it becomes to you. And, conversely, the less work or sweat you put into something, the less value it holds.

Let’s recall an important life-truth. Life is not about what you GET, but rather, the true measure of a successful life – in this life and in the next – is what you BECOME. And what you become is in large measure an accumulation of the values, knowledge, and relationships you develop. Stuff – things – might come for free. We might get lucky and win the lottery or the clearinghouse sweepstakes, but those don’t create value. Values have a price, and if you want to become great, it’s important to work for and pay fairly for every value. In the process of becoming, properly paying for and earning something is fundamental. You cannot just command friendship, love, or respect – they have to be paid for, earned. Here, you can quote me:

If it comes for free, it makes nothing of me.

It’s a reality that makes us great, and if forgotten or discarded, weakens us. And it’s true for each of us as individuals, or as couples, families, communities, or as a nation. We must define and pursue values, and those values must be won by contest. They must be fought for and earned. And after they have been earned, they must be protected.

To the extent that we ignore values, or fail to develop them, we become weak. If you value fitness and health, but discard the efforts and disciplines necessary to develop them, you don’t achieve fitness and health. And of course, this applies to the other areas of value. Families break down because couples fail to define and pursue values that create and build strong families. And consequently, as families go, communities go; and ultimately – so goes our great nation.

I like what the great business philosopher, Jim Rohn said on this subject: “Don't sell out your virtue and your value for something you think you want. Judas got the money, but he threw it all away and hung himself because he was so unhappy with himself. Count the cost first. Don't pay too big a price for pursuing minor values.”

In conclusion, they are called values because they have ‘value.’ They have a cost, and in many cases, the cost is quite high. (We’ve paid dearly for the very freedoms that support our country). Nothing of true value is free. If values were free, everyone would have them. But values are designed to be pricey. So, if you are finding yourself wanting to improve your life, your family, your country, count the cost to achieve the goal and ask yourself how much you’re willing to work. What effort are you willing to expend? Greatness exacts its price, so if you want excellence or greatness in any area of your life – be prepared to pay the price. And once you do, you’ll truly appreciate the value.

Starting With The Man In The Mirror

2008-03-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

Differences abound, and thank goodness. How boring our world would be if everyone were the same.

I’ve about had it with today’s news. The parade of conflict and discord is an exercise in stress management. Whatever happened to the ‘golden rule?’ Can’t we all play nice?

Differences abound, and thank goodness. How boring our world would be if everyone were the same. The same is true about our state, our city, our neighborhood, and our marriage. It takes many different ingredients to make a decent cake.

The trick with difference is to establish accord – a workable arrangement based upon understanding and cooperation. Differences lay at the heart of discord, and the best way to promote harmony is to acknowledge diversity and appreciate distinction. Ours is an ever increasingly pluralistic society that demands open-mindedness, tolerance, acceptance, and in some cases - change. It will be impossible to remain ‘United’ without concessions to unify. It’s not about winning and losing – it’s about collaboration and compromise – ‘doing unto others…’

That said, cooperation doesn’t mean compromising values and morals. It doesn’t mean surrendering standards or not taking a stand. There are values and standards worth fighting for – worth defending. Peace, love and freedom come to mind.

Mother Teresa said it well - Peace begins with a smile.

Maybe that’s it. We need more smiles, more laughs - more chumminess. There are no language barriers or cultural differences when it comes to smiling. In fact, in all my travels it seems that everyone smiles in the same language. And there is real power in a genuine smile. Perhaps smiling just may be the key to establishing accord. Regardless, it can’t hurt to try.

I have to admit that when I stand in front of the mirror my lighthearted look trumps my serious or sultry. Yes, I see some other features that could be changed; it takes a lot of work to maintain my rock hard six pack. (One day, I always say.) Each of us, regardless of our situation, status or background, can change to better health, better happiness, and better living.

Go ahead. Make that change.

5 Foods You Should Eat Every Day

2008-03-05T14:26:00.000-08:00

There are some foods with such a strong link to disease prevention and a wealth of nutrients that it makes sense to eat them every day.

The wider the variety of the foods you eat, the better chance you have to get all the nutrients needed for good health. But there are some foods with such a strong link to disease prevention and a wealth of nutrients that it makes sense to eat them every day.

1. Oranges (or orange juice):

A great source of folic acid, fiber, antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin C, and anti-cancer compounds flavonoids and carotenoids. Drink fresh orange juice, eat fresh oranges for snacks, make fruit salad with oranges, toss peeled orange sections into a spinach salad.

2. Dark Leafy Greens:

Full of anti-cancer compounds, vitamins and minerals. Contains folic acid to help prevent neural-tube birth defects, antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin C, fiber, and anti-cancer compounds beta-carotene and lutein. Try spinach, collard greens, kale, turnip greens. Eat raw or lightly cooked. Use in salads and stir-fry.

3. Bran Cereal (or other rich source of wheat bran):

Prevents constipation, is a potent anti-cancer agent, prevents polyps, may fight breast cancer by diminishing estrogen supplies. Mix in with your other cereals, make bran muffins, sprinkle on salads, mix into casseroles, even eat out of hand with a mix of raisins and nuts.

4. Yogurt (low fat, with live cultures):

Supplies calcium to prevent osteoporosis, boosts immune function, fights bacteria, has anti-cancer properties, may prevent yeast infections. Make fruit and yogurt smoothies, top vanilla yogurt with fresh fruit and granola, use on baked potatoes instead of sour cream.

5. Soy:

Contains phyto-estrogens that may help relieve hot flashes and fight osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, anti-cancer activity may be antagonistic to breast cancer, source of high-quality protein. Eat as tofu, tempeh, soymilk or boiled soybeans. Add tofu to stir-fry, grill tempeh instead of burgers, use soybeans instead of pintos for refried beans. Add chilled cooked soybeans to salads, make bean soup with soybeans, use soymilk instead of cow's milk on cereal.

Welcome to CitiHealth

2008-03-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the CitiHealth.com blog page, where we will be posting timely tips and ideas pertaining to Beauty, Fitness, Food, and Wellness.

Here's our first tip:

Price of Healthier Foods Rising Drastically

Written by: Citihealth, Inc.

We've been concerned for a while now that healthy, low-calorie foods such as fruits and vegetables is so much costlier than the highly processed, high-calorie foods. And it doesn't look to improve any time soon. In fact, the situation is getting even worse. The December, 2007, issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association reported that the prices of fresh fruit and vegetables and other low-calorie foods in the United States and Europe have jumped nearly 20 percent in the past two years, according to a University of Washington study. The result? A nutritious diet may be moving out of the reach of some consumers.

So, what do we do about it? The researchers concluded that we need to focus on large-scale changes such as revamping the U.S. Farm Bill, which is revised every five years. Congress had a chance to substantially reform the 2007 Farm Bill late last year and squandered it. As in the past, the bulk of the latest Farm Bill’s funding will support cheap food commodities such as corn, soybeans, wheat and rice rather than fruits and vegetables. What can you do about it? Urge your congressman to remain vigilant on this issue, as bills affecting food policy come up often. And in the meantime, support local fruit and vegetable growers at your nearby farmers’ market, where prices are often better than those in stores.