Money & Health – How To Save Money And Reduce Your Stress Levels
By Kat Fuschillo Writer for FEP International
If you feel like the financial crisis is effecting more than just your bank balance, then you need to start making some changes. Growing financial burdens are making more Americans ill each and every day. Just because you're financial situation isn't so healthy, it doesn't mean that your health should take a knock too. The credit crunch is making people ill, and here are some tips to help get you through this difficult time.
Is the financial crisis making us ill?
More people are making themselves very ill because of the growing worries and stress caused by the economic slump. The constant daily fears people face, and the worry of losing jobs and homes, are playing havoc with peoples' health. People are more depressed and stressed than ever before, and this is leading to a whole host of serious illnesses and conditions including - high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues and diabetes [1].
How to get your stress levels down and get healthy...
I know it's hard to stop thinking about your financial worries, but you have to try. Constantly worrying about your current money situation could actually make matters worse. Stress is powerful, and it can have an incredible affect on your health and well being. The more stressed you get, the less likely you'll be able to deal with your problems head on, and you could become ill in the process.
Try to deal with one problem, bill or debt at a time, and try not to feel too overwhelmed by your finances. There are now many dedicated help lines and support groups out there that can help you work through your problems. Thus, you do not have to face these issues alone.
In order for you to stay fit and healthy, you need to eat well and make sure that you're getting enough exercise. These are probably the last things on your mind, but if your body is healthy, then your mind will be in better shape too. You also need some time out. This doesn't mean you have to spend even more cash on a vacation. Just make sure you have some time away from your worries. Go for walks, make some time for your favourite hobby, and clear your head. You'll feel re-energized and better equipped to deal with your problems [2].
Three easy tips to help you save some money...
We are all trying to cut back at the moment, but are you cutting back in the right areas? Here are some tips that could help save you some money, and help to get you back on track:
1) Money - Many people take out more loans and credit cards to help pay their debts, but more often than not, this will get you even further into debt.
2) Food - Make your own lunch for work, give up those expensive morning coffees, plan your meals each week in advance, and start buying store brand goods.
3) Travel - Cut down on using your car. Start walking more, and cycle to work. This is great for you, the environment and also for your pocket.
References
1. Managing personal finances and good mental health go hand in hand. - http://www.mind.org.uk/money/. Accessed Sept 02, 2009.
2. Credit crunch help – http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Onabudget/Pages/Creditcrunchstresshelp.aspx. Accessed Sept 02, 2009.
Financial Crisis – Growing Money Worries Are Making Us Ill
By Kat Fuschillo Writer for FEP International
As the financial crisis worsens, mental health charities and organizations have seen a sharp increase in the number of reported mental health conditions. In these times of financial uncertainty, people are far more likely to suffer from depression and stress related illnesses. The pressures associated with the credit crunch not only reduce the quality of our lives, but they can actually make us ill, and in some severe cases, reduce our life expectancy.
Money worries and mental health...
Research has shown that being in debt can increase your stress levels and cause depression. As the US falls deeper into debt, health care professionals have predicted that we can expect to see an increase in cases of stress related illnesses and depression. The emotional stress is also making people physically ill. Stress is a very powerful and dangerous condition, which can severely affect peoples' metal and physical health. It primarily affects the cardiovascular system, weakens the immune system and can also cause premature ageing. People under huge levels of stress often complain of sleeping problems, increased anxiety, fatigue and depression, which can all lead to health problems.
More people are turning to alcohol and drugs as a way of dealing with their problems. Recreational drugs are often used for escapism and to help people forget about their mounting problems. But, the use of these substances often make the user less able to deal with their situation, and can spiral them even further into debt.
Job security is a major concern. The fear of losing a job not only puts employees under immense pressure, but it is also said to be affecting peoples' self esteem. People have cited that the fear of losing their homes, the worry of missing mortgage payments, and the inability to pay bills are having a profound effect on their health and happiness. This constant daily worry is the main reason for the increase in depression, and why people are less able to cope in their everyday lives [1].
Mental health and young people...
For most young people, this is the first time that they have ever been faced with financial uncertainly, and many are finding it difficult to deal with the stress. Instead of affecting young peoples' health, it's affecting their behavioural patterns. The younger generation have significantly reduced their spending, and the amount of time spent socializing. This drastic change will in some cases, substantially affect their quality of life, lead to isolation and increase their chances of depression [2].
Have you been affected?
The following symptoms are some of the most common found with depression. Are you experiencing any of the following:
- Sleep related problems - Increased negative thoughts and uncontrollable sadness - Difficulty getting out of bed in the mornings - A lack of motivation - Difficulty concentrating - A reduced appetite
If you're unable to pick yourself up, or get out of your depressed slumped, you may need some additional help, to get you through this difficult period of your life. Seek advice from a medical professional if any of these symptoms persist or worsen [1].
References
1. Credit crunch stress – http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Onabudget/Pages/Creditcrunchstress.aspx. Accessed Aug 31, 2009.
2. Credit-crunch 'isolation' warning – http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7563726.stm. Accessed Aug 31, 2009.
It has been known for some time that certain things like smoking for example, can cause a certain amount of brain degeneration. But now, it has been discovered that being overweight or obese can have the same damaging effect on your brain tissue. It seems that each and every day, obesity is being linked to more and more serious illnesses and conditions. That's why it's more important than ever before for adults and young children to maintain a healthy and normal weight. Being thin will help people increase their life expectancy, improve their quality of life, and live an illness free life.
It has now been estimated the there are close to 300 million cases of obesity worldwide, and this is a number that shows no signs of shrinking. In fact, the amount of sufferers with the condition is rising at such a rate, that doctors fear they will not be able to deal with the fall out. Because obesity is now the cause of so many serious conditions, it is predicted that hospitals will find it difficult to cope with all of the obesity related illness cases in futures years [1].
Obesity and brain degeneration...
Studies have shown that those who are heavily overweight or obese, have between 4 – 8% less brain tissue than those with a more normal or healthy weight. The studies also showed that the brains of the heavier individuals looked on average 8 - 16 years older than the others tested. The two main areas affect by the degeneration are the temporal and frontal lobes, but other parts of the brain will also see some damage. This brain damage will mostly effect the sufferers' memory, concentration and in some severe cases movement.
This level of degeneration makes overweight people far more likely to suffer from Alzheimer's in later life. Women are even more likely to suffer from obesity related dementia, if they are overweight for many years. If the overweight or obese person is a smoker, he or she is far more likely to damage their delicate brain tissues, which could lead to substantial degeneration. The combination of obesity and smoking also greatly increases peoples' risks of heart conditions and makes them more likely to suffer from heart attacks [2-3].
How to reduce your risk of obesity related brain degeneration...
The sooner you are able to get your weight under control, the less likely your brain will be affected by your excess weight. But, the longer you are overweight, the more susceptible you'll be to the gradual degeneration. The main cause of obesity is blamed on bad diet. This is why governments and health care professionals are urging people to take better care of themselves, and try to lose weight if needed. Not only will this help your brain stay younger in later life, but you'll also be far less likely to suffer from the long list of diseases such as diabetes, liver disease and cancer, which are linked to obesity. Obesity can considerably decrease your life expectancy, this is why it's so important to lose weight now, and to work at maintaining a healthy normal weight.
References
1. Study: Obese People Have 'Severe Brain Degeneration' – http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,542480,00.html. Accessed Aug 30, 2009.
2. Obese People Have 'Brain Degeneration' – http://news.aol.com/health/article/obese-people-have-severe-brain/639382. Accessed Aug 30, 2009.
3. Obesity and smoking cut brain power – http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/211032.stm. Accessed Aug 30, 2009.
Question from a reader: I have keratoconus, and I don't want to go through a cornea transplant because I am a professional athlete. I don't want to end my career. At the moment, I am not wearing any glasses. The vision in my right eye is good, but my left eye vision is really bad. I tried rigid gas permeable contact lenses before, but I can not get used to them. I have not had any eye surgeries. What are my options?
Dr. Doan's Response:
Dear Professional Athlete:
You definitely need a check up to determine your level of vision loss in the left eye.
First, I recommend that you try the rigid contact lenses again. Refitting for a new rigid contact lens may help you find one that's more comfortable. You can try a piggy-back technique where you wear a soft lens under the rigid lens. However, if you have too much corneal ectasia and irregularity, contact lenses may not work.
Depending on the degree of keratoconus, Intacs may be an option. The device is inserted in the cornea. Some studies suggest there may be some slowing of disease progression with Intacs or with the use of rigid contact lenses.
Finally, the last resort is a corneal transplant. Depending on your profession, this may or may not end your career.
Are Obese Women More Likely To Suffer From Asthma?
By Kat Fuschillo Writer for FEP International
We know that obesity can cause a number of health conditions and serious illnesses such as liver and heart disease, but recently a link has been discovered between obesity and asthma in women. Read on to find out more about this discovery and how you could help to reduce your risk of developing asthma.
Obesity and asthma...
It was recently reported that women who are obese, are at risk of developing asthma in their adult lives. Over eighty thousand female medical cases were examined by researchers, and the results showed a definite link between the two conditions. It showed that larger ladies are now up to 40% more likely to suffer from asthma than those who are considered to be at a more normal or healthy weight. Large numbers of obese and overweight women with no history of asthma or any kind of respiratory problems were found to be developing asthma in their adult years.
Even women who are not obese but have larger than average waist measurements are also highly susceptible to the condition. Any woman with a waist measurement of 35 inches or more is seriously putting her health as risk. These 'apple shaped' women who carry excess weight around their waists are not only more likely to suffer from asthma, but also a whole host of other dangerous health problems. This excess weight can lead to a number of serious conditions, because the fat puts our bodies and our organs under too much strain. But, extra fat around the stomach area isn't just problematic for women. Many men with beer bellies and large stomachs are putting too much strain on their hearts, making them likely candidates for heart conditions [1-2].
The rise in asthma cases in the US...
There are a number of known causes for asthma including smoking and pollution, but health care professionals are concerned that the rising number of asthmatic cases in the US are directly related to the growing number of adults and children with obesity and weight problems.
How to reduce your risk of asthma...
Those who suffer from severe asthmatic and breathing conditions may find it difficult to exercise and to maintain a healthy weight. Any extra weight carried can cause asthma to worsen and attacks to be more frequent and severe. This is why it's so important for those who are worst affected by asthma to maintain a well balanced healthy diet. Those with less serve cases should try to exercise daily, eat a healthy diet. It's also suggested that you try and maintain a healthy weight, a safe BMI and normal waist measurement. If at any point you do notice that your are gaining weight, try to act before your weight gain escalates further. Make sure you make any necessary changes to your diet immediately, and reduce the amount of food you eat each day.
President Obama's Speech on Health Care In the United States - Full Transcript
Madame Speaker, Vice President Biden, Members of Congress, and the American people:
When I spoke here last winter, this nation was facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We were losing an average of 700,000 jobs per month. Credit was frozen. And our financial system was on the verge of collapse.
As any American who is still looking for work or a way to pay their bills will tell you, we are by no means out of the woods. A full and vibrant recovery is many months away. And I will not let up until those Americans who seek jobs can find them; until those businesses that seek capital and credit can thrive; until all responsible homeowners can stay in their homes. That is our ultimate goal. But thanks to the bold and decisive action we have taken since January, I can stand here with confidence and say that we have pulled this economy back from the brink.
I want to thank the members of this body for your efforts and your support in these last several months, and especially those who have taken the difficult votes that have put us on a path to recovery. I also want to thank the American people for their patience and resolve during this trying time for our nation.
But we did not come here just to clean up crises. We came to build a future. So tonight, I return to speak to all of you about an issue that is central to that future - and that is the issue of health care.
I am not the first President to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last. It has now been nearly a century since Theodore Roosevelt first called for health care reform. And ever since, nearly every President and Congress, whether Democrat or Republican, has attempted to meet this challenge in some way. A bill for comprehensive health reform was first introduced by John Dingell Sr. in 1943. Sixty-five years later, his son continues to introduce that same bill at the beginning of each session.
Our collective failure to meet this challenge - year after year, decade after decade - has led us to a breaking point. Everyone understands the extraordinary hardships that are placed on the uninsured, who live every day just one accident or illness away from bankruptcy. These are not primarily people on welfare. These are middle-class Americans. Some can't get insurance on the job. Others are self-employed, and can't afford it, since buying insurance on your own costs you three times as much as the coverage you get from your employer. Many other Americans who are willing and able to pay are still denied insurance due to previous illnesses or conditions that insurance companies decide are too risky or expensive to cover.
We are the only advanced democracy on Earth - the only wealthy nation - that allows such hardships for millions of its people. There are now more than thirty million American citizens who cannot get coverage. In just a two year period, one in every three Americans goes without health care coverage at some point. And every day, 14,000 Americans lose their coverage. In other words, it can happen to anyone.
But the problem that plagues the health care system is not just a problem of the uninsured. Those who do have insurance have never had less security and stability than they do today. More and more Americans worry that if you move, lose your job, or change your job, you'll lose your health insurance too. More and more Americans pay their premiums, only to discover that their insurance company has dropped their coverage when they get sick, or won't pay the full cost of care. It happens every day.
One man from Illinois lost his coverage in the middle of chemotherapy because his insurer found that he hadn't reported gallstones that he didn't even know about. They delayed his treatment, and he died because of it. Another woman from Texas was about to get a double mastectomy when her insurance company canceled her policy because she forgot to declare a case of acne. By the time she had her insurance reinstated, her breast cancer more than doubled in size. That is heart-breaking, it is wrong, and no one should be treated that way in the United States of America.
Then there's the problem of rising costs. We spend one-and-a-half times more per person on health care than any other country, but we aren't any healthier for it. This is one of the reasons that insurance premiums have gone up three times faster than wages. It's why so many employers - especially small businesses - are forcing their employees to pay more for insurance, or are dropping their coverage entirely. It's why so many aspiring entrepreneurs cannot afford to open a business in the first place, and why American businesses that compete internationally - like our automakers - are at a huge disadvantage. And it's why those of us with health insurance are also paying a hidden and growing tax for those without it - about $1000 per year that pays for somebody else's emergency room and charitable care.
Finally, our health care system is placing an unsustainable burden on taxpayers. When health care costs grow at the rate they have, it puts greater pressure on programs like Medicare and Medicaid. If we do nothing to slow these skyrocketing costs, we will eventually be spending more on Medicare and Medicaid than every other government program combined. Put simply, our health care problem is our deficit problem. Nothing else even comes close.
These are the facts. Nobody disputes them. We know we must reform this system. The question is how.
There are those on the left who believe that the only way to fix the system is through a single-payer system like Canada's, where we would severely restrict the private insurance market and have the government provide coverage for everyone. On the right, there are those who argue that we should end the employer-based system and leave individuals to buy health insurance on their own.
I have to say that there are arguments to be made for both approaches. But either one would represent a radical shift that would disrupt the health care most people currently have. Since health care represents one-sixth of our economy, I believe it makes more sense to build on what works and fix what doesn't, rather than try to build an entirely new system from scratch. And that is precisely what those of you in Congress have tried to do over the past several months. During that time, we have seen Washington at its best and its worst.
We have seen many in this chamber work tirelessly for the better part of this year to offer thoughtful ideas about how to achieve reform. Of the five committees asked to develop bills, four have completed their work, and the Senate Finance Committee announced today that it will move forward next week. That has never happened before. Our overall efforts have been supported by an unprecedented coalition of doctors and nurses; hospitals, seniors' groups and even drug companies - many of whom opposed reform in the past. And there is agreement in this chamber on about eighty percent of what needs to be done, putting us closer to the goal of reform than we have ever been.
But what we have also seen in these last months is the same partisan spectacle that only hardens the disdain many Americans have toward their own government. Instead of honest debate, we have seen scare tactics. Some have dug into unyielding ideological camps that offer no hope of compromise. Too many have used this as an opportunity to score short-term political points, even if it robs the country of our opportunity to solve a long-term challenge. And out of this blizzard of charges and counter-charges, confusion has reigned. Well the time for bickering is over. The time for games has passed. Now is the season for action. Now is when we must bring the best ideas of both parties together, and show the American people that we can still do what we were sent here to do. Now is the time to deliver on health care.
The plan I'm announcing tonight would meet three basic goals:
It will provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance. It will provide insurance to those who don't. And it will slow the growth of health care costs for our families, our businesses, and our government. It's a plan that asks everyone to take responsibility for meeting this challenge - not just government and insurance companies, but employers and individuals. And it's a plan that incorporates ideas from Senators and Congressmen; from Democrats and Republicans - and yes, from some of my opponents in both the primary and general election. Here are the details that every American needs to know about this plan:
First, if you are among the hundreds of millions of Americans who already have health insurance through your job, Medicare, Medicaid, or the VA, nothing in this plan will require you or your employer to change the coverage or the doctor you have. Let me repeat this: nothing in our plan requires you to change what you have.
What this plan will do is to make the insurance you have work better for you. Under this plan, it will be against the law for insurance companies to deny you coverage because of a pre-existing condition. As soon as I sign this bill, it will be against the law for insurance companies to drop your coverage when you get sick or water it down when you need it most. They will no longer be able to place some arbitrary cap on the amount of coverage you can receive in a given year or a lifetime. We will place a limit on how much you can be charged for out-of-pocket expenses, because in the United States of America, no one should go broke because they get sick. And insurance companies will be required to cover, with no extra charge, routine checkups and preventive care, like mammograms and colonoscopies - because there's no reason we shouldn't be catching diseases like breast cancer and colon cancer before they get worse. That makes sense, it saves money, and it saves lives.
That's what Americans who have health insurance can expect from this plan - more security and stability.
Now, if you're one of the tens of millions of Americans who don't currently have health insurance, the second part of this plan will finally offer you quality, affordable choices. If you lose your job or change your job, you will be able to get coverage. If you strike out on your own and start a small business, you will be able to get coverage. We will do this by creating a new insurance exchange - a marketplace where individuals and small businesses will be able to shop for health insurance at competitive prices. Insurance companies will have an incentive to participate in this exchange because it lets them compete for millions of new customers. As one big group, these customers will have greater leverage to bargain with the insurance companies for better prices and quality coverage. This is how large companies and government employees get affordable insurance. It's how everyone in this Congress gets affordable insurance. And it's time to give every American the same opportunity that we've given ourselves.
For those individuals and small businesses who still cannot afford the lower-priced insurance available in the exchange, we will provide tax credits, the size of which will be based on your need. And all insurance companies that want access to this new marketplace will have to abide by the consumer protections I already mentioned. This exchange will take effect in four years, which will give us time to do it right. In the meantime, for those Americans who can't get insurance today because they have pre-existing medical conditions, we will immediately offer low-cost coverage that will protect you against financial ruin if you become seriously ill. This was a good idea when Senator John McCain proposed it in the campaign, it's a good idea now, and we should embrace it.
Now, even if we provide these affordable options, there may be those - particularly the young and healthy - who still want to take the risk and go without coverage. There may still be companies that refuse to do right by their workers. The problem is, such irresponsible behavior costs all the rest of us money. If there are affordable options and people still don't sign up for health insurance, it means we pay for those people's expensive emergency room visits. If some businesses don't provide workers health care, it forces the rest of us to pick up the tab when their workers get sick, and gives those businesses an unfair advantage over their competitors. And unless everybody does their part, many of the insurance reforms we seek - especially requiring insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions - just can't be achieved.
That's why under my plan, individuals will be required to carry basic health insurance - just as most states require you to carry auto insurance. Likewise, businesses will be required to either offer their workers health care, or chip in to help cover the cost of their workers. There will be a hardship waiver for those individuals who still cannot afford coverage, and 95% of all small businesses, because of their size and narrow profit margin, would be exempt from these requirements. But we cannot have large businesses and individuals who can afford coverage game the system by avoiding responsibility to themselves or their employees. Improving our health care system only works if everybody does their part.
While there remain some significant details to be ironed out, I believe a broad consensus exists for the aspects of the plan I just outlined: consumer protections for those with insurance, an exchange that allows individuals and small businesses to purchase affordable coverage, and a requirement that people who can afford insurance get insurance.
And I have no doubt that these reforms would greatly benefit Americans from all walks of life, as well as the economy as a whole. Still, given all the misinformation that's been spread over the past few months, I realize that many Americans have grown nervous about reform. So tonight I'd like to address some of the key controversies that are still out there.
Some of people's concerns have grown out of bogus claims spread by those whose only agenda is to kill reform at any cost. The best example is the claim, made not just by radio and cable talk show hosts, but prominent politicians, that we plan to set up panels of bureaucrats with the power to kill off senior citizens. Such a charge would be laughable if it weren't so cynical and irresponsible. It is a lie, plain and simple.
There are also those who claim that our reform effort will insure illegal immigrants. This, too, is false - the reforms I'm proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally. And one more misunderstanding I want to clear up - under our plan, no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions, and federal conscience laws will remain in place.
My health care proposal has also been attacked by some who oppose reform as a "government takeover" of the entire health care system. As proof, critics point to a provision in our plan that allows the uninsured and small businesses to choose a publicly-sponsored insurance option, administered by the government just like Medicaid or Medicare.
So let me set the record straight. My guiding principle is, and always has been, that consumers do better when there is choice and competition. Unfortunately, in 34 states, 75% of the insurance market is controlled by five or fewer companies. In Alabama, almost 90% is controlled by just one company. Without competition, the price of insurance goes up and the quality goes down. And it makes it easier for insurance companies to treat their customers badly - by cherry-picking the healthiest individuals and trying to drop the sickest; by overcharging small businesses who have no leverage; and by jacking up rates.
Insurance executives don't do this because they are bad people. They do it because it's profitable. As one former insurance executive testified before Congress, insurance companies are not only encouraged to find reasons to drop the seriously ill; they are rewarded for it. All of this is in service of meeting what this former executive called "Wall Street's relentless profit expectations."
Now, I have no interest in putting insurance companies out of business. They provide a legitimate service, and employ a lot of our friends and neighbors. I just want to hold them accountable. The insurance reforms that I've already mentioned would do just that. But an additional step we can take to keep insurance companies honest is by making a not-for-profit public option available in the insurance exchange. Let me be clear - it would only be an option for those who don't have insurance. No one would be forced to choose it, and it would not impact those of you who already have insurance. In fact, based on Congressional Budget Office estimates, we believe that less than 5% of Americans would sign up.
Despite all this, the insurance companies and their allies don't like this idea. They argue that these private companies can't fairly compete with the government. And they'd be right if taxpayers were subsidizing this public insurance option. But they won't be. I have insisted that like any private insurance company, the public insurance option would have to be self-sufficient and rely on the premiums it collects. But by avoiding some of the overhead that gets eaten up at private companies by profits, excessive administrative costs and executive salaries, it could provide a good deal for consumers. It would also keep pressure on private insurers to keep their policies affordable and treat their customers better, the same way public colleges and universities provide additional choice and competition to students without in any way inhibiting a vibrant system of private colleges and universities.
It's worth noting that a strong majority of Americans still favor a public insurance option of the sort I've proposed tonight. But its impact shouldn't be exaggerated - by the left, the right, or the media. It is only one part of my plan, and should not be used as a handy excuse for the usual Washington ideological battles. To my progressive friends, I would remind you that for decades, the driving idea behind reform has been to end insurance company abuses and make coverage affordable for those without it. The public option is only a means to that end - and we should remain open to other ideas that accomplish our ultimate goal. And to my Republican friends, I say that rather than making wild claims about a government takeover of health care, we should work together to address any legitimate concerns you may have.
For example, some have suggested that that the public option go into effect only in those markets where insurance companies are not providing affordable policies. Others propose a co-op or another non-profit entity to administer the plan. These are all constructive ideas worth exploring. But I will not back down on the basic principle that if Americans can't find affordable coverage, we will provide you with a choice. And I will make sure that no government bureaucrat or insurance company bureaucrat gets between you and the care that you need. Finally, let me discuss an issue that is a great concern to me, to members of this chamber, and to the public - and that is how we pay for this plan.
Here's what you need to know. First, I will not sign a plan that adds one dime to our deficits - either now or in the future. Period. And to prove that I'm serious, there will be a provision in this plan that requires us to come forward with more spending cuts if the savings we promised don't materialize. Part of the reason I faced a trillion dollar deficit when I walked in the door of the White House is because too many initiatives over the last decade were not paid for - from the Iraq War to tax breaks for the wealthy. I will not make that same mistake with health care.
Second, we've estimated that most of this plan can be paid for by finding savings within the existing health care system - a system that is currently full of waste and abuse. Right now, too much of the hard-earned savings and tax dollars we spend on health care doesn't make us healthier. That's not my judgment - it's the judgment of medical professionals across this country. And this is also true when it comes to Medicare and Medicaid.
In fact, I want to speak directly to America's seniors for a moment, because Medicare is another issue that's been subjected to demagoguery and distortion during the course of this debate. More than four decades ago, this nation stood up for the principle that after a lifetime of hard work, our seniors should not be left to struggle with a pile of medical bills in their later years. That is how Medicare was born. And it remains a sacred trust that must be passed down from one generation to the next. That is why not a dollar of the Medicare trust fund will be used to pay for this plan.
The only thing this plan would eliminate is the hundreds of billions of dollars in waste and fraud, as well as unwarranted subsidies in Medicare that go to insurance companies - subsidies that do everything to pad their profits and nothing to improve your care. And we will also create an independent commission of doctors and medical experts charged with identifying more waste in the years ahead.
These steps will ensure that you - America's seniors - get the benefits you've been promised. They will ensure that Medicare is there for future generations. And we can use some of the savings to fill the gap in coverage that forces too many seniors to pay thousands of dollars a year out of their own pocket for prescription drugs. That's what this plan will do for you. So don't pay attention to those scary stories about how your benefits will be cut - especially since some of the same folks who are spreading these tall tales have fought against Medicare in the past, and just this year supported a budget that would have essentially turned Medicare into a privatized voucher program. That will never happen on my watch. I will protect Medicare.
Now, because Medicare is such a big part of the health care system, making the program more efficient can help usher in changes in the way we deliver health care that can reduce costs for everybody. We have long known that some places, like the Intermountain Healthcare in Utah or the Geisinger Health System in rural Pennsylvania, offer high-quality care at costs below average. The commission can help encourage the adoption of these common-sense best practices by doctors and medical professionals throughout the system - everything from reducing hospital infection rates to encouraging better coordination between teams of doctors.
Reducing the waste and inefficiency in Medicare and Medicaid will pay for most of this plan. Much of the rest would be paid for with revenues from the very same drug and insurance companies that stand to benefit from tens of millions of new customers. This reform will charge insurance companies a fee for their most expensive policies, which will encourage them to provide greater value for the money - an idea which has the support of Democratic and Republican experts. And according to these same experts, this modest change could help hold down the cost of health care for all of us in the long-run.
Finally, many in this chamber - particularly on the Republican side of the aisle - have long insisted that reforming our medical malpractice laws can help bring down the cost of health care. I don't believe malpractice reform is a silver bullet, but I have talked to enough doctors to know that defensive medicine may be contributing to unnecessary costs. So I am proposing that we move forward on a range of ideas about how to put patient safety first and let doctors focus on practicing medicine. I know that the Bush Administration considered authorizing demonstration projects in individual states to test these issues. It's a good idea, and I am directing my Secretary of Health and Human Services to move forward on this initiative today.
Add it all up, and the plan I'm proposing will cost around $900 billion over ten years - less than we have spent on the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and less than the tax cuts for the wealthiest few Americans that Congress passed at the beginning of the previous administration. Most of these costs will be paid for with money already being spent - but spent badly - in the existing health care system. The plan will not add to our deficit. The middle-class will realize greater security, not higher taxes. And if we are able to slow the growth of health care costs by just one-tenth of one percent each year, it will actually reduce the deficit by $4 trillion over the long term. This is the plan I'm proposing. It's a plan that incorporates ideas from many of the people in this room tonight - Democrats and Republicans. And I will continue to seek common ground in the weeks ahead. If you come to me with a serious set of proposals, I will be there to listen. My door is always open.
But know this: I will not waste time with those who have made the calculation that it's better politics to kill this plan than improve it. I will not stand by while the special interests use the same old tactics to keep things exactly the way they are. If you misrepresent what's in the plan, we will call you out. And I will not accept the status quo as a solution. Not this time. Not now. Everyone in this room knows what will happen if we do nothing. Our deficit will grow. More families will go bankrupt. More businesses will close. More Americans will lose their coverage when they are sick and need it most. And more will die as a result. We know these things to be true.
That is why we cannot fail. Because there are too many Americans counting on us to succeed - the ones who suffer silently, and the ones who shared their stories with us at town hall meetings, in emails, and in letters.
I received one of those letters a few days ago. It was from our beloved friend and colleague, Ted Kennedy. He had written it back in May, shortly after he was told that his illness was terminal. He asked that it be delivered upon his death.
In it, he spoke about what a happy time his last months were, thanks to the love and support of family and friends, his wife, Vicki, and his children, who are here tonight . And he expressed confidence that this would be the year that health care reform - "that great unfinished business of our society," he called it - would finally pass. He repeated the truth that health care is decisive for our future prosperity, but he also reminded me that "it concerns more than material things." "What we face," he wrote, "is above all a moral issue; at stake are not just the details of policy, but fundamental principles of social justice and the character of our country."
I've thought about that phrase quite a bit in recent days - the character of our country. One of the unique and wonderful things about America has always been our self-reliance, our rugged individualism, our fierce defense of freedom and our healthy skepticism of government. And figuring out the appropriate size and role of government has always been a source of rigorous and sometimes angry debate.
For some of Ted Kennedy's critics, his brand of liberalism represented an affront to American liberty. In their mind, his passion for universal health care was nothing more than a passion for big government.
But those of us who knew Teddy and worked with him here - people of both parties - know that what drove him was something more. His friend, Orrin Hatch, knows that. They worked together to provide children with health insurance. His friend John McCain knows that. They worked together on a Patient's Bill of Rights. His friend Chuck Grassley knows that. They worked together to provide health care to children with disabilities.
On issues like these, Ted Kennedy's passion was born not of some rigid ideology, but of his own experience. It was the experience of having two children stricken with cancer. He never forgot the sheer terror and helplessness that any parent feels when a child is badly sick; and he was able to imagine what it must be like for those without insurance; what it would be like to have to say to a wife or a child or an aging parent - there is something that could make you better, but I just can't afford it.
That large-heartedness - that concern and regard for the plight of others - is not a partisan feeling. It is not a Republican or a Democratic feeling. It, too, is part of the American character. Our ability to stand in other people's shoes. A recognition that we are all in this together; that when fortune turns against one of us, others are there to lend a helping hand. A belief that in this country, hard work and responsibility should be rewarded by some measure of security and fair play; and an acknowledgement that sometimes government has to step in to help deliver on that promise.
This has always been the history of our progress. In 1933, when over half of our seniors could not support themselves and millions had seen their savings wiped away, there were those who argued that Social Security would lead to socialism. But the men and women of Congress stood fast, and we are all the better for it. In 1965, when some argued that Medicare represented a government takeover of health care, members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans, did not back down. They joined together so that all of us could enter our golden years with some basic peace of mind.
You see, our predecessors understood that government could not, and should not, solve every problem. They understood that there are instances when the gains in security from government action are not worth the added constraints on our freedom. But they also understood that the danger of too much government is matched by the perils of too little; that without the leavening hand of wise policy, markets can crash, monopolies can stifle competition, and the vulnerable can be exploited. And they knew that when any government measure, no matter how carefully crafted or beneficial, is subject to scorn; when any efforts to help people in need are attacked as un-American; when facts and reason are thrown overboard and only timidity passes for wisdom, and we can no longer even engage in a civil conversation with each other over the things that truly matter - that at that point we don't merely lose our capacity to solve big challenges. We lose something essential about ourselves.
What was true then remains true today. I understand how difficult this health care debate has been. I know that many in this country are deeply skeptical that government is looking out for them. I understand that the politically safe move would be to kick the can further down the road - to defer reform one more year, or one more election, or one more term.
But that's not what the moment calls for. That's not what we came here to do. We did not come to fear the future. We came here to shape it. I still believe we can act even when it's hard. I still believe we can replace acrimony with civility, and gridlock with progress. I still believe we can do great things, and that here and now we will meet history's test.
Because that is who we are. That is our calling. That is our character. Thank you, God Bless You, and may God Bless the United States of America.
We all know that our economy is facing some of its darkest days. Many people are out of work and are having difficulty finding jobs. The gloomy statistics can be a stressor for a lot of Americans today, and it can even lead to depression. Research has shown that more than 50% of Americans begin eating more when they are stressed. Not to mention, for those who are out of work, they may be bored, have more time on their hands, and simply want to eat more sugar, salt, and fatty foods.
So how do you fight the fat? The first step is recognizing what triggers your munchies. Identify your negative eating patterns. This can be done by doing a quick journal entry each day on what you are eating and when you eat it. Also, know when you are truly hungry. Are you really hungry? Then go for a healthy meal. If you recognize that you are just feeling emotional and are seeking comfort in something sweet or salty, turn to one of these alternative ways to find peace.
- Immerse yourself in a good book, magazine, or movie - Get outside and enjoy nature – go for a walk, jog, or hike - Call a friend - Turn on some of your favorite music and dance - Express your inner creativity by painting, writing, or drawing - Breathe deep, meditate, or pray - Volunteer at your local animal shelter - Mentor a child -Take up a new hobby like gardening, photography, or scrap-booking
So next time when you are feeling blue and want to overeat, follow these healthy alternatives. Your body and your mind will reap the benefits.
It's been proven that the less money we have, the more our health can be affected. The financial crisis is currently proving this fact, as the number of stress related illnesses are on the rise. The credit crunch is being blamed for a whole host of illnesses and making some individuals extremely ill.
Home owners, small business owners, and these in heavy debt are by far the worst hit by this crisis, and it's actually starting to making them ill. The stress and the increasing fear people face over losing their businesses, homes, jobs or getting even further into debt is proving far too much for some, and many are buckling under these growing pressures. People are scared to lose their jobs, as in many cases, this could lead to them losing their family home. This fear has increased the number hours people are working, and in some cases, it's causing their health to deteriorate even faster.
The high stress levels are effecting people's mental health, and is has already caused a huge number of stress related depression cases. As we know stress can be extremely dangerous, and it is now affecting many individuals' health in a number of different ways. More people are suffering from cardiovascular complications, insomnia, anxiety and even type 2 diabetes, all have been attributed to the stresses caused by the financial crisis.
This isn't the first time people's health had been affected by the falling economy. Throughout history, there have been links between financial and economic slumps, and sharp drops in life expectancy. Being unemployed during an economic downturn can also affect people, by making them far more likely to get depressed, fall ill and to live a shorter life than average. It's simply shocking to find out that not having a job could have such a profound effect on a person's health and well being [1].
To make matters even worse, people have started to cut down on what they view as non-essential items. One of the first things to go, for a lot of people is their gym membership, and any exercise related activities. On top of this, it has been noticed that people are buying far fewer fruits and vegetables each week with their shopping. The constant rise of food prices, is also forcing individuals to buy cheaper food alternatives. These cheap food options are often far less healthy and most often junk styles of foods. The radical change in people's diets, teamed with the growing lack of daily exercise, and the mounting pressure and stresses, are making people ill. Not only can we expect to see a sharp rise in the number of blood pressure cases, but these changes will certainly have a profound effect peoples long term health.
To compound matters further, the number of people who smoke and drink alcohol has risen sharply too. Health professional fear that this predicted rise, will add to the number of health problems related to the credit crunch. Even though these vices are expensive, people are still willing to sacrifice their health and good foods to use them [2].
References
1. Credit crunch takes a bite out of people's health, says report - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2700175/Credit-crunch-takes-a-bite-out-of-peoples-health-says-report.html. Accessed Sept 01, 2009.
2. Can the credit crunch make us ill? - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7523327.stm. Accessed Sept 01, 2009.
With Obesity on the increase, diet companies are releasing more wonder pills that are aimed at treating the condition. But, are these new slimming and diet pills safe? Read on to find out more about slimming aids and the dangers of using them.
Slimming pills for obesity...
You may have seen their ads on TV, and you might have even passed them by in your local supermarket or drug stores - non prescription slimming aids. There are a number of pills on the market that claim to aid your weight loss efforts by either suppressing your appetite, or blocking some of the fat your stomach absorbs. The prescription fat blocking pills such as the leading brand Alli, are the more popular of the two, as they can boost your weight loss by up to an extra 50%. These types of slimming pills are mostly aimed at the obese, but come with a whole host of embarrassing side effects such as uncontrollable diarrhea. But, more worryingly, the FDA have now been looking into links between the main ingredient of these pills Orlistat, and liver damage [1].
The dangers of obesity slimming aids...
Alli, the over the counter slimming aid is half the dose of the Xenical prescription pills, which are commonly used to treat obesity. The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration), are now worried that these pills may be causing liver damage, and other serious side effects to its users. Since the drug came onto the market, 24 patients have died while using the slimming pills. So far the following side effects have been experienced by a handful of users :
- Liver abnormalities and failure - Hepatitis - Gall bladder inflammation - Organ failure
Most users of this pill can also expect to experience some of the following side effects – diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, headaches, depression, vitamin deficiency and fatigue. Regardless of the dangers, the popularity of these pills are growing at an impressive rate. It seems, those who are overweight or obese are happy to risk their health for weight loss.
The pill is aimed at those who are obese, and have a BMI of 28 and over. But, because the pill is now available without prescription, those with a lower BMI can buy the drug. There have been several reports that the pill is being used by young girls, with eating disorders to help them stay thin.
The FDA, have not yet confirmed the link between Alli and liver abnormalities, but urge patients to stop using the pill, if they experience any side effects, and to seek medical attention immediately [2 -3].
References
1. FDA studying reports of liver failure with weight loss drug Orlistat – http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2009/08/fda-studying-reports-of-liver-failure-with-weight-loss-drug-orlistat.html. Accessed Aug 27, 2009.
2. Slimming pill Alli monitored over liver fears – http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/dietandfitness/5749974/Slimming-pill-Alli-monitored-over-liver-fears.html. Accessed Aug 27, 2009.
3. Internet slimming pills warning – http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6407157.stm. Accessed Aug 27, 2009.
A new study published in Neurology showed that individuals as young as age 45 with high blood pressure are more likely to have poorer memory. Those with high diastolic blood pressure were linked to having more difficulty with remembering things and cognitive impairment. The study shows that early diagnosis of elevated blood pressure can help reduce the chance of cognitive decline [1].
High blood pressure is very common in people across the U.S. and the world today. There are often no symptoms, which causes many people to go undiagnosed for many years. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause many deadly health risks, including stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, or heart failure. However, you can take steps to prevent high blood pressure by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Some of these steps include:
- Limit alcohol intake: It’s been said to not drink more than two drinks a day, as too much alcohol has been linked to increase blood pressure. - Follow a healthy eating regimen, high in fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy foods. - Minimize your intake of salt and sodium. - Be physically active: Even doing light physical activity each day can be important to lowering your risk for high blood pressure. No need to run a marathon right away. Start small. - Maintain a healthy body weight: Being overweight can make you two to six times more likely to elevate your blood pressure [2]. - Reduce your stress: Stress can get your blood boiling. Literally. Take a deep breath and ease your stress. - Avoid smoking: We all know the negative impacts smoking has on your body. High blood pressure is just one of the many risks that come with lighting up.
Some vitamins and supplements have also been proven to help prevent high blood pressure. These include potassium, calcium, garlic, fish oils, and magnesium. As always, consult your doctor before beginning new dietary supplements or herbal treatments, as they can counteract or negatively impact other medications you may be taking.
Most importantly, live by the motto of taking care of yourself and remember to get checked regularly with your doctor to make sure you aren’t a candidate for increased blood pressure. If you take these steps, your health will greatly benefit.
References
1. Study links high blood pressure to memory trouble. Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE57O62820090826 Accessed on the web August 29, 2009.
2. High Blood Pressure Prevention. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/preventing-high-blood-pressure Accessed on the Web August 29, 2009.
Overcome Obesity – Exercise Ideas For You And Your Family
By Kat Fuschillo Writer for FEP International
Obesity is becoming a real problem in the U.S. and around the world. More people are becoming dangerously overweight, and there are more cases of adult and childhood obesity than ever before. Unfortunately, it seems that obesity is increasing, and shows no signs of slowing down. Overeating is still the main cause of this condition, but a general lack of exercise and daily inactivity is also adding to the problem. Daily exercise has been cited as one of most effective ways to help treat obesity. It's been suggested that just 15 – 30 minutes of exercise or activity each day reduces the risk of obesity. Read on to find out how you and your family could lose weight with exercise [1].
Exercise and obesity...
In order to lose weight, we need to burn more calories than we eat. If you're obese, it's likely that you're eating more than your daily calorie allowance (women = ~1500 / men = ~2000). These extra calories combined with daily inactivity are likely to be the cause of your obesity. If you continue to overeat with no exercise, you'll get even fatter. Exercise is key in weight loss and essential, if you want to stay fit and healthy.
Exercise for you...
Many folks are scared of exercise and hate the idea of joining a gym. But, don't worry, there are a number of ways you can get back in shape and lose weight without ever having to wear Lycra or setting foot in a gym. Here are some great exercise ideas that could kick start your weight loss - - Go for walks - Walk to work - Walk in your lunch break - Walk after your evening meal - Get a bike – start slowly at first, try it out in your yard, then along your street, then a little further each and everyday - Get a beginners exercise DVD – do a little each and every day and build slowly to the whole workout
Exercise ideas for your children...
It's easy to make exercising and daily activities fun for children. Playing ball in the yard, riding their bikes or even playing tag, are all great forms of exercise. Try exercising with your kids. Go for bike rides, walk, and play games together in the backyard. Kids need a little more exercise than adults, around 60 minutes daily. You need to try to be inventive and think up new daily activities that will keep them engaged. Try to get out of the habit of driving your kids around. If it's a short journey, walk instead. This will be great for both of you, and it'll give you a chance to spend more time together [2].
Beating obesity with exercise and diet...
Exercising each day is a great way to stay fit and healthy, but you still need to eat a healthy diet too. Exercising will only get you so far. If you're still eating an unhealthy fatty diet, then exercise will do little to help you lose weight. If you replace high fat foods and reduce the amount you eat each day, you could melt away the pounds. This change of diet teamed with your new daily exercise regime could help you kick start your weight loss, and maybe even double your weekly weight loss [3].
References 1. Exercise still combats obesity – http://www.nhs.uk/news/2008/06June/Pages/Exercisestillcombatsobesity.aspx. Accessed Aug 22, 2009.
2. How 15 minutes' exercise can beat obesity - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-443423/How-15-minutes-exercise-beat-obesity.html. Accessed Aug 22, 2009.
3. Exercise 'can't end obesity risk' http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4120259.stm. Accessed Aug 22, 2009.
The sound of your newborn baby crying – it is music to your ears when your baby is first born. But soon after those cries can become non-stop, sometimes meaning your baby has colic. Before becoming a mother, I always heard horror stories of other parents who have or have had “colicky” babies, which made me pray all the more that my baby wouldn’t be one of the many that struggle with this problem. Colic can be an exhausting part of your new life as a parent, and even though it is widely written about and discussed in the medical arena as well as in numerous parenting books, doctors still aren’t sure what the exact causes of colic are.
Colic is generally defined when a baby, who is otherwise healthy and well-fed, succumbs to bouts of crying, fussing, or irritability lasting for more than three hours a day, occurring on more than three days a week, for a period of three weeks at a time. This can be draining for both the newborn and the parents, leading many doctors and scientists to study what causes colic and ways to treat it. A recent study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics reviewed studies that linked chamomile tea to the soothing and sometimes, the complete remedy of colic in infants. One study included a random clinical trial that looked at 68 colicky infants, ranging from the ages of two to eight weeks old. One group was served a warm or cool chamomile tea, the other group was served a placebo tea. After a week, parents who gave their newborns chamomile tea reported a 57% elimination of the colic [1].
If you think your baby has colic, some other suggestions for easing the crying episodes include the following:
- Don’t overfeed - Avoid juices - Try walking around with the baby in a sling or baby carrier strapped to the front of you - If you are breastfeeding, avoid milk products or other foods that can cause gas, such as cabbage, beans, and broccoli - If your baby is formula fed, consider switching to a lactose-free based formula or one that is made especially for babies with allergies - Swaddle your baby in a warm, comfortable blanket - Rock and swing your baby - Don’t be afraid of trying different sounds to soothe, such as rhythmic music, a fan, or humidifier - Take a break – anxiety in parents can often contribute to a more fussy, irritable infant
And of course, if you think your baby is ill or that there is something medically wrong with your infant, be sure to visit your pediatrician for a full examination. Raising your newborn is always a bit of a stressful adventure that is a lot of work. It is also full of learning and new surprises, so try to enjoy it – even if your baby is more work than you expected.
Reference
1. The Claim: Chamomile Can Soothe a Colicky Baby. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/health/01real.html?ref=health Accessed on the Web 9/1/2009.
Beating Childhood Obesity – How To Keep Your Kids Healthy and Thin
By Kat Fuschillo Writer for FEP International
These days, it's not just adult obesity that we have to worry about. More and more young people and children are being diagnosed with obesity each day. This dangerous condition is not only bad for their health when they're young, but obesity can also lead to a long list of serious illnesses and conditions in later life. It's essential to act now and help your child lose weight and overcome their childhood obesity, before it permanently effects their health.
Childhood obesity...
More and more people in the US are slowly killing themselves with food, and they don't even know they are doing it. But, more worryingly, parents are making their children very ill with bad diets and large portions. It has now been reported that over 13% of children and young people in the US are overweight or obese. If you have an obese child, he or she is far more likely to be overweight in adult life.
Fast food has now been cited as one of the main causes of childhood obesity in the U.S. If children regularly eat fast food as part of their diets, they could expect to gain on average 6 pounds of weight each and every year [1-2].
The health dangers of childhood obesity...
If you fail to act you could actually be putting your child's health at risk. The illnesses associated with childhood obesity could in fact reduce your child's life expectancy. If your child is diagnosed with obesity a doesn't lose weight, he or she could end up with any of the following conditions and illnesses:
- High blood pressure - Type 2 diabetes - Liver Disease - Cancer (certain types) - Heart disease - Back and joint pains
All of these conditions can easily be avoided by feeding your child a well balanced, healthy diet daily. Parents are fully responsible for the health and welfare of their children, and health authorities are now considering childhood obesity as a form of parental abuse/neglect. More young people are being diagnosed with diabetes as the result of obesity. Type 2 diabetes also comes with a whole host of problems that can lead to blindness and even amputation [3-4].
How to prevent childhood obesity...
Childhood obesity is far easier to prevent and beat then adult obesity. Parents should learn about the value of good food and the dangers of unhealthy food. You need to make long term changes to your child's diet and introduce daily exercise and activities. Make sure your whole family change to a healthy diet plan. Introduce healthy alternatives by increasing your child's fruit and vegetable intake and reduce junk foods.
References
1. Fast Food Linked To Child Obesity – http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/01/05/health/main591325.shtml. Accessed Aug 21, 2009.
2. Childhood Obesity A Serious Problem – http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/05/01/health/main507774.shtml. Accessed Aug 21, 2009.
3. Surge in obesity among children adds to Britain's growing band of diabetics – http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1544283/Surge-in-obesity-among-children-adds-to-Britains-growing-band-of-diabetics.html. Accessed Aug 21, 2009.
4. Child obesity 'a form of neglect' – http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6749037.stm. Accessed Aug 21, 2009.
Overcome Obesity and Lose Weight By Making The Right Food Choices
By Kat Fuschillo Writer for FEP International
Educating yourself on the foods you eat is essential if you want to lose weight and stay healthy. Eating an unbalanced fatty diet can make weight loss near impossible, and have a very negative effect on your health. Find out how to change your diet, overcome your obesity and live a much healthier lifestyle [1].
Obesity: Foods you need to avoid...
If you're obese there are a number of foods you need to start avoiding. Start by cutting out all of the following foods from your diet:
- Processed carbohydrates (see food packs for details). - Foods with a high sugar content. - Fatty junk foods and all fast food. - Foods with high levels of saturated fat. - Non-diet soda drinks
Don't worry, this doesn't mean that you can't ever eat another hamburger. Instead, you need to eat junk food sparingly, and replace it with a tasty healthy alternative [2].
A healthy weight loss plan...
You need to realistically aim for around 1 – 2 pounds of weight loss each and every week. If you lose any more than this, you could actually be doing more harm than good to your health.
Here are some easy ways to make your diet more healthy:
- Eat 5 pieces / servings of fruit and vegetables each and every day. - Drink more water – around 5 glasses each day. - Add high fiber foods to your diet. - Drink semi skimmed or soya milks. - Eat lower fat and low calories meal alternatives [3].
How to make your Obesity weight loss even easier...
Here are three more ways you can boost your weight loss, and start living a more healthy lifestyle:
1) Portion control – Not only do you need to watch what you're eating, but you need to make sure that you stop overeating. Many folks these days eat far more food than they actually need. Those who overeat often have a hard time knowing when they are full, and only stop eating when they feel sick or uncomfortable. A quick and easy way to reduce your portion size is to eat from a smaller dinner plate. This way, you won't be able to fit as much food on it. Just make sure you don't go back for seconds.
2) Don't go over your daily calorie allowance – Women only need around 1500 calories each day and men need ~2000 daily. You're most likely eating far more calories than you burn, so it's important to start counting your daily calories. Most foods now have the calorie content on the label, and you can easily find food calorie values on-line.
3) Keep active and get some exercise – Not only will this help you burn off some of you daily calories, but exercising is a great way to kick start your weight loss. You just need around 30 minutes of moderate exercise or activity each day to stay healthy.
References
1. For the Overweight, Bad Advice by the Spoonful – http://health.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-obesity-ess.html. Accessed Aug 21, 2009.
2. Teaching families how to eat well - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6274067.stm. Accessed Aug 21, 2009.
3. Diet of dense foods is the trick – http://news.scotsman.com/obesity/Diet-of-dense-foods-is.5377377.jp. Accessed Aug 21, 2009.
Overall, pharmacists are currently in demand in the United States, according to the aggregate demand index calculated by the Pharmacy Manpower Project [1]. Geographical trends, as shown in their Demand by State document, indicate the overall job outlook is better in some states than others. However, it remains positive from any broad perspective, as even states with a balanced outlook or slight surplus have pockets of demand. The following excerpt from the Occupational Outlook Handbook presented by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that pharmacists will continue to have a positive job outlook in coming years [2]. The Bureau limits itself to a 10-year outlook. But, the factors they cite as influencing the pharmacist shortage are expected to continue beyond this timeframe.
"Very good employment opportunities are expected for pharmacists over the 2002-12 period because the number of degrees granted in pharmacy is expected to be less than the number of job openings created by employment growth and the need to replace pharmacists who retire or otherwise leave the occupation. Recently, enrollments in pharmacy programs are rising as more students are attracted by high salaries and good job prospects. Despite this increase in enrollments, pharmacist jobs should still be more numerous than those seeking employment. Employment of pharmacists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012, due to the increased pharmaceutical needs of a growing elderly population and increased use of medications. The growing numbers of middle-aged and elderly people who, on average, use more prescription drugs than do younger people will continue to spur demand for pharmacists in all employment settings [1]. Other factors likely to increase the demand for pharmacists include scientific advances that will make more drug products available, new developments in genome research and medication distribution systems, increasingly sophisticated consumers seeking more information about drugs, and coverage of prescription drugs by a greater number of health insurance plans and by Medicare [2]."
Salary
Generally, pharmacist salaries are on the rise, making it difficult to give a firm estimate of potential earnings. An overview of pharmacist’s earnings in the United States on Salary.com indicates that the median income of all pharmacists was just under $101K as of April 2004 [3]. Earners in the 25th and 75th percentile earned $95K and $106K, respectively. Salary.com can also be used to generate an overview of earnings specific to your metropolitan area. The Pharmacy Job Outlook presented by Berlex gives an idea of how earnings may vary by area of practice, with base pay for hospitals being slightly lower than that of retail settings [4].
2. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pharmacists. 2006. 30 Jan 2007. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos079.htm
3. Salary.com. search: Pharmacist. 2007. 30 Jan 2007. http://www.salary.com/
4. Purdue School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Career opportunities for pharmacists. 2002. 30 Jan 2007. http://www.pharmacy.purdue.edu/students/prospective/CareerOpts.php.
Is your obesity really your fault? We know that overeating and a poor diet teamed with little or no exercise are the main causes of this condition, but are there other factors involved, that have caused this worldwide problem to grow at such an alarming rate? The answer is the combination of the choices you make, your environment, and your genetic makeup influence the risk of you being obese or overweight. Read on to find out more about obesity and the other causes of this dangerous condition.
Bad diet and health education...
Schools are blamed for not educating young people about food. It's important that young people learn that the foods they eat can make them fat, and how healthy low fat diets could help them live illness free lives and longer.
Your home environment and unhealthy eating habits...
Your parents, your partner and your friends, all have a direct influence on your life, and even your eating habits. Your parents are by far the most influential people in your childhood years, and the food you eat as a child will influence your food choices as an adult. If your parents are overweight, you're far more likely to be overweight or obese in later life. In addition, if those closest to you eat unhealthy and unbalanced diets, this can also have a profound effect on the foods choices you make [1].
The cost of food...
The cost of food continues to rise and health and organic foods are often far more expensive than regular higher fat alternatives. The cost of fatty fast foods are so low, that some people can't afford to buy healthier alternatives. There are far more obesity cases found in the less fortunate and underprivileged areas, due to the lack of money and the cost of food [2-3].
Society...
Things have changed over the last 50 years, and there are now far fewer manual jobs around. Many people work in offices or have jobs that require very little daily physical activity. In addition, most folks have cars and getting around is a lot easier. TV, video games and social networking are some of the most popular past times, whereas before people were more likely to take part in more physical activities. All of these changes have had an effect on our health, and they have increased the level of obesity in the US and around the world [1].
Genetics...
Your individual genetic build up may make you more likely to gain weight than the next person, but there are many steps you can take to help you maintain a healthy weight. It doesn't matter why you're overweight, all that really matters is that you lose weight before you permanently damage your health. Obesity can lead to a number of serious illnesses and conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease that can all be avoided by weight loss.
Make changes and beat your obesity...
Changing your lifestyle isn't difficult. If you simply switch to a healthy low fat diet, control your portion sizes and daily caloric intake (less than ~2000 calories daily for men and less than ~1500 calories daily for women) and exercise each and every day, you'll start losing weight immediately. But, this isn't just a quick fix for your obesity. This is a lifetime commitment that you need to stick to, in order to keep the weight off and remain illness free.
References
1. Causes of obesity – http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Obesity/Pages/Causes.aspx. Accessed Aug 20, 2009.
2. Price of healthy food rises – http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090409/COMMUNITY/904089917?Title=Obesity-rising-as-shoppers-cut-corners-on-food-costs. Accessed Aug 20, 2009.
3. High food costs may boost obesity among poor in U.S. - http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700225991,00.html. Accessed Aug 20, 2009.
There are now a number of treatment options to help you overcome your obesity. Diet and exercise is often enough for many to lose substantial amounts of weight, but others may need a little more help along the way. Below are the three most effective obesity treatments, that could help you lose those unwanted pounds and control your weight.
Treat your obesity naturally...
Changing your unhealthy lifestyle is the first step you need to take, if you want to overcome your obesity for good. All you need to do is make just three simple changes:
1) Re-educate yourself on the food you're eating. 2) Control the amount you eat each day with portion control and lower calories (less than ~2000 calories daily for men and less than ~1500 calories daily for women). 3) Exercise for 30 minutes or more each and every day.
These three steps are all you need to help you get back on track, lose the excess weight and start living a new healthy lifestyle.
Try to remember... this isn't just a quick fix, you need to make permanent changes to your lifestyle. Fad diets won't help, and only offer a quick weight loss solution with no long term plan. Such diets will make weight gain far more likely, and can hamper your weight loss motivation.
If you have a BMI of 30 or over and are considered to be clinically obese, you have a long road ahead of you. This is why it's so important to set realistic goals, to ensure you don't become unmotivated. You need to lose weight at a healthy rate and always be proud of your weight loss achievements [1].
Obesity Dieting Pills...
There are now a number of slimming aids that are available with and without prescription. You can pick up slimming aids at your local supermarket or pharmacy, that will help aid your weight loss process. Many work by suppressing your appetite, while others work by blocking some of the fats found in food. Prescription pills are often far more effective, than those found in stores. But, these pills aren't a miracle cure, and don't work alone. In order to get the best out of any slimming aid, it's essential to eat a well balanced diet, and to exercise regularly to see any real results. Before you decide to use this treatment option, be sure to talk to your doctor first. He or she will be able to advise you on which plan of action is best for you [2].
The obesity gastric band...
The gastric band is an extremely effective way of treating obesity. But, this type of surgery is often viewed as the last resort for those who are unable to lose weight naturally. This procedure is expensive, and can be very dangerous for those who are morbidly obese. Although it's a relativity simple procedure, the anaesthesia on larger patients can be problematic, and cause serious complications. A band is placed around the upper stomach area, and restricts the amount of food in the lower stomach. It works by making you feel more full after just a little food. The gastric band operation is extremely effective and has a high success [3]. This option may not be for you and may be associated with significant risks and complications.
References
1. Lose weight for life – http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/loseweight/Pages/Loseweightforlife.aspx. Accessed Aug 19, 2009.
2. Slimming pills: do they work? - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article5675009.ece. Accessed Aug 19, 2009.
3. Gastric band patients 'at risk' – http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7658410.stm. Accessed Aug 19, 2009.
