How can academic institutions take a more active role in disease prevention for women?
Academic institutions can take a more active role in disease prevention by increasing communicating on disease prevention. In colleges for example they can hold a women health fair and get various wellness companies to come out and students can visit different booths and get material on the different diseases that are out there. A long with the booths have a health care provider conduct health screenings on site like blood work that can give you results the same day on your sugar levels, cholesterol, etc. College students have a higher tendency to eat unhealthy and educating them on the importance of healthy eating can go a long way.
Another way Academic institutions can take a more active role is by offering healthier menus for students. The other day I picked my niece up from school and I asked her about lunch. She said I take my lunch, school lunch is gross, they have pizza, burgers, fried chicken fingers, fries and other stuff that I could not believe they serve. It's been a while since I was in high school and I really don't remember what they served. If the children are eating unhealthy at an early age in school the likeliness of them continuing the unhealthy eating will continue.
Ultimately it is each individuals responsibility to work on a healthy life style to prevent diseases, but if academic institutions can help educate it will help a lot since we spend so many years in school.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Blog #9
What are the biggest challenges to regular exercise and a healthy diet that you face? How are these challenges going to change for you over the next five years?
The biggest challenge I face to regular exercise is motivation. I work and it is so easy for me to come home and plop down on the sofa and watch my DVR shows instead of getting out and walking. I have a very difficult time motivating myself to exercise. My husband goes to the gym four times a week and I always tell him I wish I had his motivation. When he does try to motivate me I come up with every excuse in the book. I have tried getting dressed to exercise right after work and that helps cause I am dressed already so I go the gym right after work. But I start conviniently forgetting bag or just not packing it the night before.
As far as a healthy diet I try to cook healthier and not eat big portions. Lunch time is the hardest for me and my biggest challenege because I would perfer to go out instead of staying in and eating my lunch at the office. By not taking lunch this results in poor decisions for lunch and 2-3 times a week I eat unhealthy for lunch.
My change is coming earlier than five years. I am now 6 weeks pregnant (my first) and I am going to get on a exercise program and start eating healthy because I do not want to struggle with my weight after I have the baby. I have been trying to put more fruit and veggies in my diet in the last few weeks because I know nutrition is very important during pregnancy. I also want to get into the habit of eating healthy and excercing to be a good example for our child.
The biggest challenge I face to regular exercise is motivation. I work and it is so easy for me to come home and plop down on the sofa and watch my DVR shows instead of getting out and walking. I have a very difficult time motivating myself to exercise. My husband goes to the gym four times a week and I always tell him I wish I had his motivation. When he does try to motivate me I come up with every excuse in the book. I have tried getting dressed to exercise right after work and that helps cause I am dressed already so I go the gym right after work. But I start conviniently forgetting bag or just not packing it the night before.
As far as a healthy diet I try to cook healthier and not eat big portions. Lunch time is the hardest for me and my biggest challenege because I would perfer to go out instead of staying in and eating my lunch at the office. By not taking lunch this results in poor decisions for lunch and 2-3 times a week I eat unhealthy for lunch.
My change is coming earlier than five years. I am now 6 weeks pregnant (my first) and I am going to get on a exercise program and start eating healthy because I do not want to struggle with my weight after I have the baby. I have been trying to put more fruit and veggies in my diet in the last few weeks because I know nutrition is very important during pregnancy. I also want to get into the habit of eating healthy and excercing to be a good example for our child.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
BLOG #7 STD's
Many people equate STDs with immorality, promiscuous behavior and low social status. What are you thoughts on this statement?
I can agree equating STD’s with promiscuous behavior because if you are promiscuous your chances of getting and STD are much higher if you are having unprotected sex. I can also see where immorality might come in because some people do not see having casual sex as immoral as other do because of their beliefs. The one I am a bit confused about and do not really understand equating with STD’s is social status. I am not sure how social status comes in to play with STD’s. Does this mean if you are higher on the social pole you are less likely to get an STD? I guess maybe people with a lower social status are not as educated on STD’s and how to prevent the spread of them.
As stated above I can agree with the statement, but at the same time I think the lack of education is the cause of STD’s and it has nothing to do with immorality, promiscuous behavior or social status. If people where more educated on STD’s and the preventions of spreading them I think you can be as promiscuous as you want, throw your morals out the window and be the poorest or richest man on the earth. I am not sure what social class I am in, but I learned a lot about STD’s in this chapter. I graduated high school, have an Associate’s, and currently attending college and I honestly can say I was clueless on the impact STD’s can have on a women’s body. I have been married for 13 years and god forbid I ever have to go back on the dating market I am now a bit more educated on the scary things that might be waiting for you when you find a sex partner.
Again if I had to go back to the dating scene and I had not learned what I did in this chapter I can say that I would be aware of AIDS/HIV and use protection. But if my new partner said I am HIV/AIDS free I would probably say well then no condom necessary and not think about the other STD’s that this partner might have.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Blog #6 FAQ women might ask when they find they are pregnant.
Q: What are the symptoms of pregnancy?
A: Missed period
Feelings of breast swelling and tenderness
Nausea sometimes w/vomiting.
"Morning sickness"
Fatigued
Abdominal enlargement (bloating)
Urinate frequently, especially at nighttime, may leak urine when coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
Deepening color of the areola (area surrounding the nipple),
Increased body temperature
Darkening of skin on the forehead, bridge of the nose, or cheekbones and a dark line going down from the middle of the central abdomen area to the pubic area.
Enlargement of the abdomen is a normal feature of the growing fetus
Q: Can I exercise?
A: Exercise during pregnancy is generally considered safe for most healthy women and can even relieve some of the discomforts of pregnancy.
Some forms of exercise that are particularly good for pregnant women are walking, swimming, stationary cycling, and yoga. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, get plenty of fluids, and don't work to the point of exhaustion.
When you reach your second and third trimesters, don't do exercises that require lying on your back, and never do workouts that pose a risk of trauma to your abdomen while pregnant.
And always be sure to check with your doctor about any exercise program before getting started. Some women -- such as those with preeclampsia, preterm labor, and hypertension or heart disease -- may be advised not to exercise or to pursue very limited physical activities while pregnant.
When you reach your second and third trimesters, don't do exercises that require lying on your back, and never do workouts that pose a risk of trauma to your abdomen while pregnant.
And always be sure to check with your doctor about any exercise program before getting started. Some women -- such as those with preeclampsia, preterm labor, and hypertension or heart disease -- may be advised not to exercise or to pursue very limited physical activities while pregnant.
Q: Can I still have sex?
A: Sex is a natural, normal part of pregnancy -- if you're having a normal pregnancy. The movement and penetration of intercourse, in itself, won't harm the baby. Your baby is protected by your abdomen and the muscular walls of the uterus. Your baby is also cushioned by the fluid in the amniotic sac.
As a general safety precaution, some doctors advise avoiding sex in the last few weeks of pregnancy, believing that hormones in semen called prostaglandins can stimulate contractions.
One exception? Women who are overdue and want to induce labor. Some doctors believe that prostaglandins in semen actually induce labor in a full-term or past-due pregnancy, since the gel used to "ripen" the cervix and induce labor also contains prostaglandins.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy -- for instance, with a complication such as preterm labor or risk of miscarriage -- your doctor may advise you to avoid sex during pregnancy.
As a general safety precaution, some doctors advise avoiding sex in the last few weeks of pregnancy, believing that hormones in semen called prostaglandins can stimulate contractions.
One exception? Women who are overdue and want to induce labor. Some doctors believe that prostaglandins in semen actually induce labor in a full-term or past-due pregnancy, since the gel used to "ripen" the cervix and induce labor also contains prostaglandins.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy -- for instance, with a complication such as preterm labor or risk of miscarriage -- your doctor may advise you to avoid sex during pregnancy.
Q: Should I take vitamins?
A: Regular multivitamins and prenatal vitamins are safe to take during pregnancy and can be helpful. Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should take a daily multivitamin or prenatal vitamin that contains at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. It is best to start taking these vitamins before you become pregnant or if you could become pregnant. Folic acid reduces the chance of a baby having a neural tube defect, like spina bifida, in which the spine or brain does not form the right way. Iron can help prevent a low blood count (anemia). It's important to take the vitamin dose prescribed by your doctor. Too many vitamins can harm your baby. For example, very high levels of vitamin A have been linked with severe birth defects.
Q: Do I need to change my diet/eating habits?
A: Fine-tune your diet – even if you already eat well
Almost all pregnant women need to get more protein, more of certain vitamins and minerals such as folic acid and iron, and more calories (for energy). If your diet is poor to begin with, making the transition to eating nutritious meals is one of the best things you can do for your baby's health.
But eating better doesn't mean eating more – or rather, not much more. If you start off at a healthy weight, you need no extra calories during the first trimester, about 300 extra calories a day in the second trimester, and about 450 extra calories a day in the third trimester. If you're overweight or underweight, you'll need more or less than this, depending on your weight gain goal.
It's easier than you think to get those extra calories: Find out the best ways to eat for two.
Steer clear of raw seafood (such as oysters or uncooked sushi), unpasteurized milk and cheese made from unpasteurized milk soft cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, and Mexican cheeses like queso blanco and panela), pâté, and raw and undercooked meat and poultry. All are possible sources of bacteria that can harm an unborn child.
Learn more about how to avoid listeriosis, a food-borne illness that's particularly dangerous during pregnancy.
Nearly all fish contain traces of methylmercury, a metal believed to be harmful in high doses to the growing brains of fetuses and young children. The FDA recommends limiting your consumption of fish to about 12 ounces a week, the equivalent of about two servings.
Read more about eating fish during pregnancy and find answers to all your food safety questions.
You'll need to give up that cocktail after work, too. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause physical defects, learning disabilities, and emotional problems in children, so many experts recommend that you give up alcohol for your entire pregnancy.
For nonalcoholic alternatives, see our list of the best virgin drinks.
Consider cutting back or skipping caffeinated beverages. That may be a snap if you're suddenly revolted by the stuff during your first trimester. If you're still craving it, cut back very gradually to avoid side effects such as headaches.
Some studies suggest that women who consume 200 or more milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day (about one 12-ounce cup) are twice as likely to miscarry as women who consume no caffeine. Large amounts of caffeine have also been linked to slightly lower birth weight and even stillbirth.
In addition to coffee, caffeine is found in teas, colas, other soft drinks, cocoa, and chocolate. Switch to decaffeinated brews and sodas instead.
Better still, replace these nutritional losers with healthier choices such as skim milk, 100 percent fruit juice, or water with a squeeze of lemon. A mug of flavored steamed milk can stand in for your morning latte.
A: Most people just estimate. The method typically used by healthcare providers is simply to count from the first day of your last period. For women with a menstrual cycle of average length, that day is usually about two weeks before conception, which explains why pregnancies are said to last 40 weeks. This method doesn't take into account how long your menstrual cycle actually is or when you think you might have conceived.
Q: When can I find out the sex?
A: By 18 to 20 weeks, your practitioner or technician may be able to identify your baby's sex during an ultrasound -- if your baby cooperates! He or she has to be in a position that allows the technician to see the baby's genitals. And even if the technician gets a good view of the baby's genital area, the image may not be clear.
The more experienced the sonographer and the higher the quality of the sonogram machine, the more likely you are to get an accurate assessment. But even the best sonographers can't usually guarantee whether it's a girl or a boy.
The more experienced the sonographer and the higher the quality of the sonogram machine, the more likely you are to get an accurate assessment. But even the best sonographers can't usually guarantee whether it's a girl or a boy.
Q: What over the counter drugs are ok?
A: 10 over-the-counter drugs to avoid during pregnancy
Some of the best-known medicines from the local drugstore can be harmful to pregnant women, yet many mothers-to-be regularly take them. Studies show that, on average, women take between one and four medications during pregnancy, not including vitamins or minerals. An estimated 60 percent of pregnant women use over-the-counter drugs, not always with physician oversight.
To help you and your doctor make more-informed choices about which medications to take, we've identified 10 commonly used ingredients found in OTC drugs that are risky for pregnant women, and offer safer alternatives. For example, moms-to-be should not take castor oil and should avoid aspirin during all stages of pregnancy. During the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, they should use the following products with caution and avoid them entirely during their third trimester: bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol), chlorpheniramine (Actified, Chlor-Trimeton, and many other combination cold medicines), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve).
When choosing an OTC medicine, you'll need to be a careful label reader since brand names can be deceiving. For example, while acetaminophen (Tylenol) is considered relatively safe for use in pregnancy, some combination products that include the brand name "Tylenol," such as Tylenol Allergy Sinus Maximum Strength, contain chlorpheniramine.
Most medicines approved by the Food and Drug Administration are not tested on pregnant women because of ethical concerns. In fact, there is no pregnancy safety data for more than 80 percent of prescription and OTC drugs, making it extremely difficult for doctors and pharmacists to provide guidance. Currently, the FDA uses a rating system for more than 270 active ingredients in prescription and OTC drugs on a scale of A, B, C, D, and X. But in the coming months the FDA will no longer use that rating scale and instead will provide study data on how drugs affect pregnancy, lactation, and fetus development.
Pregnant women and women considering pregnancy should approach the use of all drugs (OTC and prescription) and dietary supplements with caution and use them only after discussion with their physician.
Q: Can I still drink caffeine/alcohol?
A: You'll need to give up that cocktail after work, too. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause physical defects, learning disabilities, and emotional problems in children, so many experts recommend that you give up alcohol for your entire pregnancy.
For nonalcoholic alternatives, see our list of the best virgin drinks.
Consider cutting back or skipping caffeinated beverages. That may be a snap if you're suddenly revolted by the stuff during your first trimester. If you're still craving it, cut back very gradually to avoid side effects such as headaches.
Some studies suggest that women who consume 200 or more milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day (about one 12-ounce cup) are twice as likely to miscarry as women who consume no caffeine. Large amounts of caffeine have also been linked to slightly lower birth weight and even stillbirth.
In addition to coffee, caffeine is found in teas, colas, other soft drinks, cocoa, and chocolate. Switch to decaffeinated brews and sodas instead.
Better still, replace these nutritional losers with healthier choices such as skim milk, 100 percent fruit juice, or water with a squeeze of lemon. A mug of flavored steamed milk can stand in for your morning latte.
Q: How long will it take for my stomach to go back to normal?
A: We've all heard stories of new moms whose tummies are tight and flat immediately after giving birth. Although this does happen, it's rare. For most women it takes months to get rid of the "pregnancy pouch" — and sometimes it never goes away.
Patience is key. It took nine months for your abdomen to stretch to accommodate a full-term baby, so it makes sense that it would take that long or longer to tighten back up.
The speed and degree of this transition depends largely on your normal body size, how much weight you gained during pregnancy, how active you are, and your genes. Women who gained less than 30 pounds and exercised regularly during pregnancy, who breastfeed, and who have had only one child are more likely to slim down quickly.
If you're not breastfeeding, you'll need to watch how much you're eating in order to lose pregnancy weight. You need fewer calories now that you're not pregnant. (See our "Diet for Healthy Post-Baby Weight Loss" and our "Diet for a Healthy Breastfeeding Mom."
Patience is key. It took nine months for your abdomen to stretch to accommodate a full-term baby, so it makes sense that it would take that long or longer to tighten back up.
The speed and degree of this transition depends largely on your normal body size, how much weight you gained during pregnancy, how active you are, and your genes. Women who gained less than 30 pounds and exercised regularly during pregnancy, who breastfeed, and who have had only one child are more likely to slim down quickly.
If you're not breastfeeding, you'll need to watch how much you're eating in order to lose pregnancy weight. You need fewer calories now that you're not pregnant. (See our "Diet for Healthy Post-Baby Weight Loss" and our "Diet for a Healthy Breastfeeding Mom."
Resources:
Conrad Stoppler, Melissa, MD (2008, January 27). What are Pregnancy symptoms? Retrieved October 7, 2010 from WebMD Answers:
Nihira, Mikia A., MD (2008, December 19). How can I safely exercise while pregnant? Retrieved October 7, 2010 from Web MD Answers:
Hoffman, Matthew, MD (2008, October 7). Is sex during pregnancy safe? Retrieved October 7, 2010 from Web MD Answers:
HHS, (2008, May 14). Are vitamins safe for me while I am pregnant? Retrieved October 7, 2010 from Web MD Answers:
BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board (2009, November). Seven Priniciples of eating well during pregnancy. Retrieved October 7, 2010 from Baby Center:
The Baby Center Editorial Team. How is pregnancy due date calculated? Retrieved October 7, 2010 from Baby Center:
Haratz-Rubinstein, Natan. Could the sonographer be wrong about my baby's sex? Retrieved October 7, 2010 from Baby Center:
Consumer Reports (2008, October). 10 OTC drugs to avoid. Retrieved October 7, 2010 from Health.org:
Rauch, Catherine Ann (2006, October). Your post-baby belly: Why it's changed and how to tone it. Retrieved October 7, 2010 from BabyCenter:
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Blog #5 Contraception
Someone’s cultural and/or religious beliefs can prevent them from using contraceptives which may result in unwanted pregnancies. For example in chapter 5 it says that the Roman Catholic Church is against contraception. I am Catholic and I know the use of any type of contraception is against my religion. I have used birth control even though I know my religion does not allow the use of it. As stated in the book when I used contraception and I would have probably not admitted it to the church if asked. I was using birth control before I got married because I did not want a baby out of wedlock. So really I was breaking two rules, sex out of wedlock and birth control. Once I got married I stopped the use of birth control.
In my family we did not talk about sex or contraception by any means. In High School they did talk to us about STD’s and the use of condoms but they did not discuss any other contraception methods. I have a sister two years older than I am and she has a 17 year old daughter that she openly spoke to about sex and being responsible once she makes the decision to have sex. I was very proud of her because she did not ignore the subject like our parents did, instead she was very honest and open with my niece. She spoke about the importance of abstinence, but my sister knows life happens so she also was open about sex and birth control.
I am not sure if being Catholic was one of the reasons sex or contraception was not discussed in our house. To this day I do not feel comfortable talking about this subject with my mom or dad. I am glad my sister broke that cycle and I hope when I have children I can do the same.
Thanks for reading!
Yadira Gomez-Cheatham
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Blog #4 Menarche
My first menstrual cycle was in the summer of 86' when I was in Mexico visiting my grandmother. My parents were back in Dallas at home. One day I felt weird pains in my stomach all morning and thought it was just a stomach ache. About mid morning I went to the restroom and found blood in my under garments and freaked out. I ran to my grandmother and aunt and explained what happened. Up to this point I had never heard anything about menstrual cycles. My grandmother and aunt laughed and told me that I was a women now. They explained what was going on with my body and why women have menstrual cycles. They showed me how to use sanitary napkins and explained the importance of staying clean while on the cycle.
I was mortified and embarrassed, but my grandmother made me some tea and reassured me that it was normal and every women goes through the same thing. I was pretty bummed out because I could not go swimming or climb trees like I used to with the boys. I felt weird and thought the boys might notice the difference.
It was hard for me because I was so far from home and did not have my mom to talk to, not even by phone. I had to wait until the end of summer vacation when my parents picked me up to share the news. I cried and told my mom that I did not want this menstrual stuff and wished I was a boy because they didn’t have to go through this. My mom reassured me and spoke to me about conceiving and how without menstrual cycles I could not have a baby later in life. She also told me the one thing I will never forget, she said “this is the one time of the month you can be mean and get away with it”. Once she spoke to me a little more I felt better.
I thought I would share my story because it was really hard for me when I started my menstrual cycle. I was scared that I would not be able to do the things I did before. At the time I thought it was the end of the world. I hated the cramps, bloating, and the sanitary napkins. It took a lot of time for me to get used to it, but eventually I had no choice but to deal with it. To this day I still hate TOM (time of month) and curse it every month.
Thanks for reading,
Yadira Cheatham
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Blog #3 Self Assessment
I rate my preventive practices as being good since most of my answers were yes. One of the big improvements that I am constantly working on is eating healthy and getting my fruit and vegetables servings that are needed. I know I need to improve both my husband and my fruit and vegetable intake. Well really we need to work on the whole nutrition pyramid. I know we do not consume the right amount of nutritious food that is needed. I would like to start this because we are working on having our first child and I would like to instill the value of eating healthy into our child’s life. I would also like to start exercising again. I need to start utilizing my gym membership and quit using the “I don’t have enough time” excuse. For now I am playing soccer once a week and this helps relieve some stress. Stress effects my health because when I stress I grind my teeth, over eat, and I do not sleep well at night. The way that I can improve my stress is by improving my time management and saying no more. I stress myself out because I put too much on my plate then I am rushing to get the things done I have committed myself to. I am getting better at saying no to family members when they need help as well as not raising my hand as much when volunteers are needed at church, work, or our neighborhood association. I have many ways I can improve my health and after reading chapter three it is worth it to sit down and come up with a good “preventative practice” plan. By having a good preventative practice it will help improve not only my health but my husband’s as well.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Blog #2 Healthcare Reform Systems
I reviewed the video “Sick Around the World” and I was very impressed by the Health Systems that the five countries that were visited have in effect. I was left with the question why can’t the USA figure out a system like one of theirs. With Obama’s new reform put in place I think the US is definitely heading in the right direction, but it is going to take some time to get it on track and work the kinks out. The five countries that the reporter T.R. Reid visited were; Great Britain, Japan, Germany, Taiwan, and Switzerland. These countries have implemented what I think are great programs, but they are not perfect and have their down falls. But in my opinion the positive out weight the negative. The biggest positives I found to be in these countries were that everyone has health coverage and cannot be denied coverage, no citizens in these countries have ever file for bankruptcy due to medical bills, and there is a longer life expectancy and lower child mortality of a result of these countries health systems. It was a real surprise to me to hear that no bankruptcy is ever filed. Here in the US it is common for people to file for bankruptcy due to medical bills. In Switzerland Reid interviewed the President and asked if anyone has ever filed bankruptcy due to medical bills and he said if they did it would be a scandal. Here in the US it is not a scandal it is a norm.
Some of the negative I saw in these countries health plans was waiting list to see a provider, hospital deficits, gatekeepers and disgruntled medical providers. In Great Britain they have waiting list to see a provider which can delay your medical treatments. As stated in the video though Great Britain has cut their waiting time and it is not as long as before. In Japan one of the worries is that the hospitals are in a deficit because of the low cost of treatment. I was shocked to hear the cost of a shared hospital room was $10 and $90 for a private room a night. One of the doctors interviewed in Great Britain said he experienced the US health system first hand when vacationing in Las Vegas. He had a heart attack and was in the hospital for eight days and was handed a $67,000 bill. In some of these health systems you have to go through a gate keeper before you see a specialist. I see the good and bad in this because I know it can save money, but having to wait to be referred especially when your sick would be frustrating to me. Another negative and the one negative that I thought was very interesting were medical providers not feeling as they are getting paid enough for their services. In Germany one of the doctors flat out said he does not think he is paying paid enough and he cannot raise his prices since they are negotiated by the government. He said he makes half of what a US doctor makes.
The one system that impressed me the most was Taiwan’s Health System. Taiwan looked at other countries systems, picked and chose their plan basing it on the failures and success of the other countries plans. Everyone is forced to join and pay for health coverage and they do not let the rich opt out as in some other countries. There is no waiting list and no gate keeper to refer you from one provider to another and clinics are opened on the weekends. They also issue out smart cards to each citizen that keeps their health history, monitors coverage usage, and is used for billing. The smart card is used basically like a credit card, the doctor takes it and uploads your information to view your history and then automatically bills the government for your visit and the bill gets paid instantly. The smart is also used to monitor your coverage usage and if used more than 20 times a month you have a visit from the government, which I found a little disturbing, but I guess it stops abuse.
I think the US is heading in the right direction with the reform that will take place soon. We have a long way to go, but if done correctly we could be like one of these countries where all citizens have coverage that they can afford, no more bankruptcies, and a longer life expectancy.
Some of the negative I saw in these countries health plans was waiting list to see a provider, hospital deficits, gatekeepers and disgruntled medical providers. In Great Britain they have waiting list to see a provider which can delay your medical treatments. As stated in the video though Great Britain has cut their waiting time and it is not as long as before. In Japan one of the worries is that the hospitals are in a deficit because of the low cost of treatment. I was shocked to hear the cost of a shared hospital room was $10 and $90 for a private room a night. One of the doctors interviewed in Great Britain said he experienced the US health system first hand when vacationing in Las Vegas. He had a heart attack and was in the hospital for eight days and was handed a $67,000 bill. In some of these health systems you have to go through a gate keeper before you see a specialist. I see the good and bad in this because I know it can save money, but having to wait to be referred especially when your sick would be frustrating to me. Another negative and the one negative that I thought was very interesting were medical providers not feeling as they are getting paid enough for their services. In Germany one of the doctors flat out said he does not think he is paying paid enough and he cannot raise his prices since they are negotiated by the government. He said he makes half of what a US doctor makes.
The one system that impressed me the most was Taiwan’s Health System. Taiwan looked at other countries systems, picked and chose their plan basing it on the failures and success of the other countries plans. Everyone is forced to join and pay for health coverage and they do not let the rich opt out as in some other countries. There is no waiting list and no gate keeper to refer you from one provider to another and clinics are opened on the weekends. They also issue out smart cards to each citizen that keeps their health history, monitors coverage usage, and is used for billing. The smart card is used basically like a credit card, the doctor takes it and uploads your information to view your history and then automatically bills the government for your visit and the bill gets paid instantly. The smart is also used to monitor your coverage usage and if used more than 20 times a month you have a visit from the government, which I found a little disturbing, but I guess it stops abuse.
I think the US is heading in the right direction with the reform that will take place soon. We have a long way to go, but if done correctly we could be like one of these countries where all citizens have coverage that they can afford, no more bankruptcies, and a longer life expectancy.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Blog #1 HS
The health issue that concerns me the most is high cholesterol and diabetes. I have read and heard that the Hispanic culture is at a higher risk of having high cholesterol and diabetes. Growing up we ate mostly home cooked meals, but thinking back the meals were not very healthy. Now as a grownup I worry about these diseases because several of my elder family members including my father have cholesterol issues. Fortunately we do not have any diabetes issues as of now. Unfortunately in my family we do not take the time to educate ourselves on healthy eating or take the time to think about the food we cook. We simply turn the other cheek and live by the words “It’s in our culture”. As I have grown older and read more about staying healthy I try to be conscious about the food I eat and try to stop the tradition of eating unhealthy. I am more conscious on how I cook our food. Although frying everything and covering it with cheese is delicious this will not stop the cycle of high cholesterol in our family.
I asked my mom, age 55, Hispanic, the question of her health concerns and why the worry her. I was not surprised to find that her concerns are the same as mine. Mom does not her or dad to die at an early age because of their eating habits. My parents have gotten a lot better as well and are healthier conscious. Mom works out more and tries to cook healthier. Dad just goes along with eating what mom cooks but still refuses to work out. Dad works very hard and is tired when he gets home and says the last thing he wants to do is exercise.
My sister, age 37, Hispanic, has different medical concerns that mine. She is concerned about Flu virus because there are so many types now that it concerns her there will not be an antibiotic that will help her immune system. Breast cancer concerns her because under the age of 40 unless you specifically ask for the test you do not receive it. Her two main concerns though are weight gain and acid reflux. She currently has to take acid reflux medication and is concerned she will have to take pills the rest of her life. Weight gain because hormones are always changing and with that she fears her weight will fluctuate up and down.
I also asked my soon to be step daughter in law, age 24, white, what her health concerns are. She is concerned about vitamin deficiency because she is breast feeding. She says she knows she is not getting all the nutrients she needs from her diet and wishes she could supplement without taking lots of pills.
My last interview was a co-worker, age 45, black about her health concerns. She most concerned about cancer because it is very strong in her family on both sides. Her paternal grandmother died from cancer and her mother is a 3 year breast cancer survivor. She also mentioned that several other family members are survivors or died from the disease.
I was suprised to see how my concerns differed from the ladies I interviewed.
I asked my mom, age 55, Hispanic, the question of her health concerns and why the worry her. I was not surprised to find that her concerns are the same as mine. Mom does not her or dad to die at an early age because of their eating habits. My parents have gotten a lot better as well and are healthier conscious. Mom works out more and tries to cook healthier. Dad just goes along with eating what mom cooks but still refuses to work out. Dad works very hard and is tired when he gets home and says the last thing he wants to do is exercise.
My sister, age 37, Hispanic, has different medical concerns that mine. She is concerned about Flu virus because there are so many types now that it concerns her there will not be an antibiotic that will help her immune system. Breast cancer concerns her because under the age of 40 unless you specifically ask for the test you do not receive it. Her two main concerns though are weight gain and acid reflux. She currently has to take acid reflux medication and is concerned she will have to take pills the rest of her life. Weight gain because hormones are always changing and with that she fears her weight will fluctuate up and down.
I also asked my soon to be step daughter in law, age 24, white, what her health concerns are. She is concerned about vitamin deficiency because she is breast feeding. She says she knows she is not getting all the nutrients she needs from her diet and wishes she could supplement without taking lots of pills.
My last interview was a co-worker, age 45, black about her health concerns. She most concerned about cancer because it is very strong in her family on both sides. Her paternal grandmother died from cancer and her mother is a 3 year breast cancer survivor. She also mentioned that several other family members are survivors or died from the disease.
I was suprised to see how my concerns differed from the ladies I interviewed.
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