Health Care Reform

The health care reform has been a major topic of discussion in politics for quite some time now. It is an issue that is slowly being worked on to be solved. Back in November, the health care plan passed in the house. In the article, “Sweeping Health Care Plan Passes House,” they take a look into this situation. Democrats decided this would help to relieve some of the struggling people in America today. Many are hoping to make changes to some of it within the House and then hopefully pass the bill as a whole. It was decided this proposal was long overdue and would be left in the hands of the Senate to make the final decision.
Unfortunately, it was not as easy of a discussion in the Senate. In an article, “Push for Deal on Public Health Plan,” the topic and where it currently stands is discussed. Obama tried convincing the Senate Democrats to sign for this health care plan. A committee of ten senators was brought together to negotiate with insurers to offer new and better health plans. Unfortunately, there are still several issues that go unresolved with this proposal and they were unable to receive enough votes to pass this bill. There is an ongoing issue with gaining enough followers to pass this bill and it appears it may still be a while until the health care bill is accepted.
The health care reform, as a whole, is impacting the lives of just about every American. Each of these articles take a look at that and then talk about the plans of action being taken. They both discuss the worries about the health care plan and the problems than could possibly arise. It is not necessarily viewed as a perfect plan. However, both articles feel that there could be measures taken to make it successful and that it should be passed to help many people. It is a question of not only when, but how. What needs to be changed to pass this bill? Can it be done?

Exercise the Unexpected Killer?

The article “Phys Ed: Does Exercise Boost Immunity?” written by Gretchen Reynolds focuses on the recent results of a study that investigated the impact of exercise on sickness. Several studies have been conducted using mouse trials which have concluded that intense exercise not only causes the subject to be more prone to sickness but also have more harmful and prolonged effects from the viruses. The reasons for these results have not been determined but many theories involve the relationship of exercise and the proportions of two helper immune cells.
The article gives us a lot of information to digest since exercise has always been seen as an activity without fault. The health benefits of exercise have been documented for years but these recent findings showing its faults to viruses especially coming into flu season, the occurrence of H1N1, and the start of marathons. Runners all around the world are voluntarily risking more harmful and serious sickness in these competitions. Some of the studies have shown however that moderate exercise will actually increase the immune system against the effects of viruses. This information creates some controversy with physical education. How do we monitor or determine the levels our children should be exercising at during these times of sickness? Education and physical activity are required to maintain a healthy balance in childhood. Where do we draw the line between education and exercise verses health risk during flu season.

Immigration and the Healthcare Debate

In a heated response to a Seattle Times article, one letter to the editor let loose on the current state of illegal immigrants and their desire to have healthcare. The writer sees this as a way of taking away American citizens healthcare, just as they take away American jobs. She explains that all of the jobs they provide are jobs that Americans want to do, and that the elderly, veteran and poor populations of this country are in need of support that they cannot receive because people are too focused on immigrants needs. She defines that these undocumented immigrants have already broken many laws to be here, and deserve to be shipped back as soon as possible. While I feel that these arguments seem to be valid, they are all coming from a very emotional and unconvincing angle that doesn't seem to be looking at the bigger picture. If American citizens were willing to do these jobs, jobs that are often offered at less than minimum wage with little or no benefits whatsoever, then I feel that I would see a lot more Americans in these job positions. The issue is not only the influx of immigrants and their desire for work, it is also that American companies have no qualms about exploiting their dire situations and their vulnerable social status. Also, if she is concerned about the needs of the elderly and veterans it is likely that she would know that Medicare and Medicaid programs support these populations using tax payer money. Most immigrants are young, labor-aged, and contribute greatly to the tax-paying population, often without receiving any of the benefits themselves. When looking at these issues there needs to be a focus on the bigger picture. What impact do undocumented citizens REALLY have, why are they so eager to leave their home, what kinds of social injustices might be going on there that makes an illegal and dangerous life here better, and because the issue is already a reality how can we handle it, rather than throw out suggestions like, "Enough is enough!", that give no potential solution.

Letter to the editor, "Enough is Enough", published October 12, 2009 concerning the previous Seattle Times article, "Anti-immigrant venom mars health-care debate” [Oct. 7]

Silenced No More: Minorities Groups Speak Out on Health Care Reform

Just when you thought that capitol hill had walked away from the issues regarding minority Americans and Health care reform, civil rights groups such as NAACP the National Council of La Raza, and the Leadership Council of Civil Rights, have stepped to the podium to speak on behalf of the millions of minorities who have been forgotten. Their message: to demand a voice in the decision making over America's health care system.

In the article entitled "Minority Groups Speak Out on Health Care Reform" by Kelly Brewington of the Baltimore Sun, Brewington attempts to capture the fervor that lies within these groups due to the lack of attention being paid to the minorities that this reform will affect the most. The article provides some insightful facts regarding minorities and health care. These include the disparities in health care access, like the fact that "Blacks and Latinos are more likely than whites to go without health care because they can't afford it" (Brewington, 2009). Disparities regarding access and the quality of health care for minority groups has been a huge problem in the United States. One way to shorten the gap in disparities, according to minority civil rights groups, would be for Congress to include some type of public insurance option.

Much of the news today seems to report that the option for a public option has been swept under the rug, forcing groups like La Raza and the NAACP to join forces and speak out against Capitol Hill and urge them to have some sort of option that will provide relief and shorten disparities within minority communities. The NAACP, La Raza, and the Leadership Council on Civil Rights have taken their campaign to the airwaves, creating various advertisements and commercials to reveal that health care is morally imperative (and so is the public option). They have also held town hall meetings regarding myths about health care proposals in congress and provided an open forum for community members "to ask questions of congressional staffers and experts of reform" (Brewington, 2009).

It is extremely commendable to see that minority advocacy groups such as the NAACP and La Raza have chosen to speak on behalf of the millions of minorities who have unfortunately been silenced in a reform that concerns them and their health the most. With their many health disparities that exist within minority communities today, do you think that Congress should be forced to provide some sort of public option due to the lack of affordability for some minorities?

Also, with their being a lack of minorities in the Senate, do you think that Congress should be forced to consult minority groups and leaders while creating this new health care bill? Why or why not?

Full Link to Article: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/health/2009/10/minorities_and_health_care_ref.html

Health Care Reform Commercial Ad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSkvj-yCbKI&feature=player_embedded#

Higher autism rates? Awareness can't be the only reason

On Oct. , 2009 the department of health and human services released a report about how the autism rate in the U.S. had a drastic increase. The previous estimate was 1 in 150 children had Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the current rate for children with ASD is 1 in 100. This the report which appeared in American Academy of Pediatrics Journal showed that the rate for boys is a shocking 1 in 58. According to this article one reason this sudden increase could have happened is because the autism spectrum has grown to include the Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome and all compassing PDD-NOS or persuasive development Disorder. One issue with autism is no one really knows the cause of it. One reason that has not been scientifically proven is children living near toxic waste. Another is toxic synergy in food and consumers products that become toxic after being heated or combined. According to Mitochondrial expert Salvatore DiMauro of Columbia University, "Autism is probably caused by many things, most of them genetic, and [link between autism and certain metabolic diseases] is one of them."
Even though there is not a cure or knowing cause a new device that has hit the market to offer parents a way to detect autism and analyze speech patterns in 2-4 years old. The with this according to Dr. Susan Anderson, director of the autism clinic at the University of Virginia children's hospital, autism " is also a disorder of social development and interacting skills, and a disorder which includes a typical behavior. Any means of screening for autism needs to include all of these measures." This article talks about possible causes and cures of ASD and different assumptions on why the number of children with ASD has been increasing, but one thing that still remains a question is " Are more kids being misdiagnosed with ASD in an attempt to explain their no quite perfect behavior?
http://www.boston.com/community/moms/blogs/child_caring/2009/10/higher_autism_rates_awareness_cant_be_the_only_reason.html?s_campaign=8315

Birth Control Results in Boyfriend Blues?

In the article, "Birth Control Bummer?" it is found that using oral contraceptives results in less attractiveness and the inability of selecting a good mate. According to Dr. Alvergne and Dr. Lumma, when a woman ovulates she becomes more attractive. During ovulation, there is fluctuation in a "woman's facial appearance, vocal pitch, and body odor." As evidence, they found that lap dancers make more money on nights they were ovulating. All of this occurs because the woman's body is letting her know she is fertile and needs to find a mate. When birth control prevents a woman from ovulating, the increase in attractiveness does not occur.

Additionally, the article finds birth control limits a woman's ability to select a genetically ideal mate. It is found that when mates have dissimilar physical characteristics, they have a better chance of producing healthy children. According to a study at the University of Liverpool, when women use birth control, they don't detect these cues and tend to "prefer the odor of genetically incompatible men." However, women who are fertile tend to make the correct choice. They can rely more on their natural instincts.

It is advised in the article that despite these findings, there is no proof birth control will effect women long term. There is no proof that relationships will be worse and people will produce less healthy children if women use birth control.

I thought this article was rather interesting and worthy of consideration. To me, these findings do not seem strong enough for women to start making decisions about whether or not to use birth control. More importantly, I just wanted see if there are any reactions to this article. Do you think these findings are true? Or do you think birth control has no influence on attractiveness and the ability to choose mates?

Foster Kids and Health Insurance Challenges

There is ongoing controversy regarding whether or not a universal health care plan would be the best option for the American economy. I came across an article from CNN.com entitled, "Foster kids face loss of health coverage at 18". The article presented another issue effected by a new health care reform bill, but this specific issue is unique and not a typical controversy in the health care debate. The issue revolves around foster kids; foster kids will lose their health insurance covered by the state once they turn 18.

The article focuses on Jourdane Hamilton, an 18-year-old from Rockville, Maryland, who has been in the foster care system for over two years. Jourdane plans to attend Montgomery College on a football scholarship. However, he is worried that he will not be able to play football because he will not be insured, ""Football is very physical. In every single play you have to make sure you're protecting yourself because the game is ruthless and there is a high possibility of getting hurt," said Hamilton. "If I didn't have health care coverage I don't think I would be able to put myself in high-risk situations." If Jourdane can not afford health insurance, than he will not play football, which in turn, will eliminate the possibility of him going to college since that will just be another expense he will have to pay for. If Jourdane does take the risk and play football without health insurance in order for him to continue on with his college education, he claims his academics will suffer. Jourdane believes if he plays without health insurance he, "won't be able to fully focus on his classes because he would be worried about getting hurt and paying for his basic needs."

Hamilton said that if he lost his coverage and was responsible for paying for his own plan, he would not be able to afford private insurance. "I would have to wait until Congress passes a universal health care bill," said Hamilton. "I hope this happens soon."

How should the government approach situations like Jourdane's when developing the new health care reform bill. Is it appropriate for the government to cut off foster kids' insurance at the age of 18? Should the government cover foster children beyond the age of 18 and if so, where will they find the resources to do so?