 Nerine Shatner Friendly House
This non profit organization is one of the nation's first residential
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Hollywood
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For the past several years, William Shatner has spearheaded the HCHS
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William
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 March
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Dimes Canada
 The Jewish
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Post subject:
 Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 06:24 AM
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Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 7329
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| ASB wrote: | The Medicare levy is 1.2% of your wages and high income earners who choose not to have their own insurance pay an extra 1% so the most you can pay is 2.2% of your wages on medical.
This covers everything except dental and ambulance cover which costs us about $150 per year for the family, the ambulance cover includes helicopter and air transport even from the snowfields.
Cat I would love to know what area in Australia you lived, I suspect Sydney because the Hospital system there is terrible, we are very fortunate here to have a top hospital and very good acces to doctors, much better than most country towns. We have a very good standard of living here, the envy of many. No one starves. |
Well, if you are saying that some areas of Australia have a high standard of living, and others don't, then I agree with you, and the same goes here.
I'm not trying to put down Aus, there is good and bad as there is here. But I don't like my home being put down either. It's a two way street. I've lived in several places in both countries, and there is always good and bad.
Our home was in Berowra, but the medical experiences I mentioned happened in several different areas. |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 07:40 AM
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Joined: Apr 14, 2004
Posts: 10739
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| Stephanie wrote: | | rdb wrote: |
That too has been my experience. They don't care, except that you pay their bills. All driven by the profit motive.
I'm fighting to get that changed. We need a system that takes care of EVERYONE, irregardless of their financial situation. |
Yes, but I don't happen to think that fully socialized medicine is the right way.
Socalized medicine doesn't work "right" in countries where it exists now. What will make that different here in the USA? |
You do realise that Cuba has the same life expectancy as the USA and that our infant mortality rate is lower than yours, as is that of many other countries, mostly with "socialised" or "fair" as we like to call it, medicine? |
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Keep calm and carry on
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 08:29 AM
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Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 7329
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| greenchick wrote: | | Stephanie wrote: | | rdb wrote: |
That too has been my experience. They don't care, except that you pay their bills. All driven by the profit motive.
I'm fighting to get that changed. We need a system that takes care of EVERYONE, irregardless of their financial situation. |
Yes, but I don't happen to think that fully socialized medicine is the right way.
Socalized medicine doesn't work "right" in countries where it exists now. What will make that different here in the USA? |
You do realise that Cuba has the same life expectancy as the USA and that our infant mortality rate is lower than yours, as is that of many other countries, mostly with "socialised" or "fair" as we like to call it, medicine? |
Sue, I've got a friend in the UK, who has both arthritis and ITP. She has been on Enbrel for the arthritis, and it helps, but it has as a side effect a worsening of the ITP. This could be fatal. She would like to use Rituxan, but the health care system won't allow it, since Enbrel is "working", and much, much cheaper. I absolutely guarantee that here, she would be receiving Rituxan, and it would be paid for. So, how is your system better? It's not fair if you can be denied the appropriate meds by the government because of cost only. |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 05:04 PM
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Joined: Apr 14, 2004
Posts: 10739
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I'm not saying our system is perfect and there is, unfortunately, some rationing which is deplorable when we seem to be able to find the money for military adventures overseas. I can't comment on your friend's case but I do know that bottom line, if you lose your job, you don't have to worry about getting treatment for an injury or a sickness. I know there are some aspects of US healthcare that are some of the best (I think France has the internationally recognised best overall system) but I would hate to live in a country where I knew my fellow citizens lived in fear of getting ill because they couldn't afford it which seems to be the case with some people on this board.
My father has had an aneurysm removed and a quadruple heart bypass on the NHS and he's on a pension. |
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Keep calm and carry on
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Johnny_Turbo |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 05:10 PM
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Member
Joined: Jan 14, 2003
Posts: 7570
Location: Chillville, PA
Status: Offline
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| greenchick wrote: | | my fellow citizens lived in fear |
Everybody lives in fear. An overwhelming fear that controls us to the point where we can no longer get out of bed in the morning. Such a great amount of fear that with every breath we take, we just know we've ingested a lethal germ. Our govt. needs to take care of us. I can't do it myself. There's a lot of blame to go around, so let's start finger-pointing ASAP!
Every time I don't feel safe, someone else should have to pay a price. I wish I could get to the point where I could convince people I'm afaid and not safe and they would have to pay me trillions of dollars. |
_________________
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
~T-Jeff
Last edited by Johnny_Turbo on Jun 29, 2009 - 05:27 PM; edited 1 time in total
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rdb |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 05:17 PM
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Member
Joined: Oct 13, 2005
Posts: 1339
Location: Lakeland Florida
Status: Offline
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Greenchick, you've hit the nail on the head for a great many Americans.
Their SURVIVAL depends on not getting sick. Others are reduced to poverty and even begging because they got ill, while their better-off neighbors sneer at them because they don't have insurance and can't afford it.
A good book is "Nickled and Dimed: On NOT Getting by in America"
The system here is cruel and heartless towards those who have a hard time, while supportive of those who have money.
(There is something seriously wrong with a system where most of the citizens are only two or three paychecks away from being homeless at all times.) |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 05:25 PM
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Member
Joined: Jan 14, 2003
Posts: 7570
Location: Chillville, PA
Status: Offline
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| There should be some compensation to those who never use the system. There's no govt. reward for healthy living. There's no fed govt. reward for being green either. If you're gonna penalize people for being fat, or having a carbon footprint, it makes sense to reward those who follow orders, like The Third Reich. |
_________________
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
~T-Jeff
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rdb |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 05:39 PM
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Joined: Oct 13, 2005
Posts: 1339
Location: Lakeland Florida
Status: Offline
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JT- is obesity a SYMPTOM or a CAUSE???
If you say cause- you're blaming the victim.
If you say SYMPTOM, you've at least read some of the research.
Medically caused obesity is far more prevalent than the average citizen would think. Based upon my own observations, most morbidly obese people eat far less than skinny people- and are as active as they can stand to be. Fat is not synonymous with lazy or gluttonous. It IS synonymous with bad health- and I would argue that bad health STARTED the obesity.
Indeed, I'm starting to be of the opinion that overeating only causes one to be a little overweight- and people who are really obese have some underlying medical condition that hasn't been diagnosed, much less treated.
Let's put it this way- when I was finally diagnosed with FMS, the doctor told me that if the medicines worked, I would loose weight.
I went from a TIGHT size 56 pants to size 44, and lost over a hundred pounds. The medicines, by the way- only help a little. I'd bet if they'd come up with something that took care of 100% of the symptoms I have, and that cured the source of the problem- my weight would drop to what would be considered normal. (I'd also love to experience some pain-free days- and the idea of a *mostly* pain-free life would be like heaven to me!!!)
People sometimes still try to tell me "If you'd loose the weight, you'd feel better!" - which gets them a lecture about medically caused obesity if I'm in a good mood- and foul language and being told they are blindly prejudiced and IGNORANT if I'm not.
I will also add that poor diet (a low-cost diet) is also associated with obesity. In this case- if you jump on the person for being fat, you're also punishing them for being poor. |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 06:01 PM
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Joined: Apr 14, 2004
Posts: 10739
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| Have to disagree with you there, Bob! I think there are definitely some conditions that cause weight gain and for some people food is an addiction like any other, but most people who are significantly overweight eat too much of the wrong things and don't do enough exercise. Some people have slower metabolisms, but if you take in less than you expend, you will lose weight... |
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Keep calm and carry on
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 06:05 PM
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Member
Joined: Feb 12, 2005
Posts: 12279
Location: I destroy my enemy when I make him my friend.--Abraham Lincoln
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| greenchick wrote: | | Have to disagree with you there, Bob! I think there are definitely some conditions that cause weight gain and for some people food is an addiction like any other, but most people who are significantly overweight eat too much of the wrong things and don't do enough exercise. Some people have slower metabolisms, but if you take in less than you expend, you will lose weight... |
I only have half of a thyroid, so it is very hard for me to loose weight. I have been loosing, but very, very slowly. The kind of diet that would help me best is somewhat expensive, so I have had to compromise. Also, stress can interfere with digestion, causing the body not to absorb the nutrients properly. |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 06:18 PM
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Member
Joined: Jan 14, 2003
Posts: 7570
Location: Chillville, PA
Status: Offline
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| greenchick wrote: | | Have to disagree with you there, Bob! I think there are definitely some conditions that cause weight gain and for some people food is an addiction like any other, but most people who are significantly overweight eat too much of the wrong things and don't do enough exercise. Some people have slower metabolisms, but if you take in less than you expend, you will lose weight... |
Everything is an addiction. Breathing is an addiction and people should receive free medical care for it. Drinking water is an addiction and the govt. should give us money to go to the doctor. The more people we can have to become dependant on the govt., the better. The world needs more pills.
I have an addiction to sleep. Every night about 11:00, I get tired and fall into a coma for about 7 hours. Sometimes 8 or 9 hours. I worry that some day, I won't wake up and I need treatment for it. The govt. needs to give me money. |
_________________
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
~T-Jeff
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 06:51 PM
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Member
Joined: Oct 24, 2002
Posts: 12361
Location: CA
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HMMMM...I know this...I have tipped the scales at 100 lbs or less most of my life, at 5'5"...that was always a little light. When the IBS and CFIDS starting getting really bad...I experienced malabsorption and still contend with it.
This leads to thyroid problems and the inability to lose whatever toxic fat deposits accrue. In the last 3 years, post stroke, I have gained a third of my body weight and I hardly eat the equivalent of ONE American standard daily meal. I look at myself and see the fat that has come from being unable to DO all the activity I once took for granted or eat the foods I once enjoyed. Fat and toxins (cellulite) do have a Health basis...it isn't all from overeating or lack of exercise only..... some even come from the steroids the Drs. prescribe....I know, because I'm living it... |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 07:27 PM
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Member
Joined: Apr 14, 2004
Posts: 10739
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| SMB wrote: | | greenchick wrote: | | Have to disagree with you there, Bob! I think there are definitely some conditions that cause weight gain and for some people food is an addiction like any other, but most people who are significantly overweight eat too much of the wrong things and don't do enough exercise. Some people have slower metabolisms, but if you take in less than you expend, you will lose weight... |
I only have half of a thyroid, so it is very hard for me to loose weight. I have been loosing, but very, very slowly. The kind of diet that would help me best is somewhat expensive, so I have had to compromise. Also, stress can interfere with digestion, causing the body not to absorb the nutrients properly. |
That's why I said that some people have medical conditions that prevent them from maintaining a healthy weight. Others are just plain greedy! |
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Keep calm and carry on
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 07:37 PM
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Member
Joined: Nov 08, 2002
Posts: 15126
Location: New York
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I would like to thank all of you for your candid comments...
In this thread I have actually learned things about not only the States but Canada our Neighbor up North, the UK and the Land Down Under..... I have learned about the Poor, The Newly Poor and those who fear that they will be Poor in the near Future...
Healthcare, Income, loss of Income.... worry for Ourselves and/or our Loved Ones... Those who just squeek by and those who revert to dining on Pet Food....
Again....Thank You All...
Dan |
Last edited by windslipper on Jun 30, 2009 - 08:31 PM; edited 2 times in total
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Johnny_Turbo |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 07:46 PM
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Member
Joined: Jan 14, 2003
Posts: 7570
Location: Chillville, PA
Status: Offline
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| rdb wrote: | JT- is obesity a SYMPTOM or a CAUSE???
If you say cause- you're blaming the victim.
If you say SYMPTOM, you've at least read some of the research.
Medically caused obesity is far more prevalent than the average citizen would think. Based upon my own observations, most morbidly obese people eat far less than skinny people- and are as active as they can stand to be. Fat is not synonymous with lazy or gluttonous. It IS synonymous with bad health- and I would argue that bad health STARTED the obesity.
Indeed, I'm starting to be of the opinion that overeating only causes one to be a little overweight- and people who are really obese have some underlying medical condition that hasn't been diagnosed, much less treated.
Let's put it this way- when I was finally diagnosed with FMS, the doctor told me that if the medicines worked, I would loose weight.
I went from a TIGHT size 56 pants to size 44, and lost over a hundred pounds. The medicines, by the way- only help a little. I'd bet if they'd come up with something that took care of 100% of the symptoms I have, and that cured the source of the problem- my weight would drop to what would be considered normal. (I'd also love to experience some pain-free days- and the idea of a *mostly* pain-free life would be like heaven to me!!!)
People sometimes still try to tell me "If you'd loose the weight, you'd feel better!" - which gets them a lecture about medically caused obesity if I'm in a good mood- and foul language and being told they are blindly prejudiced and IGNORANT if I'm not.
I will also add that poor diet (a low-cost diet) is also associated with obesity. In this case- if you jump on the person for being fat, you're also punishing them for being poor. |
I think obesity is a fact of life. We're all different and people who are overweight shouldn't be punished by a healthcare system that knocks them for being who they are.
Fat people can lead long, healthy lives. A skinny person can be very unhealthy. I see a healthcare system that's trying to push an agenda and penalize overweight people and at the same time, it fails to reward those who abide by their Third Reich mentality.
The more the govt. creeps into our lives, the more they screw things up for all of us. Less govt, less taxes will lead us to prosperity. More govt., more taxes lead us to debt and mis-management of funds. |
_________________
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
~T-Jeff
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