Entry bubble Health Care Reform

By: Joanne | June 16, 2009 | Category: Health

Two doctors standing together, holding a clip board

The topic of health care reform is everywhere. It’s on the TV, the radio and the conversation is even happening in your living room. We’re in for some big changes…maybe.

Personally, I think it’s a good idea to look for ways to improve the system. This weekend I was talking about health care reform with an older man that I know. Before he was old enough for Medicare coverage, he didn’t have any health insurance. Because he had no health insurance, he lived in terrible pain every day because he needed knee replacement surgery, but couldn’t afford the price tag: $30,000 per knee. When he turned 65 he had the surgery and now he’s a new man – mobile, productive, pain free. So he’s one person, but don’t we all know someone who has suffered either physically or financially?

I’m lucky because my employer helps with heath insurance costs. I still pay a lot for health insurance each month, but I’ve got it good compared to so many people in this country.

Here’s my biggest concern about health care reform – I’m afraid that the voices of the people won’t be heard - so speak up. If you think we need health care reform in our country, let the President know. Share your story and ideas for improving our health care system with the Department of Health and Human Services and also contact your representatives in congress and tell them how they can reform the health care system to better serve you.

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Entry bubble Winter Colds and Flu

By: Joanne | November 18, 2008 | Category: Health

a mid adult man sneezing into tissue

My nose is running, my ears are clogged and I’m coughing. Ah yes, the beginning of another cold and flu season is upon us. Every other week my daughter brings home a new and exciting virus from the germ factory (that’s how I like to refer to the elementary school at this time of year). Bailey brings home the cold and is sick for a few days, then her little sister picks it up and she’s sick for a few days and it seems like my husband and I are constantly battling a virus. Sometimes we get it and sometimes we don’t. Does this sound like your house? I suppose we’re not alone.

It's important to know the difference between colds and flu and try to prevent colds and flu by following the advice of the experts. I eat really well, exercise, drink plenty of fluids and even take a multi-vitamin regularly, just to be sure I’m getting the nutrients I need. I try to get enough rest, but with a full time job and two little kids, sometimes I have trouble getting the rest I need. I’m even an almost compulsive hand washer, and still, I get sick.

So what do I do? I stay warm, I drink plenty of fluids. I especially like nice, warm cups of tea. Green tea, white tea, red tea, herbal teas with honey and lemon are soothing and I drink tea all day long. Our old family remedy for, well anything, was whiskey with honey and lemon, but I don’t find that to be a very good prescription on a work day. I’ll stick with my tea and hope that one of you has a comforting cold remedy for me to try.

| View Comments [6] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: cold   flu   health   illness   joanne   virus