Public Comments | Health Commentary

Drug Stores sell beer

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:41:14 -0400

A drug is a drug is a drugOk. So, Pharmacies sell cigarettes. Beer and wine is sold at Pharmacies also. I see suit case after suitcase of beer in their sale flyers, but never cigarettes. Seems the drinkers of the world have all the freedom in the world. I say, Ban all of it, stop discriminating against smokers.

Stupid Laws

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:56:54 -0400

I agree with the author. We need more government oversight and regulation. I mean this is only America. Why should a business be allowed to sell something that is legal and people want. Where does it end? Should we ban autos because they kill people and maybe we should outlaw screwdrivers because they could be used to kill someone.? We have approximately 30 million illegal aliens in the United States that are destroying our economy and our way of life but is anything being done about that? Yet, people focus on something stupid like should a Pharmacy be allowed to sell a legal product. The people in San Francisco who enacted this stupid law should be voted out of office.

OBESE CHILDREN & HEALTH INS. COVERAGE

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:14:37 -0400

I THINK IT'S AWFUL HOW THERE ARE SO MANY OBESE CHILDREN THAT NEED HELP & THE HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. MY SON IS OVER WEIGHT. I FEED HIM GOOD FOOD & WATCH WHAT HE DRINKS. HE DRINKS MOSTLY WATER. WE WATCH SERVING SIZES TOO. HE IS IN SPORTS & I TAKE HIM TO THE PLAYGROUND ETC.... I TOOK HIM TO A DOCTOR & SPECIALIST WHO DID BLOOD WORK & THEY SAY HE IS FINE. HE IS NOT FINE! NO GYM WILL ALLOW ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 13 TO BE A MEMBER & HEALTH INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER OR OFFER ANY EXERCISE PROGRAMS OR CAMPS FOR THESE CHILDREN. AND THE WORLD WONDERS WHY PEOPLE GROW UP OVER WEIGHT. WHEN WE ASK FOR HELP WE SHOULD GET HELP & GUIDANCE! SOMETIMES YOU CAN EAT & DRINK WELL BUT NEED THE RIGHT EXERCISE & COACH TO HELP.

Tobacco sales in pharmacies

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:47:05 -0400

Yes! We should push for an end to tobacco sales in pharmacies and other health care sitesIt is a clear conflict of interest for pharmacies to sell tobacco. Let's push for it to end ASAP! The perception of pharmacies is that they are healthy places. Allowing them to sell tobacco products sends a message that smoking isn't so dangerous after all. In addition, think about the folks trying to quit, looking for the smoking cessation products, and coming across cigarettes. What vulnerable moment - what a sad commentary. Greed and more greed are driving some very poor decisions. Smoking kills, period. Seconhand smoke kills, period. Organizations selling health care services should not sell tobacco products.

Comment From Physician in Phoenix, AZ

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:10:13 -0400

Rich Doliner M.D., a physician from Phoenix, AZ had this to say in response to my piece on "Medical Bankrupcy":

Mike,

I often read your articles. They are very good. We have met in the past at an AACE Meeting (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists). I just completed my term on the Board this year.

I wanted to point out an error in your article. You state "Total cost for family coverage averages $12,680, up 5% from 2007 for insured employees. The employees now contribute 27% of that or $3,354."

The employees don't contribute 27%. They contribute 100%. That other 73% is paid by the employer with the money that the employee earns. It is the employee's money not the employer's. To describe it any other way gives a false impression and leads people to erroneous conclusions.

Best regards,

Rich

Thanks, Rich! This is a very interesting take, especially with all the debate over the past two weeks regarding Main Street and Wall Street, and who's bailing out who. It's an issue of fairness, isn't it? If you work for someone, and your hard work contributes to your firm or company or shop's success, your compensation (including health care insurance for many), has been paid for, as you suggest by your labor. Or at least that is many workers' understanding. In reality, of course, both the financial compensation, the quality of the benefits, and the overall security of the job itself has been progressively chipped away at over these past year, and for a sizable portion now, may abruptly cease to exist. As we look to resolve the immeadiate crisis, we need to examine the broader issue of work, security, productivity, and health as an aspiration to achieve full human potential for oneself and one's family. What are the modern roles and responsibilities of the individual, the family, the community, the government, the corporation, and non-profit organizations? What kind of Society do we want for the 21st century?

Mike

America's Health Care HAS FAILED

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:50:25 -0400

Situation more dire than acknowledgedI have been a medical writer for over 20 years, but unlike most pundits safely ensconced with viable health coverage, for most of that time I've been self-employed, constantly fighting to afford and find health care. So I know the health system both as an expert observer AND a patient.

I'm here to tell you the system isn't fail-ING, or about to fail, it HAS FAILED already. Besides the 47 million uninsured (most of whom are solid working and middle class citizens), the CDC estimates we have at least another 50 million UNDER-insured; e.g., a $5,000 "emergency" policy which won't really help them in any true emergency.

PLUS the people a newsmagazine pundit dismisses as covered--Medicare, Medicaid and the veterans (through the V.A.) are not really being cared for either. How many seniors, like my upstairs neighbor, have fallen into the donut hole and are fighting to pay their monthly drug costs? How many vets, like my husband, are waiting 6 weeks for tests they could have arranged in a week more or less, if they had private insurance--assuming the VA will even provide the test (or surgery or whatever) that they need?

The nurses start quitting 10 years ago. The doctors started quitting 5 years ago. Less than 2% of med students are going into areas we need them, like primary care. I was at the White House Conference on Aging in 2005 when we had 9,000 geriatricians for 35 million seniors--and we found out that Congress had cut EVERY NICKEL from the 2006 budget for geriatric training. In 18 months we had only 7,000 geriatricians for 37 million seniors (and that doesn't count other geriatric care needed, from dentists to physical therapists, to social workers.

The list continues, but I trust you get the picture. The system has already failed, but unlike bailing out Wall Street (which we can find funds for almost immediately) we still aren't willing to acknowledge the truly desperate state of U.S. health care and fund its repair.

The financial crisis and medical bankruptcy

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:39:57 -0400

I know many people are trying to use the scare tactic on health insurance but I really don't want government telling me what dr. I can see and when I need taken care of. They can't even take care of the business at hand.

I think

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:48:01 -0400

Yap, I think so, too.
You are right.

スカルプD

It should not simply be a parent's choice

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:48:16 -0400

to M. Chapman.

I disagree that it should simply be a parent's choice. You have to consider the health of those too young to receive vaccines and those who have true contraindications. If you choose to not have your child vaccinated then in no way would I want your child anywhere near mine. I do not want them at school, at the playground, or even at the mall where they could possible infect my child with a deadly disease.

The fact is that there is ample evidence concerning the safety of vaccines. It is unfortunate that certain celebrities have used their fame and power in the media to scare parents aware from the most successful medical advance in history. Unfortunately, the media always liking a controversy has done their share of harm as well by propagating these myths.

The Risk/Benefit ratio is too high for fluoride

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:54:29 -0400

The Risk/Benefit ratio is too high for fluorideIf you do your research you will find some alarming problems associated with fluoridated water. Children are being overdosed and Harvard University has shown an increase in Osteosarcoma in young children. There are many other problems see http://www.FluorideAlert.org
Fluoride in toothpaste is fine for adults who do not swallow it, it is dangerous in children without a well developed swallowing reflex.
Sincerely
Noel Campbell
Visiting Professor
Hope Research Institute
Australia
noelc@smile.org.au

Why Not Both?

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:53:12 -0400

Hiding vegtables and eating them outrightIt is hard enough to get 5 servings let alone 9! My kids love vegies but they also love traditional meals. So while they have fruit with their waffles, (I make the waffels with pureed vegies and not just a 1/4 of a cup. I simply substitute any liqued with the puree. So vegies in the waffles, fruit and V8 gives me 3 servings. I do this for each meal and I easily incorporate 6 servings per day. Then the carrot sticks, and sweet peper sticks, and celery and fruit all add to it. Its a win win situation.

Trust Sources Without A Vested Financial Interest

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:18:06 -0400

American Academy of Dermatology is a better organization for your question

Chet-

As we've learned from this month's financial meltdown of Wall Street, trusting information that originates from those with a vested financial self interest places you at risk. Such is the case with the Tanning Industry's professional associations. A much more reliable source is the American Academy of Dermatology. They note a wealth of research linking skin cancer causally to UV rays; and also note that UVA rays (the kind emanating from tanning booths) are far more harmful then UVB rays occuring in natural sunlight. Using a higher risk UVA to protect one from lower risk UVB makes no more sense then using the booths for Vitamin D. Finally, measured use of tanning booths is problematic since they release endorphins and have been demonstrated to elicit in many an addictive response which supports overuse. Bottom line: This industry's professional associations are supported by industry member dues, which support public information campaigns designed to maintain and increase industry sales. That's the truth.

Mike

Question needs answering.

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:16:02 -0400

Need response to tanning bed association claim.

Dr. Magee, in your report you say, "The group’s trade journal doesn’t shy away from cancer either, echoing the tobacco industry’s arrogance of the 1960's with head-on attacks such as this: “Moderate tanning has never been linked to skin cancer. In fact, by helping people tan with a reduced incidence of sunburn, indoor tanning may reduce your risk of ever contracting skin cancer.”^12", You didn't address this comment. Is it true what they say?

Chet

natural fluoride

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:12:39 -0400

It would be nice if you could discuss why one would prefer natural fluoride products to the commercial ones out there. The Natural Dentist is one company that provides natural fluoride in their mouth rinse.

Don't Forget the Add-On's

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 11:08:23 -0400

To Salon Owner-

The figure $50 dollars was for the tanning session "plus add-on's". Up selling add-on's as you know is a key element of the business model.(http://ambafrance-do.org/beauty/41831.php)

And the "good feelings" that follow a session help fuel additional sales.

What are the add-on's that we see around the country? Here's a short list of the general categories that have been found in the company of Tanning Salons:

Beauty Aids

Muscle Builders

Weight Control

Stress Reduction

Supplementals and Vitamins

Nutrition Advice

Meditation

Depression Care

Alternative Health Care

Aerobics

Yoga

Positive Counselling

Spirtuality

Physiotherapy

Wealth Building

Truth is, tanning beds compromise physical and financial health for a growing number of vulnerable Americans.

Mike