Let's propose something thought-provoking with regards to the "Affordable Healthcare Act" for just a moment!
To begin with, this is not a simple "for" or "against" universal healthcare blog, rather it is regarding the "concepts" of what it might mean to have real healthcare coverage.
Please understand, that if there hypothetically were aliens in space watching humanity, and how we "care" for each other, well..............there would be some frowns. We need a system that ensures better "care" for everyone. Everyone needs to take part in a system that in turn "helps everyone." The great part is that our society is actually at a point where we are at least attempting true "altruism." And this is of course, is a huge leap forward socially speaking. It may not be perfect, however it is a start.
Now, in terms of my focus. Does the proposed plan really affect "healthcare" and thereby the "health" of our American society? We are all faced with having to gain "Health Insurance" whether we really want it or not, this will help to defer the costs among the larger whole of "covered" persons............lower costs, and some potential governmental credits = lower healthcare premiums, right? Yes, this can potentially mean lower Healthcare Premiums, but does that necessarily mean Better or lower Healthcare costs? Therefore, does Healthcare Insurance really necessarily equate to better health? Now, although I believe it a good idea to have insurance particularly for the potential catastrophic situation, we must realize that Health insurance is really "Sickness and Disease Insurance." Although we are finding more plans that will cover more of what they consider to be "preventative" services, lets face it, you can't just go asking for most healthcare services, such as Bone Scan, MRI, etc. without having first been diagnosed with a condition. Basically, you already have to have a problem in most cases to then be able to treat the "condition." Therefore, most people only go to their Medical Provider when something is already wrong, and this is usually delt with by masking the symptoms ( not necessarily the problem itself) with some sort of Medication. Most people end up at their Medical provider between once and 4 times each year. This is the type of care we are attempting to "make more affordable." Is this really "Healthcare" though? Does this make one more healthy or decrease their risk of further debilitating disorders or even death itself. Interesting that the Cochrane Collaboration (www.cochrane.org) data shows that wellness visits to Medical Providers had almost no effect on the early detection and treatment of most illness nor a reduction in the mortality risk of patients. Now, this doesn't mean that Medical care isn't necessary, however perhaps the "type of care" and "frequency" of visits could be real indicators.
What about further considering the visit frequency to certain providers? First of all, which type pf provider? A Triage and sickness specialist? Or a Correction and wellness specialist? How many people could have avoided that spinal fusion surgery or organ transplant, etc. that was the result of cumulative effects over time? What if a Wellness Specialist were to see a patient potentially 10 times a year, what if more? Would one not agree that with more constant supervision, comes the greater chance of earlier detection and treatment? What if that wellness specialist were actually rendering smaller treatments and tweaks to a patients health along the way? Would those large problems they were to potentially face not now mitigated and potentially kept from getting bigger at all due to more constant small treatment and supervision?
The current way most Americans handle their health is much like getting the oil change on their care only once a year or when it starts to scream and shudder. What if you had a auto protection policy that covered unlimited maintenance, how often would we each take our car in? Some, may try every week, some monthly, some, it would make no difference to because they're going to wait for it to scream catastrophe anyway. Could we argue that the person taking their car in more frequently for check ups and/ or small tweaks is more likely to have their care run better (healthier) and likely last longer with fewer great issues? I think common sense says yes. Therefore, I would infer that our healthcare for our bodies is much like this automobile example. With that, the problem isn't so much making the current model "more affordable," but rather making a model that actually is preventative and effective, more "affordable."
What is more important, making insurance premiums that only allow for the same periodic "sick" care model more affordable, or facilitating a maintenance model for prevention as well as earlier detection more affordable? Again, if we compare this to our automobile model, it may look something like this:
(Example for "non-catastrophic" model of general use and maintenance)
Automobile Insurance Plan Choice 1 Automobile Insurance Plan Choice 2
Deductible: $500 Deductible: None
Co Payments per visit: $20 Co Payments per visit: None
Monthly Premiums: $400 Monthly Premiums: None
*$600 per month without Governmental assistance
Visit Limit: 10 per year Visit Limit: 50 (or unlimited)
Total Personal Annual Expense using all visits available:
$5,500 Annual Flat Rate: $4,000
In the above example we would generally find that those "car enthusiasts" would be more likely to take real advantage of a perpetual maintenance program for the car(s) they love, whereas some who don't particularly think much about their car, wouldn't take much thought of this. What about those in the middle though? Those that didn't understand or perhaps didn't know maintenance programs were important much less available and how to understand their use? Well, education is the key, as with all things. No one, can use a tool they have never encountered or been taught how to use!
At first this seems unrealistic, however do plans like this exist? ABSOLUTELY!!! One only need know what to look for and where to look.
Our cars are important and I would propose that if enough people knew of plans like the ones above, then at the right price to have enough access to car maintenance, more people would certainly take advantage of them. This is the very same with our health. We tend to take advantage of the fact we think we are healthy and don't do much until something is obviously wrong. Kind of like waiting so long you need new tires rather than taking care of them the entire time. Well, we can't get New bodies, nor can we ever repair them, once damaged heavily enough, to the former 100 % functional status.
After all of my analogy to cars here, there seems to be one thing clear with current healthcare reform. The current proposals are reform of pricing of the current sickness model only. Yes, this can make this type of care more affordable to those without even this, I get it, and yes, this is an important "aspect" of healthcare. However, what about affordable continual access to providers for less than catastrophic care and/ or maintenance?
I would propose the thought of a system of "Affordable" premiums, yes, but also affordable ongoing direct provider access and thereby improved maintenance.
This subject has the potential for great depth and breadth. This particular blog is designed not for that, however to stimulate "thought" on the matter. As well, to stimulate the reader to engage the idea that there are systems out there that actually function much like the proposed examples. That there are systems of maintenance that can often cost less than your health care premiums alone. As always, we welcome your input and questions, and hope that you find this subject thought-provoking and informative.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Fevers: Healthy or Dangerous?
It's that time of year where the FLU and other illnesses are fresh on our minds. This blog will briefly help you to consider what might be a "healthy" vs. "dangerous" fever. Obviously if you are ever uncertain and concerned especially with regard to your child, then you should always err on the side of safety and consult your healthcare provider as to the condition you or your child are suffering from as various causes exist for fever.
This post is due to the fact that I often find many of my parent patients being wary of any fever whatsoever and generally immediately suppressing fever at its earliest onset in both their children and themselves. Understandably as parents we want to protect our children from all harm, however is this what we are really doing by knee-jerk response with medications to reduce fever? I always work to explain "what" fever really is to parents so that they more appropriately know how to respond.
Although "fever" (body temperature over roughly 100 deg F, whereas "normal" is 98.6 deg F) can exist for many reasons, with regards to "illness", fever is a normal response to help the body's immune system to properly cope with an infection in order to "heal." Generally fevers do not get above 102 deg F and last for only a day or two. In these circumstances you must ask yourself if it isn't wiser to "let the temperature go" and allow the body to due its proper course of healing because when the fever is suppressed, all to often the healing response also is suppressed. Therefore, although your child may "feel" better, the body has yet to properly deal with the infection and this often can lead to a "recurring" illness in an individual who has never gone the full course necessary to heal the infection. Under these circumstances, this individual seems to always be sick in a recurrent fashion.
This Blog is designed merely to get you thinking as a parent as well as for yourself regarding fever. Obviously there are many reasons for fever, however it could be argued that the "usual" fever is a very healthy and necessary response by your body in order to "completely" heal itself. Again, if ever in question, then ask your health care provider to help you make the best decision considering your particular circumstances. Otherwise, give strong consideration to the potential over use of symptom relievers that may not only be unnecessary, but also have long term detrimental effects.
We always make ourselves available for questions on any subject matter. We hope that you find this thought-stimulating and useful!
This post is due to the fact that I often find many of my parent patients being wary of any fever whatsoever and generally immediately suppressing fever at its earliest onset in both their children and themselves. Understandably as parents we want to protect our children from all harm, however is this what we are really doing by knee-jerk response with medications to reduce fever? I always work to explain "what" fever really is to parents so that they more appropriately know how to respond.
Although "fever" (body temperature over roughly 100 deg F, whereas "normal" is 98.6 deg F) can exist for many reasons, with regards to "illness", fever is a normal response to help the body's immune system to properly cope with an infection in order to "heal." Generally fevers do not get above 102 deg F and last for only a day or two. In these circumstances you must ask yourself if it isn't wiser to "let the temperature go" and allow the body to due its proper course of healing because when the fever is suppressed, all to often the healing response also is suppressed. Therefore, although your child may "feel" better, the body has yet to properly deal with the infection and this often can lead to a "recurring" illness in an individual who has never gone the full course necessary to heal the infection. Under these circumstances, this individual seems to always be sick in a recurrent fashion.
This Blog is designed merely to get you thinking as a parent as well as for yourself regarding fever. Obviously there are many reasons for fever, however it could be argued that the "usual" fever is a very healthy and necessary response by your body in order to "completely" heal itself. Again, if ever in question, then ask your health care provider to help you make the best decision considering your particular circumstances. Otherwise, give strong consideration to the potential over use of symptom relievers that may not only be unnecessary, but also have long term detrimental effects.
We always make ourselves available for questions on any subject matter. We hope that you find this thought-stimulating and useful!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Obesity
Obese vs. "Normal" individual
Obesity is a grave problem in our American society. Note that it isn't just a "problem" on the outside appearance, it is also a tremendous problem on the "inside." This is a large topic that we could spend a lot of time on, however please note the amount of "fat" surrounding the internal organs and heart. Think that could contribute to high blood pressure, lack of breath, and poor digestion? And that is just the mechanical force of this fat on the organs, not to mention the "bio- chemical" problems involved such as Diabetes.
Although these images make it very obvious that there is a problem here. It may be easier to think of individuals (or yourself for that matter) as either in balance (Homeostasis) or not!
Although these images make it very obvious that there is a problem here. It may be easier to think of individuals (or yourself for that matter) as either in balance (Homeostasis) or not!
Balance = Healthy Imbalanced = Unhealthy
Chiropractic, Nutrition, Acupuncture, etc are all healing arts that focus in bringing the body into greater "balance" so that it can function and heal as it is supposed to. For that matter, even your typical Medical "symptom" care is afforded better results the closer the individual is towards balance. Unfortunately many of us wait and wait..................and wait on our problems until we are so out of balance with our body, that we then require a large degree of treatment just to get us a small percentage better.
How does Chiropractic fit into obesity? Well, consider that Chiropractors are the second largest leading health profession in the world behind "Medicine, " and that our primary focus in on prevention and maintenance of your health and well-being "before" you get sick. As well, we are focused on "correcting" the imbalances in your body that got you ill or in pain in the first place, rather than simply covering up your symptoms. Chiropractors are all trained in Nutrition as a part of their schooling (Chiropractic Hours = 120 Hours + ; Medical hours = 0).
If you are able to walk into our offices, then there is more "right" with you than "wrong" with you and you are capable of healing to some degree. A part of the Chiropractic Treatment regimen is often to modify your diet for optimal balanced function of your body. Chiropractors generally look at your body from the perspective of "4 Essentials" ( as in 4 essentials to life).
1. Proper Nervous system function 2. Food 3. Water 4. Air........................take any 1 away and you die, diminish one or more and you are out of balance and therefore not in a place of optimal health.
Do you really want to wait so long that those imbalances require drugs, surgery, or other severe interventions that could have been easily avoided?
Yours in health, wellness, and "balance",
How does Chiropractic fit into obesity? Well, consider that Chiropractors are the second largest leading health profession in the world behind "Medicine, " and that our primary focus in on prevention and maintenance of your health and well-being "before" you get sick. As well, we are focused on "correcting" the imbalances in your body that got you ill or in pain in the first place, rather than simply covering up your symptoms. Chiropractors are all trained in Nutrition as a part of their schooling (Chiropractic Hours = 120 Hours + ; Medical hours = 0).
If you are able to walk into our offices, then there is more "right" with you than "wrong" with you and you are capable of healing to some degree. A part of the Chiropractic Treatment regimen is often to modify your diet for optimal balanced function of your body. Chiropractors generally look at your body from the perspective of "4 Essentials" ( as in 4 essentials to life).
1. Proper Nervous system function 2. Food 3. Water 4. Air........................take any 1 away and you die, diminish one or more and you are out of balance and therefore not in a place of optimal health.
Do you really want to wait so long that those imbalances require drugs, surgery, or other severe interventions that could have been easily avoided?
Yours in health, wellness, and "balance",
Monday, April 9, 2012
Does Auto Insurance Cover Chiropractic?
This is a question we hear often. The simple answer is "yes." If you are involved in an auto accident, you should always make certain that you are evaluated by the healthcare provider of your choice so as to avoid any future pit-falls of not doing so at or near the time of injury. This is due to the fact that many injuries can be non-symptomatic for a few months to a few years depending upon the dynamic of the accident.
All states and Insurance companies recognize this fact and that is why you have a "statute of limitations" ( often 3 years) as to "how long" you have to submit a claim related to a particular auto accident.
Along with your standard Medical coverage, Chiropractic is also covered under your same plan. Therefore, depending upon your accident, make sure both providers evaluate you thoroughly........your Medical provider for immediate fractures, live-threatening injuries, etc. and your Chiropractor for the rest so that you have the best chance at your body healing itself as quickly as possible.
Remember, Healthcare is a TEAM approach and your being "healthy" is not always measured best by your "symptoms," especially following auto accidents, even "fender benders."
Basically, make sure to take care of yourself early, and not wait for problems to come knocking. The best healthcare providers will always offer free, no obligation consultations to determine if what they offer is appropriate for your particular needs. This is why we have always offered FREE consultations to those seeking appropriate healthcare for themselves and their family.
We have been treating auto accident victims for nearly 11 years now and make ourselves available for your questions.
More detailed questions, just give us a call.
Health and Blessings!
All states and Insurance companies recognize this fact and that is why you have a "statute of limitations" ( often 3 years) as to "how long" you have to submit a claim related to a particular auto accident.
Along with your standard Medical coverage, Chiropractic is also covered under your same plan. Therefore, depending upon your accident, make sure both providers evaluate you thoroughly........your Medical provider for immediate fractures, live-threatening injuries, etc. and your Chiropractor for the rest so that you have the best chance at your body healing itself as quickly as possible.
Remember, Healthcare is a TEAM approach and your being "healthy" is not always measured best by your "symptoms," especially following auto accidents, even "fender benders."
Basically, make sure to take care of yourself early, and not wait for problems to come knocking. The best healthcare providers will always offer free, no obligation consultations to determine if what they offer is appropriate for your particular needs. This is why we have always offered FREE consultations to those seeking appropriate healthcare for themselves and their family.
We have been treating auto accident victims for nearly 11 years now and make ourselves available for your questions.
More detailed questions, just give us a call.
Health and Blessings!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Keep Healthcare a CHOICE!
It's that time of year again. Be prepared to hear the push for your annual FLU Vaccine. This particular Blog isn't about really whether you agree with them or not. This is strictly about choice.
I am concerned as a parent as well as a professional in healthcare that there are so many attempts lately to DISCOURAGE freedom of choice. California is/ has proposed vaccinating children as young as 12 with ALL current and future vaccinations WITHOUT NOTIFYING PARENTS. That's right, it would be legal for school officials to forcefully vaccinate your children AGAINST THE CHILDS WILL and WITHOUT INFORMING THE PARENTS. There will be no choice in this matter, as well as no culpability for ANYONE INVOLVED if there are any reactions!
Again, This isn't even about whether to do or not to do, however with such a heated topic of varying opinions, in this great country, shouldn't this along with many other decisions be just that............an informed decision. You see, more folks are "choosing" to not have these procedures performed, not merely not having them done out of apathy.
What is the condition of our social structure when I can be thrown in jail for not succumbing to something I choose not to do. Something that has no ill-effect on any other human being in a hurtful or deleterious manner by my personal decision and action? That as a parent, they won't even have to place you in jail for the night for your decision, but rather take that option away from you altogether. The government of California is quelling the opposition by stating "they" are footing the bill, and not the parents. Well, how do you think that is happening. They take your child, force a medical procedure on them that you may not agree with, nor have any responsibility financially for if something goes wrong ( that will be the parents responsibility), and the local government will pay for it alright...................with your tax dollars! Problem is that there are too many to profit handsomely from this type of arrangement. They can sell their product, have everyone forced to use, and have complete immunity from any potential lawsuits from use of that product. What other industry could brag of such a racket and monopoly?
The point is that this IS REALLY HAPPENING as this blog is being written. I would encourage everyone to educate themselves, and make their own choices...............and unfortunately now have to stand up and fight just to keep that choice alive.
Please take part in arming yourself with knowledge and freedom that make this country great.
A couple good starting resources are:
www.nvic.org (Public Awaress and legal group)
www.mercola.com ( Dr Mercola, DO)
www.drtenpenny.com (Dr Tenpenny, DO)
http://www.whale.to/vaccine/quotes20.html ( Dr Robert Mendelsohn, MD -Pediatrician)
**************these are MEDICAL and legal resources, because unfortunately although you as a patient may not know it, many of your healthcare providers don't agree with these procedures either. They don't have them done to themselves or their children, however their "contracts" with various hospitals state that they will at least "endorse" these procedures to the public and perform them as a part of their employment obligation!!
Very true, you may be surprised if you ask around a bit over a "comfortable" setting than in their offices.
This BLOG was written in the spirit of keeping our FREEDOM OF CHOICE ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!
I am concerned as a parent as well as a professional in healthcare that there are so many attempts lately to DISCOURAGE freedom of choice. California is/ has proposed vaccinating children as young as 12 with ALL current and future vaccinations WITHOUT NOTIFYING PARENTS. That's right, it would be legal for school officials to forcefully vaccinate your children AGAINST THE CHILDS WILL and WITHOUT INFORMING THE PARENTS. There will be no choice in this matter, as well as no culpability for ANYONE INVOLVED if there are any reactions!
Again, This isn't even about whether to do or not to do, however with such a heated topic of varying opinions, in this great country, shouldn't this along with many other decisions be just that............an informed decision. You see, more folks are "choosing" to not have these procedures performed, not merely not having them done out of apathy.
What is the condition of our social structure when I can be thrown in jail for not succumbing to something I choose not to do. Something that has no ill-effect on any other human being in a hurtful or deleterious manner by my personal decision and action? That as a parent, they won't even have to place you in jail for the night for your decision, but rather take that option away from you altogether. The government of California is quelling the opposition by stating "they" are footing the bill, and not the parents. Well, how do you think that is happening. They take your child, force a medical procedure on them that you may not agree with, nor have any responsibility financially for if something goes wrong ( that will be the parents responsibility), and the local government will pay for it alright...................with your tax dollars! Problem is that there are too many to profit handsomely from this type of arrangement. They can sell their product, have everyone forced to use, and have complete immunity from any potential lawsuits from use of that product. What other industry could brag of such a racket and monopoly?
The point is that this IS REALLY HAPPENING as this blog is being written. I would encourage everyone to educate themselves, and make their own choices...............and unfortunately now have to stand up and fight just to keep that choice alive.
Please take part in arming yourself with knowledge and freedom that make this country great.
A couple good starting resources are:
www.nvic.org (Public Awaress and legal group)
www.mercola.com ( Dr Mercola, DO)
www.drtenpenny.com (Dr Tenpenny, DO)
http://www.whale.to/vaccine/quotes20.html ( Dr Robert Mendelsohn, MD -Pediatrician)
**************these are MEDICAL and legal resources, because unfortunately although you as a patient may not know it, many of your healthcare providers don't agree with these procedures either. They don't have them done to themselves or their children, however their "contracts" with various hospitals state that they will at least "endorse" these procedures to the public and perform them as a part of their employment obligation!!
Very true, you may be surprised if you ask around a bit over a "comfortable" setting than in their offices.
This BLOG was written in the spirit of keeping our FREEDOM OF CHOICE ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Ear Infections
With the onset of Spring, there are pollens in the air. With that, every health care practitioners office is filled with allergy sufferers................but have we thought about the Pediatric patient? We also tend to see a surgence in EAR INFECTIONS at this time as well.
I am reminded by this while having a conversation with by daughters Principal about her own child's ear infections. She asked about Chiro Care and Ear infections. As far as symptomatic care goes, often times ear infections represent some of the largest case load of a Chiropractor, but not many people are aware of that.
She was pleased to realize that ear infections are often treated by Chiropractors usually very easily and quickly. Moreover I explained that while I do often initially gently "adjust" a child in their upper cervical (neck) as required, that I often help the child most by actually "teaching" the parents techniques for aiding to relieve the causal factors in ear infections.
Usually 1 or 2 adjustments and the "ear infection" is gone, not miraculously, but rather by the child's own natural healing ability and making that possible through a gentle adjustment.
The parents are always taught helpful home remedies such as:
How to gently mobilize the external ear
How to gently help lymphatic drainage
Temporarily ( at least) removing aggrivating factors such as cow milk, wheat, potentially
gluten or other "sensitive" foods until the infection clears up.
Homeopathic use as appropriate., etc.
**Although we are familiar with Antibiotic Prescriptions for ear infections, they are actually very seldom necessary with the right action taken, even the AAPP recognizes this and says the same. When appropriate, yes we refer for this as any good Doctor will do for their patient, but agian, this is the smallest minority if a child is taken care of correctly and wholistically.
FOR more information on Chiropractic and Pediatric Care please to to
www.icpa4kids.com
There is also a link for more information on our links page at www.moorelifechiropractic.com
Have a Blessed Day!
I am reminded by this while having a conversation with by daughters Principal about her own child's ear infections. She asked about Chiro Care and Ear infections. As far as symptomatic care goes, often times ear infections represent some of the largest case load of a Chiropractor, but not many people are aware of that.
She was pleased to realize that ear infections are often treated by Chiropractors usually very easily and quickly. Moreover I explained that while I do often initially gently "adjust" a child in their upper cervical (neck) as required, that I often help the child most by actually "teaching" the parents techniques for aiding to relieve the causal factors in ear infections.
Usually 1 or 2 adjustments and the "ear infection" is gone, not miraculously, but rather by the child's own natural healing ability and making that possible through a gentle adjustment.
The parents are always taught helpful home remedies such as:
How to gently mobilize the external ear
How to gently help lymphatic drainage
Temporarily ( at least) removing aggrivating factors such as cow milk, wheat, potentially
gluten or other "sensitive" foods until the infection clears up.
Homeopathic use as appropriate., etc.
**Although we are familiar with Antibiotic Prescriptions for ear infections, they are actually very seldom necessary with the right action taken, even the AAPP recognizes this and says the same. When appropriate, yes we refer for this as any good Doctor will do for their patient, but agian, this is the smallest minority if a child is taken care of correctly and wholistically.
FOR more information on Chiropractic and Pediatric Care please to to
www.icpa4kids.com
There is also a link for more information on our links page at www.moorelifechiropractic.com
Have a Blessed Day!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
FOOD DRIVE
We will be finishing up our annual food drive this coming Friday November 19th. A little earlier than usual so that we can allow for Sister Carmen's to have more ample time for appropriate distribution of the food this Holiday season.
We will also be doing our annual Toy drive in December and welcome everyone to participate in that as well. Toys go to the same place for community distribution to those in need.
We are wishing you all a very happy, safe and blessed Holiday season this Year!
We will also be doing our annual Toy drive in December and welcome everyone to participate in that as well. Toys go to the same place for community distribution to those in need.
We are wishing you all a very happy, safe and blessed Holiday season this Year!
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