The Road Less Traveled

More on Health Care Reform

2009-07-31T13:24:00.016-04:00

Here are a small collection of health care reform news and opinions in the media this week:

Paul Krugman explains that the government is already involved in our health care.

Republicans continue to resist any form of national health insurance.

Is national health insurance really so Un-American?

Yahoo Finance tells us what freedoms we will lose with single-payer health insurance.

The best solution is to move to a let-freedom-ring regime of high deductibles, no community rating, no standard benefits, and cross-state shopping for bargains... [Seriously?]

American Health Care Reform from a British perspective.

Ads...warn of the dangers of 'socialised medicine' - the most riveting of them carry warnings from Britain and Canada about the dire consequences which will follow if the United States copies their government-funded systems...You would almost get the impression that the streets of those countries are piled high with the unburied dead...

CNN wraps up health care reform in a nutshell. That's it, we're done. We've been educated.

The cost of Health Care Reform (not in $)

2009-07-08T13:09:00.003-04:00

There was an article in the NY Times today about what health industry groups are getting out of negotiations with the Obama administration. Wal-Mart supporting mandatory employer coverage? What are the costs of these deals?

This mess of a thing we call Health Care Reform

2009-07-03T10:55:00.011-04:00

I have been meaning, for some time, to write about the status of health care reform in the US. After all, this is a blog mostly centered on health care issues and I am a health advocate, how can I not comment on such an issue like health care reform? (Ah but come on, my thoughts on the Twilight series are so relevant to the state of the world). But, it has been a daunting task. Everyday something new comes out in the news and honestly, I am not even sure where some people/entities stand on the issue sometimes. This post is in no way, an end all and be all of health care reform. Rather, it is meant to be a gathering of news and updates on the status of health care and who is doing what. Maybe eventually, we can all figure this out (and maybe even have access to affordable health care too, but that may be asking too much).

As much as I would like to meet this subject with an air of neutrality, I find it near impossible. I’ve seen and heard too much to be impartial. It’s very hard for me to find sympathy for wealthy people and industry who have held the power over our health care system for too long. I am not deluded enough to believe that a national system would be perfect all around. But, I cannot see health care as anything other than a right for all people, not just those who can afford it.

Let’s take a look at who some of the major players are in health care reform and where they stand.

The Obama Administration:
Obama assured us all in his 2008 presidential campaign that he would fight for universal health care coverage and that a combination national/private health care plan would be the best route for the U.S. This sounded great to many of us, although those of us who have paid attention to previous health care reform attempts (IE. The Clintons’ attempt in the 90’s) realized this would be an uphill battle.

Now that he’s in office and attempting to take on this beast in his first year, we see a mess of cost issues, industry influence and anti-national health insurance propaganda. My concern is that, now in office, will Obama bow to the pressure and his campaign promise will not be accomplished? Will he have to compromise to make even smaller changes, working toward gradual reform? We voted you in with hope, Obama. Please don’t let us down.

Congressional Democrats:
Democrats are mostly pushing for a combination national/private health care program. Now they have to show us the costs of such a program and where we can save money.

Congressional Republicans:

Republicans are fighting against any form of government run plan, even in combination with private insurance. They fear that employers will drop private insurance and force people into the government plan.

American Medical Association (aka Doomsday to any attempts at national health care):
The AMA hates public programs that reimburse doctors at a lower rate than private plans. They have fought all attempts at public health care programs and would like to see Medicare eliminated, as well as charitable care reduced. They claim that individuals should ultimately be responsible for their own health care.

Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP):
Not all doctors belong to the AMA. Some doctors are for a national health care program, PHNP is an example. It’s not as large or powerful as the AMA, but it’s good to know there are MDs fighting for a national system too. This particular organization proposes an expanded version of Medicare for all Americans.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA):
The biggest reason that the pharmaceutical industry would oppose a national insurance program would be the ability of a single insurance entity to negotiate cheaper drug costs. We have seen this fear played out with Medicare, and it will no doubt affect the industry’s support of a national health plan. There is also a fear of stricter government regulation over the industry.

The industry is sensitive to negative publicity however, and has recently increased its charity provisions in a few ways. First, drug companies have agreed to offer discounts to people with a Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage during the infamous Donut Hole, when beneficiaries must cover the full cost of their drugs. Second, Pfizer just started a program providing drug assistance for the newly unemployed.

Now, these programs are all well and good, but wouldn’t they be irrelevant if people had affordable access to prescriptions on a regular basis? Wouldn’t that save the companies money?

The Insurance Industry:
This is a no-brainer. The creation of a national health insurance program would hurt the private insurance industry. Why would the industry then support a public program? But, come on, it’s obvious to see the current state of health care is not working. Even those with health insurance coverage are filing for bankruptcy.

WARNING: The following is a rant about the stupidity of some people.

We’ve been hearing the argument that a government-run national health insurance program would be too bureaucratic; telling people what doctors they could see and making them jump through hoops to get coverage. Really?!?!?!?! REALLY? This is about the most hypocritical argument I’ve ever heard. Are these people really trying to suggest that people don’t face any of this crap with private insurance? Because I bet that argument would be washed away simply by talking to people who have private insurance, and especially if they have any kind of chronic illness! Anyone who believes this is fully delusional.

Anyway, enough of the ranting. If you want to learn more about health care reform or just keep up with health reform news, check out the Kaiser Family Foundation website. They even have a side-by-side comparison of health care reform proposals.

Amendments to Summer Reading List

2009-07-02T10:00:00.010-04:00

My summer reading has begun and I have realized that a few changes to my initial list are in order.

I have already read both Twilight and Slaughterhouse Five. See my thoughts on Twilight below. Slaughterhouse Five was excellent and I highly recommend it to everyone. It's a great exploration of living in the moment and letting go of attachments, not to mention war.

Speaking of books about war, I happened to pick up the book, Johnny Got His Gun, from the bookstore recently. I was thinking I would just read it after my summer reading was through, but a friend wants to read it as well, so it has been moved up on my list. If you recall, I wrote a brief review about the 2008 film last fall. It was excellent and now I want to read the original work behind it.

I finished Twilight, and to my own chagrin, have become slightly obsessed with reading the series. I just finished the second book, New Moon, and am going back and forth about whether I should finish the series. When I read Twilight, the first book in the series, I told myself that it would be the only one I would read. That was, until I found myself at a bookstore, next book in hand. A young girl stared at me with big eyes from across the kiosk of Twilight books. "Are you reading the Twilight books?!?!?!". "I've only read the first, now I'm going to read the second one", I told her. She stared at me in disbelief. "I've read them all, three times! You should skip New Moon and read Breaking Dawn. It's the best one!" As she said this her mother rolled her eyes.

Here I am conflicted. It's great that kids are reading books, but I don't really like the message it sends to young girls. When reading the books myself, I am drawn into this overly dramatic, star-crossed love affair between Bella and Edward. But, when I'm not engrossed in the story, and think about the situation in a larger context, it really just sounds like an unhealthy teenage relationship. If I were Bella's parent or even friend, I certainly would be concerned about her being in an abusive relationship.

But even thinking all this, I will probably read the other books. I mean, you cannot just stop in the middle of the story. I have to know what happens in the end!

To make time for these additions (although I tend to finish the Twilight books rather quickly), I have decided to give up on The Baby Catcher. If I haven't finished it in 5 months, I need to be realistic and just let it go. Also, I may put off The Audacity of Hope until the fall. All other books on the list are still a go in my mind and I am looking forward to reading them.

My Sister's Keeper: From book to the screen (or how Hollywood has destroyed a great novel)

2009-06-26T13:41:00.021-04:00

Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper invoked ethical concerns about genetic and medical advances, and how they affect us on a personal level. Anna, a 13-year old who was engineered and born to be a perfect genetic match for her frail sister, Kate, decides to seek an attorney to become medically emancipated from her parents, who have subjected her to various medical procedures since birth. Of course, this sends shock waves through the family, especially her mother who is extremely devoted to Kate and to keeping her alive at all costs. The story draws questions about quality of life, living in the moment and undying devotion to those we love. It's clear that there is a lot of passion and loyalty within this family, but that it also causes a lot of heartache and fear.

On the most simple level, the transition of characters from the written page to the screen was awkward and compromising of some of the most endearing aspects of the story. Perhaps the biggest letdown in this regard was the depiction of attorney Campbell Alexander by Alec Baldwin. This can be best summed up by Jon Stewart's comment when interviewing Cameron Diaz about the movie on The Daily Show. "That's the saddest episode of 30 Rock I've ever seen!". In the novel, Campbell's character was best defined by his vulnerabilities, which allowed him to develop a relationship with Anna and with the plot line. Unfortunately, Alec Baldwin was not able to display these vulnerabilities and it seemed to cheapen the role and the storyline. It gave us little sympathy for someone who was such a complex character in the novel.

Other character portrayals ranged from good to alright. Sofia Vassilieva's performance as Kate, the ill sister, was probably the most endearing. Cameron Diaz (Sara, the Mom) and Abigail Breslin (Anna) brought emotion and power behind their roles, that sufficed for the storyline. It brought many people to tears. The absence of another great supporting character in the book, Julia Romano, Anna's Guardian Ad Litem, created another loss of intimacy with Anna that would have brought the tragedy home even more. The judge for the case, played by Joan Cusak, seemed to fill some of this absence in a scene set in her chambers.

Sadly, there was an apparent overhaul of much of the storyline and resulting moral ambiguities presented in the book. Picoult is known for creating stories with complex moral stances and tends to leave many things unanswered. In fact, that what's best about her novels. They leave you asking more questions and considering perspectives you may not have considered before. Usually the novel is heart wrenching as we see the effects of actions and emotions through a range of characters reacting from their own point of view. This is very true to life. It's easy to observe a story externally and place our moral judgement on the people involved, but that doesn't hold up when we are involved ourselves. When the ego is involved, when our own behavioral conditioning comes into play, we don't often exhibit the highest of moral standards. Or simply, our moral code may be altered by our personal experience.

The film version of My Sister's Keeper painted a picture of an otherwise happy family, who were suddenly taken aback by the action of the youngest member laying this bombshell on them. In the book, however, while it was clear they all loved each other, the family was internally collapsing even before this whole situation played out. For example, Jesse, Anna's neglected older brother was very troubled in the book, even starting a fire to seemingly get his firefighting father's attention for once.

The biggest upset, however, had to be the ending of the movie. Apparently, the makers of the film felt the need to move away from Picoult's moral ambiguities and spell out clearly what they thought the main point of the storyline should be. In doing so, they completely changed the ending of the movie and ruined some of the best aspects and ethical questions to come up from the book's ending. The ending in the book leaves us feeling uncomfortable and fills us with regret for all of the characters in the book. The film's ending, however, wraps things up in a clean conclusion with a clear judgement of appropriate actions for the characters to make in order for a (somewhat) happy ending.

Out of recognition that fitting novels into a 2 hour or less movie requires omission of some of our favorites parts of the stories and that keeping the main idea of the plot, rather than details, is often necessary to make it a cohesive story, it is difficult to translate great storytelling into film. But, we have seen it done, so it is not impossible. The best way to devalue the integrity of a story is to assume that the audience needs an obvious and contrived dissertation on the issue at hand. The issue at the center of My Sister's Keeper is so relevant to our developing medical ethic, it's a shame that the film couldn't reflect the novel's consideration of a greater variety of aspects of the topic. We could have gotten so much more from it.

Summer Reading List

2009-06-08T23:36:00.026-04:00

This has probably been the longest I have gone without posting on this blog and I'm sure there are not too many people reading it any longer (as opposed to the hundreds, even thousands who used to read it). But, I am here with a list of books I plan to read for the summer. It's a totally unoriginal idea, but I am going to go right ahead and steal it. Ha!

This reading list includes books recommended by friends, suggested by zen teachers, ones that I found interesting and some that I even found on the street (I love Brooklyn!). It's a mixture of fiction, memoirs and spiritual enlightenment. Hopefully they will encourage a little mental stimulation over the summer months. If nothing else, they will make my ride on the subway, to and from work, go by a little faster.

1. Twilight - Stephenie Meyer

Okay, okay, I know. I have received a LOT of feedback from friends on whether I should read this book. A friend gave me her book to read during my last visit to Michigan. Both she and my sister loved it. There are many people since who have scowled at my choice of books, because of it's tween-ish audience. I just started reading this and I'll be honest. I really like it. Something about it touches the deepest insecurities I had as a teen.

2. The Audacity of Hope - Barack Obama

He is our President and I did vote for him, so I feel that I should read more about his political views. I bought this at an outlet store in Michigan at a discounted price. I love bargains!

3. Baby Catcher - Peggy Vincent

A friend of mine from grad school exchanged books with me via snail mail. I sent her White Teeth by Zadie Smith in exchange for this memoir of a midwife. I started reading this in February. So...I have never given birth myself and even though I understand that it can be a beautiful process...it is a bit to take in. Basically every chapter is the story of a birth she has attended. Very interesting. Also intense. I have been reading this for several months because I have to put it down after a few chapters. I will continue to read a chapter or two between other books.

4. Slaughterhouse-Five & Hocus Pocus - Kurt Vonnegut

My beau is a Vonnegut fan and has been lending me his books. I recently finished Slap stick, which all kinds of crazy but also good. I read Mother Night last year as well, which I really liked. Slaughterhouse-Five and Hocus Pocus are my next explorations into the world of Mr. Vonnegut.

5. F ood Matters - Mark Bittman

I increased my monthly pledge to the local NPR-affiliate station here in NYC. In return I got this book about eating healthy in a way that nurtures the environment. If you recall, I also have a food blog and dabble in cooking and nutrition. I've skimmed through the book and saw a menu laid out for a month and matching recipes. I'm really looking forward to reading this.

6. Shoes Outside the Door

My zen center follows the lineage of the San Francisco Zen Center, which is the focus of this book, specifically at a time when there was corruption of power at the center. It calls into question balance of power and hierarchy in religious institutions.

7. Funny Boy - Shyam Selvadurai

I found this book on the street. Before you start to get images in your head, know that in my neighborhood in Brooklyn, there is sort of a give and take of free items. When you want to get rid of something, say clothing, shoes or books, you can simply put them out on the street for others to take. Not only have I found some good books (ie The Crucible, She's Come Undone, Lovely Bones), but my roomie and I have found some items for our apartment on the street as well. I thought this book looked interesting because of the intersection of culture, sexuality and politics.

See this blog post

2009-02-27T18:18:00.002-05:00

I had to post a link to a post by a guest blogger on my dear friend Samantha Grace's blog, A Very Political Woman. This post is about the recent comic in the NY Post that got all of the publicity (because it was racist, as you know). I think that the guest blogger, Marilyn Jean, makes several great points about the cartoon and about race in our society.

I know, two posts in one day, I like to mix things up like that...

Obama and Reproductive Rights

2009-02-27T17:47:00.007-05:00

Okay, it's been a while since I've posted on this here blog. I've been busy searching for a career and writing in my food blog. Anyhow, I thought I would take a moment to write about a very important action being undertaken by President Obama. Last year I posted a link to an Op-Ed written by Hillary Clinton regarding legislation being pushed by then President Bush. The bill basically protects providers working for recipients of federal money who refuse to offer abortion services or referrals. The act became effective January 20, 2009. Now Obama is working to reverse the rule, agreeing with others that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 already states that employers must make reasonable accommodations for an employee's religious belief and that, in turn, the bill really just works to trump state laws requiring coverage for contraception by insurers and coverage of emergency contraception in hospitals for rape victims.

Kudos to you, President Obama, for taking a step in protecting reproductive rights for women.

A Change Will Do Us Good

2009-01-20T14:06:00.002-05:00

January 20, 2009

Barak Obama is inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States

Photo Courtesy of NY Times

On throwing shoes and vague sources...

2008-12-15T15:11:00.008-05:00

As I was getting home last night I received a text from a friend in Michigan. “Bush got a shoe thrown at him in Iraq!” it said. I have to admit, a smile crossed my face at that moment as I imagined the president getting smacked in the face by what I was hoping was a stiletto heel (wouldn’t that be poetic). But, as I listened and read the news about it, another emotion arose. I’m not entirely sure what it is at this point. I think Bush has angered us all so much that, at times, we would all like to throw a shoe at him. And hey, what was the damage, besides a bruised ego? However, something about the act still bothers me.

If you’ve been paying any attention to the news today, you’ve undoubtedly seen the reaction of Iraqi’s to the event. I’m sure it’s not representative of all Iraqi’s but enough to make the news. People are proud of this shoe-throwing fellow. Why, they’d throw shoes at Bush too. In fact, so would many Americans. And I really cannot blame any one of them. I guess that’s what makes me sad. How did we come to this? How do we have this president who has hurt, devastated, destroyed people and places, with little regret or even remorse of any kind? How did we get into this horrible war that really no one wanted, except our president? How does one person affect so many people?

My only hope is that this will be some kind of wake up call for Bush. It won’t though. Instead he’ll see it as a personal attack on him and not reflective of his presidency. And that is the problem with such an act of petty violence. No matter how warranted you feel it is, no matter how little your voice is heard otherwise, the other side will only dismiss it as childish and move on. But, BUT, for the moment, many people feel validated in their anger and disgust at somebody who has clearly not taken them into account. And for people who feel their voices are not heard, that is a lot. All you have to do is look at the news and see the reactions of some Iraqi’s to see this. In fact, you can probably look at the news for reactions in the U.S. and see the same thing. Why didn’t we think of this? Bush wasn’t seriously hurt, but the world got a very clear message!

On a totally unrelated note the NY Times reported of Caroline Kennedy's bid for Clinton's Senate seat in NY. The lead into the story was this: Ms. Kennedy has decided she will pursue the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, a person told of her decision said.

"A person told of her decision"?!?!?! What kind of source is that?

Just what I've always wanted...

2008-12-05T14:44:00.003-05:00

Here's a new idea for a holiday gift. How about a gift certificate to Planned Parenthood?

Wow! A pap smear? How'd you know?...

It is seriously messed up that people cannot afford basic health care these days, so way to go Planned Parenthood of Indiana. I mean, it's not the ideal gift, but if you cannot afford health services on your own, maybe you can get them as a gift. I think it's innovative and hope it spreads beyond Indiana.

Where the AARP went wrong

2008-12-05T11:12:00.007-05:00

The AARP has long been known as an advocacy service for older people in this country. I remember when my mother first received her AARP membership card in the mail; she was so excited about getting discounts. The AARP was the voice for the older generation, advocating for social change. Working in the health care advocacy field has since taught me a greater lesson. AARP should not be trusted.

When I coordinated older volunteers who counseled Medicare beneficiaries, I once had to reprimand (in a loving way) a volunteer who told someone “AARP are a bunch of con artists”. Obviously, this was unprofessional and not the best way to handle the call as a representative of the organization. But, she wasn’t wrong.

I had the amazing opportunity of working for a Medicare rights organization while simultaneously studying health care policy and law. I got to see how policies affecting Medicare were developed and implemented, and then how they affected people on the personal level. It was a great way to see the larger picture of the Medicare program and of health care in general.

What stuck out most in my mind about AARP was that they were quick to support a Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit administered solely through private insurance companies. I guess this should not have been a surprise. AARP had already partnered with United Health Insurance to provide supplemental insurance plans for Medicare beneficiaries. Of course when the drug benefit was then implemented, AARP/United Health offered a drug plan as well. Hmm, advocating for a controversial drug benefit not supported by many of your members while selling health care insurance all in the same breath. Can you say conflict of interest?

And as far as drug plans went, the AARP plan was fairly decent. AARP stood out above many other companies because they offered a physical list of drugs they covered and for how much. This was particularly hard to get from most plans so people jumped on it. But mostly, I heard from people that they didn’t want to look at all 60 drug plans available to them so they would just enroll in the AARP plan because it was a name they recognized. Apparently it didn’t matter if the plan actually covered their drugs or if they could get their drugs cheaper through another plan. Nope, they knew of and respected AARP and that was enough. Then of course, there were the individuals who kept up with Medicare policy and resented AARP for the role they played in the drug benefit, my volunteer for example.

Well, it turns out that AARP is now under some severe scrutiny for “royalties and fees” built into insurance premiums (not just with Medicare or even health insurance, but their insurance plans in general). Apparently these royalties and fees have added up to 43% of the organization’s revenue last year. AARP defends this by saying that higher premiums come with better coverage. However, as the article illustrates, this can be debated by looking at their Medicare supplemental plans. Medicare supplemental plans (Medigaps) are standardized and so all plans must offer the same coverage. There is no way that the AARP Medigap can offer better coverage, yet they are still not the cheapest plan. So that theory goes out the window.

AARP’s enormous clout comes from the threat they could defeat people in Congress who don’t do what they want. They are the most powerful interest group in Washington.
-James Thurber, director of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies at American University in Washington

The AARP can be a positive force for seniors in the U.S. For example, they fought and derailed Bush’s proposal for the privatization of social security. But when an organization uses its positive reputation to make money and take advantage of the individuals it’s claiming to help, that’s misuse of power. If AARP is to advocate for the health of older people, they need to be in a position where they do not benefit from charging people more money for benefits. Isn’t this what they’re trying to protect people from?

Prop 8 the Musical

2008-12-03T21:24:00.001-05:00

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Thank you for blogging

2008-11-25T12:44:00.006-05:00

My darling friend over at A Perfectly Cursed Life has created a blogging award, called the Thank You for Blogging Award (TYFBA). I had the honor of receiving an TYFBA and now am passing it on to the bloggers that I personally adore. The rules explicitly state that you are to pass it on to 4 other people, so start spreading the blog love! (But what am I going to do if you don't pass it on? I only know where some of you live!)

Here are my picks for Thank You for Blogging Awards:

1. Full of Wit - Even if I didn't know this blogger personally I would still read it, she's funny as hell. Or, some might say, full of wit. Only thing is you need to blog some more dear! You tease.

2. Confessions of a Fat Dietitian - The FD posts recipes, nutrition information, and sometimes just amusing things. If you need any ideas for Thanksgiving, she's got you covered. Every day this past week has focused on traditional T-Day foods, with links to all kinds of recipes, healthy or decadent.

3. Musings of a Distractible Mind - Dr. Rob, a physician in the Southeastern US, writes about health care and sometimes other things, like llamas. He's got a great sense of humor and you can tell that he cares about his patients.

4. Walking In My Shoes - Amusing anecdotes and analysis on New York, and soon to be DC, living.

Honorable Mentions:

1. The Only Baggage You Can Bring - The only reason why this is an honorable mention is that the writer was the one who gave me the award in the first place and I wanted to add more people into the mix. Sam Grace, your political coverage is insightful and comical. It would have been hard to get through the election without you!

2. Margaret and Helen - I found out about this blog through one Sam Grace and it is great! It's written by two women who have been friends for 60 years. I hope I'm as ornery when I get to their age. Thanks for writing Margaret and Helen. I mean it. Really.

So there you have it. It's a blog celebration! Thank you for blogging!

Volunteering abroad

2008-11-19T12:36:00.011-05:00

Having an interest in global health, I'm always keeping my eyes open for great opportunities around the world. I have had the opportunity to volunteer abroad once before, hindered from doing it again by the high costs of the programs. Also, I don't feel at point in my life where I want to commit to a long term program, the Peace Corps for example. I came across this program today that looks particularly interesting for short term volunteering. I cannot vouch for it because I haven't done anything with the organization, but it looks really good.

Unite For Sight is a bit more focused than some other volunteer programs, but if you're interested in volunteering abroad or in global health, then it may work. Volunteers support eye health clinic and outreach programs in Ghana and several parts of India. Room and food expenses range between $20/day and $40/day, depending where and when you go. Most programs run 10 days, so that equals $200-$400 for the trip. Not too shabby considering most programs run about $2000+ for a 2 week stay. Of course, you are responsible for the costs of getting yourself there, which will be the most expensive part of the trip. This is standard among volunteering abroad programs. There is no program fee, which is not standard and it is refreshing.

Changing the health care system

2008-11-14T09:58:00.002-05:00

Dr. Rob had posted advice for Obama regarding the health care system. It's excellent advice and I hope that Obama listens to voices like Dr. Rob and others with regular direct experience from within the health care system. Voices of the patient are important because ultimately, this is what the system is about. Doctors like Dr. Rob, who are sensitive as to how best to help patients, can be of great use as well. Please Obama, as Dr. Rob states, don't give in to the high power lobbies - the AMA, the drug companies, the insurance companies. We've had enough of their influence for a while.

New Thoughts on Drug Safety Prompted by Court Ruling

2008-11-10T15:14:00.003-05:00

When a drug is tested and approved for use by the FDA, we often take for granted its safety. Obviously this is not the case, as we have seen with many approved drugs causing harm, COX-2 Inhibitors like Vioxx being an example. Although we often turn to medicines to fix our problems (and it’s great when they do!), we need to keep in mind that these are foreign substances that make significant changes to our bodies. Sometimes these are good, sometimes not so good. Usually it’s a combination of the two.

An interesting ruling was made on a case in San Francisco last week, involving the safety of medications. What made this case so unique is that the court ruled that drug makers could be held liable for harm when a generic version of their name-brand product is used. Obviously, the drug companies are not happy about this and it’s easy to see why. They are not manufacturing the product; they have no control of the product that is produced by other companies.

However, I see where the court is coming from on this one. Let’s say you’re taking a drug for the long term and, barring any manufacturing mistakes, the drug harms you in some way. What’s most likely is that your doctor prescribed you the name brand and, due to dispensing laws, the pharmacist filled a generic version of that drug for you. Your doctor prescribes that drug, name-brand or generic, with certain results in mind. Pharmacists fill the prescription with the generic because it’s the same product, possibly with different inactive ingredients. The effects of the generic should exactly mimic that of the name-brand.

So, in a sense, I can see why the ruling was what it was. The drug company had to prove safety and effectiveness in order to get the drug approved. The manufacturer of the generic drug did not. They are producing the drug in accordance with the name-brand standards. So when the drug harms somebody, the scrutiny goes back to the clinical trials and safety that was proven or missed in the research.

I don’t think that the manufacturers of generics should be completely dismissed in these cases. They are producing products to make themselves money. Whether they are manufacturing the drugs based on faith of their effectiveness and safety or not, they should still be held liable for the effects of the product on people.

My question is this. Did Wyeth warn of the safety concerns of taking the mentioned drug for long periods of time, even just for the name-brand? It seems like if this were the case, they shouldn’t be held liable. The generic manufacturers should know of the side-effects and use warnings as well. In this case, I could not fault the drug company for the mistake of the generic manufacturer. In cases where it is not publicized, that is less clear and needs further scrutinizing.

Feeling Hopeful

2008-11-07T10:27:00.010-05:00

I called my Dad last night and we got to the topic of the election. To my surprise he proudly told me that he voted for Obama. While this may not sound like much to some people, when I look at the man I knew my father to be as a child, I am taken aback. This is the man who used to tell me that if black people got any power they would use it to oppress us white people, and so we should make sure they don't. In the course of the conversation he even admitted to how racist he has been in the past and how hurtful it was. Wow!

I have learned from this the following things:
1. People can grow and change if we let them. There's been a part of me that has held on to this image of my father from my childhood. And it had hurt our relationship immensely. As an adult, I've had to learn to acknowledge the person he is today.
2. This country is changing. I never would have thought my father would vote for a black president, but the country/world we live in has changed that.

When I hung up the phone with my father, I cried. I am amazed at the people in this country and am feeling patriotism for probably the first time in my life. Not a patriotism that's used to oppress others, but one that appreciates what our country has become.

The history of racism in our country is horrible and I don't deny that racism still exists in the U.S., but this is progress. I feel like even though there will be struggles (fear in many people will bring out horrible things in the near future, I'm sure) we are finally starting to head in a good direction. For the first time in a long time, I feel hopeful about our country.

Celebrations at my alma mater

2008-11-06T10:53:00.001-05:00

Go EMU!

Celebrating Obama in NYC

2008-11-06T09:19:00.008-05:00

The energy on election night was vibrant in NYC. I thought I'd share some videos of the city-wide celebration.

These people went to several of the same places I went to that night (even including getting free Ben & Jerry's).

Here you can see the celebration in Harlem

In Brooklyn

And they said the youth of this country were apathetic...

People from all over NYC called into WNYC to talk about the celebrations in their neighborhoods.

What night to be in NYC! I would love to hear stories of how it felt to be in other cities, please do share.

Yes we did!

2008-11-05T11:23:00.011-05:00

So, anything going on in the news lately?

I am feeling such intense emotions right now, please be patient with me as I try to express what I am feeling. What an amazing night! I had the privilege to watch the election results in New York City last night. It was a bit of a journey as some friends and I moved between several locations in Manhattan.

We started off by getting some free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream (you know the night can only be great after that). We then moved on to Rockefeller Center and watched as Obama got Vermont and McCain Kentucky. As the other states were “too close to call” we decided to go to a local bar and watch there. We were amazed and thrilled when one-by-one Eastern and Midwestern states went to Obama (Woo! Way to go Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan). From there we moved on to Times Square, where we got our photo taken with a lifesize Obama cutout and watched Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart ham it up (No sound though, we had to improvise by reading the captions). In Times Square we got free popcorn and hot chocolate (oh no, is that socialism?!? :). We decided, with perfect timing, to go back to Rockefeller Center just before 11pm.

We got to Rockefeller Center just few minutes before they announced Obama as the predicted winner. Wow! What an atmosphere! The place was packed, but people were not annoyed with being squished in such a large amount of people. No, people were laughing, crying, hugging, screaming. It was beautiful and the energy went on for a while.

We then decided that we wanted to go to a bar in the East Village to watch Obama’s speech. We got in a cab and a friend announced to the driver “Obama just won!”. He just smiled and said “I know”. The driver was courteous and turned up the radio so we could hear McCain’s concession speech, which I found to be pretty respectful. When we got to the East Village, we were greeted by cheering and shouting. Somebody would shout “Obama!” and the cheers would reverberate down the street, like we were doing the wave at a baseball game. All the people on the streets were filled with joy. It was so amazing to be a part of!

We ended up watching Obama’s speech in a bar, and saw many people, myself included, tear up with his words. More hugging and shouting ensued, and then quickly turned to dancing. We decided to finally head home around 2am, but were slightly derailed when we were told that we had to go to Union Square just then. We did and saw a few hundred young people dancing/screaming/chanting in the square. There wasn’t any violence or even ill will. The environment was positive as people chanted “Yes we can! Yes we can!” (even when one guy started chanting “Let’s get naked! Let’s get naked!” to which I replied “You go first! You go first!” but he didn’t and no nudity ensued). It was a picture of the role young people played in this election and how Obama motivated this group.

I got about 3 hours of sleep last night. I am feeling a lot of things, but tired is not one of them. I’m sure that will change. I have gone back and forth with pure joy, relief, and sentimentality. One minute I’m laughing, the next crying. But, it feels so good. Because I am filled with hope, and that hasn’t happened in about 8 years. I am so glad that I got to be part of such a historic moment. Now I can look back on it one day and say, what an event! I was there! Yes we did!

Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope. That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow. - from Barack Obama's speech last night

A summary of my feelings about the results of the election

2008-11-05T09:09:00.004-05:00

Until I can compose myself to write about what an amazing experience yesterday was, I will let Nina Simone sing it for you.

Feeling Good - Nina Simone

At the polls

2008-11-04T10:33:00.002-05:00

Doug Mills/The New York Times

"Who are you voting for?"

"No, you can't vote for him. That'll cancel out my vote!"

This is so messed up!

2008-11-04T09:23:00.006-05:00

A 13-year old girl was stoned to death in Somalia for adultery after she was raped. This is so f'd-up! I just don't get how someone could do this to another person.

The witness says she was forced into a hole, buried up to her neck then pelted with stones until she died in front of more than 1,000 people.

I await the day when girls and women do not have to put up with this BS. It cannot come too soon.

Today is THE Day

2008-11-04T09:01:00.000-05:00

Today is the day when all of the political rigmarole of the past year+ comes to a conclusion. This has been a historic and very heated campaign year. So, it's very important that we all use our constitutional right to pick who the president will be for the next 4 years. (Yea we're almost done with the previous idiot who has been "running" our country!).

Any who, if you need some incentive (other than having a say in who the next leader of the free world will be) to get your butt out there and vote, a few businesses are rewarding voters for their job well done. Starbucks is giving away free coffee and Ben and Jerry's a free scoop of ice cream. This was originally for people who voted, but I just heard on WNYC that it is actually illegal to reward people for voting or not voting, so they've changed it to anyone who comes in. Also, Krispy Kreme is sticking it to the man and giving away free donuts to people who have voted (and no one else!). So, you should take advantage of these give aways!

But honestly, if this is the only reason you decide to vote I am going to come over there and smack you over the head. I'm not a violent person, but really this election has been going on forever now. If you don't know who you are going to vote for, or worse - don't feel like voting, then you've had your head stuck in the sand and you deserve a smack over the head. You've been warned.

Crammity, Cram, Cram, Cram!

2008-11-03T17:19:00.009-05:00

Tomorrow's E-Day. Do you know who and what's on your ballot? We all know the big ones, the Presidential candidates (and we should, what a race!). But, the state and local elections are important too. Being that I live in NYC I looked up some local info. Should you live elsewhere, well do your own research (and do it quickly, time is running out! No pressure. But do it!). Know your polling location and times. NYC see here (Polls are open 6am-9pm in NYC). This is especially so if there are hot issue proposals on the ballot. (I'm talking to you Michigan, California, Washington, etc).

P.S. Isn't it sad Obama's grandma died today? Oh, I wish she could have seen him win the election! (Please win, please win, please win!)

Almost there!

2008-10-31T16:14:00.004-04:00

Next Tuesday is the big day. It's amazing that it's almost here. It has felt so far into the future for so long now, that it's hard to believe there are only a few more days until we decide who the president will be. As a final hurrah (hopefully to the idea of Sarah Palin as Vice President) I will be dressed as Sarah Palin for a Halloween party tonight. I just couldn't resist, I already look a bit like and have some traces of a midwestern accent, so close to the accent she sports.

In preparation for my Halloween costume I have been viewing videos of Palin on the web. I probably will not be as spot on as Tina Fey, but I'm looking forward to imitating such an extreme character. In my internet searching I came across this video on You Tube of Sarah Palin's Greatest Hits.

For some reason I cannot copy the whole code to embed the video in this post, so I will just add the link to the video.

Holistic Medicine

2008-10-30T09:04:00.002-04:00

Beth Israel Hospital in New York City is testing a program funded by Donna Karan to incorporate yoga, meditation and aromatherapy into cancer treatment for patients who choose it. It looks like Karan's foundation is providing the salaries for the yoga instructors. If that means that any patient can receive the service for free, then that's wonderful! Otherwise, it would only be an option for those patients with means to pay for it.

You should see this movie!

2008-10-27T15:14:00.008-04:00

I saw an amazing movie last weekend, Johnny Got His Gun. It's based on a play and a book of the same name, about a soldier who was wounded horribly in World War I. The way it was done was spectacular! It's only star was the heartthrob from the OC, and man could he act!

The set was a small room, with only a chair, a bench and the main character. You never see his mutilated body or the events surrounding him. Instead you look inside of his mind as he is being saved, treated and forgotten. His narrative paints a vivid picture of his life before and after the war, especially as he trys to cope with not being able to communicate and experience the world as he once used to.

Sadly, it's not playing in many theaters, so if you want to see the movie you have to seek it out.

A step back for women's reproductive health globally

2008-10-23T12:58:00.007-04:00

I got an email from Madre today about a very important issue. Here's information on the decision by USAID. To sign the petition, go here. Under McCain/Palin we will only get more of this. It's amazing how the leader of one country has such an effect worldwide.

Sign a petition: USAID recently pressured six countries in Africa to halt the supply of US-funded contraceptives to the well-respected international aid and reproductive health organization Marie Stopes International (MSI). This decision will endanger the lives of women in rural Africa who depend on the contraceptives that MSI provides in order to safely control their own reproductive health.

Support a good cause when you buy your holiday gifts this year

2008-10-21T13:39:00.028-04:00

Sure, a lot of us don't have much money these days to be spending on gifts for the holidays. There is an extra struggle this time of year for people who also like to donate money to their favorite causes. Well, here is an idea for killing two birds with one stone. Buying your gifts from nonprofit organizations helps the organizations to keep afloat in financially hard times and makes for more personal, less mass-produced gifts.

If I may, here are a few suggestions:

The Medicare Rights Center is holding their Annual Celebration Dinner in November. The dinner, along with a silent auction on their website, raises money for the organization to continue to assist people with Medicare. Check out the dinner and the auction.

National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate stations carry out fundraisers several times throughout the year. WNYC, the affiliate station here in New York City, gives gifts corresponding to various levels of donations. For instance, I donate just over $8 a month and got the totally spectacular Alison Krauss and Robert Plant CD when I pledged the donation. Look into your local station. They're always doing these things.

Madre, an international women's rights organization, has really cool items from all around the world available on their website. The merchandise is affordable and so much better than the crap you get at Walmart. You can also donate money or supplies directly to Madre. They send a lot of shipments to their sister organizations around the world after disasters and during conflicts. They offer lots of ways to help out.

Unicef sells items on their website too, including Christmas cards and other holiday items. You can send a tribute card to honor someone, with a donation of $25 or more. You can also just make a donation on their website.

Doctors without Borders will allow a donation in honor of a person or event.

You can donate money in honor of someone to Heifer International, and they will provide livestock and other resources to help families and communities become sustainable. For those who cannot stand to donate a goat or pig for meat, you can donate money to provide trees to help sustain the environment.

These are just a handful of organizations that could use your money this year. I am familiar with these particular groups and give them my thumbs up! I'm sure there are lots more out there that I am less familiar with, but who could use the money too. So here is an idea for a socially and fiscally responsible holiday season. We've got to help each other out!

Bon Jovi is not having it, Sarah Palin

2008-10-17T16:51:00.005-04:00

Palin and McCain don't seem to understand how to ask for permission to use artist's songs for their rallies. Also, they seem to keep using songs by artists that do not support them. Add Bon Jovi to the list of musicians who have spoken up about the use of their songs by McCain and Palin. Do Palin and McCain not realize that Jon Bon Jovi recently held a fundraiser for Obama?

Obama's mad debate skills!

2008-10-16T14:56:00.001-04:00

Can we just vote already?

2008-10-16T08:28:00.018-04:00

I wasn't going to watch the debate last night, but I ended up seeing it with a group of friends. I cannot watch these things alone, I get too infuriated. And last night was no exception. Overall, I thought that Obama kept his composure and, even when McCain really could have put him on the defensive, he brought it back to the issues. McCain was grasping for whatever last breaths of air he could get.

Now, I may be biased, but here is an overview of the debate from my perspective:

Issue: Campaign Attacks
McCain: You hurt my feelings, why didn't you call me so we could do a town hall?
Obama: Look at the polls, people seem to think my campaign is less negative and focuses on the issues.
McCain: You didn't defend Palin/me when whats-his-face said [true] things about the people that attend my rallies. (ie. chanting 'kill him')
Obama: Yes I did...I don't agree with your views on healthcare...economy...yada...yada
McCain: My supporters are great...vets...patriots...Joe the Plumber...
Obama: They call me a terrorist and and want to kill me.
McCain: Aren't you a terrorist? You're buddies with Ayers and involved with ACORN. Ha! Gotcha!
Obama: Here's the truth about those things and you have no point. *Smile*

Issue: Health Care
Obama: Here's my plan to make sure everyone gets coverage.
McCain: That costs too much money, let's just give everyone $5,000 for health care!
Obama: But that's not dealing with the underlying issue with our system.
McCain: Socialist! Don't vote for this commie!

Issue: Which programs would you cut during financial hardtimes?
McCain: An across the board spending freeze - that's the hatchet and I would get out a scalpel...look I know how to cut programs.
Moderator: Could you be more specific?
McCain: Pork-barrel earmark projects. We'll cut the pork, that's why I have a hatchet...Joe the Plumber!

Issue: V.P. as Pres should something happen to you
Obama: Joe Biden's great! Look at his record.
McCain: (Oh Shit!) Uh...energy independence...Joe sixpack...isn't she adorable!

Issue: Bias in picking a Supreme Court judge (excellent question!)
McCain: I am unbiased in picking judges, but abortion is wrong! Obama is pro-abortion!
Obama: I will pick a judge that is intelligent, experienced, and who recognizes a woman's constitutional right to privacy. I support Roe v. Wade and feel that the decision is between the woman and her doctor (DAMN STRAIGHT!!!!!)
McCain: Obama voted to kill infants!
Obama: No, I just didn't support a bill in Illinois that would have compromised Roe v. Wade, there is already a law in Illinois that doctors must resuscitate an infant, not to mention the Hippocratic oath.
McCain: You're a Pro-abortion extremist! You want to kill all babies!
Obama: First of all, no one is pro-abortion. I am pro-choice.
McCain: Don't fall for his fancy words, America!
Obama: Look, there are good, intelligent people on both sides of this debate. We have common ground here...prevention of unwanted pregnancies, support for single moms, options for adoption. (Can I get an amen!)
McCain: (Air quotes) "Health of the mother"? You want to kill all babies...

McCain was certainly trying to paint Obama as an extremist, left-wing, baby-killing, commie terrorist. And he was unapologetic for it too. This debate made me lose any respect that I had left for McCain, as he tried to play into the unsubstantiated fears of many people in this country. I just hope that a lot of other people recognized this in him too and don't vote for him.

I'm gonna be (quasi) famous!

2008-10-14T14:54:00.007-04:00

I'm going to be published! Woo! It's probably not anything that most of you will (want to) read, but I will still have a piece of my work published in a book...that will be sold at a bookstore. Don't think you're not getting one for the holiday (if indeed it is printed by then).

The book is about evaluation and assessment of advocacy, my piece is going to be used as an example of a process evaluation. My prof at Sarah Lawrence is the writer/editor and he is using a project I completed for his class. Of course, it has to do with Medicare and my work with the Medicare Rights Center. I'll let you know when it's printed so that you can go and buy one!

Quote

2008-10-07T12:09:00.002-04:00

"One of the most sublime experiences we can ever have is to wake up feeling healthy after we have been sick."
Rabbi Harold Kushner

Guest Blogger on The Only Baggage You Can Bring

2008-10-03T11:32:00.003-04:00

I got the opportunity to be a guest blogger on Samantha Grace's The Only Baggage You Can Bring blog. Check out my post on Medicare and the Election.

Thanks Sam Grace!

Worth mentioning

2008-10-01T13:27:00.002-04:00

I received honorable mention in Dr. Rob's Caption Contest. So close to getting a Golden Llama...

This one's pretty funny too

2008-09-30T13:05:00.001-04:00

Keep coming with the funny SNL, and I might start watching again.

Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb bomb Iran - Ha!

It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel...a little worried

2008-09-30T11:39:00.005-04:00

Did you know that the economy’s gone to shit? I know, why doesn’t anyone talk about it?

Okay, so I watched the first presidential debate on Friday (or at least half of it, that which I could hear over the packed bar full of NYU students). I thought that Obama brought his A-game and didn’t back down. Since I couldn’t hear everything that was said, there were times where I could only focus on body language. A few things I noticed:

-Obama looked directly at McCain several times and McCain would only look at Jim Lehrer.
-The reactions of both McCain and Obama were hilarious! Both had smirks come up several times throughout the debate. McCain especially, while writing down notes as Obama was speaking.
-Obama let out a big smile that, while I’ll explicitly state is not the reason I want to vote for him, did make me crush on him a little.

Of what I did hear, this was the best line in debate history: McCain’s reaction to Obama’s statement about Pakistan, “You don’t do that! You don’t say that out loud!”. Priceless.

BTW – Excellent piece(s) in the NYTimes today about the absence of healthcare in the election lately. Where did it go?

I’m gearing up for the VP debate this Thursday. Palin’s ineptitude has been shown in the past few weeks, so it will be interesting to see her performance at the debate. Of course, the McCain campaign has set “restrictions” to the debate, to make it more even for Palin. Really? You know, Hillary got so much BS for having to work even harder to be taken seriously as a woman and Palin waltzes in and has the election dumbed down for her? There’s the part of me that thinks there is no way that McCain/Palin are going to get elected, especially after her performance lately. But, last night I saw a clip of Bush and I was taken back to the 2000 election, when I thought there was no way in hell that he would ever get elected. Some American people, or the rigged voting system – however you see it, were silly enough to elect him – twice! – why would this be any different for Palin?

Speaking of Palin, an SNL sketch of Palin’s interview with Katie Couric was spot on! Thanks Tina Fey for making SNL funny again and the election slightly more amusing. Anyway, to see Tina Fey’s remarkable resemblance, I’ve posted both interviews here. Enjoy!

Medicare "Advantage" Plans

2008-09-29T14:02:00.007-04:00

(A brief introduction for those not familiar with how Medicare is administered. There are two ways to receive Medicare benefits when you are eligible; one is through the government administered traditional Medicare and the second option is to get your benefits through a private insurer. The benefits under the traditional system are pretty standard across the country, while private plans have different costs and benefits by region and plan.)

This is exactly why private insurers should not be involved in Medicare. If you need more convincing, read this. A few things to note:

-People who have Medicare tend to be the least likely (able) to research and understand what the differences between 50 drug plans are. We're talking about people who tend to be less mentally acute (whether because of age or a disability) and who may never have used a computer before (something our generation takes for granted). Much of the information about the plans is online.

-Both CMS (the federal adminstrator of Medicare) and private insurers have been called out on inappropriate actions. The insurers are not following through on marketing promises and CMS fails to regulate them.

-Keep in mind that the increase in premiums is typically not met with an increase in income. Most Medicare beneficiaries lived on a fixed income.

So, to sum up. If you're able to know what questions to ask of whom, you're likely to get incorrect information and pay an increasingly high percentage of your limited income on a plan that doesn't give you coverage.

Additionally, if you think that private plans are saving the government money, think again. The government pays the insurers to provide Medicare plans, more than what it pays for a beneficiary under the federal program.

Medicare’s payments for beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans are higher, on average, than what the program would spend if those beneficiaries were in the FFS [fee for service] sector—so shifts in enrollment out of the FFS program and into private plans increase net Medicare spending.

You've done it again B!

2008-09-26T11:12:00.011-04:00

Once again, Bill Gates gets it! With world leaders in my neighborhood for the UN General Asssembly to discuss the Millenium Development Goals, and President Bush's speech totally avoiding anything to do with the MDGs and things other than terrorism, someone is actually trying to do something! Human rights groups and humanitarian organizations have long been saying that importing US/European food is not the answer to hunger around the world.

Rather than simply buying the farmers' crops outright, much of the money will go to teaching better farming methods, and to helping them store their crops in warehouses, plant higher-yield seeds, and transport their produce to customers.

What a concept! Way to go B (also WFP and Howard G. Buffett Foundation)! I hope this becomes something sustainable over time.

Goodbye old friend

2008-09-26T09:26:00.003-04:00

Today I am in mourning of my laptop. It has served me well over the past 4 years - including 1 year of working from home, 3 years of grad school research and writing, and a whole year of job searching - not too shabby for one little machine. But alas, Lappy has bid adieu. Goodbye, old friend, I will miss you (at least until I get a newer, better version...).

I've been tagged! It's okay, it doesn't hurt

2008-09-23T14:28:00.004-04:00

Samantha Grace has lovingly tagged me to tell you all some things about me. Thanks SG!

Eight things you didn’t know about me:

I have a cat, she’s sassy. Her name is Audrey and she doesn’t like you (don’t take it personally).
I like food. I have an entire blog dedicated to food.
I love wine! It is an emerging passion of mine. My mother once called me a winer, I think she meant wino. Maybe she was trying to be nice.
I have 2 masters degrees, neither are in opening doors, ballet, or neuroscience. Please do not ask me to do anything or criticize my abilities in these areas. I do have degrees, however, in thinking critically and changing the world, especially in terms of healthcare. Also, I have an innate ability to breakdance fight (no degree required), that will not only leave you taken aback, but will change your whole concept of the world.
When I got my first masters degree I made all of my loved ones call me Master Irish. If you have a doctorate, people call you a doctor…it just makes sense.
I think health care is a human right, not a commodity. I am astounded that so many people in this country, and around the world, do not have full access to essential health care. (Perhaps you’ve been able to detect this in my blogging)
I have been regularly practicing Zen Buddhist meditation for about 2 years now. Every so often I get to be doan (timekeeper – I ring bells and clack sticks) at my neighborhood zen center.
I sing, but I will not sing for you. I am very self-conscious about my voice. I’m sitting with it…

Hillary on reproductive health care

2008-09-22T10:05:00.005-04:00

You see people, this is a woman who is actually fighting for the progress of women (unlike another woman who is in high political contention). No matter how you feel about Hillary, she knows her stuff when it comes to health care in this country. Here is an Op-Ed published in the NY Times last week, on new legislation being pushed by the Bush Administration.

Who should be held responsible?

2008-09-19T11:09:00.007-04:00

Should a drug or device manufacturer be liable when a provider harms the patient? What about if they are aware of possible risks when the drug is administered incorrectly? This woman settled with the clinic where the mistake was made, but has continued to pursue a lawsuit against Wyeth, the manufacturer of the product. Briefly, she argues that Wyeth should present the risks of a certain form of administration of the drug and Wyeth argues that it cannot because of state regulations. It’s a mess of an issue and is bringing up all kinds of problems that have not really been brought into the public light before.

Who gets the final say over safety standards? Wyeth? The FDA? Vermont? It all seems to be a bureaucracy that leads to blaming and scapegoating by all parties. This reminds me of ERISA, a federal law that was created to protect beneficiary’s health, life and pension benefits, but has created a loophole that also protects insurance providers from law suits. Both cases deal with the issue of pre-emption of state laws by federal regulations.

Here’s the deal. Although some might think that Wyeth should not be held liable, and therefore should not be sued, if the mistake made by this provider can be made by others, isn’t it a good thing to a) get the information dispersed to as many people as possible to try to prevent the mistake being made again and b) call into question the bureaucracy of control of safety standards and the issue of federal pre-emption that is preventing this from happening? Say what you want about medical malpractice and industry law suits, but they are often the only means people have of avoiding medical and personal bankruptcy (this woman not only racked up medical bills but also lost her livelihood), and for calling into light an issue that needs to be addressed (whether within an institution or within an industry). These are the ways in which changes are made to our health care system in this country. Go Erin Brockovich, go!

Oprah in Saudi Arabia

2008-09-19T11:09:00.004-04:00

Interesting Times piece about the perception of Oprah by Saudi women.

We have a very male-dominated society, and it’s very hard sometimes. But for now I have my coffee, and sit, and I watch Oprah. It’s my favorite time of day.

Copyright infringement

2008-09-18T11:24:00.006-04:00

Apparently McCain keeps using music for his campaign without approval from the musicians. Is requesting permission really that hard? We sing a Jackson Browne song in choir (see the link below). Fitting for McCain, don't you think?

Jackson Browne - Lives In The Balance lyrics LyricsMode.com

Ultimate experience with mindfulness and soda

2008-09-18T08:58:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I was jolted back to the present by one of the very things that allows me to disconnect. I was eating lunch in the cafeteria and reading a zen book, when the lid of the soda I was drinking popped off and the contents dumped all over me, my lunch, the table, and my book. How's that for a reminder to mindful?

Large Hedron Rap

2008-09-15T16:02:00.001-04:00

Cause science is cool!

"They're looking for whatever new particles they can find"...

This makes me reminisce about Bill Nye the Science Guy and my high school biology teacher Mr Jaworski (he was so into science and tried to make it fun for all of us!)

Afterthought: I love that the background dancers prefer annonymity in the credits!

Observations

2008-09-12T09:45:00.000-04:00

As part of my zen practice I have been observing myself and also the world around me a bit more consistently than I have before. Here are a few things that I have noticed in recent months.

1. Back in August I had the opportunity to witness an altercation arise out of a misunderstanding. I noticed the events leading up to it and even stopped myself in the middle of the sidewalk (yeah, yeah, walk around me!) to watch it play out. Both sides quickly retaliated and an intense shouting match ensued. I could see why both parties got upset. However, being that I was distant from the situation I didn't feel the emotions tied up with either party.

2. I've noticed that most people, myself included, will say anything to avoid silence. There's something about silence that makes people say and do things without really thinking about it. It's like an automatic response of 'just say anything!' I also find myself leaving the tv on when I'm home alone sometimes just to have some sound.

But we leave the sound on 'cause silence is harder.
-Regina Spektor, the Consequence of Sounds

3. I can come up with an excuse or explanation for almost anything. Sometimes I get to a point where I realize that it doesn't make any sense, but just cannot admit the truth to myself. Doing so, would compromise the things I've believed up to that point.

4. I've realized that there are a lot of sad and lonely people in NYC, as I'm sure in the rest of the world. A lot of people are really suffering.

5. I feel like I am able to slow down more recently, but when I sit I feel this great energy in my head. I noticed this when I went upstate as well. Being out of the constant movement of NYC, I still feel the movement even though my body's still. I mentioned this to a zen teacher and she said to just sit with it. Let it come and go as it will, don't try to analyze it. But then, I guess that's what being an observer is about. No analysis, just mindfulness.

Why didn't he do this a long time ago?

2008-09-04T11:07:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry, what? Kwame's pleaded guilty and has promised to resign? Are we in some alternate universe?

Crazy Lady!

2008-08-29T10:49:00.000-04:00

Woa, woa, woa! Every job is a job for Supernanny, crazy lady! Sounds like you just want a maid who will keep the kids out of your hair, with no real discipline....

A few things about Obama's acceptance speech

2008-08-29T08:31:00.000-04:00

I had the opportunity to watch Obama's acceptance speech at the DNC in the company of a packed bar in Brooklyn last night. I was very excited about it, especially about being surrounded by so many supporters who were enthused about this turning point in our country's history. I thought this would be such a historic moment that would give me chills. I have to say though, I was a little let down. Although I still very much support Obama and what he stands for, there were a few things about his speech that got to me:

He made promises that he, nor anyone, can live up to. Okay, I'll give you that all politicans have somewhat grandiose ideas that never end up being accomplished when they get into office, but isn't this what Obama is telling us we don't need in Washington. Yes, I think that we should work toward renewable and domestic fuel sources, yes we should improve the education system, and yes we need better healthcare. Independence from foreign oil in 10 years, top notch education during his term, etc, etc, just what we want to hear! Realistic? Not so much. What's the problem with idealism, you ask? There's nothing wrong with striving toward these ends but making these unrealistic promises seems to make him a little less credible.

He attacked McCain a lot. Yes, elections are dirty and candidates boost up their own images by putting their opponents down. But, again, isn't this what Obama wants to change? On the one hand, it's nice to actually hear a Democrat take a stand on things for once and not dance around issues. And he's tapped into the common disappointment of the past 8 years. On the other hand though, I'm sick of candidates dogging each other. And he did it in kind of a sleazy, passive-aggressive way.

The common chant of "yes we can" sounds a little too militaristic for my taste. I cannot help it, I know it's a positive chant. But really, just listen when you hear it, it's a little scary.

His talk of being for the people and not fortune 500 companies when so many companies put millions of dollars into the convention and were listening, live, to this very same speech. (Including a certain pharmacaeutical co...) No doubt they had a significant presence at the DNC.

Of course, there were great things about his speech. The fact that he actually listens to the American people and is in touch with the issues (he spoke very well about the middle class, jobs and Katrina) is inspiring and propells him far past McCain in my book. Due to the past 8 years under the current administration, the prospect of change reaches to so many people. We're sick of not being seen or heard, of an administration that doesn't care about anybody but wealthy CEOs and industry. So, although he did get a little snippy toward Bush and McCain, I could appreciate the stance he took against what we've been experiencing the past 8 years.

I have high hopes for Obama. I am putting my support behind him as a candidate because his campaign of hope and inspiration is not lost on us. Call it what you want, but isn't it obvious that millions of people are inspired by his words and are through with the political callousness of the past. They're not shallow words. People are sick of heartless politics, we want someone who can lead with his heart. I liked the song that Sheryl Crow performed last night "Out of Our Heads"

If we could only get out of our heads, out of our heads And into our
hearts

She apparently adapted this from one of the Dalai Lama's speeches. No wonder why it's so Buddhist in nature.

BTW - I couldn't help but use the image with the shamrocks. Irish for Obama! He he.

Standing on the shoulders of...

2008-08-28T10:26:00.000-04:00

I am standing on the shoulders of women around the world. There are many women who are pioneers in their country, region, world. Whether it's women fighting against poverty and excess in Southern Africa, black women who fought for civil rights and helped Obama get where he is today or a strong female presence at the Democratic National Convention (love or hate Hillary, she's gotten further than any other woman in the history of US politics), women have burst and currently are bursting through barriers and leading the way for the rest of us. Thanks ladies!

P.S. 13 wives! Really?

So tragic

2008-08-20T13:15:00.001-04:00

RIP LeRoi Moore. The Dave Matthews Band will never be the same without you!

Quotes

2008-08-15T14:56:00.000-04:00

Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someone else's life forever.
Margaret Cho

I think that when you get dressed in the morning, sometimes you're really making a decision about your behavior for the day. Like if you put on flipflops, you're saying: 'Hope I don't get chased today.' 'Be nice to people in sneakers.'
Demetri Martin

A love letter

2008-08-13T13:37:00.000-04:00

Dear Mr. Gates,

Can I call you Bill? B?

Please allow me to speak candidly. You have swept in and you have captured my heart, B. Somehow you flew under my radar and you touched me deeper than any other billionaire philanthropist has before. What your foundation has done, for Malaria, for drug access around the world, makes me weak in the knees. Now you’ve retired from your post at Microsoft to dedicate your time to your foundation and you write a piece for Time that I swear is just for me. Creative capitalism would never sound as good from anyone else’s lips, B. But somehow, you pull me in. I get it, you’ve greatly benefited from capitalism and therefore want to nurture it and see it bloom. Or you at least believe that the system isn’t going to change anytime soon and therefore we should make the current system better. But, you’ve figured out how to make capitalism appealing even in times of financial hardship. How do hold such power over me?

Please, B, be gentle with my fragile heart.

With much affection and unwavering support,
The Road Less Traveled

P.S. Can I have a job?

Sketchy pharmacy practices

2008-08-08T15:53:00.000-04:00

I’ve about had enough with my local large chain pharmacy. Although I was introduced to pharmacies at my local town store growing up in Michigan (where I worked for 3 years as a teenager), I’ve preferred the big chain stores since I moved to NYC. Sure, there have been problems with this chain in the past, be it getting the Rx transferred to another store or consistently not having my Rx in stock (the same one I take monthly and come to you for every time), but the smaller pharmacies here scare me. This is especially so after counseling Medicare beneficiaries on Part D; some small pharmacies were running scams and totally screwing people over. At least with a chain store there seems to be mostly legal operations.

Recently though, I have been questioning my choice in pharmacies. This relates to the one prescription I do take on a regular basis, birth control. I’ve been on BC for about 10 years now. I started taking it because my periods were out of control; sometimes up to 3 months long and very painful. When I first got on the pill, I had to play around a bit to find the one that fit me well. The particular pill that was the winner was Estrostep FE. I’ve been using this pill steadily for about 7 years now.

About 5-6 months ago I went to pick up my prescription at the aforementioned chain store, and discovered that the pack they sold me was not my estrostep. It was the generic, which the pharmacy took the liberty of switching me to without my approval or even my knowledge. I spoke with my gynecologist at my next appointment. She seemed quite satisfied that I was taking the generic, as it was the same and less expensive (she was well aware that I did not have health insurance). I didn’t make anything of it because the generic didn’t really seem to make a difference (I was experiencing abdominal pain but we attributed that to my IC) and I was saving $10 each month (I cannot believe the generic still costs $55!).

Now, fast forward to last month. I went in to get my Rx refilled only to hear that they were out of my pills (again!). When I went back in, I picked up my Rx only to discover when I got home that it was, again, a different brand. I took them instead of going back, because a) I didn’t want to deal with it and b) I had already pushed back taking the pills a week (not to worry, no chances of getting pregnant currently). Whether it was due to the week I missed or this new brand, I had a horrible month of spotting and cramping. So, this month when I went in to refill the prescription, I specifically asked for the past rx. Here is a run-down of that conversation:

Insensitive Chain Store Pharmacist (ICSP): How can I help you?

Me: I would like to get my prescription refilled. They gave me brand x instead of brand y last time and I’m not sure why, but I would like brand y this time.

ICSP: So you want brand y?

Me: Yes, I did not like brand x. Is brand x also a generic for Estrostep?

ICSP: Yes it is. (types on computer). Okay, you do not have any refills on brand y…

Me: Why is that?

ICSP: (completing ignoring my question) …and we don’t carry it anymore.

Me: Can you order it?

ICSP: Yes, but not today I already put in the order today. You will have to call tomorrow and have them order it.

Me: So I can have them order brand y?

ICSP: Yes, but you don’t have anymore refills. You can have your doctor call in a new Rx.

Me: Wait, I’m confused here. The prescription was written in April, for 12 refills. It’s August.

ICSP: (looks into computer) You had it switched to this brand x, you have refills on that. Would you like me to fill that for you?

Me: No. I would like brand y. Why was the Rx switched?

ICSP: You didn’t request the switch?

Me: No, it was done without my knowledge.

ICSP: Well, you can call here tomorrow and explain the situation then.

Me: If they put in the order for brand y tomorrow, when will it get in?

ICSP: Friday

I left annoyed but contemplating my next step. Would I call the next day? I was leaving for Michigan right after work on Friday so would not be able to pick up the Rx before I left (and was to start the pills on Saturday – I did not want to miss another week). Also the price of brand x was pretty much the same as brand y. So, I didn’t call the next day. I didn’t want to deal with another pharmacist who talked in circles and didn’t want to do anything for me. I went back the next day, got brand x filled and am giving it another try. Who knows if the problems were caused by the new brand or by the pause in taking the pill?

Now I am not brand loyal in any respect (this is coming from someone who works for a pharmaceutical company). I have been under the impression that generics are really the same as name brands (with the exception of inactive ingredients). While this seems to be true, after researching this it seems that it’s not necessarily the case when it comes to oral contraceptives. Furthermore, it alarms me that pharmacists are just changing to/between generics without the knowledge of the consumer. I know that, in most states, the pharmacist is supposed to fill a Rx with the generic if the MD doesn’t write DAW. But if you’re used to taking one thing and get home with another, it’s confusing. This doesn’t seem to be illegal, but I think it’s definitely unethical. Sure, generics are cheaper and in most cases people (and insurance co’s) probably would prefer them, but it’s seems so underhanded to make a switch without the patient’s knowledge. Apparently, this has been a problem with young women on BC in Canada.

Mostly, I think I am just annoyed with the cold, unfriendly customer service of these large chain pharmacies. Okay, I give you that it is in NYC, which is busy and wouldn't know what customer service is if it hit the whole city over the head. But, what are people to do in these situations? The pharmacist gave me some answers eventually but seemed unwilling to actually do anything other than the simplest thing he could do. This is the problem with US Healthcare being a market-driven commodity. If you rely on customer service to deliver much needed care, you're going to inevitably lose quality of care. No doubt the pharmacies are thinking about profits over helping people in any real sort of way.

Quote

2008-08-06T14:28:00.000-04:00

How can you have charisma? Be more concerned about making others feel good about themselves than you are making them feel good about you.
Dan Reiland

In the News

2008-08-06T13:34:00.000-04:00

Lots of health care issues in the news this week. These things keep us health advocates in tune and on our toes.

The Controversial
A court in the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai) rejects a couple's plea to abort their 25-week fetus in a key test case. The couple decided they wanted to abort the fetus after receiving test results indicating a chance of the baby being born with a defect. Ethical? Maybe that's subjective, but who can say not being in the situation. The couple says they do not have the resources to care for the sick child.

Immigrants Facing Deportation by U.S. Hospitals (Yikes!) This is a serious problem! People are being sent back to their native country, oftentimes to areas where proper care is lacking.

The Bad
Medication Increasingly Replaces Psychotherapy It's cheaper to cover medication than consistent therapy.So, even at the detriment of lots of people, therapy falls by the wayside.

The Hopeful
Honduras Promises To Invest In Its Farmers Hunger is a huge problem all over the world. Things like conflict and climate change are damaging to local food supplies. Genetic engineering of food is a bit controversial. But in this instance, it's helping to feed people in desperate need of food. I'm interested to see how this plays out and what kind of impact it has on both Honduras and genetic engineering.

FDA Oversight of tobacco. Stricter labeling requirements, prohibiting marketing to kids/teens sign me up! The argument made by the tobacco companies (with the exception of Phillip Morris, who would actually benefit from the new oversight) is that the FDA has too much to deal with already and they will get lost in the fold. To me it makes perfect sense that the FDA oversees a toxic substance we commonly put in our bodies.

The Unusual
Fish-icures: Flesh-Eating Fish Perform Pedicures. I'm not quite sure what to think of this. Maybe I'll have to try it. It's probably expensive though. I get a little bit of a shiver when thinking about sticking my feet into a tank of fish that I know will touch me. Ehhhh.

Climate Change

2008-08-01T10:08:00.000-04:00

Last week, scientists found that a large chunk of the artic ice shelf recently broke off near the Canadian coast.

The current warming being experienced in the Arctic means the conditions needed to rebuild the shelves simply does not exist...
...Further loss of Arctic ice will see radiation absorbed by darker seawater and snow free land, potentially warming the Earth's climate at an even faster rate than current observational data indicates.

Yikes! There still seems to be a delusion to the effects of global warming, by many nay-sayers. As if the large, unseasonal, and deterious effects of extreme weather events in recent years hasn't clued them in, we can take a look at daily news from around the world to see the obvious effects of global warming/climate change.

Some examples of detrimental effects of climate change worldwide:

* The effects of climate change can be easily seen across the continent of Africa.

* Lake Victoria suffering from pollution, over-fishing and climate change.

* Food and water shortages in Nairobi.

* Severe and constant flooding in Bangladesh. (Although the UN contends that it's not so bad because sediment deposits are creating more land. Yeah, that totally makes up for the illness, homelessness and poverty caused by the increased levels of water?)

* Desertification in Burkina Faso.

* Coral Reef destruction in Central America.

* Flooding in Ukraine and Romania.

Bloomberg/Gates Anti-Smoking Collaboration

2008-07-23T22:45:00.000-04:00

Two wealthy men, maybe you've heard of them - Michael Bloomberg and Bill Gates, are joining the forces of their very wealthy and influential foundations to discourage smoking around the world, with a focus in the developing world. I'm looking forward to hearing more about this in the future. I wonder how the tobacco industry is preparing for this. Apparently though, they can jump on the finding that tobacco can be used to help create a vaccine for lymphoma. A new market for tobacco? It would fair much better for their reputation.

This generation's coat hanger

2008-07-11T14:59:00.000-04:00

According to this report, women seeking abortions in countries where they are illegal have been turning to websites that will send them medications. It's good to know that there are alternatives out there for these women, but some of the sites sound a little sketchy. Of course, when anything is done illegally there is a high risk of a) sketchy people trying to take advantage of the vulnerable, b) little to no legal repercussions for dangerous alternatives, and c) few resources to turn to because of the taboo.

Quotes

2008-07-10T11:02:00.000-04:00

Protect me from knowing what I don't need to know. Protect me from even knowing that there are things to know that I don't know. Protect me from knowing that I decided not to know about the things that I decided not to know about. Amen.
-Douglas Adams, Mostly Harmless

Lord, lord, lord. Protect me from the consequences of the above prayer.
-Douglas Adams, Mostly Harmless

Solutions for Global Hunger

2008-07-10T09:46:00.000-04:00

Solutions for world hunger or Promotion of free trade?
Interestingly enough, I could not find anything in the BBC or the NYTimes about the G8 summit today.

More about hunger relief from IRIN.

Both of these articles bring into focus the use of aid through imported food, rather than helping to support the production of local agriculture

What's the saying? When you give a (wo)man a fish, you feed him (her) for a day. When you teach a (wo)man to fish, you feed him(her) for a lifetime.

Doctors not judges

2008-07-09T12:11:00.000-04:00

There was an interesting post in a NY Times blog today regarding whether doctors should lecture obese patients about their weight. It's actually a blog post about a blog post from a doctor, which I am now posting about in my blog.

In the original blog, Musings of a Distractible Mind, the writer (Dr. Rob) contemplates whether obese people really need to be told that they need to lose weight. The blog in general is great, this MD is very mindful of his practice, his patients, and of the woes of U.S. Health Care. He's witty about it too, which helps to lighten up some heavy topics.

The specific post mentioned in the Times, entitled Shame, is really entriquing. I'm sure that it's frustrating for doctors to see patients who they feel are not following their recommendations when it comes to health, but shaming someone for not taking your medical advice is not a tactic that will make people change their behaviors. I doubt that if a doctor routinely told me that I need to stop drinking soda, I would. When I feel more shameful about it, I struggle even more with stopping.

But the idea that their personal worth lies on their BMI is extremely damaging. There are a lot of screwed-up skinny people out there; just look at super-models...Our culture of accusation and shame simply makes obese people hate themselves. If you hate yourself, why should you want to take care of your body?

An interesting concept brought up to me by a friend who has for many years reclaimed the fat chick label, was that after losing a bit of weight she felt like she was betraying herself. She had spent so many years accepting herself at the weight she was that she had to change her image of herself and tell herself it was okay to lose the weight. We need medical providers and a society that accepts us at all weights, and allows us to be what we are. Kudos to Dr. Rob for his post!

Barely a glimpse into the mistreatment of the mentally ill

2008-07-02T12:48:00.000-04:00

How sad that it takes such a tragic event to spur outrage against the treatment of psychiatric patients. Have psychiatric staff become so numb that they can ignore a woman lying on the floor for an hour? It makes you think about the patients who don't fall over and die. What are they being put through that is not noticed by the staff or the governing bodies like the Health and Hospitals Corporation? It seems that this incident has sparked questions about the treatment of psychiatric patients in regards to this specific hospital, but I have seen nor heard much about this issue on a larger scale. Where is NAMI?

Election Violence

2008-06-18T13:50:00.000-04:00

The U.S. is not the only nation where heated elections took place in the past year. I know we've still got more to endure, but even with all the negativity surrounding the primaries, we can be thankful that we are not as unfortunate as the following countries:

Zimbabwe - The government is blocking humantarian aid until the end of the election because of perceived political ties.
Kenya - Violence escalated after disputed election reults.
Sri Lanka - Violent attacks follow accusations of vote tampering.

There are probably more, not covered by international media.

HIV/AIDS and Migration

2008-06-17T10:29:00.000-04:00

Migrants, who tend to be poor, alone and already stigmatized run a higher risk for HIV infection, rarely have access to regular health care, and experience the greatest human rights violations.Fees for testing, criminalization, and deportation of people with HIV/AIDS is common place in many countries.

"The implications of these policies is that they are growing the stigmatisation of the disease and driving these issues underground, which is exacerbating the problem," Bolivian activist Gracia Violeta Ross Quirogo

As Johal states near the end of the article, clearly we are not moving toward universal access to care for people with HIV/AIDS if we are not focusing attention on these populations of people. It doesn't appear that WHO has taken into consideration these populations and the struggles they face, at least not in the strategic directions outlined in the program.

Same Sex Marriages in California

2008-06-17T09:35:00.000-04:00

Hooray California! Same-sex couples can now be married. Good decision.

And an additional kudos to Gov. Paterson, for enforcing recognition of these marriages in NY. At least some good came from this office after the whole Spitzer scandal.

What the...?

2008-06-16T12:56:00.000-04:00

Insanity abounds in the news recently (as opposed to the rest of the time?), so I've decided to post links to my favorites articles about people that just make me scratch my head.

1. Disenfranchised Clinton supporters saying they'll support McCain. You're upset that a woman isn't going to be president, so you'll vote for this guy? Really? I find that unlikely. I like this Op-Ed because while it does reference the women who have been in the media expressing the above mentioned view, it also illustrates the stereotype of who Clinton supporters are (suburban white women) and the political/media exploitation of this stereotype.

2. Psychiatrist accused of plagarism, many times over. If there is ONE thing you learn in college, it is not to plagarize. It seemed that every professor I had the first few years, and even in to grad school, vocalized this. A psychiatrist has many years of college, but for some it just doesn't soak in.

3. Investment Banker vs. Stockbroker: Spinning Class showdown. Enough with the pissing contest! Now we are allowing New Yorkers to assault people they find annoying? I wonder how the verdict would have turned out had the assailant been a person of color?

4. AC/DC selling their lastest CD only at Walmart. Yeah, the two go hand-in-hand. Okay, I get the whole revolution of record sales and radio play counting for nothing these days. But AC/DC - Walmart? Really? They couldn't get a song played in a tv ad somewhere?

Update on my soda addiction

2008-06-11T14:08:00.000-04:00

I feel that I should continue to examine my soda addiction, as it is still something that I notice and since it's been getting worse lately. I hit a low today, when I took $1.25 in dimes and nickels to the cafeteria in our building. I shamefully apologized to the cashier, whose only response was a giggle, and to the guy behind me made some comment about needing to get rid of change. The whole thing was amusing really, but also a chance for some investigation into what's really going on when I crave soda.

For this investigation, I am using a technique taught to me by a zen teacher in my study of the Buddhist Precepts. It involves an an acronym, R.A.I.N and it's meant to increase awareness of what we do. Each letter signifies a step in that awareness.

R - Recognize the present moment and what you are feeling
Today's soda purchase was harder to ignore that most of my cravings, because it was such a to-do. As I was sorting my change, taking the elevator down to the lobby and then another elevator up to the 16th floor, slowly counting out my nickels and dimes for the cashier, making my way back up and down the elevators, and back to my desk, I was aware of the craving.

This craving, and most of my cravings really, come at a time when I am feeling inadequate or useless. Today, for instance, I was bored at my job. A lack of work, and consequently a lack of self-worth lead to me seek fulfillment. Not to mention that the job I have does not untilize my skills and abilities, nor is it mentally stimulating. This is another way in which I reaffirm my worthlessness with myself. There must be something wrong with me if I cannot get a job in my field.

A - Accept what you are feeling
Upon the realization of the craving and it's underlying emotions, I did not try to push the feeling away or ignore it. I let it be what it was and tried to be mindful of the craving.

I - Investigate
Once I recognized the craving and the feeling behind it, I could look closer at what happened at this time. I did not have any work to do and therefore was lollygagging on the internet. Even though my coworkers had no work for me to do, I felt ashamed, as if I was not doing enough. When someone walked by the door I would feel a jolt to get to work, so that people wouldn't think I was wasting time away.

Physically, I was slouching. I felt an emptiness in my abdomen, something that tea could not fulfill. Upon drinking the soda, there was a tingling that commenced down my esophagus and into my abdomen. Even now, I still feel a tightness in my shoulders and feel a bit exhausted overall. Like I had just cried intensely.

N - Non-Identification
These feelings of shame and worthlessness are thoughts, some of many, that I have. They do not define me. I am so much more than these thoughts.

People with HIV/AIDS will travel...or not

2008-06-11T11:00:00.001-04:00

Apparently, many countries will deny you a visa if you are HIV+ or have AIDS - including the US. What is the rationale for this? That this will prevent people from entering a country and infecting all the innocent people there? Or is it really about securing resources for wealthier countries? I'm sure that it is a bit of the latter, but also fear of the former. It's interesting that, as the article points out, conferences about the global AIDS crisis cannot be attended by people with HIV/AIDS.

Apparently the US does grant waivers for people with HIV. However,
If your name is entered and flagged in CLASS and/or TECS as being HIV positive you may be barred from future entries into the United States - and - You may apply for an HIV waiver for another future visit/event. However, obtaining the waiver may be difficult.

And, of course the individuals who get the waiver will have better access to resources and knowledge of this. Which means that this particular policy prevents people of lower socioeconomic status from entering the country. And these are most likely the ones who have the greatest need for medications and could contribute greatly to conferences on the global AIDS crisis.

Standing on the Shoulders of...

2008-06-09T14:38:00.000-04:00

After a hiatus, I am back paying respects to those who have given of themselves freely to help others. This week I am standing on the shoulders of Maung Thura, a comedian in Burma, who has resisted the SPDC in order to provide humantarian aide to victims of the cyclone. In doing so, he has been detained indefinitely. Maung Thura has a history of helping the Burmese in need, regardless of the penalties from the military-minded government. How many of us would be willing to do the same?

Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of creative alternatives for responding to conflict -- alternatives to passive or aggressive responses, alternatives to violence.
Dorothy Thompson

Quote

2008-04-09T22:34:00.000-04:00

Have good trust in yourself – not in the One you think you should be, but in the One that you are.
-Maezumi Roshi

Human rights violations in the US taken to international bodies

2008-04-09T15:25:00.000-04:00

What do you do when the local police don't enforce a personal protection order? If your children are killed by your estranged husband, then you can take it to the supreme court. When the supreme court rules that the constitution provides no requirement for enforcement of the PPO, then what? In a landmark case, Jessica Lenahan, along with the ACLU and Columbia School of Human Rights, has petitioned the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).
The news wire mentions briefly the American Declaration of Rights and Duties of Man, adopted in 1948, stating that the basis of the Lenahan's petition to IACHR is the failure of the US to comply with the human rights doctrine. This case symbolizes a new era in human rights, in which international bodies hold the U.S. accountable for injustices. If the IACHR does hold the US responsible for violations to this doctrine, then it could symbolize a new direction in international human rights trials. No wonder the US still has not ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Violence Against Women (CEDAW).
It will be very interesting to see how this plays out.

Mental Health Parity

2008-04-07T16:19:00.000-04:00

Mental Health Parity
Apparently the hesitation to providing more coverage for mental health services is due to the lack of scientific evidence to such disorders as depression or agoraphobia. Still, anyone who has known someone who has suffered or has themselves suffered from mental illness, can attest to the real pain and suffering they cause. (Also, as the article states, studies are beginning to show biological signs of mental illness).
Another argument is that mental illness and addiction are "choices". While yes, depression and addiction stem from choices one makes in their lives, the mindset is often influenced by deeper emotions from the past. Without dealing with these emotional triggers, say through therapy, you're not going to change the mindset. At least not enough to make a lasting change. Pills may allow an individual some relief from the illness, but is much more effective when combined with some form of therapy. Covering up deep roots of problems with pills will only distract from the cause. Even the drug companies agree that therapy combined with drugs is more effective.
If nothing else, one would think that the incentive for insurance companies to provide equal coverage for mental health would be overall greater health. It's logical that providing effective treatment for mental illness would benefit an individual's overall health.

Proposed legislation in Syria

2008-03-28T11:54:00.000-04:00

SYRIA: New draft law targets sex traffickers

We want to have the best legislation in the world to counter the issue of trafficking...Most importantly, for the first time the trafficked person will be considered a victim and not punished. We will go after the perpetrators and the causes of trafficking.

Why is this revolutionary?

Quote

2008-03-27T13:25:00.000-04:00

Internal and external are ultimately one. When you no longer perceive the world as hostile, there is no more fear, and when there is no more fear, you think, speak and act differently. Love and compassion arise, and they affect the world.
-Eckhart Tolle

Standing on the shoulders of...

2008-03-27T12:07:00.000-04:00

This week I am standing on the shoulders of the U.S. soldiers who testified against the violence and torture they were encouraged to perpetrate in Iraq. It's not easy to speak up against such a strong combination of military power, patriotism and fear. I give so much credit to these soldiers who gave up heroism to speak out against the things they did and saw. I have even stronger appreciation for them because not only are they dealing with strong idealism (from both sides), but they have to come to terms with their own participation in killing people. It's courageous that through the guilt and shame of their involvement, along with the rejection of the hero label, that these soldiers are so vocal against what truly is horrible. Hopefully they will help us to see that the violence and torture perpretrated by U.S. soldiers is not the work of a "few bad seeds". It obviously is deeply entrenched in the U.S. government and military.

More on the Thai Government

2008-03-24T12:36:00.000-04:00

Although I chose the Thai government to stand on the shoulders of regarding their policies on drugs, I'm not a fan of most of their work. This is why I am apprehensive about being inspired by any government. When it comes down to it, just about all governments are guilty of some pretty nasty things, and Thailand is no exception. While I admire their stance against the pharmaceutical companies, their record on religious segregation is disgusting. This is why ruling under any religion is dangerous, whether Buddhism, Christianity or Islam. It allows for the oppression and persecution of other religious group in that country.

Standing on the shoulders of...

2008-03-20T11:35:00.001-04:00

This week I am standing on the shoulders of the Thai government. It' s pretty rare that I am inspired by any government, but the current one in Thailand has stood their ground in using Compulsory Licensing for drugs. Their actions have been critcized by pharmaceutical companies and by the EU, but Thailand continues to use compulsory licensing to keep down the costs of drugs to its residents.

My ongoing battle with soda

2008-03-18T14:27:00.000-04:00

Speaking of fighting against conglomerates feeding our bodies with toxic substances (as in my last few posts regarding Rx drugs), it has come to my attention recently that I am addicted to soda. I've always known this on some level, but thought it was more mild than it is. Is there such a thing as a mild addiction? Sadly, compared to many Americans, I drink less amounts of soda on a regular basis (I rarely drink more than one per day). However, I just cannot seem to give it up. I think part of this may stem from the lack of mental stimulation at my current job. All I do is sit around and think about not drinking soda (and write in my blog).
I've been thinking about it more and more lately. I need to rid myself of my dependence on soda. it's so bad for me in so many ways.
According to wedmd, I need to do the following to stop drinking soda. My comments italicized.
1. Make up my mind. Okay.
2. Switch to diet soda. Gross!
3. Go Caffeine-free. I've been trying to mindfully reduce my intake of caffeine lately and have discovered that it's pretty hard to find beverages that are caffeine-free (that are not juices, which when I'm looking for something to drink midday, are mostly sugar and too acidic for my bladder).
4. Stock up on alternatives. WedMD recommends milk, cow or soy, to which I say no thank you. I have been trying to drink more water though. I find it's lack of sugar to be unsatisfying at times though. I know that this will change with time (I have done this before), but I'm so impatient.

Okay, so on with step 1, I am making up my mind to stop drinking soda. And I do so while sipping on a bottle of coke. Step 1a for me, throw out rest of coke. You know what, I'm just going to make that step 2. I'm not going to bother with the diet sodas. Why would someone go and wreck perfectly good soda by taking away the sugar? Next step for me is to reduce my caffeine intake. This will be a bit of a challenge for me, but I will continue to do so. Enough about my soda drinking now, I'm going to get some water from the cooler.

On a completely different note, I found this interesting bit about dialects in the U.S.:

Throughout most of the Midwest, from western Pennsylvania, through the Great Plains, to Oregon, the preferred usage is 'pop'. According to a huge survey across America the term 'pop' is a bit more popular with Americans than 'soda' (but only barely).

Ha, New York! That'll teach you to tease me about my use of the term pop (and the way in which I pronounce sooooda)

He He, also this was a footnote to the article:

The Midwestern, or Midland, dialect refers to the speech in an absolutely vast swathe of land whose denizens would contend that they have no accent.

Uh oh, the BBC is onto us...

It's not all puppy dogs and lollipops

2008-03-17T14:11:00.000-04:00

In 2007, for the first time in 46 years, the rate of pharmaceutical sales growth has declined. What has caused this decline? (Which by the way is not a decrease in the sales of pharmaceuticals, but a decrease in the growth of sales. It just means the sales are not growing at such a speed as in previous years. Sales are still increasing.). Are people taking less drugs? No. Are the costs of drugs decreasing? No, well sort of. Actually yes and no. According to the AP, the decline was partly due to "branded pharmaceuticals" losing "exclusivity". Because of this a whole wealth of generics were released bringing down the costs of the drugs and taking consumers from the higher priced brand drugs. So, in this respect costs have decreased.

But, it's not all puppy dogs and lollipops. Brand name drugs, especially for rare diseases, are continuing to be a devastating expense. Could you imagine paying hundreds of thousands of dollars every year for a drug necessary to your health? Imagine paying that much money for a drug at dosage higher than needed. Taking more of a drug than is optimal for your health. This stems in part from direct marketing to MD's. Yet another need for advocacy here.

Good thing another book has been written to shed light to even more misgivings of pharmaceutical companies. I'm sure it will fit nicely on bookshelves like mine, ignored by much of the public. From reading the review in the New York Times, it looks like many of the author's allegations are not new (see Marcia Angell's groundbreaking "The Truth About Drug Companies"), but I'm hoping that she reaaserts the problems brought to light by others with more examples and statistics. As far as I am concerned, the more problems are brought to light, the less we can ignore them (as hard as we may try).

There is the rigging of studies, so that to be deemed “effective” a drug need only perform better than a sugar pill. There are the promotional strategies that evade the need for F.D.A. warnings by, say, planting logos for the sexual enhancement drug Viagra and the antidepressant Wellbutrin on Nascar vehicles. There is the co-option of doctors and university researchers by aggressive, payola-dispensing drug company representatives. (from NY Times review of the book)

Although the rate of drugs sales has decreased, the AP reports that the number of drugs covered by Medicare Part D has increased. Indicating an increase in the amount of people enrolling in drug plans. One would hope that insurance companies would help to influence the decrease in drug costs, so they do not have to pay so much. But in reality, a drug that is too expensive for insurance companies is generally not covered by the plan, leaving the individual to bare the entire cost of the drug.

It sounds like Peterson's book does touch on the effects to older Americans. Something to think about when considering the large amounts of drugs that seniors take.

And when the side effects of sleeping pills or antidepressants
mean more elderly people fall down, the solution is not likely to be the
scaling back of such prescriptions. “Instead,” she writes, “the companies have used the statistics on falls to create a new blockbuster pharmaceutical market for drugs they claim will reduce the chances of breaking a bone.” The market for just two of these drugs, Fosamax and Actonel, is expected to be worth $10 billion by 2011.

Hmmm, interesting perspective.

Standing on the shoulders of...

2008-03-13T10:15:00.000-04:00

Every week I try to find a person who inspires me to be compassionate and seek justice. This is easier some weeks than others. I find when I do this, I feel less negative about the world. There are a lot of people who have made a positive impact on the world, whether large or small. When I stand on the shoulders of these people, I commit to continue their spirit of compassion.

This week I stand on the shoulders of Sister Rugiatu Kanu, a midwife in Sierra Leone. Kanu faces adversity as she delivers babies in a country with one of the highest infant mortality rates. She often works in the absence of electricity, water and medical support. She sees death often, is underpaid and underappreciated, but she continues to be one of very few resources for poor pregnant women and their families.

Must be something in the water....

2008-03-12T13:08:00.000-04:00

Apparently we are being drugged through our drinking water. Trace amounts of pharmaceuticals have been found nationally and in New York's reseviors. Time for my sarcastic side to come out. Does this mean that pharma is going to start trying to claim intellectual property rights on drinking water? Pfizer gets a certain region, Merck another, etc. Or better yet, bottle the water and sell it as a "healing tonic". We already pay multiple dollars for bottled water, why not pay $50/month for medicated water?
Alright, enough with the sarcasm, down to the real issue. What are the implications of these findings? Many people are saying that the amounts are so trace, there is not a sustantial impact from them. But, as the article about the situation in NY states, it appears to be affecting marine life. What other ecological effects do these trace amounts have over time? Not too mention, trace or not, there are just some substances I do not want to have in my body.
So, now that the AP has released this information, what do we do with it? The arcticles do point out that water testing procedures do not include testing for pharmaceuticals. It appears that this could be a point for environmental and health advocacy. As we continue to take increasing amounts of presciption drugs over the years, how will this affect our water? Our environment? My solution - we should tell people in upstate New York to quit dumping out their drugs in the toilet. That will solve everything!
As always, the Onion puts it into perspective.

Listening to my body

2008-03-06T13:01:00.000-05:00

The human body really is an amazing thing, don't you think? It's a bit sad that we often take our bodies for granted. There are times when I am amazingly in-tune with my body, feel every inch of me from my toes, to my fingers, to the hair folicles on top of my head. In these moments I feel very much alive and connected to the world. At other times, I disconnect from certain parts (or all) of my body, usually in an attempt to avoid pain or uncomfortable feelings. What I am learning about myself is my bodily reactions, whether poor posture or feeling nauseous, are in reaction to an emotion. No, this is not rocket science. I realize this makes perfect sense in concept, but in practice I am always taken aback by my mind-body connection (or disconnection, as it may be at times).
This morning I awoke at my usual time, not by my alarm but by my own body-clock. This was a good thing because I quickly realized that my alarm had not gone off and it was past the time I thought I had set it for. Waking up by my own alarm was much more invigorating than being jolted by the external alarm. Every morning I set out to leave some time for me to do some yoga or tai chi, something I've been skipping out on lately. When I practice a few moves in the morning I stretch as long and tall as I can to feel every part of my body. It's very refreshing to do in the morning. Also, it allows my body to communicate with my brain (or rather my mind allows the body to communicate). I began a yoga class this week after a three month hiatus and realized just how tense my body was. It makes me sit straighter throughout the day and therefore reduces the strain from poor posture.
Well, this morning started off great, I awoke with energy and even made it to work early. Then I went and ruined the positive energy by eating a terrible lunch. From the moment I took the first bite I could just feel the negative effects on my body. It's amazing how quickly my energy was depleted and I felt ill. Being in tune with my body makes me feel these effects much more intensely. You would think I would stop eating such horrible food, but my cravings for such food is in direct opposition to the effects on my body. This is especially so with soda. Oh, how I love my soda! But, with my IC, it has a very negative impact on my bladder (not too mention the rest of my body). The past few weeks have been painful in terms of my IC, due to my increased intake of tea and a recent weekend filled with chocolate and wine. I've been trying to stay away from the previously mentioned foods, which inflame my bladder when taken in great quantities, but I'm struggling. It's amazing how a tender mid-section only lessons my intakes of these substances, it does not eliminate them. I can only hope that my desire to be pain-free and have energy outweighs my cravings for them.
I am striving to be more aware of my body, to listen to what it's telling me. Not only will I be more aware of the junk I'm piling into it, but also I hope to gain a deeper understanding of my physical responses. Why do I feel sick to my stomach when I get angry? Why do I react the way I do in specific situations? I'm just trying to learn all that I can about my body, its responses and the awesomeness of human biology. A professor in one of my undergrad biology classes said in response to a student's question about religion vs. science, we know the structure and functions of the body but that the body came together exactly as it did and functions properly more times than not is beyond any scientist or doctor. We know what we know about ourselves. If we would just listen to what our bodies tell us, we would be happier and healtier overall. This is my mission.

Cochlear Implants - More Information

2008-03-03T14:00:00.000-05:00

The NY Times article in my last post got me thinking about the long-term effects of Cochlear Implants. I decided to investigate a bit further. Here are some things I found:

From the FDA - http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/cochlear/riskbenefit.html

Most studies suggest benefits to implanting young children - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12075224?dopt=Abstract

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/01/010105075738.htm

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Press_releases/2005/12_01_05.html (Interesting to note that the study was funded in part by a manufacturer of the implants.)

http://content.karger.com/produktedb/produkte.asp?typ=fulltext&file=ORL2006068004237

This topic makes me think of a documentary we watched in the Health Advocacy Program, called the Sound and the Fury. It's a very emotional look at Cochlear Implants and what it means to people who are deaf and to hearing individuals with deaf children.

Health Care in the news today

2008-03-03T13:01:00.000-05:00

BBC -
If you thought there was a shortages of nurses and other medical staff in the U.S., you'll be utterly disheartened by the shortages internationally. On the one hand, it's great that doctors and nurses are able to immigrate to more prosperous countries. But, it creates an even greater hardship on their home country's resources. In the U.S. they pay tuition or give subsidies to med students who practice in rural, resource-depleted areas. I cannot imagine this idea not being expanded internationally.

NY Times -
The need for presidential candidates to ponder the futures of Medicare and Medicaid. My suggestion: Can't we just find an independently wealthy do-gooder to be our benefactor?

Very interesting article about Cochlear Implants. It shows support for implanting not only adults, but preferrably young children (as young as 1 month old). I don't know, I'm still a bit skeptical. If someone wants to get the implants themself, great. But, implanting such young children still raises some concerns for me, although I realize the greater ability to learn english at a young age. Have any studies been done to see how these things affect brain functioning and physiology in the long run? On another note, Swiller's book sounds really interesting.

Skiddishness over vaccinating children against STI's

2008-03-02T16:25:00.000-05:00

I found this article from the New York Times last week to be an interesting commentary on the fears we have of our children becoming sexual beings. Although the emergence of the vaccine for HPV has questionable beginnings in its development and marketing, it has started conversations surrounding young women and HPV. If nothing else we can use this opportunity to educate both young women and young men about the virus and its progression to cervical cancer. However, the marketing of the vaccine has focused on the prevention of cervical cancer, sidetracking the mode of infection of HPV.

In this article Jan Hoffman focuses on the vaccination of boys for HPV. She states that by 2009 the vaccination will be approved for boys as well. Seen as males are often the unkowing carriers of HPV (which tends to be symptomless in men), the vaccination has been marketed to young women and girls. (As a side, I discovered that HPV can lead to greater illness in men, such as anal or penile cancer. See http://www.cdc.gov/STD/hpv/STDFact-HPV-and-men.htm#whatare. However, it looks like these are much less common than cervical cancer due to HPV in women, so not forced into the public concious as much).

Hoffman's main point is how Merck would go about marketing the vaccine to boys, when there is not the increasing fear of cancer as in girls. Basically, the vaccination of boys against HPV would be for the purpose of preventing the transmission of an STI that can cause cervical cancer in girls. For parents already in denial that kids are having sex earlier than they'd like, to have their son vaccinated for an STI seems even more controversial than vaccinating girls. At least with girls Merck can focus on the prevention of cervical cancer, but the vaccination of boys wakes us up to the nature of transmission of HPV.