Let me get this straight. We're going to pass a health care plan:
(1)Written by a committee whose head says he doesn't understand it
(2)passed by a Congress that hasn't read it but exempts themselves from it
(3)signed by a president that also hasn't read it, and who smokes
(4)with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes
(5)overseen by a surgeon general who is obese
(6)financed by a country that's nearly broke.
What possibly could go wrong?
On a brighter note.............to all my blogger buds in Des Moines.........you can come out of your house now.........the snow has stopped falling!!!
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Sunday, December 27, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Heart Attacks and Holidays
Not to put a damper on your time-off, but some studies tell us that death rates from heart attacks and stroke (as well as non-heart-related causes) spike during the holiday season. A national database with detailed information on the 53 million deaths that occurred in the US between 1973 and 2001 indicates that fatalities from heart disease hit a highpoint in December/January, with Christmas and New Year's Day having the highest numbers, according to a University of California at San Diego study. Researchers say there are several possible reasons for the spike. One of them being that people who are having heart trouble prior to the holiday season often put-off going to the doctor or look at the holidays as a reason to take a break from their exercise and diet programs. The lesson from this? Heart attacks don’t take holidays.
Not to put a damper on your time-off, but some studies tell us that death rates from heart attacks and stroke (as well as non-heart-related causes) spike during the holiday season. A national database with detailed information on the 53 million deaths that occurred in the US between 1973 and 2001 indicates that fatalities from heart disease hit a highpoint in December/January, with Christmas and New Year's Day having the highest numbers, according to a University of California at San Diego study. Researchers say there are several possible reasons for the spike. One of them being that people who are having heart trouble prior to the holiday season often put-off going to the doctor or look at the holidays as a reason to take a break from their exercise and diet programs. The lesson from this? Heart attacks don’t take holidays.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Medicare Buy-in Encounters Strong Opposition
If you're confused about the healthcare reform proposal in the US Senate to allow citizens aged 55 and 64 years to buy in to the Medicare program, you're in good company.
The details of the plan, first announced last week by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, as part of a compromise to win over senators opposed to a "public option" — a federal health insurance plan to compete with private insurers — are shrouded in secrecy.
Reid is waiting for the Congressional Budget Office to complete a cost analysis of the measure before providing specifics. Even the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, said he was "in the dark" about aspects of the plan.
What is known about the measure has engendered rapid and fierce opposition from healthcare providers, including the American Medical Association, the American Hospital Association, and America's Health Insurance Plans, mainly because Medicare reimbursement rates are inadequate.
In broad strokes, Reid's compromise would expand Medicare eligibility to people aged 55 to 64 years who are uninsured or paying high premiums in the individual market. Most of those with employer-provided coverage would not be eligible.
Buy-in Plan Condemned
The American Medical Association, which had supported the bill passed by the House of Representatives that would create a public option, was quick to condemn the Medicare buy-in idea.
"The AMA has longstanding policy opposing the expansion of Medicare given the fiscal projections for the future," AMA president J. James Rohack, MD, said in a statement. "Currently, the flawed Medicare physician payment formula will cause a drastic 21% cut to physicians caring for Medicare patients in January, and 22% of Medicare patients looking for a new primary care doctor are having trouble finding one."
The Mayo Clinic, often cited by Obama as a model of what healthcare reform might look like, condemned the buy-in proposal in stark terms. "The current Medicare payment system is financially unsustainable," the group said in a statement posted on the Mayo Clinic Health Policy Blog last week. "Any plan to expand Medicare, which is the government's largest public plan, beyond its current scope does not solve the nation's health care crisis, but compounds it.
"Expanding this system to persons 55 to 64 years old would ultimately hurt patients by accelerating the financial ruin of hospitals and doctors across the country. A majority of Medicare providers currently suffer great financial loss under the program. Mayo Clinic alone lost $840 million last year under Medicare. As a result of these types of losses, a growing number of providers have begun to limit the number of Medicare patients in their practices."
Writing in Monday's USA Today, American Hospital Association President Richard J. Umbdenstock described the buy-in plan this way: "Imagine living in a house with a crumbling foundation and trying to repair it by adding more bedrooms."
"Making millions of non-seniors eligible for Medicare, at the same time that millions more Baby Boomers are reaching retirement age, will further weaken the program and put many hospitals at tremendous risk," Umbdenstock said. "Their ability to provide other critical services their communities need — such as trauma care, emergency care, disaster readiness and more — would be jeopardized. And, one key reason health care costs are higher for everyone is that Medicare does not pay its fair share of the cost of care. Reform should end this 'cost shift,' not make it worse."
Health insurers, who opposed the House bill because of its inclusion of a government-run public option plan, quickly opposed the Senate buy-in idea. "This would add millions of new people to a program everyone agrees is going broke," a spokesman for America's Health Insurance Plans said in a statement.
If you're confused about the healthcare reform proposal in the US Senate to allow citizens aged 55 and 64 years to buy in to the Medicare program, you're in good company.
The details of the plan, first announced last week by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, as part of a compromise to win over senators opposed to a "public option" — a federal health insurance plan to compete with private insurers — are shrouded in secrecy.
Reid is waiting for the Congressional Budget Office to complete a cost analysis of the measure before providing specifics. Even the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, said he was "in the dark" about aspects of the plan.
What is known about the measure has engendered rapid and fierce opposition from healthcare providers, including the American Medical Association, the American Hospital Association, and America's Health Insurance Plans, mainly because Medicare reimbursement rates are inadequate.
In broad strokes, Reid's compromise would expand Medicare eligibility to people aged 55 to 64 years who are uninsured or paying high premiums in the individual market. Most of those with employer-provided coverage would not be eligible.
Buy-in Plan Condemned
The American Medical Association, which had supported the bill passed by the House of Representatives that would create a public option, was quick to condemn the Medicare buy-in idea.
"The AMA has longstanding policy opposing the expansion of Medicare given the fiscal projections for the future," AMA president J. James Rohack, MD, said in a statement. "Currently, the flawed Medicare physician payment formula will cause a drastic 21% cut to physicians caring for Medicare patients in January, and 22% of Medicare patients looking for a new primary care doctor are having trouble finding one."
The Mayo Clinic, often cited by Obama as a model of what healthcare reform might look like, condemned the buy-in proposal in stark terms. "The current Medicare payment system is financially unsustainable," the group said in a statement posted on the Mayo Clinic Health Policy Blog last week. "Any plan to expand Medicare, which is the government's largest public plan, beyond its current scope does not solve the nation's health care crisis, but compounds it.
"Expanding this system to persons 55 to 64 years old would ultimately hurt patients by accelerating the financial ruin of hospitals and doctors across the country. A majority of Medicare providers currently suffer great financial loss under the program. Mayo Clinic alone lost $840 million last year under Medicare. As a result of these types of losses, a growing number of providers have begun to limit the number of Medicare patients in their practices."
Writing in Monday's USA Today, American Hospital Association President Richard J. Umbdenstock described the buy-in plan this way: "Imagine living in a house with a crumbling foundation and trying to repair it by adding more bedrooms."
"Making millions of non-seniors eligible for Medicare, at the same time that millions more Baby Boomers are reaching retirement age, will further weaken the program and put many hospitals at tremendous risk," Umbdenstock said. "Their ability to provide other critical services their communities need — such as trauma care, emergency care, disaster readiness and more — would be jeopardized. And, one key reason health care costs are higher for everyone is that Medicare does not pay its fair share of the cost of care. Reform should end this 'cost shift,' not make it worse."
Health insurers, who opposed the House bill because of its inclusion of a government-run public option plan, quickly opposed the Senate buy-in idea. "This would add millions of new people to a program everyone agrees is going broke," a spokesman for America's Health Insurance Plans said in a statement.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
New information regarding routine mammograms and pap smears was presented today in the senate. The following is a newsclip from today.
December 3, 2009 — In a 61 to 39 vote, the US Senate today approved an amendment to its massive healthcare reform bill that would guarantee coverage of much-debated mammograms and other preventive screenings for women without any cost-sharing on their part.
The bill's primary sponsor, Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), had introduced the measure in response to the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) announcing last month that it no longer recommends routine mammograms for women aged 40 to 49 years. The USPSTF also stated that mammograms for women aged 50 years and older be performed every 2 years instead of annually. A number of medical societies and expert groups, including the American Cancer Society, have objected to the new recommendations.
Congressional Republicans point to the latest USPSTF guidelines as a preview of healthcare rationing that would occur if Democratic healthcare reform legislation passes. The Senate bill had originally required health plans to cover preventive services such as mammograms that were recommended by USPSTF and several other organizations.
The amendment offered by Sen. Mikulski would require both private and public health plans to cover preventive care and screenings specifically for women that are recommended not only by the USPSTF, but also by the Health Resources and Services Administration, a federal agency charged with expanding access to healthcare for the underserved. As a result, said Sen. Mikulski, the amendment would give all American women the same coverage for preventive care and screenings that female federal employees enjoy. And coverage for mammograms would be guaranteed.
"We don't mandate that you have a mammogram at age 40," she told the Senate earlier this week. "But if your doctor says you need one, you are going to get one."
The Senate accepted an amendment by Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) to the Mikulski amendment to strengthen the guarantee of mammograms. The Vitter amendment states that required coverage of breast-cancer screening and prevention under the Senate healthcare reform bill will reflect USPSTF recommendations prior to those released last month.
Amendment Also Addresses Pap Tests
According to Sen. Mikulski, her amendment also would guarantee coverage of cervical cancer screenings. That promised coverage also addresses fears of healthcare rationing in light of a recommendation last month by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for less frequent cervical cancer screening. Previous ACOG guidelines had called for annual Pap tests for women ages 21 to 29 years as well as those younger than 21 years who have been sexually active for at least 3 years. ACOG now recommends biennial Pap tests for women starting at age 21 years regardless of sexual history and continuing through age 29 years. In addition, the new guidelines state that low-risk women aged 30 years and older should have Pap test every 3 years as opposed to every 2 to 3 years if they have negative tests 3 years in a row.
Sen. Mikulski said the cost of her amendment, $940 million over 10 years, would be funded from surplus funds in the Senate reform bill.
December 3, 2009 — In a 61 to 39 vote, the US Senate today approved an amendment to its massive healthcare reform bill that would guarantee coverage of much-debated mammograms and other preventive screenings for women without any cost-sharing on their part.
The bill's primary sponsor, Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), had introduced the measure in response to the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) announcing last month that it no longer recommends routine mammograms for women aged 40 to 49 years. The USPSTF also stated that mammograms for women aged 50 years and older be performed every 2 years instead of annually. A number of medical societies and expert groups, including the American Cancer Society, have objected to the new recommendations.
Congressional Republicans point to the latest USPSTF guidelines as a preview of healthcare rationing that would occur if Democratic healthcare reform legislation passes. The Senate bill had originally required health plans to cover preventive services such as mammograms that were recommended by USPSTF and several other organizations.
The amendment offered by Sen. Mikulski would require both private and public health plans to cover preventive care and screenings specifically for women that are recommended not only by the USPSTF, but also by the Health Resources and Services Administration, a federal agency charged with expanding access to healthcare for the underserved. As a result, said Sen. Mikulski, the amendment would give all American women the same coverage for preventive care and screenings that female federal employees enjoy. And coverage for mammograms would be guaranteed.
"We don't mandate that you have a mammogram at age 40," she told the Senate earlier this week. "But if your doctor says you need one, you are going to get one."
The Senate accepted an amendment by Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) to the Mikulski amendment to strengthen the guarantee of mammograms. The Vitter amendment states that required coverage of breast-cancer screening and prevention under the Senate healthcare reform bill will reflect USPSTF recommendations prior to those released last month.
Amendment Also Addresses Pap Tests
According to Sen. Mikulski, her amendment also would guarantee coverage of cervical cancer screenings. That promised coverage also addresses fears of healthcare rationing in light of a recommendation last month by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for less frequent cervical cancer screening. Previous ACOG guidelines had called for annual Pap tests for women ages 21 to 29 years as well as those younger than 21 years who have been sexually active for at least 3 years. ACOG now recommends biennial Pap tests for women starting at age 21 years regardless of sexual history and continuing through age 29 years. In addition, the new guidelines state that low-risk women aged 30 years and older should have Pap test every 3 years as opposed to every 2 to 3 years if they have negative tests 3 years in a row.
Sen. Mikulski said the cost of her amendment, $940 million over 10 years, would be funded from surplus funds in the Senate reform bill.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Nov. 9, 2009 -- Long-term use of a neti pot to clear stuffy noses and blocked nasal passages may actually encourage more sinus problems rather than keep them away.
A new study shows people who used nasal saline irrigation for a year and then discontinued use the following year had 62% fewer cases of sinusitis in the year that they didn't use the device.
Neti pots have become increasingly popular in recent years for the treatment of sinus infections and other forms of sinus disease. The pots deliver a stream of sterile saline solution to the nasal passages to loosen and clear nasal congestion.
Researchers say despite the common use of nasal saline irrigation to treat sinusitis, there has been little scientific research to confirm its effectiveness. Sinusitis is an inflammation or infection of the sinuses and nasal passages that can cause headache or pressure in the eyes, nose, and cheek area as well as nasal congestion, cough, and fever.
The study, presented this week at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Meeting in Miami, followed 68 people who used nasal saline irrigation for 12 months and then discontinued use for another 12 months.
The results showed that the number of cases of sinusitis decreased by 62.5% during the discontinuation phase. Researchers also compared the rates of sinusitis among those who stopped using nasal saline irrigation and another group of 24 adults who used daily nasal saline irrigation for 12 months. Again, they found sinusitis among daily users was significantly higher (50%) than among nonusers.
Researchers say nasal mucus acts as a first line of defense against infections, and long-term nasal saline irrigation may interfere with this natural immune function.
Although use of a neti pot for nasal saline irrigation may temporarily improve sinus infection symptoms, they say "its daily long-term use may result in an increased frequency of acute [sinusitis] by potentially depleting the nose of its immune blanket of mucus," write researcher Talal M. Nzouli, MD, of Washington, D.C., and colleagues in their study.
A new study shows people who used nasal saline irrigation for a year and then discontinued use the following year had 62% fewer cases of sinusitis in the year that they didn't use the device.
Neti pots have become increasingly popular in recent years for the treatment of sinus infections and other forms of sinus disease. The pots deliver a stream of sterile saline solution to the nasal passages to loosen and clear nasal congestion.
Researchers say despite the common use of nasal saline irrigation to treat sinusitis, there has been little scientific research to confirm its effectiveness. Sinusitis is an inflammation or infection of the sinuses and nasal passages that can cause headache or pressure in the eyes, nose, and cheek area as well as nasal congestion, cough, and fever.
The study, presented this week at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Meeting in Miami, followed 68 people who used nasal saline irrigation for 12 months and then discontinued use for another 12 months.
The results showed that the number of cases of sinusitis decreased by 62.5% during the discontinuation phase. Researchers also compared the rates of sinusitis among those who stopped using nasal saline irrigation and another group of 24 adults who used daily nasal saline irrigation for 12 months. Again, they found sinusitis among daily users was significantly higher (50%) than among nonusers.
Researchers say nasal mucus acts as a first line of defense against infections, and long-term nasal saline irrigation may interfere with this natural immune function.
Although use of a neti pot for nasal saline irrigation may temporarily improve sinus infection symptoms, they say "its daily long-term use may result in an increased frequency of acute [sinusitis] by potentially depleting the nose of its immune blanket of mucus," write researcher Talal M. Nzouli, MD, of Washington, D.C., and colleagues in their study.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
How about that thunderstorm we had last night? I awoke at 22:22 with the sound of a large sonic boom...at least that is what it sounded like. That was thunder, no doubt. Wow, I thought I was in a hurricane. The wind was blowing, the rain was hitting the side of the house, and the lightening.........wow, the lightening was an amazing show of fireworks. The lady that works the front desk at night for DoctorsNow always gives me flack about my yard..........she tells me the lightening makes my yard greener than any fertilizer. Well, ok, she is right, but I am NOT going to tell her she is right!! :)
From a scientific description, lightning refers to one of the several forms of visible electrical discharges produced by thunderstorms. It is essentially a giant spark that jumps between vast pools of positive and negative electrical charge that form inside thunderstomrs. And what is a thunder??? Thunder is the sound emitted as a result of the rapidly expanding gases along the heated lightning channel.
Sounds pretty complicated, eh? It's not my intention to complicate nature, but I think it is fun to know how far a storm is from where you are located. Yes, you can use thunder to tell how far away a storm is. Next time you see a storm, count the number of seconds between when you see the lightning and hear the thunder. Take the number of seconds and divide by 5 and that will tell you how far away the storm is in miles. For example: If you counted 10 seconds between the lightning and the thunder, the lightning is 2 miles away! I counted less than 5 seconds last night so that must mean the storm was over my house and my lawn is bright green!!! yahoo!
From a scientific description, lightning refers to one of the several forms of visible electrical discharges produced by thunderstorms. It is essentially a giant spark that jumps between vast pools of positive and negative electrical charge that form inside thunderstomrs. And what is a thunder??? Thunder is the sound emitted as a result of the rapidly expanding gases along the heated lightning channel.
Sounds pretty complicated, eh? It's not my intention to complicate nature, but I think it is fun to know how far a storm is from where you are located. Yes, you can use thunder to tell how far away a storm is. Next time you see a storm, count the number of seconds between when you see the lightning and hear the thunder. Take the number of seconds and divide by 5 and that will tell you how far away the storm is in miles. For example: If you counted 10 seconds between the lightning and the thunder, the lightning is 2 miles away! I counted less than 5 seconds last night so that must mean the storm was over my house and my lawn is bright green!!! yahoo!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Hello freinds! Let's take a break from the healthcare reform chit chat. Instead, let me tell you a little bit about low back pain. Many people with chronic low back pain can improve and even fully heal their backs by doing one simple thing: stretching their hamstrings.
Your hamstrings are the muscles that run along the back of your thighs, from behind your knees to the bottom of your pelvis. If your hamstrings are tight, they are causing a constant downward pull on your pelvis. What this does is flattens out the normal curve in the low back. Since your pelvis is the foundation of your lower back and spine, having tight hamstrings contributes to an unstable lower back and a greater chance of intermittent sprains and strains.
So how do you know if your hamstrings are tight? The best way to assess hamstring length is to lie flat on your back and have someone slowly raise one leg. Your leg must be completely relaxed, and you must not help lift the leg with your own muscles. If your hamstrings are at an appropriate length for your body, your leg can be raised to 90 degrees off the ground without any significant tightness anywhere along your hamstrings from behind your knee to your sitting bone (pelvis). If you start to feel tightness before 90 degrees, you know it’s time to stretch!
Many people with chronic lower back pain can experience dramatic improvement after stretching their hamstrings on a daily basis for 1-3 months. If you don’t have lower back problems, stretching your hamstrings everyday is an excellent preventive measure that will keep your lower back and pelvis balanced for the years ahead.
One more important point to remember........stretch those hammies after you are warmed up. Never stretch a cold muscle with static stretching.
Your hamstrings are the muscles that run along the back of your thighs, from behind your knees to the bottom of your pelvis. If your hamstrings are tight, they are causing a constant downward pull on your pelvis. What this does is flattens out the normal curve in the low back. Since your pelvis is the foundation of your lower back and spine, having tight hamstrings contributes to an unstable lower back and a greater chance of intermittent sprains and strains.
So how do you know if your hamstrings are tight? The best way to assess hamstring length is to lie flat on your back and have someone slowly raise one leg. Your leg must be completely relaxed, and you must not help lift the leg with your own muscles. If your hamstrings are at an appropriate length for your body, your leg can be raised to 90 degrees off the ground without any significant tightness anywhere along your hamstrings from behind your knee to your sitting bone (pelvis). If you start to feel tightness before 90 degrees, you know it’s time to stretch!
Many people with chronic lower back pain can experience dramatic improvement after stretching their hamstrings on a daily basis for 1-3 months. If you don’t have lower back problems, stretching your hamstrings everyday is an excellent preventive measure that will keep your lower back and pelvis balanced for the years ahead.
One more important point to remember........stretch those hammies after you are warmed up. Never stretch a cold muscle with static stretching.
Monday, August 17, 2009
The following is an appeal that is being signed by physicians from the Community group called, Sermo. Sermo has been actively telling lawmakers that they want to participate in a meaningful reform of our healthcare system. Please read the following.
----------------------------
The Physicians' Appeal:
To the American People,
We, the physicians of this country want to reform healthcare and improve the quality and access to care for our patients while reducing costs. True healthcare reform will only succeed if:
1. Unnecessary tests and procedures are reduced through tort and malpractice reform
2. Doctors are allowed to spend more time with their patients and less time on paperwork by streamlining billing and making pricing more transparent (create an alternative to CPT codes)
3. Medical decisions are made by physicians and their patients, not insurance company administrators
4. Adequate supply of qualified physicians is assured by revising the methods used to calculate reimbursements.
We invite policy makers to work directly with the men and women who are on the frontlines of healthcare each and every day caring for the citizens of this country.
We pledge to be partners in true healthcare reform, improving the healthcare delivery system in this country while honoring the Hippocratic oath that we all have taken.
Respectfully Yours,
America's Physicians.
----------------------------
The Physicians' Appeal:
To the American People,
We, the physicians of this country want to reform healthcare and improve the quality and access to care for our patients while reducing costs. True healthcare reform will only succeed if:
1. Unnecessary tests and procedures are reduced through tort and malpractice reform
2. Doctors are allowed to spend more time with their patients and less time on paperwork by streamlining billing and making pricing more transparent (create an alternative to CPT codes)
3. Medical decisions are made by physicians and their patients, not insurance company administrators
4. Adequate supply of qualified physicians is assured by revising the methods used to calculate reimbursements.
We invite policy makers to work directly with the men and women who are on the frontlines of healthcare each and every day caring for the citizens of this country.
We pledge to be partners in true healthcare reform, improving the healthcare delivery system in this country while honoring the Hippocratic oath that we all have taken.
Respectfully Yours,
America's Physicians.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Public opinion polls show growing doubts about some of Mr. Obama’s health care proposals, and in the last week, several members of Congress have been confronted by constituents, protesters and advocacy groups denouncing Democratic proposals.
I'm reading all this and find one of the best lines of all......tell me you have concerns........better yet, talk to your congressman! The following is something to think about:
“Why would you guys try to stuff a health-care bill down our throats in three to four weeks when the president took six months to pick” a “dog for his kids?” one protester said. The hecklers had a sign identifying them as members of the “Ft. Stanwix Tea Party Patriots.”
I'm reading all this and find one of the best lines of all......tell me you have concerns........better yet, talk to your congressman! The following is something to think about:
“Why would you guys try to stuff a health-care bill down our throats in three to four weeks when the president took six months to pick” a “dog for his kids?” one protester said. The hecklers had a sign identifying them as members of the “Ft. Stanwix Tea Party Patriots.”
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Many of us know the quote “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome” by Arthur Ashe. A good freind of mine always reminds me that life IS, in fact, a journey....not just a destination we try to arrive at. I wonder if she has heard this quoted over and over as it seems ever so popular these days. I think the reason for the popularity is the the fact that many questions arise when we ask ourselves, "what is our purpose?" "Why are we here?"
For thousands of years, humans have believed in an afterlife, and almost all religions see life as some progression, some journey, into the afterlife. Most would agree that all life ends at the same place: death. But even death is just part of the journey of life. Death is not the destination. It is not death that we hurtle towards at the speed of 24 hours per day. Rather, it is the afterlife.....the here-after that represents the culmination of life.
Aren't there days when you seriously wonder what life is all about? Is it about the things we aspire to? Prosperity, fame, fortune. Is it about the people we meet, the family we make, the job we get? Or is it about serving God and doing all things for the glory of God? Most likely, it is the combination of all these things.
As an infant, we are at the mercy of our caregivers.....to feed us, to clothe us, to put a roof over our heads. As a toddler, we gain a little more independence. We are learning to talk, to think, to react. As a teenager, we begin to learn the importance of friends and why it feels so good to be liked, to be "IN" with the crowd. We get the hottest and best clothes, haircuts, make-ups, and say the coolest words in the dictionary! Then, holy cats........high school.....more clothes! Boyfriends and girlfriends, fancy cars, and the thought of college. Ah, life is starting to take a little curve. What the heck am I gonna do? What will I be when I grow up?
Adulthood seems like life goes into reverse. Who doesn't like the thought of having another caregiver......to feed us, to provide for us, to tell us everything will be alright. Don't worry! You cannot help but to feel overwhelmed, you feel weak, and you feel like you are having bad luck. You don't have the answers. No one ever does.
In life, remember that for every time you feel weak, there will be times of strength. For the times of bad luck, you will have times of good luck. For the times you feel blinded by your life path, there will be times you will see perfectly clear the direction you should take.
My favorite quote is, "See through eyes of Faith." No one ever said life was going to be easy, but if you keep your chin up, and keep forging ahead, rather than behind, you can make the most of your journey or "dash" as you may refer to your life from birth to everlasting. See through eyes of faith and you can never be blinded. You will have light even in times of darkness!
For thousands of years, humans have believed in an afterlife, and almost all religions see life as some progression, some journey, into the afterlife. Most would agree that all life ends at the same place: death. But even death is just part of the journey of life. Death is not the destination. It is not death that we hurtle towards at the speed of 24 hours per day. Rather, it is the afterlife.....the here-after that represents the culmination of life.
Aren't there days when you seriously wonder what life is all about? Is it about the things we aspire to? Prosperity, fame, fortune. Is it about the people we meet, the family we make, the job we get? Or is it about serving God and doing all things for the glory of God? Most likely, it is the combination of all these things.
As an infant, we are at the mercy of our caregivers.....to feed us, to clothe us, to put a roof over our heads. As a toddler, we gain a little more independence. We are learning to talk, to think, to react. As a teenager, we begin to learn the importance of friends and why it feels so good to be liked, to be "IN" with the crowd. We get the hottest and best clothes, haircuts, make-ups, and say the coolest words in the dictionary! Then, holy cats........high school.....more clothes! Boyfriends and girlfriends, fancy cars, and the thought of college. Ah, life is starting to take a little curve. What the heck am I gonna do? What will I be when I grow up?
Adulthood seems like life goes into reverse. Who doesn't like the thought of having another caregiver......to feed us, to provide for us, to tell us everything will be alright. Don't worry! You cannot help but to feel overwhelmed, you feel weak, and you feel like you are having bad luck. You don't have the answers. No one ever does.
In life, remember that for every time you feel weak, there will be times of strength. For the times of bad luck, you will have times of good luck. For the times you feel blinded by your life path, there will be times you will see perfectly clear the direction you should take.
My favorite quote is, "See through eyes of Faith." No one ever said life was going to be easy, but if you keep your chin up, and keep forging ahead, rather than behind, you can make the most of your journey or "dash" as you may refer to your life from birth to everlasting. See through eyes of faith and you can never be blinded. You will have light even in times of darkness!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Good morning blogger buds! Many of you may have heard the recent commotion between the AMA (American Medical Association) and Sermo, a community based organization made up of about 110,000 US doctors. I want to enlighten each of you........not all doctors are members of the AMA. Why? Because it has been felt that the AMA does not represent doctors as it pledges to do so. Many doctors feel the goal of the AMA today is to generate large amounts of money for itself (employees). If the profits made by the AMA were used for the benefit of physicians, there would be no issue. However, if the primary goal is to support a bloated beaurocracy, there is no motivation from the AMA administration to change the system. It would be to their benefit to preserve the system or better yet to expand it. For this reason, the AMA is supporting Obama's Healthcare Reform.
One last important point to for the public to realize: If AMA claims to represent practicing American physicians to the government and the public, exactly how many practicing physicians belong to the organization? The AMA has consistently refused to provide a breakdown of their membership numbers. Their claim of 250,000 members does not compute with the reality of their own data. Their most recent financial statement shows income of $43.9 million from membership dues. Medical students, interns, residents and fellows receive an average reduced membership rate of $35 per year and assuming half of the 200,000 physicians in these categories are members, this leaves about $40 million in dues from other, presumably practicing physicians. Divide this number by the $420 annual dues for practicing physicians and the actual membership is about 95,000. There are approximately 1.1 million practicing physicians in the US so 95,000 AMA members would represent about 9% of US physicians.
Would the real AMA please stand up?
One last important point to for the public to realize: If AMA claims to represent practicing American physicians to the government and the public, exactly how many practicing physicians belong to the organization? The AMA has consistently refused to provide a breakdown of their membership numbers. Their claim of 250,000 members does not compute with the reality of their own data. Their most recent financial statement shows income of $43.9 million from membership dues. Medical students, interns, residents and fellows receive an average reduced membership rate of $35 per year and assuming half of the 200,000 physicians in these categories are members, this leaves about $40 million in dues from other, presumably practicing physicians. Divide this number by the $420 annual dues for practicing physicians and the actual membership is about 95,000. There are approximately 1.1 million practicing physicians in the US so 95,000 AMA members would represent about 9% of US physicians.
Would the real AMA please stand up?
Monday, July 27, 2009
In case some of you are wondering if I had an invasion of grubs, the answer is NO, but we seriously need rain! I have the only green lawn in the neighborhood, but the water bill may bankrupt me. The price we pay for some things is ridiculous. But, I gotta have that green lawn.
I was listening to something last night on TV (something I rarely do!) and they were talking about "amusement." Ok, I'm going to be honest, I was watching the Trinity Broadcast Network. You may or may not have ever watched it, but it is very educational to say the least. It gives you something to THINK about. The topic of the night was "Amusement". The definition of amusement or to be amused ("a" Negative/Not/Without, and "muse", to think or consider)literally means, to not think!
Let's face it.........we are a people who love to be amused. We watch TV, rent movies, listen to ipods, text on our blackberrys, google on the internet, play video games, and many others. Simply fill in the blank with your own amusement. Our lives are filled with technology, fantasy games, toys, cars, boats, houses, clothes, shoes, and more and more STUFF!
I'm not saying that we should throw out all our gadgets, toys, computers, etc, but let's be very careful what we are doing. We are in danger of becoming lulled to sleep emotionally, mentally, culturally, and SPIRITUALLY....by our amusements. So, as we immerse ourselves in STUFF and allow our culture to wow our hearts, desires, and our minds, we are losing touch with the very thing that created us......Christ, our spiritual savior.
Give this some "musement" and see if I have not hit on something very eye opening.
--drj
I was listening to something last night on TV (something I rarely do!) and they were talking about "amusement." Ok, I'm going to be honest, I was watching the Trinity Broadcast Network. You may or may not have ever watched it, but it is very educational to say the least. It gives you something to THINK about. The topic of the night was "Amusement". The definition of amusement or to be amused ("a" Negative/Not/Without, and "muse", to think or consider)literally means, to not think!
Let's face it.........we are a people who love to be amused. We watch TV, rent movies, listen to ipods, text on our blackberrys, google on the internet, play video games, and many others. Simply fill in the blank with your own amusement. Our lives are filled with technology, fantasy games, toys, cars, boats, houses, clothes, shoes, and more and more STUFF!
I'm not saying that we should throw out all our gadgets, toys, computers, etc, but let's be very careful what we are doing. We are in danger of becoming lulled to sleep emotionally, mentally, culturally, and SPIRITUALLY....by our amusements. So, as we immerse ourselves in STUFF and allow our culture to wow our hearts, desires, and our minds, we are losing touch with the very thing that created us......Christ, our spiritual savior.
Give this some "musement" and see if I have not hit on something very eye opening.
--drj
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
holy cats, I have some VERY important information for all of you. But first, let me tell you that I recently had landscaping done in my backyard. It looks fabulous of course! Jon Wallenburg from Solid Rock Landscaping performed the work of art and I have given many tours already. Jon has gotten two referrals already! How bout that?!!
Ok, so let's get back to my "VERY" important information. The reason I brought up my yard is because my neighbor has this problem with nasty little varmints. We think they are moles.......ugh! Do you know what those dang moles like to eat???? GRUBS! And where do you think those grubs come from????? Japanese BEETLES! You heard me right. Here is the skinny:
Japanese Beetles emerge from the ground in June and July, eat up the plants in your landscape, lay eggs in your lawn, and then the larva hatch into grubs that will appear as next years Japanese Beetles.
The grubs feed on the roots of your turf grasses and can ruin a lawn. Apparently, Japanese Beetle grubs are tasty if you happen to be a mole or skunk so these two varmints tear up your lawn to get to the grubs. They will do a lot of damage foraging for grubs. So in order to keep the skunks and moles from destroying your lawn, you have to rid your lawn of Japanese Beetle
grubs.
Are you getting the picture???.........moles next store......hunting grubs! Ugh! Well, my plan of action is as follows.........get rid of the grubs!! Ah yes, I layed down some real powerful grub killer! And, hopefully NO Japanese BEETLES!
Sheesh, my life can be so complicated :)
Ok, so let's get back to my "VERY" important information. The reason I brought up my yard is because my neighbor has this problem with nasty little varmints. We think they are moles.......ugh! Do you know what those dang moles like to eat???? GRUBS! And where do you think those grubs come from????? Japanese BEETLES! You heard me right. Here is the skinny:
Japanese Beetles emerge from the ground in June and July, eat up the plants in your landscape, lay eggs in your lawn, and then the larva hatch into grubs that will appear as next years Japanese Beetles.
The grubs feed on the roots of your turf grasses and can ruin a lawn. Apparently, Japanese Beetle grubs are tasty if you happen to be a mole or skunk so these two varmints tear up your lawn to get to the grubs. They will do a lot of damage foraging for grubs. So in order to keep the skunks and moles from destroying your lawn, you have to rid your lawn of Japanese Beetle
grubs.
Are you getting the picture???.........moles next store......hunting grubs! Ugh! Well, my plan of action is as follows.........get rid of the grubs!! Ah yes, I layed down some real powerful grub killer! And, hopefully NO Japanese BEETLES!
Sheesh, my life can be so complicated :)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Hi bogger buds! It's me! I'm sure you're all missing me! Ha! I thought I would check in with everyone since it is only 2 days until my birthday. That gives you a small, yet, very significant window of opportunity to send me birthday wishes!!!!!
My dad was here last weekend for an early celebration. Actually, we were celebrating one of my friends, who won her pro card at the Natural Mr. and Mrs. Iowa. She had been out of the bodybuilding scene for about 8 or 9 years, had 2 beautiful babies, but continued to work out with my dad all those years. Yes, she is like my dad's "other" daughter and he was so very proud of her accomplishment! Hats off to Wendy Rees for her comeback! yeah!
I cannot sign off without giving you all an update on my yard. Of course it is looking like the back nine of the Pinehurst! It is plush and green. Tiger Woods asked to practice chipping the other day, but I had to decline since I could not handle any divots in my lawn!!! This year I am using the Earl May six step summer program. It is full of nutrients and PROTEIN for healthy blades of grass!!
SATURDAY, MAY 16TH, DR. J DAY!!
My dad was here last weekend for an early celebration. Actually, we were celebrating one of my friends, who won her pro card at the Natural Mr. and Mrs. Iowa. She had been out of the bodybuilding scene for about 8 or 9 years, had 2 beautiful babies, but continued to work out with my dad all those years. Yes, she is like my dad's "other" daughter and he was so very proud of her accomplishment! Hats off to Wendy Rees for her comeback! yeah!
I cannot sign off without giving you all an update on my yard. Of course it is looking like the back nine of the Pinehurst! It is plush and green. Tiger Woods asked to practice chipping the other day, but I had to decline since I could not handle any divots in my lawn!!! This year I am using the Earl May six step summer program. It is full of nutrients and PROTEIN for healthy blades of grass!!
SATURDAY, MAY 16TH, DR. J DAY!!
Sunday, April 05, 2009
It's hard to believe that summer is not so far away as it is still cold and wet and today it decided to drop a couple inches of the frosty white stuff.
I didn't forget about spring. Do you remember? We had a couple days of spring back in December, one in January, and two more in March! No, I am getting ready for summer.
Remember when we were kids? Summertime meant NO school. We'd get up, hurry to get dressed, and then run outside barefoot. Kids would be outside playing all day.....at the park, in the driveways, and my favorite........at the pool. I went to the pool nearly every day to swim. Hard to believe now, as I am one to sit on the pools edge and watch the kids slapping the water, doing cannon balls, and laughing, laughing, laughing. Ah, the life of a kid! Those were the days. None of my freinds had computers. TV's were black and white (hee hee), and video games amounted to pac man! Yea, that was fun, but not as fun as riding my dirtbike in the puddles, jumping off ramps made of dirt, playing hide and seek, smear the queer, and tackle football. Once I left home in the morning, I would not be back for hours. Of course, I checked in with my dad frequently, but I was PLAYING......and playing hard!
And now that I'm older, summer means I'm gonna uncover my grill, get a summer reading list together, and this summer.......I've decided to take on some new training clients. How about it kids??? Want to come play? Ask your moms....better yet, let's make play time for moms and kids. I'm talking about taking on 3-4 moms and their kids for one hour a day. It's a time to learn body basics and strength training (my personal favorite!)I have some great stuff planned. If you are interested, please email me at IronLadyDoc@aol.com.
See you soon! First class times begin after Memorial Day! And get this, classes are outside.........in the SUMMERTIME!
I didn't forget about spring. Do you remember? We had a couple days of spring back in December, one in January, and two more in March! No, I am getting ready for summer.
Remember when we were kids? Summertime meant NO school. We'd get up, hurry to get dressed, and then run outside barefoot. Kids would be outside playing all day.....at the park, in the driveways, and my favorite........at the pool. I went to the pool nearly every day to swim. Hard to believe now, as I am one to sit on the pools edge and watch the kids slapping the water, doing cannon balls, and laughing, laughing, laughing. Ah, the life of a kid! Those were the days. None of my freinds had computers. TV's were black and white (hee hee), and video games amounted to pac man! Yea, that was fun, but not as fun as riding my dirtbike in the puddles, jumping off ramps made of dirt, playing hide and seek, smear the queer, and tackle football. Once I left home in the morning, I would not be back for hours. Of course, I checked in with my dad frequently, but I was PLAYING......and playing hard!
And now that I'm older, summer means I'm gonna uncover my grill, get a summer reading list together, and this summer.......I've decided to take on some new training clients. How about it kids??? Want to come play? Ask your moms....better yet, let's make play time for moms and kids. I'm talking about taking on 3-4 moms and their kids for one hour a day. It's a time to learn body basics and strength training (my personal favorite!)I have some great stuff planned. If you are interested, please email me at IronLadyDoc@aol.com.
See you soon! First class times begin after Memorial Day! And get this, classes are outside.........in the SUMMERTIME!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The hot topic today is not the economy, although many would argue with me on that opinion, but instead it is childhood obesity. New statistics say childhood obesity is the most alarming public health issue facing the world today. Instead of worrying that our kids may pay for the economic deficit, think about the fact that they may be contributing to the economic burdan. Healthcare costs are going up and if we do not start concentrating on disease prevention, all of us will be in a world of hurt.
Did you know that the prevalence of pediatric obesity has greatly increased over the past several decades, affecting both males and females among all racial and ethnic groups, and bringing with it comorbidities that were only observed in adults in the past? Most likely not! And to make matters worse, obesity in the pediatric population tracks into adulthood. Obese children have a 70% chance of becoming obese adults, and this risk increases to 80% if one or both parents are also obese.
What are parents to do? First off, lifestyle modifications! I don't want to be a pessimist, but compliance is often poor and results may be minimal. Thus, many adolescents are turning to bariatric surgery as a treatment for obesity and its complications. Can you imagine taking your 9-yr old child in for bariatric surgery because of his/her obesity??
Let's start over. We can make a change. Everyone can do this. Prevention of obesity in children should be the first line of treatment. This begins with modification of dietary and exercise habits. Decreasing portion sizes, decreasing high calorie food and drinks, and decreasing snacks are the most common dietary recommendations for obese children.
If you feel like these recommendations are difficult......you're right on! My suggestion is to get help.......get a nutritionist, get a trainer, join a support group! There is help for everyone. Let's start changing these statistics. Let's make Americans strong again. Let's live to see this economic burdan turn into an economic success!
Did you know that the prevalence of pediatric obesity has greatly increased over the past several decades, affecting both males and females among all racial and ethnic groups, and bringing with it comorbidities that were only observed in adults in the past? Most likely not! And to make matters worse, obesity in the pediatric population tracks into adulthood. Obese children have a 70% chance of becoming obese adults, and this risk increases to 80% if one or both parents are also obese.
What are parents to do? First off, lifestyle modifications! I don't want to be a pessimist, but compliance is often poor and results may be minimal. Thus, many adolescents are turning to bariatric surgery as a treatment for obesity and its complications. Can you imagine taking your 9-yr old child in for bariatric surgery because of his/her obesity??
Let's start over. We can make a change. Everyone can do this. Prevention of obesity in children should be the first line of treatment. This begins with modification of dietary and exercise habits. Decreasing portion sizes, decreasing high calorie food and drinks, and decreasing snacks are the most common dietary recommendations for obese children.
If you feel like these recommendations are difficult......you're right on! My suggestion is to get help.......get a nutritionist, get a trainer, join a support group! There is help for everyone. Let's start changing these statistics. Let's make Americans strong again. Let's live to see this economic burdan turn into an economic success!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Back to the whole grain issue. I have had a few more questions of late, so I will expand on this topic. First, whole grain, unprocessed carbohydrates, offer the following benefits:
--They’re high in fiber, helping us maintain a healthy GI tract
--They’re slow to digest, helping us control blood sugar
--They’re loaded with vitamins and minerals, improving our nutrient density
--They’re satisfying, helping us control appetite
As a result of these benefits, whole grain, unprocessed carbohydrate sources tend to be handled better, versus the more heavily processed starchy carbohydrate sources such as breads, pastas, rices, crackers, and cereals.
Second, just because a food package says “whole grain,” that doesn’t mean the product is a whole grain food. When I recommend whole, unprocessed carbohydrate sources, I’m recommending unprocessed foods that, in their entirety, are comprised of whole grains.....not foods that are highly processed (like breads, cereals, crackers, snacks, etc). And, not foods that have a light sprinkling of processed grains - included for marketing purposes, not for health purposes.
Examples of whole grain, unprocessed carbohydrates are the following:
--Plain full flake or steel cut oats
--Plain amaranth
--Plain quinoa
--Plain millet
--Plain wheat berries
--Plain barley
--Plain wild rice
If you’re not sure where to pick up your whole grains, grocery stores and supermarkets with bulk food sections usually have a decent selection.
Get cooking!
--They’re high in fiber, helping us maintain a healthy GI tract
--They’re slow to digest, helping us control blood sugar
--They’re loaded with vitamins and minerals, improving our nutrient density
--They’re satisfying, helping us control appetite
As a result of these benefits, whole grain, unprocessed carbohydrate sources tend to be handled better, versus the more heavily processed starchy carbohydrate sources such as breads, pastas, rices, crackers, and cereals.
Second, just because a food package says “whole grain,” that doesn’t mean the product is a whole grain food. When I recommend whole, unprocessed carbohydrate sources, I’m recommending unprocessed foods that, in their entirety, are comprised of whole grains.....not foods that are highly processed (like breads, cereals, crackers, snacks, etc). And, not foods that have a light sprinkling of processed grains - included for marketing purposes, not for health purposes.
Examples of whole grain, unprocessed carbohydrates are the following:
--Plain full flake or steel cut oats
--Plain amaranth
--Plain quinoa
--Plain millet
--Plain wheat berries
--Plain barley
--Plain wild rice
If you’re not sure where to pick up your whole grains, grocery stores and supermarkets with bulk food sections usually have a decent selection.
Get cooking!
Friday, February 27, 2009
I love what I do.......I love helping people. What a great feeling it is when someone tells me how much I have helped them attain their goals. Below is an email that I want to share with all of you. It made me smile ear to ear!! Let me just say, "it's the little things in life that make it fulfilling!"
Hi,
I just wanted to send you a quick note telling you of my progress. It has been two months since I began weight training after a long hiatus. (over a decade)
I have followed your suggested diet and eating schedule and I have seen incredible gains in muscle growth and body fat reduction.
I have taken some precaution not to eliminate too much fat from my diet but I am focusing on "good" fats and concentrating on when I eat.
I know your time is valuable and I just want to thank you for the suggestions and direction I needed so badly. You took time out of your schedule to help a complete stranger and I really appreciate it.
As I continue to get better at building the body I desire, I will have more requests regarding diet and training and I will gladly pay for this direction.
Thanks again,
JWB
Hi,
I just wanted to send you a quick note telling you of my progress. It has been two months since I began weight training after a long hiatus. (over a decade)
I have followed your suggested diet and eating schedule and I have seen incredible gains in muscle growth and body fat reduction.
I have taken some precaution not to eliminate too much fat from my diet but I am focusing on "good" fats and concentrating on when I eat.
I know your time is valuable and I just want to thank you for the suggestions and direction I needed so badly. You took time out of your schedule to help a complete stranger and I really appreciate it.
As I continue to get better at building the body I desire, I will have more requests regarding diet and training and I will gladly pay for this direction.
Thanks again,
JWB
Sunday, February 01, 2009
It's February 1st...........Super Bowl Sunday. To many it's the biggest party day of the year. Why the hype? Well, for starters, the Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League (NFL). The game and all its ancillary festivities constitute Super Bowl Sunday. Over the years it has become the most-watched U.S. television broadcast of the year.
In addition, many popular singers and musicians have performed during the Super Bowl's pre-game and halftime ceremonies.
Lastly, Super Bowl Sunday is the second-largest U.S. food consumption day, following Thanksgiving....Not something you want your doctor to hear!
And the history of the game......The Super Bowl was first played on January 15, 1967 as part of an agreement between the NFL and its younger rival, the American Football League (AFL) in which each league's championship team would play each other in an "AFL-NFL World Championship Game". After the leagues merged in 1970, the Super Bowl became the NFL's championship game, played between the champions of the league's two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Since the NFL season extends into the New Year, the Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather than the year it was held. For example, Super Bowl XLII, played in February 2008, was actually part of the 2007 season.
Super Bowl XLIII will be played between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Steelers are a 6.5 point favorite.
There is something much deeper behind the "Steel Curtain Defense" and the offensive stance of Kurt Warner.
A born-again Christian, Warner is relentless in his desire to spread the word. Where many other players mention their beliefs in passing, Warner makes a point of raising his at regular intervals. He has said before, that any story about him which does not have God at its center is fundamentally missing the point.
And on the other side......Troy Polamalu. He is a big reason the Steelers will be playing in the Super Bowl today. He has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, and there is no question that his desire to succeed drives him constantly.
What makes Polamalu such a dangerous player, is that he is armed with a purpose that not all players have.
It started back when Polamalu was a kid growing up in California. He went to go visit his uncle up in Oregon and ended up really like it there so he asked his mother if he could stay. She knew it was the best decision for her son because she wanted him away from any gang violence he might experience at home.
Polamalu's heritage is Somoan, and it was through his uncle that he really got in touch with those values. His mentality is to be a gentleman everywhere, except on the field. He is extremely disciplined, and never gives less than 100% of himself, even in practice. He is deeply rooted in his Christianity and that drives him to constantly strive to play at such a high level.
So, there you have it....the force behind these two great men.....God! I love it! Enjoy the game friends! Don't eat too much! Doctor J's orders!
In addition, many popular singers and musicians have performed during the Super Bowl's pre-game and halftime ceremonies.
Lastly, Super Bowl Sunday is the second-largest U.S. food consumption day, following Thanksgiving....Not something you want your doctor to hear!
And the history of the game......The Super Bowl was first played on January 15, 1967 as part of an agreement between the NFL and its younger rival, the American Football League (AFL) in which each league's championship team would play each other in an "AFL-NFL World Championship Game". After the leagues merged in 1970, the Super Bowl became the NFL's championship game, played between the champions of the league's two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Since the NFL season extends into the New Year, the Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather than the year it was held. For example, Super Bowl XLII, played in February 2008, was actually part of the 2007 season.
Super Bowl XLIII will be played between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Steelers are a 6.5 point favorite.
There is something much deeper behind the "Steel Curtain Defense" and the offensive stance of Kurt Warner.
A born-again Christian, Warner is relentless in his desire to spread the word. Where many other players mention their beliefs in passing, Warner makes a point of raising his at regular intervals. He has said before, that any story about him which does not have God at its center is fundamentally missing the point.
And on the other side......Troy Polamalu. He is a big reason the Steelers will be playing in the Super Bowl today. He has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, and there is no question that his desire to succeed drives him constantly.
What makes Polamalu such a dangerous player, is that he is armed with a purpose that not all players have.
It started back when Polamalu was a kid growing up in California. He went to go visit his uncle up in Oregon and ended up really like it there so he asked his mother if he could stay. She knew it was the best decision for her son because she wanted him away from any gang violence he might experience at home.
Polamalu's heritage is Somoan, and it was through his uncle that he really got in touch with those values. His mentality is to be a gentleman everywhere, except on the field. He is extremely disciplined, and never gives less than 100% of himself, even in practice. He is deeply rooted in his Christianity and that drives him to constantly strive to play at such a high level.
So, there you have it....the force behind these two great men.....God! I love it! Enjoy the game friends! Don't eat too much! Doctor J's orders!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Good day my friends. Today's post: Bodyfat 101
The #1 New Year's Resolution is weight loss. When individuals commit to a weight loss program, they most commonly concentrate on subtracting pounds from their total, overall weight. Although this is a worthwhile goal, the newest research is showing that this approach may be shortsighted. As one of the newest and most alarming studies demonstrated, abdominal fat may be a stronger predictor of premature death than overall weight. At a time of year when everyone’s mind is on weight loss, I thought it would be particularly appropriate to discuss the findings of this new study and explain an effective approach to reduce the visceral fat that accumulates around abdominal organs.
Many of the past studies investigating the association between weight and risk of death have relied upon the body-mass index of the subjects. The BMI uses a person’s height and weight to calculate a score. Individuals who have a BMI of between 25 and 29.9 points are considered overweight; anyone with a higher score is considered obese. According to current treatment guidelines, physicians usually only measure patients’ waists if their patients’ BMI indicates they are overweight.
In the past, most studies on weight gain and risk of death depended upon the BMI, but few studies examined whether the distribution of body fat contributes to the prediction of death. Now, however, an emerging body of evidence is finding that it’s not how many pounds a person gains but rather where the weight settles.
The newest study to reach this conclusion was one of the largest of its kind. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the results indicated that participants with large waists had an increased risk of death—even if they were considered to be normal weight based upon their BMI. Normal-weight males whose waists measured about 40 inches or more had double the risk of dying compared to those who had waists 34 inches or less. Females whose BMI was normal but who had waists 35 inches or more had a 79 percent increased chance of dying compared to female subjects whose waists were 28 inches or less.
Another finding of the study was that for every five-centimeter (about two inches) increase in waist size in subjects with any BMI score, death risk rose by 17 percent for males and 13 percent for females. Comparing waist-to-hip ratios resulted in similar findings.
Earlier in 2008, another study was published in the journal Circulation that reached a similar conclusion. The study authors concluded, “Measures of abdominal adiposity were strongly and positively associated with all-cause, CVD [cardiovascular disease], and cancer mortality independently of body mass index. Elevated waist circumference was associated with significantly increased CVD mortality even among normal-weight women.”
Here is a reminder of why this type of fat is so dangerous to cardiovascular and overall health. Abdominal fat is actually comprised of: 1) subcutaneous fat, which accumulates under the skin and is relatively benign and 2) dense visceral fat, found deep in the abdomen, surrounding the intra-abdominal organs. Elevated levels of visceral fat causes metabolic syndrome and visceral fat cells release inflammatory cytokines such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin (IL)-6, which contribute to chronic systemic inflammation. Visceral fat also can trigger increases in blood pressure due to the production of angiotensin, a chemical messenger that can cause the constriction of blood vessels. Even modest increases in visceral fat result in measurable endothelial dysfunction. Aging, excessive calorie intake and sedentary lifestyle all contribute to weight gain and visceral fat accumulation.
This may seem complicated, but I am recommending that you see your primary care physician and discuss your risks. Stay up to date with your health care. Start the year off right.......nutrition and exercise!!! Train hard and eat smart!!!
The #1 New Year's Resolution is weight loss. When individuals commit to a weight loss program, they most commonly concentrate on subtracting pounds from their total, overall weight. Although this is a worthwhile goal, the newest research is showing that this approach may be shortsighted. As one of the newest and most alarming studies demonstrated, abdominal fat may be a stronger predictor of premature death than overall weight. At a time of year when everyone’s mind is on weight loss, I thought it would be particularly appropriate to discuss the findings of this new study and explain an effective approach to reduce the visceral fat that accumulates around abdominal organs.
Many of the past studies investigating the association between weight and risk of death have relied upon the body-mass index of the subjects. The BMI uses a person’s height and weight to calculate a score. Individuals who have a BMI of between 25 and 29.9 points are considered overweight; anyone with a higher score is considered obese. According to current treatment guidelines, physicians usually only measure patients’ waists if their patients’ BMI indicates they are overweight.
In the past, most studies on weight gain and risk of death depended upon the BMI, but few studies examined whether the distribution of body fat contributes to the prediction of death. Now, however, an emerging body of evidence is finding that it’s not how many pounds a person gains but rather where the weight settles.
The newest study to reach this conclusion was one of the largest of its kind. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the results indicated that participants with large waists had an increased risk of death—even if they were considered to be normal weight based upon their BMI. Normal-weight males whose waists measured about 40 inches or more had double the risk of dying compared to those who had waists 34 inches or less. Females whose BMI was normal but who had waists 35 inches or more had a 79 percent increased chance of dying compared to female subjects whose waists were 28 inches or less.
Another finding of the study was that for every five-centimeter (about two inches) increase in waist size in subjects with any BMI score, death risk rose by 17 percent for males and 13 percent for females. Comparing waist-to-hip ratios resulted in similar findings.
Earlier in 2008, another study was published in the journal Circulation that reached a similar conclusion. The study authors concluded, “Measures of abdominal adiposity were strongly and positively associated with all-cause, CVD [cardiovascular disease], and cancer mortality independently of body mass index. Elevated waist circumference was associated with significantly increased CVD mortality even among normal-weight women.”
Here is a reminder of why this type of fat is so dangerous to cardiovascular and overall health. Abdominal fat is actually comprised of: 1) subcutaneous fat, which accumulates under the skin and is relatively benign and 2) dense visceral fat, found deep in the abdomen, surrounding the intra-abdominal organs. Elevated levels of visceral fat causes metabolic syndrome and visceral fat cells release inflammatory cytokines such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin (IL)-6, which contribute to chronic systemic inflammation. Visceral fat also can trigger increases in blood pressure due to the production of angiotensin, a chemical messenger that can cause the constriction of blood vessels. Even modest increases in visceral fat result in measurable endothelial dysfunction. Aging, excessive calorie intake and sedentary lifestyle all contribute to weight gain and visceral fat accumulation.
This may seem complicated, but I am recommending that you see your primary care physician and discuss your risks. Stay up to date with your health care. Start the year off right.......nutrition and exercise!!! Train hard and eat smart!!!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Hi blogger buds!! I read an interesting piece today from John Berardi of Precision Nutrition. Enjoy your reading! And, don't hesitate to let me know your thoughts. The following is an exert on "Choosing the Right Doctor."
by John M Berardi, January 7th, 2009
Today’s “big idea”: Choosing the right doctor.
While I’m called “Doctor Berardi” by some, I don’t have an MD nor do I pretend to. As a result, I try to steer clear of medical recommendations and stick with exercise and nutritional suggestions. However, the more clients I work with, the more I realize that the level of care some of you are receiving is abysmal.
Now, I know most facets of the medical system are understaffed and underfunded. But that’s not what I’m talking about today. Rather, it’s the interactions you’re having with your docs. It’s the poor communication, the short cut assessments, the flawed diagnostic procedures, and the poor follow-up.
The PN Measurement Guide
When Your Doc Isn’t Right For You
Take this example. On pages 29 and 30 of the Precision Nutrition Measurement Guide we list a number of blood tests that you should have done every few years to ensure that you’re in good health. These tests include standard blood chemistry profiles, kidney and liver function tests, basic hormonal panels, comprehensive cardiovascular risk profiles, carbohydrate/insulin sensitivity profiles, and a few more. All standard stuff that anyone who’s interested in monitoring their health and preventing age-related problems should have done every coupla years.
No surprise, armed with this information and excited to get proactive about their health, many of our clients and customers march right in to their docs to have these tests done. And what happens? Well, some of them have a great experience. Their doc works with them to collect these measures, discusses what the results mean, and offers suggestions to ensure that the blood levels stay in check.
But that’s not what always happens. Rather, sometimes they’re met with resistance and/or flat out refusal of care. Other times, the docs will agree to run the tests but then refuse to give them access to the results once collected. And, most common, and perhaps scariest of all, even if the doc runs the tests and shares the results, they don’t know what all the tests mean, how to interpret them, or what to do if one of them is out of wack.
Sigh.
These last few disturbing experiences aren’t necessarily the norm. However, I’ve heard these frequently enough to realize something is amis. But rather than railing against the medical system, there’s one thing I can do right now for myself and my family. So can you. Switch docs.
If your physician is one of those nightmarish ones above, find a new physician. Pronto. Before - god forbid - something really bad happens and you’re stuck trusting someone like this with your life.
Paging Charles Darwin
Now I’ve heard about a million and one excuses for why people don’t shop for new physicians. But the real reason is this. In our society we’re taught that switching docs isn’t something that’s in our best interest. Which is supremely ironic, in my opinion.
Better Than A New Internet Service Provider?
You see, we’re conditioned to constantly look for better deals and better service when it comes to meaningless stuff. Like cell phone companies, home phone providers, internet service providers, and cable service providers. I know this first hand. I’m the guy who wastes hours comparing rates and switching companies when a better offer comes along. And I know many of you do this too.
Yet when it comes to our health, we’re taught to take a much more passive position. We pick some doc out of the phone book, who’s on our route to work, who’s close to our house, or who our brother-in-law recommends. And we stick with them for the long haul. Never really questioning what their competency is. Never leaving even if they aren’t providing a reasonable or acceptable level of care.
Perhaps we should all be given a Darwin Award for this type of silly behavior. Come on folks, get with the program. Skip this month’s call to Bell and instead take a few minutes to think about your health care.
I Feel Ya’ - But I’m Not Sick
Now, if you’re reading this article, chances are you’re a believer in preventative medicine. And, as a result, you don’t feel like you need to make many doctors appointments. But that’s where us preventative folks can take a lesson. Waiting until you’re sick to go to the doctor pretty well guarantees that your appointment will be too late.
If you’re into preventative medicine, you should be the first one booking appointments with your doc every year or every other year. Not for treatment. But for assessment. To make sure things are in good working order. Before it’s too late and something actually goes wrong with you.
If your doc’s not friendly to that, it’s time to kick ‘em to the curb and find someone new.
Tips For Finding A Doc
There are quite a few good articles on the web that offer suggestions for finding a good doc. Their suggestions include the following for beginning your search:
Ask family and friends for recommendations
Contact a local medical referral service (many cities have one)
Browse the yellow pages
Do an online web search
Contact the American Medical Association
Find the best hospital and look there
Then, once you find a few docs that make your list, the next steps are to:
Check credentials and history of malpractice
Have a private interview and see which doc’s philosophy best matches yours
Give the one you feel most comfortable with a trial period and if it goes well, keep them
These are all pretty good, common sense tips. However, I’d offer up a couple of additional strategies, strategies based on my years of working with a wide variety of health professionals in my network.
Don’t limit your search to MDs.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve worked with some incredible MDs. But I’ve also worked with some amazing Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs), Naturopathic Doctors (NDs), and Chiropractors over the years. When competent and well-trained, these types of individuals can offer exceptional preventative care as well as illness care, care that can rival the work of any MD. So definitely look into the strengths and weaknesses of choosing each of the above as your primary care provider. You may eventually need specialists for certain issues. But for your first line of care, MDs, DOs, NDs, and Chiros can all be good choices based on your own circumstances.
Ask for referrals at local health and fitness establishments.
Sure, some of the employees at your local health food store might be scary. However, if you talk to as many natural health and fitness workers as possible in your area, you’re likely to be referred to docs that are into preventative medicine and understand your needs as an exerciser. You might talk to people at local gyms, at health food stores, at chiropractic clinics, and more. You could even contact local sports teams to see which docs they use. In the end, asking family and friends who they use is ok. But what if they don’t exercise? What if they’re not into preventative medicine? You might not be happy with their referral. So start looking in the places where people like you hang out, places where people like you get their advice.
Be sure your doc has a wide network.
I include strength coaches, other nutrition coaches, MDs, DOs, naturopaths, chiropractors, psychologists, and more in my treatment network for a reason. When a client comes to me with a problem I don’t exactly know how to address, I can get the opinions of my really smart friends. For example, recently I worked with an individual who’d been seeking medical care for 10 years to help him with an unresolved problem. With the help of my treatment network, we had his problem properly diagnosed and an effective treatment plan in action in 2 weeks! Most professionals can’t do that sort of thing alone. They need help. So make sure your doc has that sort of help and isn’t afraid to use it.
In the end, there’s no easy strategy or magic bullet for finding a doc who’s right for you. It takes some work. But if your current doc isn’t getting the job done, or if you simply don’t have a doc that you visit for regular assessments, it might be a good idea to set aside some time in 2009 to take care of this very thing. It might be the second most important health decision you make this year.
by John M Berardi, January 7th, 2009
Today’s “big idea”: Choosing the right doctor.
While I’m called “Doctor Berardi” by some, I don’t have an MD nor do I pretend to. As a result, I try to steer clear of medical recommendations and stick with exercise and nutritional suggestions. However, the more clients I work with, the more I realize that the level of care some of you are receiving is abysmal.
Now, I know most facets of the medical system are understaffed and underfunded. But that’s not what I’m talking about today. Rather, it’s the interactions you’re having with your docs. It’s the poor communication, the short cut assessments, the flawed diagnostic procedures, and the poor follow-up.
The PN Measurement Guide
When Your Doc Isn’t Right For You
Take this example. On pages 29 and 30 of the Precision Nutrition Measurement Guide we list a number of blood tests that you should have done every few years to ensure that you’re in good health. These tests include standard blood chemistry profiles, kidney and liver function tests, basic hormonal panels, comprehensive cardiovascular risk profiles, carbohydrate/insulin sensitivity profiles, and a few more. All standard stuff that anyone who’s interested in monitoring their health and preventing age-related problems should have done every coupla years.
No surprise, armed with this information and excited to get proactive about their health, many of our clients and customers march right in to their docs to have these tests done. And what happens? Well, some of them have a great experience. Their doc works with them to collect these measures, discusses what the results mean, and offers suggestions to ensure that the blood levels stay in check.
But that’s not what always happens. Rather, sometimes they’re met with resistance and/or flat out refusal of care. Other times, the docs will agree to run the tests but then refuse to give them access to the results once collected. And, most common, and perhaps scariest of all, even if the doc runs the tests and shares the results, they don’t know what all the tests mean, how to interpret them, or what to do if one of them is out of wack.
Sigh.
These last few disturbing experiences aren’t necessarily the norm. However, I’ve heard these frequently enough to realize something is amis. But rather than railing against the medical system, there’s one thing I can do right now for myself and my family. So can you. Switch docs.
If your physician is one of those nightmarish ones above, find a new physician. Pronto. Before - god forbid - something really bad happens and you’re stuck trusting someone like this with your life.
Paging Charles Darwin
Now I’ve heard about a million and one excuses for why people don’t shop for new physicians. But the real reason is this. In our society we’re taught that switching docs isn’t something that’s in our best interest. Which is supremely ironic, in my opinion.
Better Than A New Internet Service Provider?
You see, we’re conditioned to constantly look for better deals and better service when it comes to meaningless stuff. Like cell phone companies, home phone providers, internet service providers, and cable service providers. I know this first hand. I’m the guy who wastes hours comparing rates and switching companies when a better offer comes along. And I know many of you do this too.
Yet when it comes to our health, we’re taught to take a much more passive position. We pick some doc out of the phone book, who’s on our route to work, who’s close to our house, or who our brother-in-law recommends. And we stick with them for the long haul. Never really questioning what their competency is. Never leaving even if they aren’t providing a reasonable or acceptable level of care.
Perhaps we should all be given a Darwin Award for this type of silly behavior. Come on folks, get with the program. Skip this month’s call to Bell and instead take a few minutes to think about your health care.
I Feel Ya’ - But I’m Not Sick
Now, if you’re reading this article, chances are you’re a believer in preventative medicine. And, as a result, you don’t feel like you need to make many doctors appointments. But that’s where us preventative folks can take a lesson. Waiting until you’re sick to go to the doctor pretty well guarantees that your appointment will be too late.
If you’re into preventative medicine, you should be the first one booking appointments with your doc every year or every other year. Not for treatment. But for assessment. To make sure things are in good working order. Before it’s too late and something actually goes wrong with you.
If your doc’s not friendly to that, it’s time to kick ‘em to the curb and find someone new.
Tips For Finding A Doc
There are quite a few good articles on the web that offer suggestions for finding a good doc. Their suggestions include the following for beginning your search:
Ask family and friends for recommendations
Contact a local medical referral service (many cities have one)
Browse the yellow pages
Do an online web search
Contact the American Medical Association
Find the best hospital and look there
Then, once you find a few docs that make your list, the next steps are to:
Check credentials and history of malpractice
Have a private interview and see which doc’s philosophy best matches yours
Give the one you feel most comfortable with a trial period and if it goes well, keep them
These are all pretty good, common sense tips. However, I’d offer up a couple of additional strategies, strategies based on my years of working with a wide variety of health professionals in my network.
Don’t limit your search to MDs.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve worked with some incredible MDs. But I’ve also worked with some amazing Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs), Naturopathic Doctors (NDs), and Chiropractors over the years. When competent and well-trained, these types of individuals can offer exceptional preventative care as well as illness care, care that can rival the work of any MD. So definitely look into the strengths and weaknesses of choosing each of the above as your primary care provider. You may eventually need specialists for certain issues. But for your first line of care, MDs, DOs, NDs, and Chiros can all be good choices based on your own circumstances.
Ask for referrals at local health and fitness establishments.
Sure, some of the employees at your local health food store might be scary. However, if you talk to as many natural health and fitness workers as possible in your area, you’re likely to be referred to docs that are into preventative medicine and understand your needs as an exerciser. You might talk to people at local gyms, at health food stores, at chiropractic clinics, and more. You could even contact local sports teams to see which docs they use. In the end, asking family and friends who they use is ok. But what if they don’t exercise? What if they’re not into preventative medicine? You might not be happy with their referral. So start looking in the places where people like you hang out, places where people like you get their advice.
Be sure your doc has a wide network.
I include strength coaches, other nutrition coaches, MDs, DOs, naturopaths, chiropractors, psychologists, and more in my treatment network for a reason. When a client comes to me with a problem I don’t exactly know how to address, I can get the opinions of my really smart friends. For example, recently I worked with an individual who’d been seeking medical care for 10 years to help him with an unresolved problem. With the help of my treatment network, we had his problem properly diagnosed and an effective treatment plan in action in 2 weeks! Most professionals can’t do that sort of thing alone. They need help. So make sure your doc has that sort of help and isn’t afraid to use it.
In the end, there’s no easy strategy or magic bullet for finding a doc who’s right for you. It takes some work. But if your current doc isn’t getting the job done, or if you simply don’t have a doc that you visit for regular assessments, it might be a good idea to set aside some time in 2009 to take care of this very thing. It might be the second most important health decision you make this year.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Hi Blogger Buddies! Long time no chat! Happy New Year! I have been a little lax on posting, but I'm here now! I have also updated my website with some interesting articles, Q&A, and a few pics. Check out www.maleajensen.com.
As the new year is upon us, we may want to consider some minor improvements in ourselves. I will comment on one here as I know with this blasted cold weather and being cooped up in the house with nothing to do can........well, cause a little bit of anger. Sssshhhhh, not so loud. You don't want everyone to hear! Are you one who needs some anger management this time of year? Well, the doc is in! Here are a few suggestions to keep you from blowing a gasket!
Simple as it may sound, you may want to start with some age-old advice--count to 10 before you speak. If you are super angry, a hundred might suffice!
The familiar childhood reproach of “counting to 10” before taking action works because it emphasizes the two key elements of anger management -- time and distraction.
As you may already know, the energy of anger often leads to impulsive behavior that only aggravates an already tense situation. If given enough time to cool off, however, most people can learn to control their initial impulses. Counting to 10 not only provides the time needed for delay, but also offers a distraction from the anger-arousing event. While busily counting, we cannot mentally add fuel to the fire by mulling over whatever happened.
Counting to 10 becomes an even more effective way of disarming anger if we also take a slow deep breath between each number. It appears that deep breathing counteracts the fight or flight stress reaction that underlies anger.
Once more relaxed and in control, we're ready to "respond," which is the key when dealing with anger. You should try not to react! Instead, make a careful choice regarding the best course of action, and then guide your response by the three anger-regulating principles: empathy, compassion, and assertion."
Empathy is the ability to see a situation from another person's point of view. Adopting an empathic stance opens the door to compassion by providing for a deeper emotional understanding of the source of conflict. Being compassionate in an anger-arousing situation allows for the deliberate choice of a tolerant but assertive response to resolving the conflict.
Sound simple? Give it a try the next time you feel yourself on the verge of blowing a gasket!!!
As the new year is upon us, we may want to consider some minor improvements in ourselves. I will comment on one here as I know with this blasted cold weather and being cooped up in the house with nothing to do can........well, cause a little bit of anger. Sssshhhhh, not so loud. You don't want everyone to hear! Are you one who needs some anger management this time of year? Well, the doc is in! Here are a few suggestions to keep you from blowing a gasket!
Simple as it may sound, you may want to start with some age-old advice--count to 10 before you speak. If you are super angry, a hundred might suffice!
The familiar childhood reproach of “counting to 10” before taking action works because it emphasizes the two key elements of anger management -- time and distraction.
As you may already know, the energy of anger often leads to impulsive behavior that only aggravates an already tense situation. If given enough time to cool off, however, most people can learn to control their initial impulses. Counting to 10 not only provides the time needed for delay, but also offers a distraction from the anger-arousing event. While busily counting, we cannot mentally add fuel to the fire by mulling over whatever happened.
Counting to 10 becomes an even more effective way of disarming anger if we also take a slow deep breath between each number. It appears that deep breathing counteracts the fight or flight stress reaction that underlies anger.
Once more relaxed and in control, we're ready to "respond," which is the key when dealing with anger. You should try not to react! Instead, make a careful choice regarding the best course of action, and then guide your response by the three anger-regulating principles: empathy, compassion, and assertion."
Empathy is the ability to see a situation from another person's point of view. Adopting an empathic stance opens the door to compassion by providing for a deeper emotional understanding of the source of conflict. Being compassionate in an anger-arousing situation allows for the deliberate choice of a tolerant but assertive response to resolving the conflict.
Sound simple? Give it a try the next time you feel yourself on the verge of blowing a gasket!!!
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