This article from Forbes is just too good not to be reproduced here. There is nothing like a physician who CAMPAIGNED AGAINST and was elected -- on the issue of government health care. And now he is demanding his. He wants what is his due (federal health care coverage) and he wants it NOW! What a joke. People do you realize who you have elected? Yikes!
By Rick Ungar
"Conservative GOP Freshman Wants His Government Health Care-Now!
Newly elected conservative congressman Dr. Andy Harris, a physician from Maryland who won election by campaigning on an anti-Obamacare platform, isn’t happy that he has to wait 28 days for his government provided health care plan to become effective.
It seems that the health insurance coverage provided to Members of Congress requires a 28 -day waiting period before it becomes effective. Considering that most group policies typically require waits of up to six months, the Congressional health care program isn’t such a bad deal –but not good enough for Dr. Harris who has made his reputation as a staunch critic of government provided health care.
When informed of the short waiting period, Dr. Harris rose to his feet during a freshman orientation session and asked why it took so long for his health insurance to kick in. He also wondered if he could purchase insurance from the government to cover him during the gap?
It’s called COBRA, Congressman. Check it out. You dig into your pocket for 3 or 4 weeks and pay the premium to bridge the short gap between your previous policy and the health care coverage the taxpayers will be providing to you so that we might benefit from your alleged expertise in issues relating to the nation’s health insurance system.
While the news that this physician might have to write a check to get his short term coverage needs satisfied may be something of a bummer for the newly elected Congressman, he can take a measure of solace in the knowledge that, unlike the millions of Americans who have lost their health care coverage as they lost their jobs, Dr. Harris’ pain and suffering will come to an end just 28 days after it begins.
For the many Americans who have either used up their COBRA coverage or could never afford it in the first place, things aren’t quite so simple.
With the good doctor’s federal coverage just around the corner, Congressman Harris will be able to regain the peace of mind required to go forward with his agenda of repealing Obamacare, secure in the knowledge that his family is well protected as he works to deny anything resembling the same to millions of other American families.
While this story is producing the inevitable chuckles around Capitol Hill, one wonders if the 155,000 people on the eastern shore of Maryland who voted for Harris – along with the many in the district who didn’t bother to vote at all – are finding this all that funny?
This guy was elected because he is a physician who opposed health care reform and, allegedly, had the expertise to do something about it.
With that in mind, wouldn’t you think that someone in his district would have spent a little time ascertaining if Dr. Harris actually knew anything about the system he is promising to impact upon? I mean, COBRA isn’t exactly a hidden aspect of our health insurance system. Anyone who has ever had a job and lost it – or read a newspaper on any given day during the last two years – is pretty familiar with the program.
What’s more, if Dr. Harris understands how the health insurance system works, how could he possibly ask a question about the government selling interim coverage? You don’t have to be an expert to know that COBRA exists for precisely this purpose and that the federal government is not in the business of interim coverage.
In expressing his disapproval with the matter, The Congressman-Elect pointed out, “This is the only employer I’ve ever worked for where you don’t get coverage the first day you are employed.”
Lucky him. Most Americans who have received their health coverage through their employment know that there is typically a waiting period so that the insurance company can avoid pre-existing conditions that might have motivated the employee to take a job primarily to get the health insurance that comes with it.
The bottom line here is that Dr. Harris – the man elected to Congress by the voters of Maryland’s 1st Congressional District – clearly knows very little about the American health care system he was sent to Washington D.C. to change.
If these Marylanders are feeling a bit sheepish and embarrassed as their new Congressman makes a complete ass of himself in front of the nation, they are getting precisely what they deserve. When you vote for a representative without bothering to ascertain if he knows what he is talking about, you get Dr. Harris. And when you don’t bother to vote at all, you take what you get and forfeit the right to complain about it.
Unfortunately, the rest of us are stuck with the result of your failing to take these elections seriously."
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Jafra Holiday Party
Walking in the door we were greeted by four Jafra consultants. Each is an example of the wonderful results achieved with the Jafra line.
Prizes of products abound!
Jafra has many fragrances available. Here some of the ladies are checking a few out.
The holidays are upon us. Some products are available only during this special season. Snow? No, actually it is cotton. (But don't tell the snowman.)
A holiday book filled with many Jafra goodies draws rapt attention of these ladies.
Looking at a book is OK but trying out Jafra products is much more fun!
As you can see, Jafra is not only for big girls. Little girls love to see all of the Jafra line. Here Mommy is getting a little sample on her hand that she can share with the little one.
Jafra is for gentlemen too. Can you see the delight on his face after he won one of the prizes.
Several Jafra consultants shared information with the group. This is our fearless leader - Chris.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Total Hip Replacement - 6 week checkup
Six and a half weeks (to be specific) after the new hip and getting checked out by Dr. Nakasone. How are things going? Wow! Thus far every day is a gift. We'll see what the long range looks like once we get there. But for now - Super!
Dr. N is an animated person. It is hard to get a good photo of him. Here is my most recent try. As you can probably tell he is talking. Will see him again in another 6 weeks. Mark me "cautiously optimistic".
The scar is looking pretty good for 6 weeks out. Been using Vitamin E oil from the grocery store on it a couple of times each day. It measures a little over 4 inches long.
X-ray 6 weeks visit. Looks about the same to me.
Dr. N is an animated person. It is hard to get a good photo of him. Here is my most recent try. As you can probably tell he is talking. Will see him again in another 6 weeks. Mark me "cautiously optimistic".
The scar is looking pretty good for 6 weeks out. Been using Vitamin E oil from the grocery store on it a couple of times each day. It measures a little over 4 inches long.
X-ray 6 weeks visit. Looks about the same to me.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
It is Physical Therapy Month!
Today we attended an open house at Tripler Army Medical Center in celebration of Physical Therapy Month. Stations were set up in the PT Department with personnel to explain pieces of equipment, PT approaches, expected results. We learned many new facts about PT, it was eye opening to us.
Open house included students and an instructor from Wainai High School health careers program. This member of the Physical Therapy Department mentors young people with enthusiasm.
Before it was cut, the cake was really pretty. And it was chocolate!
Electrical stimulation is used in a variety of therapies. My first hand experience was with re-education of muscles after a traditional total knee replacement. Another use of electricity is to encourage distribution of medication (never thought of that one). At this station we also learned the value of applying ice and the mechanics of traction.
This exercise is to improve a person's balance after an injury or surgery. Stand on one leg and throw a ball at a small trampoline then catch it. Once this task is accomplished with confidence a small flexible blue pad is put down. As seen in this photo, you then try and balance on the pad on one foot while repeating the toss and catch. No so easy. This is part of the therapy for a total knee replacement -- I can attest to that. But this exercise is used in a wide variety of applications.
Although much of the equipment can be found in a gym, when in use as therapy professionals are always present to guide a patient to a specific accomplishment. Each goal is appropriate to a therapy plan written just for them. Here a stepper machine is described as a cardio/warm up to get the blood circulating before moving on to other exercises.
This photo looks like a standard treadmill. We learned that different muscle groups can be put to work depending upon how a person is walking. If you walk backward it uses the same muscles that are called to walk uphill. Walking can also be in a forward or sideward position. Who knew?
The white frame over this walker allows attachment of a harness. If a person in recovery cannot support their own weight but would benefit from doing some walking the frame/harness is used to lighten the stress on the person's body. I got to see this one in use and it is neat!
I never heard of a medicine ball except maybe in a movie. Here we learned some of the many therapeutic uses for a medicine ball. They come in different sizes, weights and colors. Each one has a handle! Never knew that either.
Don't remember the name of this equipment but it appears to be for upper body therapy.
Quadricep muscles? The ones on the front of the thighs I think.
This one is used for recovery of total knee replacement among other things. It can be used with two legs or just one. This was called the hamstring curl.
Did not get to hear the briefing on this piece. But this fella is doing a great job of demonstrating it!
Learned so much from this talk. It was about pelvic floor therapy. Never heard of this before but know lots more now. It can help people after surgery, a traumatic accident, child birth for women, incontinence etc.
Plantar fascitius. I have met a significant number of people with this foot problem. They get something called an orthotic and put in in their shoe(s). This was a demonstration of how a custom fit piece is made for someone with this problem.
This photo shows a person being fitted with a piece of material that will mold into the shape of the foot. The material is first put into a warm water bath to make it supple.
The material is trimmed to fit comfortably in whatever foot gear the person wears. It is a matter of trim and try and trim and try. We learned that once the orthotic is put into the shoe/boot it is worn for 7-14 days (not forever as I previously thought). In the case of a stubborn recovery the longest would be 28-30 days. I can't pretend I understand the medical part but it has something to do with scar tissue formation and breakdown.
The last step, of course, is putting the orthotic into place.
Open house included students and an instructor from Wainai High School health careers program. This member of the Physical Therapy Department mentors young people with enthusiasm.
Before it was cut, the cake was really pretty. And it was chocolate!
Electrical stimulation is used in a variety of therapies. My first hand experience was with re-education of muscles after a traditional total knee replacement. Another use of electricity is to encourage distribution of medication (never thought of that one). At this station we also learned the value of applying ice and the mechanics of traction.
This exercise is to improve a person's balance after an injury or surgery. Stand on one leg and throw a ball at a small trampoline then catch it. Once this task is accomplished with confidence a small flexible blue pad is put down. As seen in this photo, you then try and balance on the pad on one foot while repeating the toss and catch. No so easy. This is part of the therapy for a total knee replacement -- I can attest to that. But this exercise is used in a wide variety of applications.
Although much of the equipment can be found in a gym, when in use as therapy professionals are always present to guide a patient to a specific accomplishment. Each goal is appropriate to a therapy plan written just for them. Here a stepper machine is described as a cardio/warm up to get the blood circulating before moving on to other exercises.
This photo looks like a standard treadmill. We learned that different muscle groups can be put to work depending upon how a person is walking. If you walk backward it uses the same muscles that are called to walk uphill. Walking can also be in a forward or sideward position. Who knew?
The white frame over this walker allows attachment of a harness. If a person in recovery cannot support their own weight but would benefit from doing some walking the frame/harness is used to lighten the stress on the person's body. I got to see this one in use and it is neat!
I never heard of a medicine ball except maybe in a movie. Here we learned some of the many therapeutic uses for a medicine ball. They come in different sizes, weights and colors. Each one has a handle! Never knew that either.
Don't remember the name of this equipment but it appears to be for upper body therapy.
Quadricep muscles? The ones on the front of the thighs I think.
This one is used for recovery of total knee replacement among other things. It can be used with two legs or just one. This was called the hamstring curl.
Did not get to hear the briefing on this piece. But this fella is doing a great job of demonstrating it!
Learned so much from this talk. It was about pelvic floor therapy. Never heard of this before but know lots more now. It can help people after surgery, a traumatic accident, child birth for women, incontinence etc.
Plantar fascitius. I have met a significant number of people with this foot problem. They get something called an orthotic and put in in their shoe(s). This was a demonstration of how a custom fit piece is made for someone with this problem.
This photo shows a person being fitted with a piece of material that will mold into the shape of the foot. The material is first put into a warm water bath to make it supple.
The material is trimmed to fit comfortably in whatever foot gear the person wears. It is a matter of trim and try and trim and try. We learned that once the orthotic is put into the shoe/boot it is worn for 7-14 days (not forever as I previously thought). In the case of a stubborn recovery the longest would be 28-30 days. I can't pretend I understand the medical part but it has something to do with scar tissue formation and breakdown.
The last step, of course, is putting the orthotic into place.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Staples Out
I asked Fred if he would please smile as he was removing my (21) staples. He kindly complied. Fred is the go-to guy for staple removal, cast removal, etc. And he didn't hurt a bit!
This is Lindsay. She is the second physician's assistant on Dr. Nakasone's team. Most of the time she is in surgery but today we were able to see her. As with all other members of this team, Lindsay was patient and willing to answer any and all questions we had.
Most people post photos of their kids, pets, trips etc. Me? Well, here is my new hip. It is my newest baby.
Monday, October 04, 2010
THR Phyical Therapy Begins
The right hip was replaced on Monday the 20th of Sept. On Wed the 23rd we had our first PT visit with David Newman. David measured muscle strengths, depts of angles, etc. He wrote them all down then said we were to return starting Sept 25th for twice a week to work with Kevin.
Here is Kevin. He greeted us with a big smile, a new haircut and several pounds lighter. You go Kevin!
Kevin checks the list to be certain I did all of the required exercises. No homework as of yet. The staples come out on Tuesday. I have a feeling the real work will begin then.
Here it is Monday and back at PT. Staples come out tomorrow. This snapshot shows Kevin waiting patiently for someone to finish their exercises. He has a bag of ice all prepared to apply once exercises are completed.
With a smile that reminds me of a Cheshire cat - this once again is Dave. The fella who loves to see you progress in your treatment. He is talking to another patient. I think Dave will measure me for progress next week. We'll see.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Total Hip Replacement - fait de' compli
Monday, September 20, 2010. 10:30 a.m. The adventure began. Into the operating room for a new right hip - total hip replacement (THR). I can only compare it to the feelings I would have early Christmas morning when I was 8. (And that was a long time ago!)
Dr. Cass Nakasone is my orthopedic surgeon. Prior to choosing a surgeon we researched a number of areas: surgical approaches, physicians' educational background, patient comments, artificial hip device brands and component parts, metal/ceramic vs metal/metal, recalls, the National Joint Registry of England and Wales, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) new American Joint Replacement Registry, etc.
We also found a video of Dr. Nakasone performing a total hip replacement using an anterior approach. The 90 minute video demonstrated several things to us. This surgery is generally about one hour. During the surgery video Dr. Nakasone answered questions from a narrating physician. Dr. Nakasone is a born teacher with a practiced technique. All surgeries involve risk. But when it is necessary, we go in with as much knowledge as possible. Dr. Nakasone definitely filled the bill for us.
My guess is we probably asked more questions of him than any previous patient for a total hip replacement (THR). Each person we dealt with was informative and patient with this patient.
This is Dr. Nakasone. I took this photo while he was answering a question. He almost always has a smile on his face. I will try and get a better one during our 6 week check up. His smile matches the quiet, pleasant, good natured atmosphere we have experienced with him.
Although this photo is not of the best quality we wanted to capture the team of which Dr. Nakasone is the lead. Each member plays an important part in the surgery as well as my recovery.
This is Rhiarose. She is one of two physicians assistance's on the team. She graceously agreed to stand still long enough to take this snapshot.
Around 4 pm I was back in my room. My legs had a thigh high compression stockings. There was also an air compression wrap on each calf. A small electric pump inflated each wrap in turn. These are tools to avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT) . After a good dinner we had a quiet night with John at my side. Note the orchid on the dinner tray. I wasn't in the hospital long enough for flower delivery but this orchid did the trick.
Tuesday began with breakfast followed by a visit from Molly our occupational therapist. Could I get to and from the bathroom? Use the potty? Enter and leave the shower? After demonstrating the ability to complete of each of these daily tasks, we received the OT stamp of approval.
The last team member, but certainly not the least, was Tammy. She is the physical therapist. A stroll down the hall and back with Tammy got us the OK to head for home. Our hospital stay added up to about 29 hours. We were given several exercises to perform at home until we begin our formal PT program. The most important exercise is to walk, walk, walk but not to overdo. So that is what we are doing.
The scar two days old. It measures about 5 inches. Will post updates on scar progress.
Dr. Cass Nakasone is my orthopedic surgeon. Prior to choosing a surgeon we researched a number of areas: surgical approaches, physicians' educational background, patient comments, artificial hip device brands and component parts, metal/ceramic vs metal/metal, recalls, the National Joint Registry of England and Wales, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) new American Joint Replacement Registry, etc.
We also found a video of Dr. Nakasone performing a total hip replacement using an anterior approach. The 90 minute video demonstrated several things to us. This surgery is generally about one hour. During the surgery video Dr. Nakasone answered questions from a narrating physician. Dr. Nakasone is a born teacher with a practiced technique. All surgeries involve risk. But when it is necessary, we go in with as much knowledge as possible. Dr. Nakasone definitely filled the bill for us.
My guess is we probably asked more questions of him than any previous patient for a total hip replacement (THR). Each person we dealt with was informative and patient with this patient.
This is Dr. Nakasone. I took this photo while he was answering a question. He almost always has a smile on his face. I will try and get a better one during our 6 week check up. His smile matches the quiet, pleasant, good natured atmosphere we have experienced with him.
Although this photo is not of the best quality we wanted to capture the team of which Dr. Nakasone is the lead. Each member plays an important part in the surgery as well as my recovery.
This is Rhiarose. She is one of two physicians assistance's on the team. She graceously agreed to stand still long enough to take this snapshot.
Around 4 pm I was back in my room. My legs had a thigh high compression stockings. There was also an air compression wrap on each calf. A small electric pump inflated each wrap in turn. These are tools to avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT) . After a good dinner we had a quiet night with John at my side. Note the orchid on the dinner tray. I wasn't in the hospital long enough for flower delivery but this orchid did the trick.
Tuesday began with breakfast followed by a visit from Molly our occupational therapist. Could I get to and from the bathroom? Use the potty? Enter and leave the shower? After demonstrating the ability to complete of each of these daily tasks, we received the OT stamp of approval.
The last team member, but certainly not the least, was Tammy. She is the physical therapist. A stroll down the hall and back with Tammy got us the OK to head for home. Our hospital stay added up to about 29 hours. We were given several exercises to perform at home until we begin our formal PT program. The most important exercise is to walk, walk, walk but not to overdo. So that is what we are doing.
The scar two days old. It measures about 5 inches. Will post updates on scar progress.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Friends and Godchildren
During the second half of our travels we had the opportunity to see and visit with a few of our favorite people. We would be remiss if we did not share their photos with their families and friends.
Lois! I think she may be embarrassed to acknowledge we first met in 1982. I guess about that time she must have been maybe 18? Lois taught our two girls to play violin via the Suzuki Method. We held various volunteer positions with the Suzuki Group over the years and the titular head was always Lois. Ask me and I will tell you this is the photo of a lady made of pure patience, love and acceptance of all children regardless of their abilities. She became a semi-member of our family and we still love her!
Jennifer. Here again is the photo of a lady who has helped us in too many ways to list. She perserveres with a level head and coolness but always with wamth and affection. We have grown to treasure dear Jennifer.
This is Bill. We have known each other and worked together for about 20 years. Dinner with him is always an adventure so this one was no exception. He can be best described as a gentle giant with an intellect to be respected. Each time we visit the Southeast Bill is on our list of people to see.
This Bill is the husband of my faithful friend and companion Loretta.
This is Loretta. If I could choose a sister or daughter -- Loretta would top that list. We were a working team. Most of the time Loretta was at the helm guiding me through. Boy oh boy, she put up with me for almost 10 years.
Golfing buddy and friend. Here is Will. Will had a total hip replacement (THR) and has encouraged me in my upcoming THR. John would see Will about twice each week at his favorite golf course - Applewood.
Our second golfing buddy and friend, Norman. Norman is a perpetual bachelor. I would often ride along in the cart when John played golf and spent some of the time trying to do some match making for Norm. No luck. He seems to have a steady stream of ladies. That is because he is so darn cute!
These are two of our six godchildren, Georgie and June. We were fortunate to have time to visit with the entire family over lunch. Wow can they pack away pancakes. Jacob and John (twins 18) lead the pack in that competition.
Rather than a bunch of photos - we took a video of our six godchildren. John and Jacob are both off to college. Georgie is now a junior in high school (Oh how the time flies.) The triplets, James, Josh and June are in elementary school.
Lois! I think she may be embarrassed to acknowledge we first met in 1982. I guess about that time she must have been maybe 18? Lois taught our two girls to play violin via the Suzuki Method. We held various volunteer positions with the Suzuki Group over the years and the titular head was always Lois. Ask me and I will tell you this is the photo of a lady made of pure patience, love and acceptance of all children regardless of their abilities. She became a semi-member of our family and we still love her!
Jennifer. Here again is the photo of a lady who has helped us in too many ways to list. She perserveres with a level head and coolness but always with wamth and affection. We have grown to treasure dear Jennifer.
This is Bill. We have known each other and worked together for about 20 years. Dinner with him is always an adventure so this one was no exception. He can be best described as a gentle giant with an intellect to be respected. Each time we visit the Southeast Bill is on our list of people to see.
This Bill is the husband of my faithful friend and companion Loretta.
This is Loretta. If I could choose a sister or daughter -- Loretta would top that list. We were a working team. Most of the time Loretta was at the helm guiding me through. Boy oh boy, she put up with me for almost 10 years.
Golfing buddy and friend. Here is Will. Will had a total hip replacement (THR) and has encouraged me in my upcoming THR. John would see Will about twice each week at his favorite golf course - Applewood.
Our second golfing buddy and friend, Norman. Norman is a perpetual bachelor. I would often ride along in the cart when John played golf and spent some of the time trying to do some match making for Norm. No luck. He seems to have a steady stream of ladies. That is because he is so darn cute!
These are two of our six godchildren, Georgie and June. We were fortunate to have time to visit with the entire family over lunch. Wow can they pack away pancakes. Jacob and John (twins 18) lead the pack in that competition.
Rather than a bunch of photos - we took a video of our six godchildren. John and Jacob are both off to college. Georgie is now a junior in high school (Oh how the time flies.) The triplets, James, Josh and June are in elementary school.
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