Monday, February 4, 2013

Unhealthy Americans

Americans like to think we have a good health care system. But compared to other big countries in the world, we not only don't have a good one, but we're not as healthy as citizens in other countries.

Here's a revealing article on the subject:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marty-kaplan/being-american-is-bad-for_b_2613222.html

FD

12 comments:

  1. While it would be convenient to blame all of our problems on health care, it simply doesn't work. We eat high fat foods, don't exercise and don't follow the doctors orders. I have been in hospitals of other countries and doctor offices too. I wouldn't want to get sick in Japan or Germany. Over crowded, long waits and sub standard care.

    To be fair, it could have been my status as a visiting American but I don't think so. The government can't fix personal habits and can't make Americans live healthy lives.

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    1. Yes, personal habits are a problem, but the US spends more on health care than any country in the world and doesn't have a lot to show for it.

      FD

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    2. We spend more because our doctors spend too much money on all practice insurance. A good place to start would be tort reform. I shouldn't need insurance to go to the doctor for an ear ache but it is too expensive.

      Our medicine is also outrageous compared to other countries?

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  2. Really interesting article FD.
    Just some thoughts:
    Chronic disease self management
    Ottawa charter
    public health
    cross-sectoral approach to health
    client empowerment
    multiD and interdiciplinary approaches to health
    Dump private funds and their monopoly
    paying for healthcare means peoplle are less encouraged to seek health care input unless forced to do so (emergency management).
    just some thoughts....and a final one
    Chronic conditions and risk factor management.
    Bang for buck!

    Lx

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    1. The US doesn't get a lot of bang for its buck when it comes to health care spending.

      FD

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  3. to be honest, i dont think there is a health country in the world anymore....they each have their own problems and issues.....i think we each just need to look at our individual health issues and general well being and we might in time see a huge difference

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    1. Yes, e do need to look at our individual health issues but the US spends a lot of money on health care and doesn't have a lot to show for it compared to other countries.

      FD

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  4. This really doesn't surprise me. And I do believe that the quality of health care on top of all those other issues is a problem in the US. I started having a lot of health issues when I was 28. I put on weight suddenly, I was feeling lethargic, never had energy for doing much. Before that I was a health food nut and I exercised every day.

    I had a lot of people tell me they thought it might be my thyroid, so I went to see a doctor about it. He told me I was too young to have issues with my thyroid and I just needed to exercise more and stop eating junk food.

    When I moved out here and saw a doctor for those very same symptoms, he knew before even finishing my list that it was a thyroid problem. He said he believed it might be Hashimoto's (an autoimmune disease) so he ran all kinds of blood tests and that's what it turned out to be.

    Luck?

    I don't think so. Every doctor I encountered when I was in the US was the same. They are really not interested in what you have to say, and they want to rush you out the door as quickly as possible. They are quick to judge and blame you for your problems rather than trying to find out what the real problem is (most of the time because they know the insurance companies won't cover it).

    Out here I've had a much different experience. Doctors don't rush from room to room, trying to clear patients out as quickly as possible. They personally call you to their room. They personally take your vitals, if needed. They talk to you about what is going on in your life and not just the problem you are there for (my doctor knows I write and asks how the writing is going every time I visit, and if my daughter is not with me he asks about her as well). They get to know you and to understand your lifestyle so they can make connections to how it might contribute to your health and offer suggestions on how to improve your lifestyle so you are healthier.

    So yeah... you don't have to believe it, but there really is a difference.

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    1. You don't have to convince me there is a difference. You are fortunate that your illness was diagnosed correctly.

      FD

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    2. Sorry if I made it sound like I was trying to convince you. When I said "you" and meant it in general terms. Sorry.

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  5. Oh, no reason to say you're sorry. I knew you meant it in general terms and was trying to say I agree with you.

    FD

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    1. Oh okay, hehe. My onlinechatometer is malfunctioning today and I seem to be misunderstanding people left and right. Need to get that thing fixed. ;-)

      *hugs*

      Turiya

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