Medical Grumblings

When we finally get it all said and done, health care reform is a necessary evil. It is very difficult to examine all the questions, so I will tell you what concerns me as both a taxpayer and a human being, as I try to sort it all out in my mind. I will contact my representative and let them know how I stand and on this and that will not be an easy job.

My cousin Carol and I were trying to remember whether we were vaccinated for some childhood diseases that may or may not have been available when we were children, like whooping cough. We will always wonder why some children were and some were not, for whatever reason, and possibly suggesting a double standard in this country. I'm big on prevention as it saves you money and suffering. Yet, in a free society, can and should inoculations be forced on people. I've heard pro and con stories about "flu" shots and both state and government mandates, and rationings. I feel availability with choice is the way to go. Sometimes in order to eradicate certain diseases "all" must participate in available treatment and that is where choice should not be allowed. Some of the diseases that were unknown for years in this country are now back and concerning.

In a pandemic, with limited beds, staff and pharmaceuticals available, how would a priority for chosing patients be established? At the top of the list, possibly would be the politicians, service workers, teachers, medical staff, and whatever method they have devised to maintain a list of importance. I'm sure that you will agree that it will not be on a "first come first serve" basis. The question will be "status" and what determines how and who and in what order you fall on the list. That does not sound like a new idea to me. Those who have influence will win out here.

I can just see the lines now. Who will get to decide where you will go and how? Residential address? Years ago, a physician came to your house and saw everyone who was in need at the same time. Just think of what a cost saving that was. There were a lot less specialists then. On the other hand, it is so vital to health care to see a specialist who's experience in the field is critical to your health issue. Choosing your own doctor as a provider of your health saves money and time, having become familiar with your particular conditions. This is especially important during an emergency situation where time is not wasted on gathering information to relay to a new doctor unfamiliar with your circumstances.

Now clinics are established at work places, schools, and wherever people gather, to receive shots needed after a disaster like a flood or perhaps information or tests. One word describes this, impersonal.

Some plans are not accepted by Dental or Doctor's offices. Turning patients away, inevitably results in increased hospital visits. Hospitals turn patients away for a toothache referring them to a dental practice, who refers the patient to other dental practices, causing the patient undue inconvenience, pain and suffering. (All because they did not have the right coverage) or, the doctor did not subscribe to their particular policy. Having dental emergencies on one health plan would eliminate that problem.

You've all heard the story of people being transported to other hospitals by ambulance adding to the cost of the patients bill. (A person seeking treatment in a small local hospital, should not be bussed out to a large city hospital), increasing the cost and having the worry about having to find a way home. Taxpayers eventually pick-up the tab of the uninsured. What stops the uninsured to run to the emergency room for situations that could be handled at the doctor's office in the morning? Do doctors still refuse some patients health plans, offering treatment by cash or by a credit card? When was the last time you went to the doctor or dentist and didn't walk out with another appointment? Or, perhaps a scheduled appointment for a test, or pharmacy script?

Who is not looking to sue a doctor these days for malpractice? Just watch the ads on TV. My point is how do lawsuits affect the bottom line of health care? We need to eliminate waste at all levels, including the perks, run away costs and pork barrel spending.

The cost of health is high. People paying premiums for their coverage should be allowed some choices and some of those are cost effective plans for receiving medications as well as generic alternatives. How about having medical offices open to receive working people who are not able to take time off from their jobs only to sit in office waiting rooms for hours at a time.

Instead of looking at treatment only such as for obesity in children, why not give better choices at mealtimes? Maybe more opportunity for lifestyle changes, like walking instead of being bused everywhere? Bring back physical education programs, chores and shorten school days instead of after school programs which often keep children indoors.

Explore avenues for adult fitness centers which are affordable to all including bike and walking paths. Campaigns which effectively teach the benefits of good health, against drugs, alcohol consumption in moderation, and lifestyle changes that promote a healthy society. To be healthy you need to work at it and that requires more than a pill.

We all win when our residents in the USA are fit. When we anticipate disease by prevention, and design programs that will keep us fit as we chose to be healthy and all work toward that goal. We cannot afford to pay for even one person who will suffer due to neglect. Neglecting our brother will result in higher health care costs in which we all share the responsibility for in one way or another. In the end, its our decision.

I will continue with this debate on another day when I will talk about who is competing for your business, as everyone is in it for the money, yours.

Orange Lips

Yesterday was so much fun for my grandson, Nathan. I arrived at the table to find a couple of overturned chairs waiting for us. John and I would take our dinner break and finally get a chance to taste the wonderful shish kabob and chicken kabob that we'd been smelling for at least three hours. Before it was all sold out, John wasted no times in getting two plates full. We were also treated to a couple of beers from the Southbridge Brewery, the best around. I had what I believe was called the pale-ale. It was wonderful weather-wise and we met many nice folk, family and friends at the 85th annual Romanial festival.

Steve and Jean joined us, and Bill, Angie and Nate had already started to eat while enjoying the live band, which would have been the highlight for Nathan, if not for the arrival of Wally the Green Monster, from the Boston Red Sox. His mom was ready with her camera, and of course Wally was ready to give a postal card with his signature to him. I wonder how the pictures came out with the orange lips Nathan had from drinking his favorite beverage, orange soda. When his parents asked who gives him orange soda, he said grandma. Of course they blamed me, but it really was grampy.

Nathan was concerned that the basketball hoop lay on the ground. The one he likes to use and the one he tells everyone that the ball gets stuck and grandma has to get it down. We explained that after the picnic it would be put back. He was amazed by the white pipe that was attached to the downspout coming from the gutters and roof. Typical boy. Then, out of the clear blue sky, he looked at me and said "grandma, wanna dance?" He's three and one half years old and already knows how to have a good time. It didn't matter how we did dance as long as we got up to dance. He had a ball. It doesn't look like he will be shy as he posed for the camera which will be on our live local television station.

He spotted Onchu the puppy which also made his day as he ran over to say hi. Nathan loves the area and has spent many happy days at the Romanian Church, hall and grounds. Today, while the radio personalities were discussing their experiences at the picnic, I heard Dick mention Nathan's name.

I'm looking forward to hearing his stories on Wednesday when he comes to visit grandma for the day. He'll probably want to have some more of that wonderful lamb patty that he enjoyed at the picnic. Who would have guessed? We were all pretty tired and didn't go to the concert on the common to see the oldies band, maybe next time. His dad said he still had plenty of energy left. Enough to go on the slide. We hear that he's getting a new gym set that was so large that his dad had to have two trees removed in order to fit it. I know he is excited about that.

It is scheduled to arrive and be built this week. He is looking forward to swinging just like grandma does or at least used to do.

The picnic was grand. It was fun times for all from the littlest to the oldest. I saw my several of the church ladies dancing with Alexanda and her daughter Loretta just before they left. She appeared to have a lot of spunk. I hope I'll be able to cook and dance at one hundred years old. Who would have thought that possible? A good time was had by all.

Baring It All!

Yesterday the subject came up about what people were wearing to the Romanian picnic, which was held after the 10:00 AM Sunday Liturgical service. The answer seemed to be whatever was comfortable according to ones work station or preference. Yet, one person chose to bring up the subject of how our priest should be dressed. He and some other's suggested that Fr. should have his collar on. Otherwise, people would constantly be asking "where is the priest?" I say, what about his comfort?

Most people know who our priest is, and, as he is involved in the community, most new people I spoke with, told me they were coming to the picnic because they personally know him from the organizations he serves. For example, there were several from the Rotary, a couple of tables from the local radio station, and several Town Councilors. I saw firemen, as he is a chaplain serving Dudley and helps by filling-in in Southbridge.

Other people there were his face book friends and other friends that he's made from the Thompson speedway, and many from Worcester, as he has served organizations such as, the nursing home. Then, there are the local collages, being a Nichols College Professor. Since he wears so many hats, I cannot name all of them. Most recently, he's known to engage in lawnmower racing, and is newly elected to serve on the Bay Path Regional High School Committee.

Our priest has been known to reach out to people everywhere, every age and is relentless in helping those in need. More recently, is his quest to feed the lonely and hungry, a new program in which he cooks for many others. That is, in addition to the food bank that he is also involved in, such as the local Food Share program. Trust me, he is known by many.

I think you get the picture. It isn't that we would have to constantly point him out to others, because Fr. Peter has many friends. That person was viciously trying his hand at controlling the good father by his suggestion. I wish I didn't have to tell him otherwise, (that in fact, I found his suggestion wrong). It is my opinion that this is just another power struggle, controlling and unfounded.

I wonder why anyone would take offense to a nice white shirt and a straw hat at a picnic. Get a life, or better still mind your own P's and Q's. You dressed comfortably by your own choice or, did someone else tell you what you had to wear.

You know what father Peter has learned, young priest as he is, is that relating to people is far more important than how you look. In all honesty, do you feel as comfortable with a person who is staring back at you wearing a dress with a collar? How do you think this applies to the younger generation of today? Does the collar make him different somehow? Or, does it make you different. Is it like a police car with all the lights and decals which may cause you to act differently, guarded-- because of consequences.

Stop putting on false airs. Stop trying to control others. Believe me, he knows he's a priest and he doesn't need a ball and chain to prove it. Some priests feel comfortable in their collars even at picnics. Their choice. Through the years priests have been bullied and pushed around in order to keep their parishioners happy at the expense of their own comfort.

It is time to let go of your old-fashioned ideas. Take a deep breath when someone starts foolish rumors about picnic dress codes and have the courage to turn your head the other way. Father is just writing the wrong, the wrong that was inflicted on clergy for generations.

He is free and approachable, and the young people I spoke with agreed that one should not hide behind one's collar, tie or anything else that puts you above someone else. After all when we remove those garments, aren't we all the same? I guess not, but it goes way beyond ones dress code. There is a time and place for proper attire that defines us, but not at a picnic.

Expecting Father to wear a collar is the same as judging a book by its cover. Judging all priest to be the same is undeniably a mistake as they are like night and day. You should be happy that ours is down to earth, approachable, outreaching and humble enough to be himself, especially at a picnic.

The good old summer time

I've been selling raffle tickets for prizes that will be given away tomorrow at our church picnic. On three occasions I set up a small folding table and on Friday, a large beach umbrella shielded me from the sun, making up lost time. It was a scorcher.

It is flea market weekend here in Brimfield and that brings out many people both dealers and folk from all over the world. Driving can be a bit tricky and at times, it seems impossible. Everything is in place for the event, our 85th annual Romanian Festival. Hopefully the people will come out as the weather should be fine. Following the church picnic, which will see Wally The Green Monster, from the Boston Red Sox, will be an oldies group featured on the common, which we hope to attend.

We had a wonderful day weather-wise today, but being Saturday, it was a day of chores and shopping. Last evening we had dinner with friends at the pub, and tonight it was Dresser Hill, an outdoor eatery with little parking, long lines, and the best ice cream around.

Here in New England, we must make the most of the Summer, cause the good old summer time slips past us so quickly. The strawberries have gone by now, and its about time for blueberries, my favorite. The corn is not doing well this year I've heard, and it did take a long time for the flowers to produce with all the rain. One farmer told me tonight that we've been having a cooling for the past nine years. It does seem cooler so far this summer. August is right around the corner and for those of you who hate humidity, you know what that means.

Heard on TV a couple of days ago that some women were drumming up their cleaning business during the heat by cleaning topless. I didn't quite get where. Job security during a recessive market I guess. What will they think of next in the good old summer time.

The Look of Love

Hopefully everyone has experienced the "Look of Love" sometime in their lives. It usually comes as a response to kindness. It goes beyond the thank you and I appreciate what you have done for me stare.

Wednesday, I had the opportunity to be with my grandson and we did all the things he likes to do and more. The more was having a picnic lunch out on the lawn on a big old Walt Disney towel. It meant running in and out of the house around the deck and much work for grandma. That followed bringing out all the big trucks to dig with from the front garage all around to the back yard. (Three in all, with shovels and cars and you name it.) We made a road, of course. It was time to water the plants, which led to the water sprinkler, and eventually the pool, with a boat, froggies water toys and a little boy who didn't want to get out.

After the run into the house to change into warm clothing, it was bedding on the swing. An over sized pillow, on a pillow-cased covered mat, sheet and his yellow blankie. All of his favorite stuffed animals, snoopy white, pepper, and waggon to name a few. "Grandma, you forgot the radio!" he exclaimed, because they do not forget anything. Back into the house for the radio. He was in heaven, so to speak.

He lay across the swing, hammock style and grandma rocked him, and "don't stop" "more" grandma, until he finally fell asleep.

I'm not sure if the look of love came before the long nap, (the one where his little arms extend up over his head, suggesting pure comfort), or after the vanilla ice cream with blueberries. But there it was, the same one I've seen his father give me so many times before. The first time at the hospital, having received life.

Life has its rewards, mostly materials ones today, but I wouldn't trade anything for that special look that says it all. "I Love You."

One of my all time favorite songs was from "Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66" called The look of Love, (1967). Where it says something like: the look of love is saying more than words can ever say. I believe that look comes from the heart.

There is a limit

Today I had an opportunity to watch one of my favorite shows, where childhood problems were being discussed. Breastfeeding after the child was once weened off of breast milk, that would seem to me to be a no-brainer. Honestly just think about that one for a moment and you will not require the consultation of a psychologist. Breast milk is for babies not for children. A child asking for breast milk is having another type of issue, and it is usually competition of the attention of mom because of another sibling.

The other case, one which is very familiar is that the child decided what he or she will or will not eat. My mother who had five children, knew how to handle that one. What? you don't want to eat, your not hungry, leave the table. Nothing would be given in between either. One of my aunts told me she was punished for asking for a second cup of milk, during the depression and while she was bringing home the bacon. We are too soft with our children, who are playing us. Yes, it is a power struggle and if they win, have fun when they are teen-agers.

The other two dealt with going to bed and getting up, and that again is their way of testing your tolerance. I learned how to deal with that one when my oldest son was still in his crib and a wise doctor told me to have my husband block his ears or go out while the infant screamed himself to sleep and eventually the resistance would become nil and go away. It could have meant that he even could get sick and he said to that, "clean it in the morning". Now they have come with videos that show animals yawning and stars along with soft music and eventually after 20 minutes, lights are out for the night. The understanding here is that this is the behaviour of the child continually, and not an occasional sleep disruption, where something may be off, like a nightmare or fear or illness.

Children usually do not become disagreeable for nothing. What the experts claim is that this is in fact a power struggle. Who should rule the roost? You. It is that simple. Learn to say NO. And never allow them to say "NO" to you.

I believe in positive reinforcement. Bribing is okay. They gladly go to sleep when Santa's coming. They want things, mostly your attention. Gold stars work. A favorite video, and sometimes pennies saved toward a favorite toy. Let them earn things by "good" behavior or a special treat. Sound familiar?

I once knew a boy who would not go potty. Nothing worked because he loved watching his parents squirm. With everything, it was his way or the highway. One day while playing with friends, one of the boys said Uh! you still go in your pants, and he told all the other boys who made fun of and teased him. The humbled boy changed his tune fast, peer pressure, is a good tool. The experts say that a young child should learn from watching an older child use the potty, or dad in the case of a boy. And believe it or not besides reading about it, you can purchase a doll who demonstrates the bathroom technique.

Its probably a sad fact that some parents never really get it. Or, perhaps they just cannot discipline their child. What that means is that unfortunately, you are setting your child up for failure. A person who is disciplined in their behaviours will be able to face all problems with a sense of security and recourse of action. Everyone knows that you cannot always have it your way and when you cannot and you can't handle it, it sets you up for an unhappy and insecure life. Relationships will be shattered, and that may include yours.

I have a neighbor who has three boys, and she said something to me once that I thought wise. Something my mother said that I forgot. "They've got to respect you." And that is something that you teach them. Is it time to stop letting them dump on you? I would say so. Everything has its limit.

Bestest Buddies

We are supporting each other in trying to lose a few pounds in an effort to fight back dread diseases known as a result of aging, and being overweight.

Tonight we took another walk for forty-five minutes in a different neighborhood and we find that change is helpful. W get a different feel for the road, so to speak. The funny thing is that we didn't feel we worked as hard at it as the lake walk, and it was the same amount of time.

We take special care in getting the right breakfast and all the vitamins, and minerals, and fresh fruit and salad.

John's already loosing weight which I'm very proud of him for, while I gained almost all the weight that I lost, back. Don't ask me. I've been working outdoors for a week and it may be muscle weight. The same thing happened to me at the gym, when I put on quite a few pounds working out. The funny part is that my waist has gone down. Basically, it is a redistribution.

All our foods are measured and almost all natural or homemade, in other words, having many enzymes.

I'm not giving up the ship yet. There is also water weight which usually happens just before the weight loss. I am having fun walking around with my bestest buddy. He knows that it takes patience and when it come to me, he has it. The old adage, "nothing good comes easy."