Women Over Fifty—To Our Health!
There’s a lot of rhetoric going on about health care these days and much of it is heated. I’ve been amazed at the vitriol the topic engenders at Town Hall meetings and the like. Whatever side of the aisle you choose to sit, I think most Americans will agree that some type of reform is in order.
My husband recently had cataract surgery. This is now, thankfully, a relatively simple process and the actual operation lasts only twenty to thirty minutes. It’s performed as an outpatient procedure and I was able to sit with him while they prepped him. They put him on a gurney, added an IV and, shortly before the surgery, the anesthesiologist injected something into the tube to help him relax. During the actual event, I know he was given some type of drug that allowed him to remain conscious but not remember anything. (At least, that’s how I believe it was.) As we left the hospital, the nurse handed him some eye drops.
A few weeks later, we received a bill for “outpatient drugs.” This did not include the bill for the hospital, the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, or any other service—just those few drugs and drops he was given. The amount came to something over $14,000! This is no exaggeration and it is INSANE!!!
Whatever your opinion, please take a couple of minutes to watch an important and riveting video. (You’ll find it on In the Trenches Productions at the top left of the page.) It’s by Debbie Zipp, actress, advocate for women over forty, and a mom. She talks about her son who’s been ill for a number of years and the need for healthcare reform. I know you’ll feel the emotion behind her words. (If you scroll down on this same site, you’ll see a video of yours truly talking about turning your age into an advantage when looking for work.)
Also, today is Feel Teal Friday—an international recognition of the need for aggressive research on Ovarian Cancer. The movement is being spearheaded by Debbie Stevens, an Australian woman who lost her mum to the disease. Modern medicine has produced screening tests for breast and cervical cancer that have saved many lives. To date, there is not yet one to detect Ovarian Cancer. By the time symptoms do occur, it’s often too late. Join Rick Finch, former member of the K.C. & the Sunshine Band, who is supporting this wonderful cause by creating a special video. You can also make a donation, which would be much appreciated.
Happy Labor Day weekend everyone!
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September 6th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
The problem with health care reform is too many people are being misled into believing what its NOT going to do. DebbieZ has her eye on the pulse of the reform bill. It’s NOT pulling the plug on grandma and NOT giving it to illegal immigrants. It is so sad to see how “hate” filters into everything we try to do to make this country better. I can’t express it any better than Rosie just did.
September 5th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Money and health, make more money to pay for health,
get unhealthy trying to make more money to pay for health,
give money saved to pay for health care, then need hope for the government to help us pay for health.
Oh, did I not neglect to mention that preventative medicine is not profitable to the pockets of providers?
We need a change, we need hope, we need to be able to live not just survive.
Thanks for this thought provoking post. Debbie don’t give up. You are making a difference even in your struggle.
September 5th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Thanks Eileen for helping Debbie spread the word! You are terrific and it is such an important cause.
Hope its a great event.
Warmest regards,
Heidi
September 5th, 2009 at 8:38 am
Feel Teal Friday? That’s a new one on me – but I look good in teal so I have it in my closet!
As for health care – we need National Health. It’s time that medicine became a calling again and not the greedy corporate enterprise that it’s turned into. And next we need to look at veterinary medicine, my dog’s medical bills are nearly as high as mine!
September 4th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
I can imagine that bill, been there done that. Something very minor my husband went in for. Insurance reduced the costs, only allowed they to charge so much. Some things were cut in cost by 9/10 ths.
Feel teal Friday it is.
September 4th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Its so good to have a website devoted to us lovely feisty fifty ladies!!! Im nearly 53 and feel great, I would love to do more but at the moment I cant. I started a Boomers Group -for over 50s in my local area a couple of years ago and its still going strong!! Im involved in a few groups, anyone who is feisty fifty–I say enjoy enjoy!! We have so much to give!!
September 4th, 2009 at 8:32 am
It’s been a busy day, but looking at this post reminds me why I keep going….God bless you Eileen & let’s hope that some [or all] readers will participate!
“Feel teal, and dance again for ovarian cancer”
Happy Labor Day w/end, and Happy Father’s day!
Koala hugs,
Debbie Stevens