Obama and U.S. Healthcare

While I like some of the things that Obama is up to, this health
care plan gives me pause. It was quickly put together, no one in
Congress has read it, Obama has not read it, and there seem to be
too many "loose ends".

John David Lewis, a university professor actually took the time to
read the bill. He is not in politics and has no "axe to grind" in
any direction. He just wanted to know how it would affect him and
his family. Here are a few of the things that he found:

Medical Care Rationing: (ii) EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN READMISSIONS.
—For purposes of clause (i), with respect to a hospital, excess readmissions
shall not include readmissions for an applicable condition for which there are
fewer than a minimum number (as determined by the Secretary) of discharges
for such applicable condition for the applicable
period and such hospital.

‘(A) APPLICABLE CONDITION.—The term ‘applicable condition’ means,
subject to subparagraph (B), a condition or procedure selected by the Secretary.

‘‘(E) READMISSION.—The term ‘readmission’ means, in the case of an
individual who is discharged from an applicable hospital, the admission
of the individual to the same or another applicable hospital within a time
period specified by the Secretary from the date of such discharge.

‘‘(6) LIMITATIONS ON REVIEW.—There shall be no administrative or
judicial review under section 1869, section 1878, or otherwise of— . . .
‘‘(C) the measures of readmissions . . .

EVALUATION OF THE PASSAGES:

• This section amends the Social Security Act

• The government has the power to determine what constitutes an

“applicable [medical] condition.”

• The government has the power to determine who is allowed readmission
  

into a hospital. This determination will be made by statistics:

when enough people have been discharged for the same condition,

an individual may be readmitted.

• This is government rationing, pure, simple, and straight up.

• There can be no judicial review of decisions made here. The Secretary
  

is above the courts. The plan also allows the government to prohibit hospitals

from expanding without federal permission: page 317-318.

Energy

Keep your energy up. I have noticed that I actually have more energy
after I have worked out or have been very active. The less active that
a person is, the less energy they seem to have. I have noticed for myself
that when I tend to get lazy, I find myself doing less and less physically.
I have to focus and push myself to stay active sometimes. This is the
only way that I can stay in decent shape and keep my weight down.

I lost over 40 pounds almost that many years ago and made the
determination that I would not become heavy every again.
So far I have kept my promise to myself.


Bob

Taxing Your Sweet Tooth

Well, I have just about heard everything. Yes, many people are overweight.
Yes, it is a burden on the health care system and the economy. Yes, many
of these overweight individuals have, or are, still doing battle with
weight loss issues.

What is beginning to really get to me is all of the new legislation
that this Obama administration is trying to force down our throats.
I was okay for a while with Mr. Obama, but now he is going too far.

How many of you out there know that this administration is considering
a tax on sugar? If they get their way, eventually everyone will be getting
taxed on anything that this government decides will contribute to getting,
or keeping people fat. Now they are telling us how and what to eat.

On top of all of our other REAL problems the government is now
pulling this stunt. It may not be something to worry about yet,
but if you are (even slightly) offended by such a thing you may want
to contact your representatives.

I would really be interested to hear what you think about the Sugar Tax
or Beverage Tax?
readers out there to find out what you think.

Come in Control Center

Staying in control is not the easiest thing to do in many cases.
Trying not to deliberately ram into the slow poke in front of you
who is driving all of 17 miles an hour in a 55 zone. Or, waiting in
a grocery line while the "mentally infirmed" shopper is trying to
remember their pin number at the register, and you are next in
line and can't really get out of the way of things. These are life's little
irritations that we can't do too much about.

What we can do something about is what we do in our lives.
Maybe we want to learn a new language, or learn how to swing
a golf club properly. Maybe we want to take up martial arts or
expunge (lose) 50 or 100 pounds of fat tissue from our body.
If we focus on ourselves we can get things done in our lives which
will in turn can have a positive effect on others.

I lost over 40 pounds 37 years ago and have kept it off. I have
worked with people for over 35 years helping them to achieve their
weight loss goals, and in the past 8 years I have been working in
virtually all areas to help people change their live for the better.

It all begins by focusing on yourself. Then deciding what needs
to happen. Make the decision to do it, plan for it, create your
"roadmap" so you know what things need to happen and when,
and then "shoot yourself out of that cannon". You need to be
committed to yourself and your goal. The only way that you
won't reach what you want is if you give up before you get there.

A great cook book that is designed to help you lose weight
can be found at Health Urban Kitchen.

Bob

Laughing to Lose

I came across some really interesting research recently.
It seems that by laughing a lot you can burn off calories.
It makes sense. So if you are overweight you may want to
try your local comedy club a couple of times a week.
Just don't get sucked into the drinks and desserts.

Bob

Weight Loss Cook Book

I have run across a really good cook book that not only
makes sound nutritional sense, but it also helps to
produce natural weight loss.

Click Here

Weight Loss Fireworks

It is the the 4th of July holiday weekend coming up. Don't let
the holiday add any more pounds.

1. Watch and pay attention to what you are eating. You don't
have to eat everything that comes your way.

2. Take low-calorie snacks with you to your party (veggies are always good).
Watch the cookies, chips, and Cheetos).

3. Limit the beer and other caloric alcohol. If you are driving, this
suggestion becomes imperative. There are many calories in beer.

4. Have fun. You really can have fun. Socializing, friends, fireworks,
what's not to enjoy?

Bob Bates M.S.
Performance Psychology Consultant

If you are in need of an excellent
weight loss program, here are
several that I suggest. Click Here.