Why Healthcare for All is a Good Idea

I know that I will catch flack for this. I will hear the normal argument from those in my field who feel that I should know better, and those who have no idea how this business works but feel that they are pretty right on the subject. I will start off by saying I am not an expert, all I have behind me is experience and some graduate school training that has been aimed to help me better understand the current issues in healthcare and the economics behind it. This is something that I feel has nothing to do with Democrat or Republican. That being said, I do feel I have some strong points that prove why a more global healthcare market is the way to go.

1. Capitalism has no place in healthcare.

I know, it's the core of America and success, but in medicine it doesn't have a place. This is a business that should be about the people, not the money. How is it that CEO's of non-profit hospitals make a lot more money than those of for-profit facilities? This doesn't seem to make sense, yet that is how it is. Medicine is the business of people and taking care of them. Sure you know if you get into certain areas of medicine you will have good job security and a good salary, but you have to love this job because it cannot be about the money. I don't know how many times I have worked myself sick and went back for more because it's what I love. I didn't do this for the money, the money is just a perk for the sacrifice we make. Back to capitalism, If you don't have insurance and your 15 year old falls and breaks his arm it will get fixed right? Not necessarily. First you have to find a charity doc to do it, second a hospital that will do it, and third a ton of paperwork that will hopefully get you approved. You may make too much money, or when he is in the ER for the break they will feel as if it doesn't need emergent surgery and say see the doctor outpatient. Well that means they want their money upfront and may have arrangements that you cannot meet. Granted the doctor can work around it and hopefully he will, the fact that we are about money in medicine means it comes before you, unless you are dying. I won't go on anymore, but I hope the point is clear.

2. Those who need and have insurance are the ones who pay.

Maybe it sounds crazy, but it's true. The ones who have insurance pay because the corporations know they will be at least getting a certain amount. So if you are losing money in one area and need to make it up in the other what do you do? You jack up the prices of medicine, like we have seen over the past 15 years, Because here's the deal, most likely if you pay all cash, you get a discount for what the insurance gets if you pay your balance. So there goes the rate for cash payers, they are getting a discount most likely. If you are low income and can't afford it, they will try to qualify you for indigent programs and in turn discount all or most of your care. So now we have those who are insured. You insurance pays a certain amount, and I doubt they are going to discount that so they will pay more, and then you have the part you are responsible for. You may get a discount, maybe, but they can easily say this is what you owe and take you to court over it. The problem is that it has been done and these cases you see such things as someone paying upwards of $50.00 for one Tylenol. The problem is that you are paying for inflate medical costs, where one procedure can cost 60K here in the U.S., in Australia it is 10K... See a problem?

3. We are the last industrialized nation to still not have global health coverage.

Not the best point, but it is true. We aren't living longer than our neighbors of have socialized medicine, so I think it's safe to say that there won't be a quality gap. The idea is that medicine is a right not a privilege. People shouldn't die because they can't afford to go to the doctor, we are so advanced this day in age that it should not happen.

4. Medical costs would greatly decrease. 

Those in the medical field have probably heard the term defensive medicine. To make it short, it's where a doctor orders tests that are most likely not needed because he/she is afraid of legal repercussions. Doesn't sound that awful because better safe than sorry right? Wrong, you pay for it, you get exposed to radiation that isn't needed, and may receive treatment that isn't needed because of it. It is a vicious cycle, but they have to protect their-selves and with the business the way it is, that tends to be the only way. A nice doctor may save a lot of people money, but he puts himself at a high risk of legal action. Therefore, the physician is forced to practice medicine in a defensive manner. On the other hand, when you are looking at it from a socialized standpoint, we are doing what is right for the patient and the public, not what is the best defensive practice. If you need admission you can get admission, if you need a scan get it, if you don't the government is behind the doctor who says the test is unnecessary and is not needed. The idea is that they physicians can practice responsible medicine that doesn't go over the top because they have more protection. In turn you have less overly radiated children, less unneeded procedures performed, and a significant decrease in cost of medicine. I could write a hole thing on this, but I just want to get across the basic point.

5. Everyone gets the care they need and the class system is removed from medicine.

Lastly, I feel that the most important thing here would be that everyone gets the healthcare they need. I am not claiming that this is the fix all, but it's a good start and we have many examples to go by to help figure out the system. If we think that our current system doesn't need fixing, we are greatly mistaken. ER's could no longer be a primary care clinic for those on Medicaid or government programs because they would be held to the same standard and the ER's would have more ability to refuse or refer out non-emergent things. This gives the power back to medicine, whom should be responsible for taking care of you. No more insurance companies dictating what you can and cannot do, it's what the physician feels is necessary and pertinent.



I understand there is a lot of work to be done here. This is just my perspective on why it would be a move in the right direction to go through and make this more of a reality. I think there is a lack of understanding about what socialized medicine would mean. I don't think people really understand what it means and how it works. I know that we use Canada as an example, but we have to understand no system is perfect and we would have to create our own. I found myself reading a copy of Emergency Physicians Monthly and was surprised to see that they were endorsing socialized medicine. I think when you pull out the politics and money, socialized medicine is the way to go because we are taking care of people because that's what we love, not because it makes money.

Out Late - Movie Review

Out Late

The Movie-Book Life Review

Rating: ★★★★★

That a great documentary! This documentary chronicales the lives of 5 different LGBT community members that came out after the age of 55. It gives their unique stories and the reasons it took them so long to come out. 

In this day and age it is much easier to come out, to live your life as an LGBT member without ever having to pretend to be something you aren't. I can somewhat relate to their stories as growing up in West Texas, which is in the heart of the bible belt, is a difficult place to come out. I didn't face the struggles they did, but I do relate as to the judgement that you will receive and how there will be so many people around that hate you simply because you are gay.

Each person has a unique story of how their life played out, and how they made the decision to come out. One of the things you will take away from this is that it isn't worth hiding who you are for the sake of others. You only get one life down here and it is up to you to make the decision to either live happily as who you really are, or hide it. 

Take some time to watch this. It is on Netflix streaming. This is worth a watch and is such a touching film. 

Take Care of Yourself,

-Will

How I Left Traditional Cigarettes Behind!

So many of you probably don't know that I am/was a smoker. Smoking was something that was a part of my life. I had done it so long and it had really been associated with me by all of my friends. They even said that it was hard for them to see me quit (sounds crazy I know) because a part of them loved the conversations we would have when I went out to have a smoke and they felt that it was just a part of Will, like they just knew I was that guy that smoked. On the good side of that they would all say I don't stink unless I have been smoking right before, but it was hard to smell it on me, because I took so much care at making sure that I didn't smell like them and my teeth stayed white.

One day I just decided that I was tired of the way they made me feel so I got on the internet and researched all the different brands and which one was the best. I purchased a starter kit for all of the top 5 brands, and I stuck with the one that has the best flavor, amount of vapor, and safety. I began smoking them and not too long after that it got to where I didn't want to even smoke a real cigarette even if I tried because they tasted so nasty compared to my e-cig. I then started smoking them regularly and every time a friend would be around me they would ask me what kind of e-cig it was and they wanted to buy one. I started selling so many that I decided it would be easier for my friends and myself to become a distributor. It turned out to be a good investment because I was able to get the kits to my friends and family at such a lower price than most. I am now expanding that to my followers and hope that I can help ya'll find a safer alternative to smoking.

My e-cigs that I sell are the same ones I live by, they have made me feel better and I no longer put my family at risk because of a decision that I made. Below is the link to my website where you can browse through them. I give at least a 10% discount, if not more, depending on the amount of the order. I have fast shipping and will help you however I can.

West Texas Premier E-Cigs

I promise I am not just trying to ploy a sell. I really do stand behind these e-cigs and will answer any questions I can. I just want to share something that has been so helpful to me. I chose these because I know where they come from and know they don't have any harsh chemicals that the others contain.

If you need to know something, let me know.

Take Care of Yourself,

Will

Movie Review - "Bride Groom"

Bridegroom 

The Movie-Book Life Review

Rating: «««««

The two guys are living in pre-gay marriage California. One is an established actor, the other aspiring to do both on camera and off camera. If you are going to watch this movie I suggest that you keep some tissues with you, and if you don't like crying in front of others then watch it alone. 

The story is a tragic but beautiful one. I was really able to connect with Shane, the living person of the story. I hate writing such a small review, but I don't want to give away the whole story since it is so important. 

Both from your typical small towns, and having to struggle with the reality of coming out to those whom may not be so accepting. Each has his own unique story as to how they got to where they are, although both were challenged and have interesting pasts, Tom has a very interesting one. Otherwise, all I can say is please give this a watch. Even if you aren't part of the LGBT community, this puts you in their shoes and helps you understand the repercussions that are associated with the inability to marry the person you love. The issue becomes that of a legal one much more than religious or personal. This shows that it is more than a title, it is about basic rights to be with the person you love despite the situation. Too many times Gay marriage is made to be an issue of "God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve." Even if you believe this, the fact is that not allowing Gay couples to have the legal rights causes them to not have the ability to properly take care of their partners. 

Give it a watch and let me know what you think! Sorry for the poor review, I couldn't find a better way to approach it. 

Take Care of Yourself,

-WIll

Check out my Tumblr blog at this link below --- please don't hesitate to follow if you enjoy my Tumblr. It is a mix of reviews and just plain blogging.

Gay West Teas Blog

Consolidation of Blogs

Hey ya'll! I would love for everyone to check out my Tumblr at usernamenoway.tumblr.com! I am trying to consolidate my blogs into one and would sure appreciate everyone taking a look! Thanks!


Will

The Movie Life: Beauty (2011) Review

Beauty (2011) Review

Review:

Acting: ««««

Story:««

Cinematography:«««

Overall: «««

First of all this only gets 3 overall because I am leaving my bias aside to a degree. The acting was convincing and the cinematography was as well. The problem with this was that I do not feel like the description really let out what the movie was about. There are many types of movies I will watch and few that I detest. One of the kinds I detest are incest and rape. This had the rape part. I don't (I certainly hope not) think that many people care for rape, but in movies some can find it interesting or something, well I am not one of those people. The movie starts off a bit confusing with the cast being at a dinner of sorts. It then goes on and you start to see the main characters personal life which is filled with lies and self-hatred. There is this air of denial that causes concern from the beginning. As the movie goes one we see this obsession start to develop between the main character and his friends son, who he assumes is gay. There is never any real truth to his assumption, just a lot of circumstantial evidence. I would go as far as to say there is some evidence that the kid was not gay, just very loving. Either way the main character goes to some pretty extreme lengths to be around the kid. There is eventually an epic point in the story which I have already given away, and then it leaves you without a full sense of what went on and what it caused. I felt this was a very drawn out movie that left you with a bad taste in your mouth. You invest all your time and think you are going to see a bear-twink style of romance and are instead left with much less as well as a hell of a lot less respect for the main character. I felt this story had a lot of potential if they would have played it out a bit better. They could have even kept the rape line had they given some closure, I believe that the writer makes a very amateur error and leaves to wide of a gap in the story at the end which just leaves the view feeling unfulfilled  This had been in my recommended on Netflix for quite some time and I am glad I watched it for the sole reason it freed up a space on the recommended list. Maybe you will feel different, but I wouldn't hold my breath. I believe the film won merits on acting and that alone, the story just didn't have any strength. 

The Movie Life: Shameless (TV Series, Season 3 - Episode 12) Season Finale Review

Shameless Season 3 Episode 12 - Season Finale

***WARNING, SEASON FINALE SPOILERS***

Season 3 Rating: «««««

Episode Rating: «««««




I suppose "ask and you shall receive" is due here. I have been complaining that they haven't been focusing enough on Eian and Mickey and they sure did show some insight into that relationship. I found it very interesting that this was a season finale because they didn't really tie any loose ends. The only thing we know is that Fiona got a full time job at the office, everything else is up in the air. Will Lip go to MIT? Will Eian actually stay in the army essentially removing his character from the show? What will happen with Karen and Mandy? Where is Jimmy, is he dead? Will Frank change his ways or die? I am sure there are a lot more questions, but those tend to be the main ones for me. I felt that the episode did a good job and breaking down Eian and Mickey's relationship. You saw Mickey get emotional for probably the first time, at least from a crying stand point. We also had confirmation that Mandy knows about their relationship and apparently she approves of it. It was interesting to see Eian tell Mickey no, but my romantic side was wanting something different. I don't feel that the military will last with Eian, I think he will get there and run into a snag because he is using Lip's identity. This might tie in to MIT because MIT is very closely associated with the military (ie. West Point). Another twist we have is with Lip, if he takes the MIT offer and goes to college we may not see much of his character anymore which would really sadden me. I am hoping he will take it and they will either all move, or have him home every weekend. I think the whole crew moving is more believable. He actually told Mandy thanks and that me be the beginning of their reconciliation. As much as I hate to say it I really like Mandy. I think that minus her violent jealousy, she has a good head on her shoulders and she has a big heart.  What she did was wrong, but Karen's mind games were wrong as well, and plus we can like it because it is a movie. Franks health was a big focus on this episode. We all knew that he couldn't possibly ride the gravy train forever, and it seems as if that is ending. With his medical conditions, he is a ticking time bomb if he doesn't start getting medical care. Cirrhosis, esophageal varicies, and portal hypertension are all things that can be very deadly if not treated; he has essentially drank himself to the edge of death. We know they won't be booting William H. Macy any time soon, so I am assuming he will get some kind of help but I could be totally wrong. Fiona finally got her coveted full time office job, and it seems to me that she isn't very happy about it. I may be reading into the episode too much, but I felt that at the end she wasn't very happy with everything. This could be about Jimmy, but I just can't shake the feeling that she isn't satisfied. She did invest a lot of money to get this job so I could be totally off, I guess next season will tell. The Michigan position might help with the story of them all making a move that way. What happen to Jimmy? I am wondering if we will get more closure next season. There are several different scenarios that you can work with. He either was murdered, left back to South America, or got away and we don't know it. I have a feeling he is dead, but shows always like to portray it that way so that you are surprised when the next season rolls around. The episode ends with Fiona calling Jimmy and telling his voice mail that she is done and this is her final call to say bye, Eian leaving on a bus to basic training, Lip telling Mandy he doesn't know if he is going to take the job, and Frank leaving the hospital against medical advice in a gown and shoes. There are definitely a ton of open ends for next season, but if you are a fan at least we know there is a next season. Overall they did a great job this season and it was much more insightful than the others. This season gets my 5 stars because I was impressed with every episode. Can't wait till next season. Thanks for taking the time to read.

Until Next Time,

Will