Do we have control over our own health? This question was proposed in class this week and it became clear this question is harder than it seems to answer. I believe that to some extent we do have control over our health. There will always be such factors that we cannot control that always be present: genetics, bacteria and viruses, environmental catastrophies, and accidents. Although these will always be present, there is no reason to just give in and be "victimized",we are only given one body and it's time to start making sure it's health is a higher priority. I feel too many people use these uncontrolable factors as a scapegoat to why they have bad health, because is much easier to blame someone/somebody else.
As Michelle Obama stated in an article she wrote for Women's Health in 2012, "The truth is, being a healthy woman isn't about getting on a scale or measuring your waistline- and we can't afford to think that way." We need to focus on more than just our pant size, what we are putting into our bodies and how we are treating them is crucial. Life is too precious to sit back and feel as though we have no impact on the outcome of our health. I feel we are given certain tasks that we DO have control over. Excercising, diet, physical checkups, and preventative screenings. All of these are crucial to our health outcome, living a healthy lifestyle sets a positive example for others to follow. Although Michelle Obama's article is geared towards women, she serves as a great example for men as well. "So, here's the bottom line for us...No more excuses. Today, we're more empowered than ever before to take control of our lives and our health."
Another question that arose concerns the people who already and/or will continue to abuse the health care system if it is successfully changed to and open-ended system. Robert Helms argues that, "The open-ended payments that are a common feature of private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, are a primary source of out-of-control costs in health care. Open-ended payments encourage wasteful spending rather than rewarding a careful consideration of quality,value, cost, and benefit." He makes a valid point. If people are already abusing the system, how will that change if health care becomes free? It won't, it will become worse. People will take advantage of the system, simply because it is available free of cost. While he agrees that there needs to be major emphasis on new knowledge and technology, prevention, and lifestyle changes, he also states, "These are obviously good ideas that would lead to improvement, but people must have an incentive to do these things before any real progress will be made."
Contrary, Malcolm Gladwell feels that the "Moral hazard" is blown out of proportion. While many people will properly be using the new health care sytem to their advantage, it is because in the end it will save us money, therefore not being wasteful. "...when it comes to health care, many of the things we do only because we have insurance- like getting our moles checked, or getting our teeth cleaned regularly, or getting a mammogram or engaging in other routine preventative care- are anything but wasteful and inefficient." Behaviors and acts like this will help save money. Going to the doctor to get a mole checked is much less expensive than treating a mole that became cancerous. While Helms believes that people will over abuse the system, Gladwell makes a valid point. Most of the people in the United States who are uninsured, are uninsured by choice. Therefore when health care becomes available people are not just going to run to the hospital. Uwe Reinhardt, a Princeton economist, argues, "You always hear that the demand for health care is unlimited. This is just not true. People who are very well insured, who are very rich, do you see them check into the hospital because it's free? Do people really like going to the doctor? Do they check into the hospital instead of playing golf?"
Overall i feel that there will always be those who abuse the system, however, I do not feel these numbers are going to dramatically increase if health care become a universal system. Universal health care will help people take more control of their lives, because more preventative care will be offered and more people will be able to set a positive example for others.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
GL350: Week Five
After this week I have a new appreciation for the meaning of "home". While I am excited to return to the U.S. my heart is breaking knowing we leave in three weeks. I was reminded this weekend that I not only have a "home" in Ohio but in Spain and Italy as well.
This past weekend, I returned to Spain for the second time to spend more time with Leire and her family. This year was the first time I have ever met her family and friends since I first met her two years ago. From the very moment I arrived I felt like I was at home. The warmth and hospitality her parents offered was more than appreciated. Even though her dad barely speaks English and her mom speaks some, I feel like I connected with them both. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet them both. While standing at the airport, I was reminding myself and reassuring Leire that I wasn't going to cry, because it wasn't a goodbye. (I have high expectations now that I've seen her two times in less than three weeks.) Something that will stick with me forever is while hugging me she told me, "This will always be your home, too." For only meeting her parents twice and staying at their house two times, I feel as if I've known them my whole life. Amorebieta-Exanto, Spain is home.
Thursday we carried out the American tradition and celebrated Thanksgiving. Thousands of miles of way or not, we are still American. While at an English mass on Thursday morning, it really struck me how truly American we are. I know during the week whether it be by dress or food we sometimes try hard to fit in with the Italians. Who are we kidding? Seriously. I'm pretty sure the only one who can pull it off is Dave. I am loud, express my emotions, eat peanut butter, love ice and take pictures of everything. I can't hide the fact that I am American, nor am I ashamed. At the end of the mass on Thursday, The Ambassador for the U.S. in Italy read the proclamation given by President Obama, and we sang "America the Beautiful". Correct me if I'm wrong, but everyone was belting out this tune...well at least I was. Talk about pride.
When we are in class discussing the differences between the U.S. and Europe whether it be healthcare or culture, it is now clear why we judge Italy so much. Nothing really compares to America. I will be the first to say that it is hard to conform to another society. I came here with an open mind and try to still keep one while keeping the complaining to a minimun; but I have to catch myselves at times. Taking a step back and realizing the differences makes me makes me appreciate where I come from. The food, the culture, the American way of life. I love every bit of it. I now understand how Barzini states in The Italians how Italians will always come back to Italy and they are drawn here, I feel that statement applies to Americans as well. America will always be home.
In these past four weeks, I have learned more than I would have ever expected. I don't want to think about leaving, and it literally brings tears to my eyes knowing that in three weeks we will be boarding a plane headed home. No more pizza, no more gelato, no more trains; back to snowy Ohio. While I am excited to reunite with my family, friends, and beloved pets I don't want to leave. Just as in Spain, it is amazing how acclamated I have become with Rome and Italy in so little time. Italy will always be a part of me, and I will take everything I have learned with me. "Rome Home" will always be home.
Three beautiful places I can call "Home". I would consider myself pretty lucky.
This past weekend, I returned to Spain for the second time to spend more time with Leire and her family. This year was the first time I have ever met her family and friends since I first met her two years ago. From the very moment I arrived I felt like I was at home. The warmth and hospitality her parents offered was more than appreciated. Even though her dad barely speaks English and her mom speaks some, I feel like I connected with them both. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet them both. While standing at the airport, I was reminding myself and reassuring Leire that I wasn't going to cry, because it wasn't a goodbye. (I have high expectations now that I've seen her two times in less than three weeks.) Something that will stick with me forever is while hugging me she told me, "This will always be your home, too." For only meeting her parents twice and staying at their house two times, I feel as if I've known them my whole life. Amorebieta-Exanto, Spain is home.
Thursday we carried out the American tradition and celebrated Thanksgiving. Thousands of miles of way or not, we are still American. While at an English mass on Thursday morning, it really struck me how truly American we are. I know during the week whether it be by dress or food we sometimes try hard to fit in with the Italians. Who are we kidding? Seriously. I'm pretty sure the only one who can pull it off is Dave. I am loud, express my emotions, eat peanut butter, love ice and take pictures of everything. I can't hide the fact that I am American, nor am I ashamed. At the end of the mass on Thursday, The Ambassador for the U.S. in Italy read the proclamation given by President Obama, and we sang "America the Beautiful". Correct me if I'm wrong, but everyone was belting out this tune...well at least I was. Talk about pride.
When we are in class discussing the differences between the U.S. and Europe whether it be healthcare or culture, it is now clear why we judge Italy so much. Nothing really compares to America. I will be the first to say that it is hard to conform to another society. I came here with an open mind and try to still keep one while keeping the complaining to a minimun; but I have to catch myselves at times. Taking a step back and realizing the differences makes me makes me appreciate where I come from. The food, the culture, the American way of life. I love every bit of it. I now understand how Barzini states in The Italians how Italians will always come back to Italy and they are drawn here, I feel that statement applies to Americans as well. America will always be home.
In these past four weeks, I have learned more than I would have ever expected. I don't want to think about leaving, and it literally brings tears to my eyes knowing that in three weeks we will be boarding a plane headed home. No more pizza, no more gelato, no more trains; back to snowy Ohio. While I am excited to reunite with my family, friends, and beloved pets I don't want to leave. Just as in Spain, it is amazing how acclamated I have become with Rome and Italy in so little time. Italy will always be a part of me, and I will take everything I have learned with me. "Rome Home" will always be home.
Three beautiful places I can call "Home". I would consider myself pretty lucky.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
SOC409: Week Four
Continuing on the topic of "Universal Health Care" a question was brought up. Professor asked us to answer the following, "What can we take from the Roman approach to improve our health?" We have officially been citizens of Italy for five weeks now, and it it clear they have a completely different lifestyle. Aside from the aspect of universal health care that the country of Italy provides to all of it's citizens, I find it interesting to look at their personal lifestlye choices.
Food and transportation are two huge choices that pop up in my mind. Food is such a major part of everyday life and very important to the Italian culture; however, you don't see many obese people walking around the streets of Rome. Besides the gelato and the numerous delicious pastry shops that are at every corner, Italians eat healthier overall than Americans. The only fast food resturants are McDonald's, Burger King, and the two Subways that are in Rome. Even though they are considered fast food, the menus are healthier. I recently went to one of the Subway's and it was clear it is somewhat healthier. There were not as many options. No fatty Ranch dressing or the other 20 dressings American Subways offer; just oil, vinegar, and light mayonaise. These places are so abundent in America, and so many people rely on them for food. The slower paced lifestyle in Italy makes it easier as well, people are not as rushed and only have time for "fast food". If you really want great food, you have to take the time to sit down and eat it. Italy doesn't offer and glorify cheap, unhealthy food like America does.
Not only food, but transportation as well. After being here five weeks, I can count on one hand how many large cars and SUV's I've seen. No one drives that here (besides Sandro). Public transportation, mopeds, smart cars, and most importantly walking are what make up "Italian transportation". I can't even name one person that I personally know that drives a smart car. People rely so heavily on big cars and SUV's in America. Taking the cause and effect look shows that because we are so reliant on cars, the effect is that we have more pollution. The air quality we intake also influces our health. On a downside, however, the thousands of people who smoke in public makes up for the lack of pollution from the cars.
I don't want to sit here and bash American lifestyles, because not everyone lives like this back home. I actually feel I eat healthier at home. I have more access to more choices, and eat more organic and healthy food. Not being able to read the labels here as definatly affected my "healthy lifestyle". Yes, we walk everywhere but how much gelato is too much? Although American's are known to be more overweight and unhealthy in large numbers, not everything about our health care system is bad.
As John C. Goodman argues, "...the American health care system has plenty of problems. But it is not inferior to other developed countries' systems-". I completely agree. People travel from all over the world, including Italy to go to the Cleveland Clinic. They are ahead in prevenative care and technology. We have access to more technology and To say that American's have a failing health care system would be inaccurate. Health and money are two different things. More statistics should be looked at besides life expectancy and mortality rate to decide whether a country is "healthy". What about cancer surviving rates and treatments? The numbers in America are much higher than in other countries. The choices that one makes directly correlates to their health. It is hard to compare the two, because the factors going in are completely different. Looking at Italians, they appear healthier overall but this does not mean American's are inferior.
Taking a break from the health care conversations we visited two museums this week. The National History Museum of the Medical Arts and the Museum of the Mind. Both were extremely interesting, and not just because I am a nursing major. The National History Museum of the Medical Arts gave us an insight to how students just like us were learning hundreds of years ago. The wax models, fetus' and tools used back then were so interesting to look at and learn about. It makes me realize why I want to be a nurse so bad. Looking at how they used to treat things (without anestethics) and comparing them to today is amazing. the progress in technology and education is amazing. The Museum of the Mind was also just as intersting. It was cool to do some of the hands on things and watch videos from real patients and nurses. Overall it is sad that most of the people in these instituions had nothing wrong with them. The one man got in a fight and was brought to the facility and later "diagnosed" with a mental illness. It's sad to see these people that had nothing wrong with them actually go crazy because of the prisoned lifestyle they were forced into.
Overall this past week was extremely intersting learning about the history of Italian health care, and comparing it to our past system and current system.
Food and transportation are two huge choices that pop up in my mind. Food is such a major part of everyday life and very important to the Italian culture; however, you don't see many obese people walking around the streets of Rome. Besides the gelato and the numerous delicious pastry shops that are at every corner, Italians eat healthier overall than Americans. The only fast food resturants are McDonald's, Burger King, and the two Subways that are in Rome. Even though they are considered fast food, the menus are healthier. I recently went to one of the Subway's and it was clear it is somewhat healthier. There were not as many options. No fatty Ranch dressing or the other 20 dressings American Subways offer; just oil, vinegar, and light mayonaise. These places are so abundent in America, and so many people rely on them for food. The slower paced lifestyle in Italy makes it easier as well, people are not as rushed and only have time for "fast food". If you really want great food, you have to take the time to sit down and eat it. Italy doesn't offer and glorify cheap, unhealthy food like America does.
Not only food, but transportation as well. After being here five weeks, I can count on one hand how many large cars and SUV's I've seen. No one drives that here (besides Sandro). Public transportation, mopeds, smart cars, and most importantly walking are what make up "Italian transportation". I can't even name one person that I personally know that drives a smart car. People rely so heavily on big cars and SUV's in America. Taking the cause and effect look shows that because we are so reliant on cars, the effect is that we have more pollution. The air quality we intake also influces our health. On a downside, however, the thousands of people who smoke in public makes up for the lack of pollution from the cars.
I don't want to sit here and bash American lifestyles, because not everyone lives like this back home. I actually feel I eat healthier at home. I have more access to more choices, and eat more organic and healthy food. Not being able to read the labels here as definatly affected my "healthy lifestyle". Yes, we walk everywhere but how much gelato is too much? Although American's are known to be more overweight and unhealthy in large numbers, not everything about our health care system is bad.
As John C. Goodman argues, "...the American health care system has plenty of problems. But it is not inferior to other developed countries' systems-". I completely agree. People travel from all over the world, including Italy to go to the Cleveland Clinic. They are ahead in prevenative care and technology. We have access to more technology and To say that American's have a failing health care system would be inaccurate. Health and money are two different things. More statistics should be looked at besides life expectancy and mortality rate to decide whether a country is "healthy". What about cancer surviving rates and treatments? The numbers in America are much higher than in other countries. The choices that one makes directly correlates to their health. It is hard to compare the two, because the factors going in are completely different. Looking at Italians, they appear healthier overall but this does not mean American's are inferior.
Taking a break from the health care conversations we visited two museums this week. The National History Museum of the Medical Arts and the Museum of the Mind. Both were extremely interesting, and not just because I am a nursing major. The National History Museum of the Medical Arts gave us an insight to how students just like us were learning hundreds of years ago. The wax models, fetus' and tools used back then were so interesting to look at and learn about. It makes me realize why I want to be a nurse so bad. Looking at how they used to treat things (without anestethics) and comparing them to today is amazing. the progress in technology and education is amazing. The Museum of the Mind was also just as intersting. It was cool to do some of the hands on things and watch videos from real patients and nurses. Overall it is sad that most of the people in these instituions had nothing wrong with them. The one man got in a fight and was brought to the facility and later "diagnosed" with a mental illness. It's sad to see these people that had nothing wrong with them actually go crazy because of the prisoned lifestyle they were forced into.
Overall this past week was extremely intersting learning about the history of Italian health care, and comparing it to our past system and current system.
Monday, November 19, 2012
GL350: Week Four
No, no, no! I don't want to believe that we only have less than a month left. It's honestly crazy to think we're already on to week five. Week four was so amazing and full of so many great things.
We started the week off with a tour of Aventine Hill by Amy and Danielle. Tuesday, Rachel and I finally got to present our tour to the group. We hopped on bus 64, (which is a student favorite) and led a tour of Piazza Navonna, and Piazza Rotonda, which also included the Pantheon and Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. In The Smiles of Rome, Muriel Spark talks about her stay in Rome. She states, "Wherever I live I am in the writer's condition: Work is pleasure and pleasure is work. I find Rome a good place to work." We don't necessarily have jobs, but we have class in the city. I personally find it much more enjoyable having class on the steps of churches and ancient ruins. Aside from having class and discussing our readings in the city, putting together our walking tours have also been pleasurable. Rachel and I got lost in the process, but ended up finding so many wonderful surprises out of it.
After sweating to finish our Soc490 mid-term papers by Thursday, and studying for our Italian mid-term we set off for Florence Friday morning. We finally got to take the fast train, yay! Our first day in Florence was 99% shopping. I spent way too much money, end of story. Saturday we all went to The Uffizi, and the Academy. Both were breathtaking. The Uffizi, which is a GIANT art muesuem is filled with hundreds of famous artists. I found myself standing and gawking at some of the paintings, which I have been learning abut since 7th grade art. To say this place is huge would be an understatement. I was lost on the fourth floor for the whole first hour wandering by myself until I found Rachel and we quickely went through the other floors. After going through this mueseum, we ventured down the road to the Academy. The Academy is where The Statue of David by Michaelangelo is permenatly located. There was zero hesitant to pay the ten euros to get in, because just seeing that statue was totally worth it. I can't even begin to describe how awesome it was, my mom really didn't understand when I called her and told her that I had met a celebrity...he basically is. Florence is so pretty, and it three days was definatly not enough time.
One quote from Muriel Spark that I also found relatable in not only Rome but Florence as well is, "The ordinary Romans and therefore life among them, although it may be exasperating at times, is never boring." This is entirely true with Romans, but also the residents of Florence. As a group I felt this was one of the most fun we have had together. Not only with each other, but with the other people from the city. Friday and Saturday night proved this to be correct.
This upcoming week is Thanksgiving, and I'll be traveling back to Spain to visit Leire again before I leave Italy. Here's to the rest of a great week!
We started the week off with a tour of Aventine Hill by Amy and Danielle. Tuesday, Rachel and I finally got to present our tour to the group. We hopped on bus 64, (which is a student favorite) and led a tour of Piazza Navonna, and Piazza Rotonda, which also included the Pantheon and Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. In The Smiles of Rome, Muriel Spark talks about her stay in Rome. She states, "Wherever I live I am in the writer's condition: Work is pleasure and pleasure is work. I find Rome a good place to work." We don't necessarily have jobs, but we have class in the city. I personally find it much more enjoyable having class on the steps of churches and ancient ruins. Aside from having class and discussing our readings in the city, putting together our walking tours have also been pleasurable. Rachel and I got lost in the process, but ended up finding so many wonderful surprises out of it.
After sweating to finish our Soc490 mid-term papers by Thursday, and studying for our Italian mid-term we set off for Florence Friday morning. We finally got to take the fast train, yay! Our first day in Florence was 99% shopping. I spent way too much money, end of story. Saturday we all went to The Uffizi, and the Academy. Both were breathtaking. The Uffizi, which is a GIANT art muesuem is filled with hundreds of famous artists. I found myself standing and gawking at some of the paintings, which I have been learning abut since 7th grade art. To say this place is huge would be an understatement. I was lost on the fourth floor for the whole first hour wandering by myself until I found Rachel and we quickely went through the other floors. After going through this mueseum, we ventured down the road to the Academy. The Academy is where The Statue of David by Michaelangelo is permenatly located. There was zero hesitant to pay the ten euros to get in, because just seeing that statue was totally worth it. I can't even begin to describe how awesome it was, my mom really didn't understand when I called her and told her that I had met a celebrity...he basically is. Florence is so pretty, and it three days was definatly not enough time.
One quote from Muriel Spark that I also found relatable in not only Rome but Florence as well is, "The ordinary Romans and therefore life among them, although it may be exasperating at times, is never boring." This is entirely true with Romans, but also the residents of Florence. As a group I felt this was one of the most fun we have had together. Not only with each other, but with the other people from the city. Friday and Saturday night proved this to be correct.
This upcoming week is Thanksgiving, and I'll be traveling back to Spain to visit Leire again before I leave Italy. Here's to the rest of a great week!
Monday, November 12, 2012
GL350: Week Three
Our third week here in Italy revolved around the idea that Rome is a city of faith. I honestly have lost count to how many churches we have actually been in. But I can say they have all been fascinating. In The Smiles of Rome, Margaret Visser states, "A church stands in total opposition to the narrowing and flattening of human experience, the deviation into the trivial, that follow from antipathy towards meaning, and especially meaning held in comming. Meaning is intentional: this building has been made in order to communicate with the people in it."
Coming from someone who is not Catholic, and with 90% of Rome being Catholic, I can honestly say I was moved by the churches. Later in the book Visser explains how these spiritual buildings effect people by saying, "The building is trying to speak; not listening to what it has to say is a form of barbarous inattention, like admiring a musical instrument..." There is a reason they ask you to be quiet, for this reason and in certain churches not to take pictures. The silence and focused attention away from the camera makes the experience more meaningful and makes you actually pay attention to what you're looking at.
One of the sites we visited was the "Holy Stairs". You climb 28 steps on your knees and say a prayer at each step. Most Catholics say a Hail Mary at each step; however, not being Catholic I chose to pray for the ones I love and think of. By the time I got to the top of the stairs, I was sweating however it was worth it and very meaningful. Among the Holy Stairs with visiting many other churches last week, they were all a part of the student tour led by Dave and Emily.
Friday morning was filled with excitement. Sydney and I hopped on a plane and headed for Spain. Prior to our trip I honestly did not know the city we were staying in, and actually did not know how to correctly pronounce it until we arrived there. Everyone was extremely confused and concerned but I just laughed. We stayed with Leire, who was an exhange student two years ago, lived with my aunt, uncle, and cousin for over a year, and we became inseperatable. Friday morning her family picked us up at the airport, and we spent the entire weekend with them. To say Sydney and I were spoiled with food and hospitality would be an understatement. For never meeting either of us, her parents were more than amazing.
One thing I learned this weekend that Americans suffer from a language barrier, and I honestly think schools should start teaching foreign languages at an earlier age. Leire's friends were all almost fluent in English, and have been learning it since age four; where as, American's generally don't start learning a second language until middle or high school. I truly wish I could say I am fluent in another language, but I took German for four years and would not come near to being fluent.
Aside from the language barrier being partially obvious, it is not impending on my trip personally at all. The majority of people are patient and very caring and love playing schrades. I am also finding that when we travel out of Italy, my mind is set on Italian phrases and I have no filter when I say them. Luckily this weekend we will be in Italy and I can use as much Italian (well, as much as I know and remember) and others will understand me.
After another fantastic week here in Rome, we will be leaving for Florence Friday and will finally get to ride the fast train...weee!!
Coming from someone who is not Catholic, and with 90% of Rome being Catholic, I can honestly say I was moved by the churches. Later in the book Visser explains how these spiritual buildings effect people by saying, "The building is trying to speak; not listening to what it has to say is a form of barbarous inattention, like admiring a musical instrument..." There is a reason they ask you to be quiet, for this reason and in certain churches not to take pictures. The silence and focused attention away from the camera makes the experience more meaningful and makes you actually pay attention to what you're looking at.
One of the sites we visited was the "Holy Stairs". You climb 28 steps on your knees and say a prayer at each step. Most Catholics say a Hail Mary at each step; however, not being Catholic I chose to pray for the ones I love and think of. By the time I got to the top of the stairs, I was sweating however it was worth it and very meaningful. Among the Holy Stairs with visiting many other churches last week, they were all a part of the student tour led by Dave and Emily.
Friday morning was filled with excitement. Sydney and I hopped on a plane and headed for Spain. Prior to our trip I honestly did not know the city we were staying in, and actually did not know how to correctly pronounce it until we arrived there. Everyone was extremely confused and concerned but I just laughed. We stayed with Leire, who was an exhange student two years ago, lived with my aunt, uncle, and cousin for over a year, and we became inseperatable. Friday morning her family picked us up at the airport, and we spent the entire weekend with them. To say Sydney and I were spoiled with food and hospitality would be an understatement. For never meeting either of us, her parents were more than amazing.
One thing I learned this weekend that Americans suffer from a language barrier, and I honestly think schools should start teaching foreign languages at an earlier age. Leire's friends were all almost fluent in English, and have been learning it since age four; where as, American's generally don't start learning a second language until middle or high school. I truly wish I could say I am fluent in another language, but I took German for four years and would not come near to being fluent.
Aside from the language barrier being partially obvious, it is not impending on my trip personally at all. The majority of people are patient and very caring and love playing schrades. I am also finding that when we travel out of Italy, my mind is set on Italian phrases and I have no filter when I say them. Luckily this weekend we will be in Italy and I can use as much Italian (well, as much as I know and remember) and others will understand me.
After another fantastic week here in Rome, we will be leaving for Florence Friday and will finally get to ride the fast train...weee!!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
SOC490: Week Two
As the discussion on whether healthcare is a right or a privledge carries on, I still choose to believe it is a privledge. Although many of us know our own views and positions, we were asked to take the other side and defend it. As well as the privledge side, there are also many reasons others choose to believe it is a right.
One reason healthcare should be considered a right is because many people have little to no control over certain health conditions. Some examples of these conditions would be pre exsisting and genetic, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, among many others, and genetic disorders such as down's syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and neurofibromatosis (type 1). Why should these people be punished to unequal healthcare because they cannot pay for treatments for a disorder they had no control over. In Opposing Viewpoints, Helen Redmond brings up a valuable question. She asks, "If you had a suspicious mass in your brain would you put the MRI on your Visa?" I asked myself this same question, and the answer would be yes. But what about those who do not have the same opportunity? Will they potentially suffer from something out of their hands, that could have been prevented with equal healthcare benefits?
Another reason it healthcare should be considered a right is because more people would benefit from it. Many argue that other government programs are abused by many, but there is really no way to show it. There is no test that one has to pass, or a way to filter out the abusers. An example of this would be a mother who was on welfare, and medicaid for her and her young daughter. She goes to work everyday and makes sure her daughter does well in school. They are no longer on it, and did not abuse it. They used the assisstance from the government to help get them on their feet. Why should healthcare be any different? Not everyone should be punished for those who are neglecting the system. Some just need the help of the government to help get them on their feet, get healthy, and escape the "vicious cycle".
The second half of this promt was concerning a statement professor brought up in class, and asked us to explain. "People from all over the world come to the Cleveland Clinic for care and the Clinic is rated the best hospital in the US, yet not everyone in Cuyahoga County is healthy, explain." I think the first question should be concerning what the definition of 'health' is. There are so many factors that could be weighed into the definition of 'health'. To say "not everyone is healthy" is a very broad statement. Last semester I took my Nursing220 class and we were asked this same question and had to come up with our own definition. Out of the thirty people in my class, not one person had the exact answer. This was just one class, imagine scaling that to all the residents of Cuyahoga County. Another concern is not every person in Cuyahoga County has a special medical condition or is in need of a surgery that they must go to the Cleveland Clinic for. Many people who are coming from all over the world are coming for a reason. They are coming for a breaking surgery or treatment that the Cleveland Clinic is known for and fantastic at. They don't fly across the world for a Z-Pak for their sinus infection, or for a couple stiches.
Another reason not all of Cuyahoga County is not 'healthy' is because great healthcare does not just radiate off of a hospital. Look at the location of the Cleveland Clinic....downtown Cleveland. Not everyone even living in that city has excellent living conditions, let alone healthcare. Healthcare is not as high of a priority to some as it is to others. Another thing to look at is the age percentage. Many people living in inner city Cleveland are at somewhat of a younger age, where mid-thirties is the average. Many people young enough to not necessarily need healthcare choose not to pay for it because they either, a) can't afford it, or b) just don't want to pay for it in general and have higher priorities.
On another note, the Cleveland Cinic is not cheap, and I know this from personal experience. Both of my parents have had major surgeries and treatments there and to this day we are still paying for them. Why? Because "being healthy" to my family is a number one priority and we place it very high, all cost set aside. I cannot say the same for others. Some people choose to get by with the bare minimum and stay clear from the Cleveland Clinic after they see the price tag. Getting by with the bare minimum may leave those residents "unhealthy", I believe it all comes down to two questions you should ask yourself, "What is the definition for health?" and "Where do you place 'health' on the list your life priorities?"
One reason healthcare should be considered a right is because many people have little to no control over certain health conditions. Some examples of these conditions would be pre exsisting and genetic, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, among many others, and genetic disorders such as down's syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and neurofibromatosis (type 1). Why should these people be punished to unequal healthcare because they cannot pay for treatments for a disorder they had no control over. In Opposing Viewpoints, Helen Redmond brings up a valuable question. She asks, "If you had a suspicious mass in your brain would you put the MRI on your Visa?" I asked myself this same question, and the answer would be yes. But what about those who do not have the same opportunity? Will they potentially suffer from something out of their hands, that could have been prevented with equal healthcare benefits?
Another reason it healthcare should be considered a right is because more people would benefit from it. Many argue that other government programs are abused by many, but there is really no way to show it. There is no test that one has to pass, or a way to filter out the abusers. An example of this would be a mother who was on welfare, and medicaid for her and her young daughter. She goes to work everyday and makes sure her daughter does well in school. They are no longer on it, and did not abuse it. They used the assisstance from the government to help get them on their feet. Why should healthcare be any different? Not everyone should be punished for those who are neglecting the system. Some just need the help of the government to help get them on their feet, get healthy, and escape the "vicious cycle".
The second half of this promt was concerning a statement professor brought up in class, and asked us to explain. "People from all over the world come to the Cleveland Clinic for care and the Clinic is rated the best hospital in the US, yet not everyone in Cuyahoga County is healthy, explain." I think the first question should be concerning what the definition of 'health' is. There are so many factors that could be weighed into the definition of 'health'. To say "not everyone is healthy" is a very broad statement. Last semester I took my Nursing220 class and we were asked this same question and had to come up with our own definition. Out of the thirty people in my class, not one person had the exact answer. This was just one class, imagine scaling that to all the residents of Cuyahoga County. Another concern is not every person in Cuyahoga County has a special medical condition or is in need of a surgery that they must go to the Cleveland Clinic for. Many people who are coming from all over the world are coming for a reason. They are coming for a breaking surgery or treatment that the Cleveland Clinic is known for and fantastic at. They don't fly across the world for a Z-Pak for their sinus infection, or for a couple stiches.
Another reason not all of Cuyahoga County is not 'healthy' is because great healthcare does not just radiate off of a hospital. Look at the location of the Cleveland Clinic....downtown Cleveland. Not everyone even living in that city has excellent living conditions, let alone healthcare. Healthcare is not as high of a priority to some as it is to others. Another thing to look at is the age percentage. Many people living in inner city Cleveland are at somewhat of a younger age, where mid-thirties is the average. Many people young enough to not necessarily need healthcare choose not to pay for it because they either, a) can't afford it, or b) just don't want to pay for it in general and have higher priorities.
On another note, the Cleveland Cinic is not cheap, and I know this from personal experience. Both of my parents have had major surgeries and treatments there and to this day we are still paying for them. Why? Because "being healthy" to my family is a number one priority and we place it very high, all cost set aside. I cannot say the same for others. Some people choose to get by with the bare minimum and stay clear from the Cleveland Clinic after they see the price tag. Getting by with the bare minimum may leave those residents "unhealthy", I believe it all comes down to two questions you should ask yourself, "What is the definition for health?" and "Where do you place 'health' on the list your life priorities?"
Monday, November 5, 2012
GL350: Week Two
When we first got here, Professor said after the first week the next seven weeks were going to fly by....he wasn't joking! We're already on to week three, and this past week has been unbelievable. We started out the week with a free day, so Rachel and I decided to visit our site for our tour. We eventually found it and went into some of the buildings, trying to sketch out our route. It started raining and the temperature and our moods dropped quickly; however, this changed after we realized Italy has a Subway (which we have yet to try, fingers crossed it's as good as America) and we went to a super cool gelato place, all for the sake of our tour. We wanted to make sure we reccomment good places. Tuesday and Wednesday flew by, we had a student led tour by Sydney and Ciarra of the Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo. Thursday after class we went biking on the Old Appian Way, and it was definatly worth all the random bruises I am just now starting to find. We biked 8 miles on cobblestone and dirt paths. It was a lot more fun than it sounds, and I wish we could've stayed longer.
This past weekend, we had our first group trip to Venice. I successfully set the correct alarm and woke up on time to be out the door at 4:15am to get to the airport. (accepting high-fives here) I honestly don't really remember the flight, I fell asleep and woke up and we were there. Venice is beyond beautiful, and so much different than Rome. Water, water, water...everywhere. It was much different than the trains and subways we usually use everyday in Rome. Ferrys and "water taxis" took us everywhere we needed to go. Although this was super cool, by the end of the weekend I was ready to come back to campus. Coming from someone who grew up on a lake and has a boat, by the end of the weekend I was starting to spin when I sat down. Constant on and off the boats, having to fight for seats, and getting off on the right stop was starting to get to me.
Among the neat things we did while in Venice, going to the Morano glass factory and getting a "behind the scenes" tour and taking a gondala ride at night were at the top of my list. After hearing Justin Timberlake recently got married in Italy, and being obsessed with a video of Jason Mraz singing on a gondala in Venice, I was on top of my game searching for both of them. Although this was far from reality, my eyes read every single call button on doorsteps, looking for J.Timberlake or J.Mraz....hey, a girl can try. We also visited the Peggy Guggenhiem Collection/Museum. It was cool, and I recognized some pieces such as the giant neon sign that states, "Changing Place Changing Time Changing Thoughts Changing Future." I remember pinning it on one of my boards on Pinterest, so it was super cool to actually see it in person.
Although I am having the time of my life, I am definatly starting to miss certain things from home. Not necessarily getting "homesick" persay, but my stomach is. People think I'm crazy to say I miss American coffee and food. I'm not talking about McDonalds here...I'm taking my mom's crockpot ham, fresh green beans, and redskin potatoes. And let's not forget about BREAKFAST and yummy flavorful coffee (not hazelnut, that is seriously the only flavor they have here; and salt....hazelnut and salt). I never thought I'd say this, but Nutella and pizza are getting the best of me; I am over them. Don't get me wrong, we have had some great meals here, espically the two three course meals we had in Venice and lunch at the Hard Rock. Having BBQ suace on my chicken and ice in my drink put a smile on my face.
In The Italians, Barzini states that, "Man must have many things, a great confusion, in his head, one must allow contradictory tendicies to proliferate, one must cultivate opposite ideals, one must follow reason alone, one must not fret over the imperfections of life on earth. One must carry on." I agree with this entirely, and believe that the confusion and imperfections of this trip is just adding to the experience. Whether it be forgetting to get off the ferry and getting lost in random roads in Venice, I continue to keep a smile on my face and laugh in the moment. I am trying to keep an open mind and immerse myself in this different culture, but I will admit I have great confusion in many things; not all being bad. Getting lost is a part of the journey, because I've found so many wonderful places one would have never found with a map.
After this weekend, I hope these next weeks slow down...it's been flying by to say the least. This upcoming weekend, Sydney and I are traveling to Spain to see Leire, who was my family's exchange student two years ago. She is like a sister to me and I can't wait to reunite with her, and introduce her to Sydney. There is so much more exceitement that is waiting. In meantime I'm going to keep a smile on my face, wait for my parents to send my "peanut butter care package" and carry on.
This past weekend, we had our first group trip to Venice. I successfully set the correct alarm and woke up on time to be out the door at 4:15am to get to the airport. (accepting high-fives here) I honestly don't really remember the flight, I fell asleep and woke up and we were there. Venice is beyond beautiful, and so much different than Rome. Water, water, water...everywhere. It was much different than the trains and subways we usually use everyday in Rome. Ferrys and "water taxis" took us everywhere we needed to go. Although this was super cool, by the end of the weekend I was ready to come back to campus. Coming from someone who grew up on a lake and has a boat, by the end of the weekend I was starting to spin when I sat down. Constant on and off the boats, having to fight for seats, and getting off on the right stop was starting to get to me.
Among the neat things we did while in Venice, going to the Morano glass factory and getting a "behind the scenes" tour and taking a gondala ride at night were at the top of my list. After hearing Justin Timberlake recently got married in Italy, and being obsessed with a video of Jason Mraz singing on a gondala in Venice, I was on top of my game searching for both of them. Although this was far from reality, my eyes read every single call button on doorsteps, looking for J.Timberlake or J.Mraz....hey, a girl can try. We also visited the Peggy Guggenhiem Collection/Museum. It was cool, and I recognized some pieces such as the giant neon sign that states, "Changing Place Changing Time Changing Thoughts Changing Future." I remember pinning it on one of my boards on Pinterest, so it was super cool to actually see it in person.
Although I am having the time of my life, I am definatly starting to miss certain things from home. Not necessarily getting "homesick" persay, but my stomach is. People think I'm crazy to say I miss American coffee and food. I'm not talking about McDonalds here...I'm taking my mom's crockpot ham, fresh green beans, and redskin potatoes. And let's not forget about BREAKFAST and yummy flavorful coffee (not hazelnut, that is seriously the only flavor they have here; and salt....hazelnut and salt). I never thought I'd say this, but Nutella and pizza are getting the best of me; I am over them. Don't get me wrong, we have had some great meals here, espically the two three course meals we had in Venice and lunch at the Hard Rock. Having BBQ suace on my chicken and ice in my drink put a smile on my face.
In The Italians, Barzini states that, "Man must have many things, a great confusion, in his head, one must allow contradictory tendicies to proliferate, one must cultivate opposite ideals, one must follow reason alone, one must not fret over the imperfections of life on earth. One must carry on." I agree with this entirely, and believe that the confusion and imperfections of this trip is just adding to the experience. Whether it be forgetting to get off the ferry and getting lost in random roads in Venice, I continue to keep a smile on my face and laugh in the moment. I am trying to keep an open mind and immerse myself in this different culture, but I will admit I have great confusion in many things; not all being bad. Getting lost is a part of the journey, because I've found so many wonderful places one would have never found with a map.
After this weekend, I hope these next weeks slow down...it's been flying by to say the least. This upcoming weekend, Sydney and I are traveling to Spain to see Leire, who was my family's exchange student two years ago. She is like a sister to me and I can't wait to reunite with her, and introduce her to Sydney. There is so much more exceitement that is waiting. In meantime I'm going to keep a smile on my face, wait for my parents to send my "peanut butter care package" and carry on.
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