In the beginning, when I first found out that we had to write a research paper on any health topic of our choice, I was somewhat excited about the broad variety of topics that we could choose from, but hesitant as well about how detailed the papers would be. Immediately, I decided to write about a health issue that I had known about previously, from either a personal family encounter or just from previous research that I had been able to do on my own time.
Choosing to write about Alzheimer's became much more difficult than I had anticipated. When I wrote my draft, I hadn't yet gotten to much about the political aspects of Alzheimer's disease and its treatments, so there were a lot of changes that needed to be made to ensure that I had gotten at least a C or higher on the paper. When it came down to me actually finding resourceful information that could help me with this part of the paper, there wasn't much that I could find, but I did what I could to correct my previous mistakes, by deleting and adding information. Overall, I am pleased with the grade I received.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Bradfield: 6-10
Closing the chapters of this book, Brasfield, again, touches basis on a few topics that are very eye opening to his audience. Abortion is something that most individuals choose to leave to politicians to discuss in a political setting only, but Brasfield takes no time to discuss the topic in his book. The Hyde Amendment currently stands as a means of federal funding not being able to go towards abortions. This amendment, alone, triggers a lot within my mind, because we never know why a woman is seeking an abortion- not knowing how she got pregnant to being with. Other clauses like the Afordable Care Act were not mentioned in this book, but the Stupak Amendment, which provides officials to provide coverage for abortions are not able to offer a public opinion or option, was spoken upon by Brasfield.
In addition, The United States, is known as one of the largest countries, spending the most money on healthcare, yet having poor healthcare outcomes. This means, that a lot of the things we fund in order to help provide healthcare for ourselves and family members, does not match with how well things turn out in the end. Knowing that our money is being spent in large amounts so that we can try to help ourselves, is questionable when the funds dont match the delivery of care we are given. Why be a part of something that cost more with a poor outcome, (The United States), when you can be a part of something that cost lost with great patient satisfaction (other countries like Canada)?
Brasfield: 3-5
Brasfield makes very valid points in the third, fourth, and fifth chapters of this book. With a growing generation of people getting sicker, with diabetes, cancer, and obesity, it is hard to lower the cost of healthcare. These illnesses greatly affect a lot of people at young ages, and as we grow older, cost increase in contrast. Medicare, which is used to help fund healthcare for the elderly, is currently at a place of decreasing. If people of our generation are becoming more and more sick with things that are becoming common, but are at high risk in health, it is very hard to say that we will still have Medicare once we are able to receive it ourselves. What changes will the government be able to make in order to keep Medicare around for decades to come? Tax! The more money taken out of individuals paychecks, the more funding can be brought forth for medical insurance to those who are in need of it.
Brasfield: Ch.1-2
Health insurance is one thing that we as Americans and Foreigners all need. As stated in previous blogs, we understand that cost of receiving health care benefits is expensive without being insured. Brasfield brings a very logical situation to my attention during the first two chapters of his book, Health Policy: The Decade Ahead, that had never settled with me before.
The fact that individuals without health insurance are more unhealthy than those who do have health insurance is one interesting fact that caught my attention, while reading this book. When people have less access to health care, the chances of them being healthy is very unlikely. Having health care providers readily accessible to you, it is easier to go to the doctor when you are feeling ill, instead of ignoring symptoms that could potentially to fatal to one's health.
This takes me back to how my uncle is an uninsured individual, who needs to go to the emergency room from time to time because he is in poor health, but cannot afford to see a doctor or physician whenever he would like to. If we, as a country, were able to help insure all of our people, yes, taxes would definitely increase, but being able to help provide for someone else could possibly be worth, where we are as a country.
The fact that individuals without health insurance are more unhealthy than those who do have health insurance is one interesting fact that caught my attention, while reading this book. When people have less access to health care, the chances of them being healthy is very unlikely. Having health care providers readily accessible to you, it is easier to go to the doctor when you are feeling ill, instead of ignoring symptoms that could potentially to fatal to one's health.
This takes me back to how my uncle is an uninsured individual, who needs to go to the emergency room from time to time because he is in poor health, but cannot afford to see a doctor or physician whenever he would like to. If we, as a country, were able to help insure all of our people, yes, taxes would definitely increase, but being able to help provide for someone else could possibly be worth, where we are as a country.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Altman: Pt. 4-Epilogue
Power, Politics, and Universal Health Care, information was again reinforced from prior parts of the book. One thing that I did enjoy about the reading, overall, is that it is an updated book that gives information for things that are currently going on in our health care system. Implementing facts about the bills that our current president, Barack Obama, has tried to enforce on our systems, allowed me to better open up to the reading and its information. A lot of individuals feel as though, the President's title of running the country, gives him the authority to pass any laws are bills that he would like to see put to use within our country, but as this portion of the book tells us, this is not true. With the help of different branches, laws are either passed or vetoed due to the "opinions" of other executives. Personally, this gave me better insight on the political side of health care and how we, the people, are handled. Despite me gaining further knowledge, I still do not believe that things will change any time soon. Understanding that the political system with how laws work has been put in action, for decades prior to the terms that Barack Obama has served, it will be hard for the United States, as a whole, to be on the same page with how things should and should not be run, with so many different opinions.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Altman: Pt. 2-3
As continued from the first post, regarding this book, more political views in relation to pros and cons of the health care system are discussed. I always thought that finding the expected cost a person's medical bill was something hard to configure, based upon labor of the health care professions and the tools that would be used during the said procedure. Yet, in reality, the calculations of this is really based off on where we are a society today, and our age.
Most young people, do not have a large history of medical records, which attracts health providers that seek to give them a lower co-payment if they were to end up in a hospital for whatever reason. Because of where we are as a country in relation to health insurance, a lot of elderly people are either not covered, or are covered with payments that are high, based off their previous medical records that show that they have had an abundance of complications.
In order to change this problem, Medicare has been implemented into our health care system, as well as that of thoughts of equal coverage for all citizens for the United States. The con to ensuring that every one is treated equally in the health care system, is that insurance would have to be paid through federal taxes, which means the cost of taxes, and what working individuals give to the government, will increase significantly. There are simply not enough people working in our country, therefore not every pays taxes- to the contrasting fact that everyone needs medical attention at some point in their life, and it must be payed for, in some form.
Most young people, do not have a large history of medical records, which attracts health providers that seek to give them a lower co-payment if they were to end up in a hospital for whatever reason. Because of where we are as a country in relation to health insurance, a lot of elderly people are either not covered, or are covered with payments that are high, based off their previous medical records that show that they have had an abundance of complications.
In order to change this problem, Medicare has been implemented into our health care system, as well as that of thoughts of equal coverage for all citizens for the United States. The con to ensuring that every one is treated equally in the health care system, is that insurance would have to be paid through federal taxes, which means the cost of taxes, and what working individuals give to the government, will increase significantly. There are simply not enough people working in our country, therefore not every pays taxes- to the contrasting fact that everyone needs medical attention at some point in their life, and it must be payed for, in some form.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Altman: Pt. 1
Altman brings forth several issues regarding the health care system and its downfalls as to helping a widespread number of individuals. In the last blog that I wrote, I stated that a more efficient and beneficial form of healthcare would take place if the government found a way to please everyone, but Altman quickly gave me another view on this statement.
As we all know, no two individuals think exactly the same, therefore not everyone views any same situation in a parallel manner, nor do we always agree with the opinions of others. Altman states how several political groups and politicians have tried to create a widespread insurance plan to cover everyone the best way possible, later realizing that the more people are covered, the more taxes will rise for working individuals, (which we discussed in class).
With three groups of people in our country, (upper, middle, and lower class), two different genders, and an abundances of races, it is very hard for any to determine the best way for everyone to be treated in the same manner. To target the largest affect group of American's would be the most logical thing to do in a situation regarding so many people with different behaviors, backgrounds, and ethnicities, realizing that not everyone will nor can be satisfied under such circumstances.
As we all know, no two individuals think exactly the same, therefore not everyone views any same situation in a parallel manner, nor do we always agree with the opinions of others. Altman states how several political groups and politicians have tried to create a widespread insurance plan to cover everyone the best way possible, later realizing that the more people are covered, the more taxes will rise for working individuals, (which we discussed in class).
With three groups of people in our country, (upper, middle, and lower class), two different genders, and an abundances of races, it is very hard for any to determine the best way for everyone to be treated in the same manner. To target the largest affect group of American's would be the most logical thing to do in a situation regarding so many people with different behaviors, backgrounds, and ethnicities, realizing that not everyone will nor can be satisfied under such circumstances.
Hoffman: Ch. 6-Epilogue
Entering the end of this novel, Hoffman spoke a lot about today's healthcare system and how there are still improvements that need to be made, to ensure that all individuals are adequately available to have insurance. Though Medicare and Medicaid are both widespread amongst our country, not every person is available to receive this form of assistance. Like any other government provided system, to its people, there are stipulations and rules that either allow a person to receive benefits or be denied. Hoffman states that the political side of healthcare continues to become more indecisive with how it will and can be affordable to everyone.
Seeing as though, Medicare is for the elderly, individuals who are sixty-five years or older, and Medicaid is for low income individual who must also provide personal information, such as their parental status, age, gender, and race- the conclusion that nearly over half of America's population is unavailable to receive either form of assistance. Because I have individuals in my family who cannot afford medical insurance, this subject hits "close to home". I feel as though a widespread healthcare system that isn't so limited, would benefit not only the people of our country, but the medical system, as well.
Seeing as though, Medicare is for the elderly, individuals who are sixty-five years or older, and Medicaid is for low income individual who must also provide personal information, such as their parental status, age, gender, and race- the conclusion that nearly over half of America's population is unavailable to receive either form of assistance. Because I have individuals in my family who cannot afford medical insurance, this subject hits "close to home". I feel as though a widespread healthcare system that isn't so limited, would benefit not only the people of our country, but the medical system, as well.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Hoffman: Ch. 1-5
Including this reading by Hoffman was a great way to keep us in tact with everything we've have previously discussed in class, bust allowed us, as readers, to view the topic in a different way. Several topics that arouse during these first five chapters made my mind wonder, noticing that I hadn't paid attention to, reading the previous two novels.
The subject that caught my attention the most, was in reference to the story of the young girl who died during the Great Depression because of the low income her family had been struggling with. With her mom stating that her daughter had passed away due to their family doctor not wanting to treat her, due to the fact that their finances could not pay for the services needing to be provided.
This brought a personal connection to me, because just recently, my uncle was close to being denied treatment when entering a emergency room for a throbbing headache and ear ringing feeling, that caused him to tilt his head to the side whenever he walked. Because my uncle does not have medical insurance, employees of the hospital did not want to treat him, because they were unsure how they would get paid for their services.
They chose to treat him, anyway, and instead, bill him for whatever had to be done. After finding out that he had had a severe ear infection, it was truly a blessing that caregivers chose to bill him, instead of denying him access to treatment. Had he not gotten anything done about this, he could have eventually had more severe issues with his head and ear, and could possibly lose his ability to ear out of that ear.
The subject that caught my attention the most, was in reference to the story of the young girl who died during the Great Depression because of the low income her family had been struggling with. With her mom stating that her daughter had passed away due to their family doctor not wanting to treat her, due to the fact that their finances could not pay for the services needing to be provided.
This brought a personal connection to me, because just recently, my uncle was close to being denied treatment when entering a emergency room for a throbbing headache and ear ringing feeling, that caused him to tilt his head to the side whenever he walked. Because my uncle does not have medical insurance, employees of the hospital did not want to treat him, because they were unsure how they would get paid for their services.
They chose to treat him, anyway, and instead, bill him for whatever had to be done. After finding out that he had had a severe ear infection, it was truly a blessing that caregivers chose to bill him, instead of denying him access to treatment. Had he not gotten anything done about this, he could have eventually had more severe issues with his head and ear, and could possibly lose his ability to ear out of that ear.
Howell: Ch. 6-8
Today, the things we see and experience when going to the hospital or doctor, did not always take place, especially not in the same sequence or order of a visit. For example, during a regular annual checkup appointment with a doctor, we know that before actually seeing him or her, the nurses have urinate and give blood, along with weighing us and checking our blood pressure. Years before, this was not always the case, and in Howell's ending chapters of his novel, "Technology in the Hospital," this is recognized.
Urinalysis has been a method of testing for years. The testing of blood, though, has not. In these last three chapters, Howell speaks on how complicated this testing was for nurses and physicians to get used to. The difference in red and white blood cells, along with blood types, made it very difficult for professionals in the medical field to be successful with testing patients through this.
It wasn't until the twentieth century, that doctors began to want to know and fully understand the importance of blood and how running test on a patient's blood could benefit both parties. After discovering how numerical results benefited them, the connections between the different types of cells and blood types was made easier. Findings of diseases and illnesses were also made easier after the use of blood testing became efficient.
Urinalysis has been a method of testing for years. The testing of blood, though, has not. In these last three chapters, Howell speaks on how complicated this testing was for nurses and physicians to get used to. The difference in red and white blood cells, along with blood types, made it very difficult for professionals in the medical field to be successful with testing patients through this.
It wasn't until the twentieth century, that doctors began to want to know and fully understand the importance of blood and how running test on a patient's blood could benefit both parties. After discovering how numerical results benefited them, the connections between the different types of cells and blood types was made easier. Findings of diseases and illnesses were also made easier after the use of blood testing became efficient.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Howell: Ch. 3-5
Similar to previous chapters of this book, as well other readings for this class, these two chapters primarily discussed the evolution of medical field in various ways. With urinalysis and x-rays becoming effective, things for home care and the hospital began to change. With x-rays being large items, that were efficient in detecting broken bones and other things regarding the body, it was very difficult for anyone to get one of these in their home to assist with treatment. Still today, x-rays are not commonly used in the home, even of physicians and other medical doctors who could very well afford it, let alone use it correctly.
In addition, the role of women was also brought up during these chapters. Because of the dominant role that men played during this time, surrounding the war, men received x-rays more periodically than women. Though the author suggest that the lifestyles between the two were very relevant to men having more x-rays done than woman, it also stated the stature of the machine, in addition, is what kept women away from them. Avoiding legal action, physicians could have very well kept women out of x-rays, due to not knowing how well they would react to them.
In addition, the role of women was also brought up during these chapters. Because of the dominant role that men played during this time, surrounding the war, men received x-rays more periodically than women. Though the author suggest that the lifestyles between the two were very relevant to men having more x-rays done than woman, it also stated the stature of the machine, in addition, is what kept women away from them. Avoiding legal action, physicians could have very well kept women out of x-rays, due to not knowing how well they would react to them.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Howell: Ch.1-2
Howell's novel, Technology in the Hospital, starts out with a focus on the evolution of technology and how it improved the funds for healthcare provider facilities, as well as efficient care to patients. As the novel begins, Howell, uses several pictures of graphed data to show the changes in trend over a period of time. His main focus during the first two chapters was to grasp the attention of the reader by relating things back to the turn of the twentieth century. During this time, healthcare within the household became less common, as healthcare providers became more involved and efficient with the use of hospitals.
In my opinion, the change from home care to hospitalization was a great idea, for as we know today, not all things needed to treat someone who is need of medical care is within the home. The increase in financial funds for the hospital gave them more of a drive to treat patients as fast as they could, in order to gain more funds by treating more patients. The change toward scientific data was put into play and made hospitals more appealing to everyone. The modernization of the hospital room brought on the need for everyone to get treated, in the best way they knew how to- increasing the amount of patients in the hospital and decreases and somewhat ceases the act of home healthcare.
In my opinion, the change from home care to hospitalization was a great idea, for as we know today, not all things needed to treat someone who is need of medical care is within the home. The increase in financial funds for the hospital gave them more of a drive to treat patients as fast as they could, in order to gain more funds by treating more patients. The change toward scientific data was put into play and made hospitals more appealing to everyone. The modernization of the hospital room brought on the need for everyone to get treated, in the best way they knew how to- increasing the amount of patients in the hospital and decreases and somewhat ceases the act of home healthcare.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Humphreys: Ch. 7- Afterwards
The blockade became one of the biggest things that caused turmoil between the advancement of the the South in comparison to the North, and the amount of help the South would be able to get during the Civil War. With northern states being more advanced, they would tend to have all of the adequate equipment needed to treat patients. The blockade also caused the government to be unable to supply the southern hospitals with the supplies they needed.
Because these hospitals were unable to provide for every solider who was injured or caught an illness, most of those fighting in the war, decided to flee, in groups. Their choice not to go to the hospitals, was to avoid getting let down by caregivers, and being provided with the best fit care that their wives could give them at that time. Most soldiers who chose to go to the hospitals, were not provided with clean clothes, mattresses to sleep on, bandages, and other necessities. Therefore, their lives at the beginning of war, were being repeated with lack of care because of an overflow on wounded soldiers. With a lot of soldiers dieing and not being able to return to war zone, the only logical choice they had was to return home.
Because these hospitals were unable to provide for every solider who was injured or caught an illness, most of those fighting in the war, decided to flee, in groups. Their choice not to go to the hospitals, was to avoid getting let down by caregivers, and being provided with the best fit care that their wives could give them at that time. Most soldiers who chose to go to the hospitals, were not provided with clean clothes, mattresses to sleep on, bandages, and other necessities. Therefore, their lives at the beginning of war, were being repeated with lack of care because of an overflow on wounded soldiers. With a lot of soldiers dieing and not being able to return to war zone, the only logical choice they had was to return home.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Humphreys: Ch. 4-6
During the Civil War, women made it their business to have a voice and stand their ground. After many strides towards help and the providence of relief for soldiers, females were finally able to create a safe haven that worked around the clock, for everyone. This organization was known as the United States Sanitary Commission. The USSC, brought forth of lot of understanding and comfort for individuals apart of the Civil War. Starting with being able to provide everyday necessities, such as food, proper bedding, and clean dry clothing, made this organization one of the best known plans brought to life during this time of war.
Though physicians and doctors of the military didn't always agree with having the United States Sanitary Commission around, giving quick relief to soldiers in need was something that could not be beat. The USSC was ready to provide each soldier with anything they needed, at any given time. Their main purpose was to ensure that the soldiers of the United States were taken care of in the best way possible. Starting out as a woman's organization, nurturing the men fighting for our country, was one of the most valuable responsibilities that the USSC took on. They strived to recreate the feminine domain that was usually given within the home, therefore skills of care were provided during any situation. Something as simple as providing a pillow or a bed for those who were unable to get into the nearest hospital, the United States Sanitary Commission did it.
Personally, I believe that this was a great idea and great organization to have at this time. Being a group of service leaders brought comfort to not only the soldiers, but the wives and family members that were unable to, or chose not to be apart of the USSC. With doctors, surgeons, and physicians adding their presence to the United States Sanitary Commission, progression came to surface swiftly. Allowing women and men to both play the role they wanted to with the Civil War, strength and nurturing came together to form diligence.
Though physicians and doctors of the military didn't always agree with having the United States Sanitary Commission around, giving quick relief to soldiers in need was something that could not be beat. The USSC was ready to provide each soldier with anything they needed, at any given time. Their main purpose was to ensure that the soldiers of the United States were taken care of in the best way possible. Starting out as a woman's organization, nurturing the men fighting for our country, was one of the most valuable responsibilities that the USSC took on. They strived to recreate the feminine domain that was usually given within the home, therefore skills of care were provided during any situation. Something as simple as providing a pillow or a bed for those who were unable to get into the nearest hospital, the United States Sanitary Commission did it.
Personally, I believe that this was a great idea and great organization to have at this time. Being a group of service leaders brought comfort to not only the soldiers, but the wives and family members that were unable to, or chose not to be apart of the USSC. With doctors, surgeons, and physicians adding their presence to the United States Sanitary Commission, progression came to surface swiftly. Allowing women and men to both play the role they wanted to with the Civil War, strength and nurturing came together to form diligence.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Humphreys: Intro- Ch. 3
The complaints we have today can and do not compare to those that
individuals had during the Civil War. Lingering pain is something they
each had to endure because they did not have adequate equipment of
medication to be treated properly. Imagine having severed limbs and not
being able to go to the hospital immediately for medical attention, or
how it would feel to be in such pain for days while having pneumonia or
measles.
Medicine in the Civil War brought in a need of many changes, while it brought on discrepancies between the soldiers who chose to fight in this war and their families. With women being the primary caregiver of men, at any time before, during, and after this war, males were incapable of taking care of themselves, as well as others. No antibiotics were in place at this time, neither was the access to hospitals in a reach of a campsite, therefore the men of the Civil War were forced to learn how to take care of themselves as well as others. Unable to repair clothes prior to the war, men learned to sew to keep their clothing in tact and up to par for battle. If one man was injured, another had to help keep them in a dry area and provide the best form of treatment possible at the time, using whatever was allotted.
The wives of these soldiers were very misunderstood with their anger towards the war and their soldier being injured. Because each wife had taken care of their husband for so long, prior to their departure for the Civil War, they felt as though they needed to be around to keep their husband safe. Between anger and many opinions, some women wanted to go out to these campsites to be the nurses for their spouse, while others would have rather their husband return home to them to get personal treatment in one of the most safe places known to them. With Commanders needing their men back for war as soon as their wounds were healed or repaired and the dangers of war zone being so risky, the likeliness of any of them returning home or their wives being able to come out and treat them was very difficult.
After the reading the first three chapters of "Marrow of Tragedy: The Health Crisis of the American Civil War," I noticed so many different aspects of life in regards to medicine and today's caregivers that have changed. Yes, the women of our households are still the ones looked upon as the nurtures, but each of us, today, are able to get treatment from a doctor or physician in order to treat our problems. Gaining more than just advice, we are capable of getting prescription drugs filled to heal us faster, than those of home remedies. Though remedies are not completely extinct, the use of them is decreasing as the increase of medicine and medical technology expand.
Medicine in the Civil War brought in a need of many changes, while it brought on discrepancies between the soldiers who chose to fight in this war and their families. With women being the primary caregiver of men, at any time before, during, and after this war, males were incapable of taking care of themselves, as well as others. No antibiotics were in place at this time, neither was the access to hospitals in a reach of a campsite, therefore the men of the Civil War were forced to learn how to take care of themselves as well as others. Unable to repair clothes prior to the war, men learned to sew to keep their clothing in tact and up to par for battle. If one man was injured, another had to help keep them in a dry area and provide the best form of treatment possible at the time, using whatever was allotted.
The wives of these soldiers were very misunderstood with their anger towards the war and their soldier being injured. Because each wife had taken care of their husband for so long, prior to their departure for the Civil War, they felt as though they needed to be around to keep their husband safe. Between anger and many opinions, some women wanted to go out to these campsites to be the nurses for their spouse, while others would have rather their husband return home to them to get personal treatment in one of the most safe places known to them. With Commanders needing their men back for war as soon as their wounds were healed or repaired and the dangers of war zone being so risky, the likeliness of any of them returning home or their wives being able to come out and treat them was very difficult.
After the reading the first three chapters of "Marrow of Tragedy: The Health Crisis of the American Civil War," I noticed so many different aspects of life in regards to medicine and today's caregivers that have changed. Yes, the women of our households are still the ones looked upon as the nurtures, but each of us, today, are able to get treatment from a doctor or physician in order to treat our problems. Gaining more than just advice, we are capable of getting prescription drugs filled to heal us faster, than those of home remedies. Though remedies are not completely extinct, the use of them is decreasing as the increase of medicine and medical technology expand.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Medicine before the 20th Centurty
The idea I get of medicine before the 20th Century, makes me think of home remedies. Whenever I get a headache or break out in cold sweats, my mother always requires me to use a cold or hot compress to cease the ache or sweat. Before medications like antibiotics, came to surface, I'm sure that hot or cold compresses were used, in addition to things such as leeches, or substances that came out of plants.
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