Personal Responsibility

I consider myself to be an "average American" in many ways, and I suspect the health lesson I've recently learned has been and will be repeated by others like me. I've read--and written--about the important aspects of a health diet and regular physical activity for years. In times too numerous to count, I've thought to myself, "I'm going to change my habits--tomorrow."

You've probably guessed the rest of the story: "Tomorrow" never came. And I've recently found out that I have Type 2 diabetes, uncontrolled at this time. Add that to the obesity and hypertension I've already had for a number of years.

I did this to myself. I know the research, I see the ads--I had every opportunity to take advantage of health care advice. But I didn't do it. Now I must.

They say an addict doesn't change his behavior until he hits whatever is rock bottom to him. The same if true for me and my addiction to an unhealthy lifestyle. Being diagnosed with diabetes has hit me hard, and I am finally making my "todays" that "tomorrow" I had been promising myself.

You know what they say about reformed smokers--they are the worst when it comes to tolerating other people smoking. I am the new lifestyle nazi, talking to and advising those I care about to change their lifestyle choices. I'd like to help make a difference in their lives before it is too late, before they are diagnosed with a chronic health problem.

It really does come down to personal responsibility--good health, that is. Each of us could be at our best health if we just followed two little rules about lifestyle choices. So many of us didn't heed the advice. Now it's time to pay the piper.

Health Care Reform: The Reality of it for You

While the rhetoric rages on about the meanings and possible outcomes that passage of the health care reform bill entails, most people want to know: What does it mean for me? The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) wanted its participants and their families to be able to find the answer to this question. To that end, the April 2010 newsletter of NFCA directed readers to two valid, non-partisan tools that answer the question succinctly.

The Washington Post has a simple, four question query, that when answered will provide you with the information you need to know. You'll find out the deadline for when health insurance must be purchased, how much it will cost, any options available and the penalty for not meeting the deadline.

The Kaiser Family Foundation also has tools for your convenience at their website. There you can find a summary of the coverage provisions for the health care reform laws, Affordable Care Act and Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. In addition the Kaiser website has its own easy-to-use five question tool to help you to know what subsidy provisions may apply to you.
For more detailed information, read here.