Health Care, Please Read, Humor Me. | 7 comments (7 topical, 0 hidden)
Thank you (none / 0)
Thanks for your kind words.  The other group I think that needs to be addressed in all of this, somehow, are smokers.

I was a very heavy smoker until I became an obsessive exercise nut so I understand the need/want/desire and I don't judge or condemn smokers.

However, I quit 22 years ago and it was getting to be a pain in the ass to smoke then, and also expensive and now it's crazy.  Also, the health risks were becoming very well documented 22 years ago, and now it's unjustifiable for anyone to continue to smoke.

I know how hard it is to quit and I empathize, but the strain smoking puts on our system is tremendous.  There is NO, none, zero benefit to smoking.  At least smoking weed has an argument to make for it being legal, cigarettes have none.

I know it's a tough one, but just imagine the burden that would be lifted from all of us if we could outlaw cigarettes.  I know, it's not going to happen.  Same goes for booze (that didn't work out well when they tried that).

by Zayla on 07/05/2009 02:45:17 PM EST

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Incentives (none / 1)

I disagree with Cenk when it comes to possible penalties/incentives for smokers and obese people WTR insurance. Why shouldn't people who make good choices be rewarded at the very least?

Unfortunately the last time I checked most doctors were only required to take ONE nutrition course. And based on others and my interactions, it doesn't seem like they're up on the latest exercise physiology information either. I think it's a no-brainer to require them to have a better understanding of nutrition and exercise since so many of their patients rely on them for that type of information.

by Tom Hanc on 07/05/2009 03:15:30 PM EST

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I agree (none / 0)
After I left the Ad Agency and before my disability I got a technical degree in anatomy, physiology and a certification as a Strength and Conditioning Coach from the NSCA.

I was certified to give an exercise prescription to anyone, a doctor is not.  Doctor's tell (sometimes) their patients they need more exercise, but that's the end of it. 

My plan/marketing, which never got off the ground was to get physicians and therapists (who are FAR more sophisticated with exercise than doctors) to refer patients to qualified trainers.  Good therapists already understand that when a persons insurance no longer covers their rehab, they are not done and will refer them to a good trainer if they trust them and will work with that trainer.  That should be the next step for a rehab patient.

The problems is the qualified part.  Unfortunately the Personal Training industry is still a low rent industry.  You need a license to train a dog in NJ, but not people.  Most trainers get their certificates on-line and don't know shit.  I worked my ass off in school for 8 months in a class and in a gym and got certified by the best in the business but when I walk into a gym I am no better, get no more money than the other trainers.

People who are fit, don't smoke, drink and exercise should benefit from their insurance in some way from that.  I worked my ass off before this and could perform physical feats that 99.5 % or more of the worlds population could , but I did not benefit insurance wise for that lifestyle.

by Zayla on 07/05/2009 05:30:01 PM EST

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Health Care, Please Read, Humor Me. | 7 comments (7 topical, 0 hidden)