The Lesson I learned this week. No matter how much you may love someone, they may or may not love you back, but when you die, what will matter is just how much you loved, not how much you were loved, so practice loving others. By the way, love is an action verb! Just do it.
Christmas and the holidays. For many Christmas is a time of joy, for others it is a time of sadness, loneliness, and dread. I am grateful this year in particular. I am still alive and ready to take on the next projects. However, as years go by, I realize not everyone enjoys the holidays. Many have lost a loved one, a job, a relationship. They are grieving and the holidays has a way of making emotions more raw. It can make us more vulnerable, so when you are around people who are grieving, instead of a present you might want to give them a hug and a smile. Pray for them for life goes on and maybe next year will be better.
The Coppenhagen Climate Change Conference did not reach the goals many of the key players may have wanted. We, as humans of this planet have not reacted in time to transform a coal and fossil fuel driven economy into a cleaner one and frankly, we all know this will be difficult and it will take time. Whether you still think Climate Change is a hoax and are still wondering why scientists may have changed the wording to fit their agenda in some e mails or whether people are actually causing global warming or not, the challenge is real. The climate is warming and there is no doubt this will create serious problems, so serious some island nations may dissappear. My only hope is that we the people can become more involved in policy change and "smart" change. We can not destroy industries which have created millions of jobs overnight, but we can not stand idle with a crisis of this magnitude either. This is a time for new technologies, for thinking out of the box and for people to begin demanding change that works. We should all do our bit to change our lifestyles but if big industries do not, nothing will change.
In Latina Voices, we recently interviewed former Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez. Check our website for the upcoming show. www.latinavoices.com
Mr. Gonzalez says he is still proud of his service, no matter what his detractors say. He has gone from the halls of power in the White House to the Texas Tech campus. This transition was probably not an easy one. He is not one to apoligize for the past, but he did admit he would have done one thing differently. You'll have to watch to find out what that is.
Saturday
Happy Marriages, Lesson of the week, Living Smart tips, and
The lesson I learned this week. For me, making lists is essential every week and if I can, I do it every day. When I write what I have to do, I tend to do it. If I don't, I most likely will forget.
Gratitude: I saw the move Blind Side last night. I am grateful to have parents who loved me when they decided to "procreate" ME.
Living Smart tips: I suggest you check http://www.groupon.com/ for interesting discounts in different areas of life. This is a new movement to offer amazing discounts.
As I prepare for Living Smart tapings of season 6, I was reading John Bradshaw's book on Reclaiming Virtue. My best reading happens at 4 in the morning and I am really enjoying the book, but I have never seen a simpler explanation on how to keep a happy long term marriage.
He quoted John Gottman, a psychologist at the University of Washington, who researches long term love. He was interviewed by Milton Erickson Foundation Newsletter and this is what he said.
The answer is not complicated...what I cal the "masters of marriage" are individuals who are being kind to one another. They may raise difficult issues, but they also soften them in a very considerate way. They frequently express appreciation./ They comunicate respect and love every day in numerous small ways..they communicate greater interest. .and scan the environment looking for opportunities to say "thank you."
LIVING SMART AIRS ON SUNDAYS AT 3PM AND FRIDAY NIGHTS AT 10PM www.houstonpbs.org/livingsmart
LATINA VOICES AIRS THE LAST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 2:30PM. http://www.latinavoices.com/
Gratitude: I saw the move Blind Side last night. I am grateful to have parents who loved me when they decided to "procreate" ME.
Living Smart tips: I suggest you check http://www.groupon.com/ for interesting discounts in different areas of life. This is a new movement to offer amazing discounts.
As I prepare for Living Smart tapings of season 6, I was reading John Bradshaw's book on Reclaiming Virtue. My best reading happens at 4 in the morning and I am really enjoying the book, but I have never seen a simpler explanation on how to keep a happy long term marriage.
He quoted John Gottman, a psychologist at the University of Washington, who researches long term love. He was interviewed by Milton Erickson Foundation Newsletter and this is what he said.
The answer is not complicated...what I cal the "masters of marriage" are individuals who are being kind to one another. They may raise difficult issues, but they also soften them in a very considerate way. They frequently express appreciation./ They comunicate respect and love every day in numerous small ways..they communicate greater interest. .and scan the environment looking for opportunities to say "thank you."
LIVING SMART AIRS ON SUNDAYS AT 3PM AND FRIDAY NIGHTS AT 10PM www.houstonpbs.org/livingsmart
LATINA VOICES AIRS THE LAST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 2:30PM. http://www.latinavoices.com/
Sunday
In Gratitude, What I learned and Next Year
This week I am grateful for having enough layers of warm clothing for the winter and the fact that I got to see snow in Houston!
What I learned this week is that no matter how much I may want to understand something like the war in Afghanistan, the coverage of the Tiger Woods scandal, health reform etc, I will never know enough to know the truth but I must always ask why and how things happen and be very humble in my search for the truth.
Next Year we will be producing more programs and taking on more projects
Living Smart will enter season 6 with in depth interviews about what it means to be alive, how to overcome the challenge of change and how to make better decisions with regards to college, taking care of our bodies and our soul. We have also added green tips segments. They are short how to segments to improve how to care for the environment.
Latina Voices will continue to cover universal and current topics of the day and interview newsmakers and outstanding Latinos. Next year expect and interview with the former attorney general Alberto Gonzalez, the new star soprano Barbara Padilla and many new up and coming Latinos making news.
Houston Have Your Say will continue its series of programs with our partners the Center for Houston's Future and Sterling Bank, The Examiner Papers and KUHF radio. Our first topic will be Education Reform in Texas and how it will change the future of our children.
We'll be working on a five part special on Children at Risk and how we can improve their lot.
ON OTHER NEWS
My old bands will get together with me to peform one musical concert in honor of Mercedes Sosa, one of the greatest Latin American folk and pop singers of all times who died this year. Date to be Announced.
We have a lot on our plate but what is life without a great succulent meal?
What I learned this week is that no matter how much I may want to understand something like the war in Afghanistan, the coverage of the Tiger Woods scandal, health reform etc, I will never know enough to know the truth but I must always ask why and how things happen and be very humble in my search for the truth.
Next Year we will be producing more programs and taking on more projects
Living Smart will enter season 6 with in depth interviews about what it means to be alive, how to overcome the challenge of change and how to make better decisions with regards to college, taking care of our bodies and our soul. We have also added green tips segments. They are short how to segments to improve how to care for the environment.
Latina Voices will continue to cover universal and current topics of the day and interview newsmakers and outstanding Latinos. Next year expect and interview with the former attorney general Alberto Gonzalez, the new star soprano Barbara Padilla and many new up and coming Latinos making news.
Houston Have Your Say will continue its series of programs with our partners the Center for Houston's Future and Sterling Bank, The Examiner Papers and KUHF radio. Our first topic will be Education Reform in Texas and how it will change the future of our children.
We'll be working on a five part special on Children at Risk and how we can improve their lot.
ON OTHER NEWS
My old bands will get together with me to peform one musical concert in honor of Mercedes Sosa, one of the greatest Latin American folk and pop singers of all times who died this year. Date to be Announced.
We have a lot on our plate but what is life without a great succulent meal?
Tuesday
Grateful for, what I learned and Europe
What I am most grateful for this week is that I have eyes to see so much beauty in the world. This became much more evident after I found out my aunt lost her site at age 74 to macular degeneration. What I learned this week is cultivating friendships is a state of mind.
My trip to Spain was was one of the most personally rewarding. I saw friends and family and was able to visit with them one on one. For the next few weeks, I will need their positive energy and love to continue the necessary research for our next Living Smart season!
My trip to Spain was was one of the most personally rewarding. I saw friends and family and was able to visit with them one on one. For the next few weeks, I will need their positive energy and love to continue the necessary research for our next Living Smart season!
What I learned this week
At 4am in the morning, when I get my best ideas! I decided I wanted to share what I learned every week and what I am grateful for. I feel this is such an important aspect of Living Smart! I will try to do this every week. Next year, I will be producing and hosting a lot more shows. I will have to get more organized and simplify my life to get things done, but I realize I must never forget what I am grateful for and what I learn on a daily basis.
This week I am grateful I have seen friends I have not seen in 11 years! and what I learned is that I better excercise every day so I can age gracefully!
The topics of the next season of Living Smart are very close to my heart. I will be covering what is in our food supply and what we need to be aware of when we choose what we eat. I will also be talking to a Harvard professor about the wisdom of our bodies and what it can teach us about life and movement. This is very important for those who love to dance! John Bradshaw will discuss moral intelligence and why it can make our lives more meaningful and purposeful. The popular Toltec author Don Miguel Ruiz will walk us through love relationships and what helps them fail or thrive. A "principled" principal explains how she took over her school and made sure the children excercised and ate correctly. She is now establishing her sugar free school idea in several school districts of Mississipi. A sociology professor will share the opportunities we can find in change and crisis. The award winning author, Chitra Divakaruni will share her knowledge of some of the world´s greatest poems and what each can teach us about life, love and every day challenges. A professional counselor will explain what parents need to know about choosing the right college for their children. This is essential for their success in life and academically. A retirement expert will prepare us for just that! an effective retirement. A jungian analyst will explain the true meaning of intimacy and why it is important to live a fuller life. A brain research scientist will explain how to keep our brains fit for life! A lecturer and author will share how to value and attract abundance and wealth and finally a consumer advocate will coach us on protecting our rights.
I have had a great time meeting all these Living Smart guests and I can assure you, they are passionate, wise and smart!
This week I am grateful I have seen friends I have not seen in 11 years! and what I learned is that I better excercise every day so I can age gracefully!
The topics of the next season of Living Smart are very close to my heart. I will be covering what is in our food supply and what we need to be aware of when we choose what we eat. I will also be talking to a Harvard professor about the wisdom of our bodies and what it can teach us about life and movement. This is very important for those who love to dance! John Bradshaw will discuss moral intelligence and why it can make our lives more meaningful and purposeful. The popular Toltec author Don Miguel Ruiz will walk us through love relationships and what helps them fail or thrive. A "principled" principal explains how she took over her school and made sure the children excercised and ate correctly. She is now establishing her sugar free school idea in several school districts of Mississipi. A sociology professor will share the opportunities we can find in change and crisis. The award winning author, Chitra Divakaruni will share her knowledge of some of the world´s greatest poems and what each can teach us about life, love and every day challenges. A professional counselor will explain what parents need to know about choosing the right college for their children. This is essential for their success in life and academically. A retirement expert will prepare us for just that! an effective retirement. A jungian analyst will explain the true meaning of intimacy and why it is important to live a fuller life. A brain research scientist will explain how to keep our brains fit for life! A lecturer and author will share how to value and attract abundance and wealth and finally a consumer advocate will coach us on protecting our rights.
I have had a great time meeting all these Living Smart guests and I can assure you, they are passionate, wise and smart!
Saturday
Breast Cancer and 10 lessons I have learned
I have not written in a while. As I go through radiation, I struggle with deadlines, conflicts and life in general but I am back, stronger than ever!
I don't like having Cancer at all. Is that an understatement? I caught it early. I am cured. I will never get it again so help me God, but did I learn anything about life after this? Here is what I came up with.
1. Whatever comes your way, cancer, death, donflicts, life challenges, I am glad I have faith in a higher being, in the power of love, and the value of a smile.
2. I am glad I have insurance and that thanks to health care reform, I will not have to worry in the future about living with a pre existing condition!
3. My family and my friends have saved me. I must have done something right to still have them around when I am not so pleasant to be around. Cultivate them all your life.
4. God works in mysterious ways.
5. Prayer is the necessary conversation I have with God, the blessed mother, angels and saints on a daily basis.
6. I start every day with gratitude, even cancer may be a blessing in disguise. God did not give me cancer, but I am grateful for the lessons I have learned.
7. Those who want to insult me, undermine me, or hurt me are taking on more than me. They may win battles but they will never win the war.
8. As long as I live, I will work. I love it and it keeps me sane.
9. When times are tough, your true friends show up.
10. Miracles Happen!
I don't like having Cancer at all. Is that an understatement? I caught it early. I am cured. I will never get it again so help me God, but did I learn anything about life after this? Here is what I came up with.
1. Whatever comes your way, cancer, death, donflicts, life challenges, I am glad I have faith in a higher being, in the power of love, and the value of a smile.
2. I am glad I have insurance and that thanks to health care reform, I will not have to worry in the future about living with a pre existing condition!
3. My family and my friends have saved me. I must have done something right to still have them around when I am not so pleasant to be around. Cultivate them all your life.
4. God works in mysterious ways.
5. Prayer is the necessary conversation I have with God, the blessed mother, angels and saints on a daily basis.
6. I start every day with gratitude, even cancer may be a blessing in disguise. God did not give me cancer, but I am grateful for the lessons I have learned.
7. Those who want to insult me, undermine me, or hurt me are taking on more than me. They may win battles but they will never win the war.
8. As long as I live, I will work. I love it and it keeps me sane.
9. When times are tough, your true friends show up.
10. Miracles Happen!
Friday
Komen Run for Breast Cancer
Tomorrow I will walk with a thousand women, men and their families with a very important purpose to raise more money for research that could save the lives of women afflicted with this disease. My book club was kind enough to organize a team for me and another member who had lost her mom to breast cancer. As a survivor (now undergoing radiation) I can not wait to join thousands of other who are going or have gone through the same journey. I recognize it is women and men who walked for the cause in the past 20 years that may have saved my life. I caught my cancer early. I will survive thanks to them. I now have a responsibility to them and to all those who have died of the disease. I will always that I can walk for them. There is still time to sign up. You can show up there tomorrow or you can still donate. Unfortunately this disease is way too common. Too many women are getting it and I plan to share what I will be doing to stay alive and cancer free. I know there is a lot we still don't know. If you would like to walk or donate. Go to this link.
http://www.komen-houston.org/site/TR/Race/General?px=1476564&pg=personal&fr_id=1060
On October 20th at 7pm we are doing a live town forum on health care. I just want to say this. I plan to cover the issues as best as we can with more facts and less politics. I can assure you as someone who has insurance, I am glad there will be reform. I would hate to lose my insurance tomorrow, for it would bankrupt me with a disease such as the one I have. PLEASE CALL IN AND SHARE YOUR VIEWS NOW. I promise to do the best I can to cover what concerns you.
We are working on Season 6 of Living Smart and have wonderful local guests as well as national ones. We will talk about relationships and how to make them work, how to prepare yourself for retirement without going broke, the greatest poems of all times and what they can teach us, what is in the food supply that may be making your children sick and allergic, and many more.
In Latina Voices we will interview the Vice President of Guatemala, who happens to be a heart surgeon who usually live in Houston and a full special on breast cancer.
Due to my illness I am unable to write as often as I would like, but my next entry will cover what I learned from the Cancer Issues Conference I attended at the National Press Foundation in Washington DC.
http://www.komen-houston.org/site/TR/Race/General?px=1476564&pg=personal&fr_id=1060
On October 20th at 7pm we are doing a live town forum on health care. I just want to say this. I plan to cover the issues as best as we can with more facts and less politics. I can assure you as someone who has insurance, I am glad there will be reform. I would hate to lose my insurance tomorrow, for it would bankrupt me with a disease such as the one I have. PLEASE CALL IN AND SHARE YOUR VIEWS NOW. I promise to do the best I can to cover what concerns you.
We are working on Season 6 of Living Smart and have wonderful local guests as well as national ones. We will talk about relationships and how to make them work, how to prepare yourself for retirement without going broke, the greatest poems of all times and what they can teach us, what is in the food supply that may be making your children sick and allergic, and many more.
In Latina Voices we will interview the Vice President of Guatemala, who happens to be a heart surgeon who usually live in Houston and a full special on breast cancer.
Due to my illness I am unable to write as often as I would like, but my next entry will cover what I learned from the Cancer Issues Conference I attended at the National Press Foundation in Washington DC.
Thursday
Komen Run for Breast Cancer, Lies and Health Care, Living Smart and Latina Voices
Today I was talking on the phone to a friend about health care reform. I was getting bent out of shape because I was so mad at all the lies that have been created to prevent reform. Whatever your thoughts are about reform, whether you are for or against it for whatever reason, I feel you must base your decisions on the truth. Why on earth we allow these liars to speak on every program on television they can get on is news to me. My friend rightly suggested that I stop worrying about the world and focus on getting well from my health condition. I am now living the post op challenges one has after breast cancer surgery. I am tired, worried, in a bit of pain and have slowed down quite a bit. I will undergo radiation in a few weeks and I hope and I am working towards having no pain while I go through that. I am working with my pain specialist on that so I can do whatever it takes. I am also going to acupuncture and will probably start physical therapy next week. I have already been doing some on my own with a friend who is a physical therapy genius. I am no longer worried about cancer. It has been removed, all we do from now on is prevention. I plan to change my life in many ways and I will share how on my next blog based on the book the Anti Cancer Life. I feel this cancer diagnosis led to a very important question for me. Do I want to live or do I want to die and if I choose life, how do I want to live from now on. I AM SO LUCKY AND SO THANKFUL to all those women before me WHO FOUGHT for research, better treatment and diagnosis. Do you think I would be here writing this blog 30 years ago with this diagnosis and know that I may or may not die from it? They also saved my life and I plan to work as hard as I can to save other women's lives. I have always tried to do that but sure I have to focus on this more so. I am being selfish that way. It touched me just as heart disease did so I will try to inform women to get their mammograms, keep their weight down, excercise, eat healthy and please get help if they need it. We don't need to suffer or die from this. That is why really would love it if you would join me on my walk (I don't know if I will finish it but I will be there), and if you can’t donate what you can to the Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer. Here is the link to join the team or donate
http://www.komen-houston.org/site/TR/Race/General?px=1476564&pg=personal&fr_id=1060
I will be producing a Latina Voices show on Breast Cancer in October. I will be talking to I think the best breast cancer surgeon, oncologist, pain management specialist and nutritionist. You can catch past shows on our new facebook page. Just type Latina Voices: Smart Talk once you get into facebook. www.facebook.com. It is timely so I suggest you watch the show we did a while back on health care reform. Both guests Dr. Malinow and Dr. Zerwas had very different points of view they defended intelligently. Watch us at 2:30pm every 4th Sunday on Ch. 8 and also on the HTV channel 16 on Wednesday mornings 8 am and 8pm.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DONT' FORGET TO SHARE YOUR VIEWS ON HEALTH CARE HERE. I want to hear from you! I will take all the comments into consideration when we do the show on October 20th at 7pm.
Living Smart is inviting guests from all over the country for season 6. We will be covering very exciting topics. You will meet at woman, Principal Dr. Yvonne Butler Phd. who took on the world to make sure the kids in her school became healthy and thus teachable. John Bradshaw will discuss virtues. Robyn OBrien, author of the Unhealthy Truth will show us how our food is making us sick and what we can do about it and many more. I will keep you posted
Living Smart will not be airing the next few weeks on Ch. 8 because of membership drive. I will be asking you for donations on Sept 11th for the Brain in Love show. I can't wait!!!!
Past Living Smart shows are now airing on Sundays 5:30 am and 5:30pm on the HTV Houston channel 16 if you have comcast cable.
Okay I am going to go rest now!
http://www.komen-houston.org/site/TR/Race/General?px=1476564&pg=personal&fr_id=1060
I will be producing a Latina Voices show on Breast Cancer in October. I will be talking to I think the best breast cancer surgeon, oncologist, pain management specialist and nutritionist. You can catch past shows on our new facebook page. Just type Latina Voices: Smart Talk once you get into facebook. www.facebook.com. It is timely so I suggest you watch the show we did a while back on health care reform. Both guests Dr. Malinow and Dr. Zerwas had very different points of view they defended intelligently. Watch us at 2:30pm every 4th Sunday on Ch. 8 and also on the HTV channel 16 on Wednesday mornings 8 am and 8pm.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DONT' FORGET TO SHARE YOUR VIEWS ON HEALTH CARE HERE. I want to hear from you! I will take all the comments into consideration when we do the show on October 20th at 7pm.
Living Smart is inviting guests from all over the country for season 6. We will be covering very exciting topics. You will meet at woman, Principal Dr. Yvonne Butler Phd. who took on the world to make sure the kids in her school became healthy and thus teachable. John Bradshaw will discuss virtues. Robyn OBrien, author of the Unhealthy Truth will show us how our food is making us sick and what we can do about it and many more. I will keep you posted
Living Smart will not be airing the next few weeks on Ch. 8 because of membership drive. I will be asking you for donations on Sept 11th for the Brain in Love show. I can't wait!!!!
Past Living Smart shows are now airing on Sundays 5:30 am and 5:30pm on the HTV Houston channel 16 if you have comcast cable.
Okay I am going to go rest now!
Tuesday
Health Care Myths, your thoughts and the 3 Bills
There are many lies and myths about health care reform so one of the best articles I read on Health Care Reform was by Karen Cheney on the AARP magazine so here it is. Please Read it!
Americans spend more on health care every year than we do educating our children, building roads, even feeding ourselves—an estimated $2.6 trillion in 2009, or around $8,300 per person. Forty-five million Americans have no health insurance whatsoever. These staggering figures are at the heart of the current debate over health care reform: the need to control costs while providing coverage for all. As John Lumpkin, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Health Care Group for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, says, "There is enough evidence that it is now time to do something and to do the right thing." The key is to focus on the facts—and to dispel, once and for all, the myths that block our progress.
Myth 1: "Health reform won't benefit people like me, who have insurance." Just because you have health insurance today doesn't mean you'll have it tomorrow. According to the National Coalition on Healthcare, nearly 266,000 companies dropped their employees' health care coverage from 2000 to 2005. "People with insurance have a tremendous stake, because their insurance is at risk," says Judy Feder, a professor of public policy at Georgetown University and a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. What's more, in recent years the average employee health insurance premium rose nearly eight times faster than income. "Everyone is paying for health increases in some way, and it's unsustainable for everyone," says Stephanie Cathcart, spokesperson for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). "Reform will benefit everyone as long as it addresses costs."
“There are many ways to tackle our health care problem, but we will come up with a uniquely American solution.”
Myth 2: "The boomers will bankrupt Medicare." If you're looking to blame the rise in health care costs on an aging population, you'll have to look elsewhere. The growing ranks of the elderly are projected to account for just 0.4 percent of the future growth in health care costs, says Paul Ginsburg, president of the Center for Studying Health System Change. So why are health care costs skyrocketing? Ginsburg and others point to all those fancy medical technologies we now rely on (think MRIs and CT scans), as well as our fee-for-service payment system, in which doctors are paid by how many patients they see and how many treatments they prescribe, rather than by the quality of care they provide. Some experts say this fee-for-service payment system encourages overtreatment (see "Why Does Health Care Cost So Much?" from the July-August 2008 issue of AARP The Magazine).
Myth 3: "Reforming our health care system will cost us more." Think of health care reform as if it's an Energy Star appliance. Yes, it costs more to replace your old energy-guzzling refrigerator with a new one, but over time the savings can be substantial. The Commonwealth Fund, a New York City-based foundation that supports research on health care practice and policy, estimates that health care reform will cost roughly $600 billion to implement but by 2020 could save us approximately $3 trillion.
Myth 4: "My access to quality health care will decline." Just because you have access to lots of doctors who prescribe lots of treatments doesn't mean you're getting good care. In fact, researchers at Dartmouth College have found that patients who receive more care actually fare worse than those who receive less care. In one particularly egregious example, heart attack patients in Los Angeles spent more days in the hospital and underwent more tests and procedures than heart attack patients in Salt Lake City, yet the patients in L.A. died at a higher rate than those in Salt Lake City. (Medicare also paid $30,000 for the L.A. patients' care, versus $23,000 for the care of the patients with better outcomes in Salt Lake City.)
Myth 5: "I won't be able to visit my favorite doctor." Mention health reform and immediately people worry that they will have fewer options—in doctors, treatments, and diagnostic testing. The concern comes largely during discussions of comparative effectiveness research (CER): research on which treatments work and which don't. But 18 organizations in a broad coalition, including AARP, NFIB, Consumers Union, and Families USA, support CER—and believe that far from limiting choices, it will instead prevent errors and give physicians the information they need to practice better medicine. A good example: Doctors routinely prescribe newer and more expensive medications for high blood pressure when studies show that older medications work just as well, if not better. "There is a tremendous value in new technology, but in our health care system we don't weigh whether these treatments work," says Feder. "Expensive treatments replace less expensive ones for no reason."
Myth 6: "The uninsured actually do have access to good care—in the emergency room." It's true that the United States has an open-door policy for those who seek emergency care, but "emergency room care doesn't help you get the right information to prevent a condition or give you help managing it," says Maria Ghazal, director of public policy for Business Roundtable, an association of CEOs at major U.S. companies. Forty-one percent of the uninsured have no access to preventive care, so when they do go to the ER, "they are most likely going in at a time when their illness has progressed significantly and costs more to treat," says Lumpkin. Hospitals have no way to recoup the costs of treating the uninsured, so they naturally pass on some of those costs to their insured patients.
Myth 7: "We can't afford to tackle this problem now." We may be in the middle of a recession, but as Robert Zirkelbach, spokesperson for America's Health Insurance Plans, says, "the most expensive thing we can do is nothing at all." If we do nothing, the Congressional Budget Office projects that our annual health costs will soar to about $13,000 per person in 2017, while the number of uninsured will climb to 54 million by 2019. Already more than half of Americans say they have cut back on health care in the past year due to cost concerns. Roughly one in four of us say we put off care we needed, and one in five of us didn't fill a prescription. Clearly, the urgency is greater now than ever before.
Myth 8: "We'll end up with socialized medicine." Some experts favor a single-payer system similar to Medicare or the health program offered to federal-government employees. Yet all the proposals being discussed today would build on our current system, Feder says—which means that private insurers and the government are both likely to play roles. Says Lumpkin: "There are many ways to solve our health care problem, but we will come up with a uniquely American solution, and that solution will be a mixed public and private solution."
Karen Cheney is a Philadelphia-based writer who specializes in money and health care issues.
For black-and-white reprints of this article call 866-888-3723
HEALHCARE REFORM BILLS COMPARE
Lawmakers are working on three versions of proposals to overhaul the US Healthcare system.
Click on this link
www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/.../102872.htm
Here is a quick summary based on what I have read on what they are planning to do if the bills pass.
1. You will have to have health insurance.
You will be required on all bills to have health insurance or pay a penalty.
2. The Federal Government might help you pay for it
Both House and Senate bills have subsidy provisions if you can't afford to buy it.
3. Your employer might have to help out.
Employers might have to help you get coverage.
4. The most contentious part of these bills for health care reform is that the Government
might get into the insurance business.
Might is the big word here, because the public health insurance plan to provide competition to private insurance has lots of enemies. What is being considered as an option to replace it is the consumer run insurance cooperative.
PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS, VIEWS, IDEAS WITH US. OUR TOWN FORUM WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 20TH AT 7PM.
Americans spend more on health care every year than we do educating our children, building roads, even feeding ourselves—an estimated $2.6 trillion in 2009, or around $8,300 per person. Forty-five million Americans have no health insurance whatsoever. These staggering figures are at the heart of the current debate over health care reform: the need to control costs while providing coverage for all. As John Lumpkin, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Health Care Group for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, says, "There is enough evidence that it is now time to do something and to do the right thing." The key is to focus on the facts—and to dispel, once and for all, the myths that block our progress.
Myth 1: "Health reform won't benefit people like me, who have insurance." Just because you have health insurance today doesn't mean you'll have it tomorrow. According to the National Coalition on Healthcare, nearly 266,000 companies dropped their employees' health care coverage from 2000 to 2005. "People with insurance have a tremendous stake, because their insurance is at risk," says Judy Feder, a professor of public policy at Georgetown University and a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. What's more, in recent years the average employee health insurance premium rose nearly eight times faster than income. "Everyone is paying for health increases in some way, and it's unsustainable for everyone," says Stephanie Cathcart, spokesperson for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). "Reform will benefit everyone as long as it addresses costs."
“There are many ways to tackle our health care problem, but we will come up with a uniquely American solution.”
Myth 2: "The boomers will bankrupt Medicare." If you're looking to blame the rise in health care costs on an aging population, you'll have to look elsewhere. The growing ranks of the elderly are projected to account for just 0.4 percent of the future growth in health care costs, says Paul Ginsburg, president of the Center for Studying Health System Change. So why are health care costs skyrocketing? Ginsburg and others point to all those fancy medical technologies we now rely on (think MRIs and CT scans), as well as our fee-for-service payment system, in which doctors are paid by how many patients they see and how many treatments they prescribe, rather than by the quality of care they provide. Some experts say this fee-for-service payment system encourages overtreatment (see "Why Does Health Care Cost So Much?" from the July-August 2008 issue of AARP The Magazine).
Myth 3: "Reforming our health care system will cost us more." Think of health care reform as if it's an Energy Star appliance. Yes, it costs more to replace your old energy-guzzling refrigerator with a new one, but over time the savings can be substantial. The Commonwealth Fund, a New York City-based foundation that supports research on health care practice and policy, estimates that health care reform will cost roughly $600 billion to implement but by 2020 could save us approximately $3 trillion.
Myth 4: "My access to quality health care will decline." Just because you have access to lots of doctors who prescribe lots of treatments doesn't mean you're getting good care. In fact, researchers at Dartmouth College have found that patients who receive more care actually fare worse than those who receive less care. In one particularly egregious example, heart attack patients in Los Angeles spent more days in the hospital and underwent more tests and procedures than heart attack patients in Salt Lake City, yet the patients in L.A. died at a higher rate than those in Salt Lake City. (Medicare also paid $30,000 for the L.A. patients' care, versus $23,000 for the care of the patients with better outcomes in Salt Lake City.)
Myth 5: "I won't be able to visit my favorite doctor." Mention health reform and immediately people worry that they will have fewer options—in doctors, treatments, and diagnostic testing. The concern comes largely during discussions of comparative effectiveness research (CER): research on which treatments work and which don't. But 18 organizations in a broad coalition, including AARP, NFIB, Consumers Union, and Families USA, support CER—and believe that far from limiting choices, it will instead prevent errors and give physicians the information they need to practice better medicine. A good example: Doctors routinely prescribe newer and more expensive medications for high blood pressure when studies show that older medications work just as well, if not better. "There is a tremendous value in new technology, but in our health care system we don't weigh whether these treatments work," says Feder. "Expensive treatments replace less expensive ones for no reason."
Myth 6: "The uninsured actually do have access to good care—in the emergency room." It's true that the United States has an open-door policy for those who seek emergency care, but "emergency room care doesn't help you get the right information to prevent a condition or give you help managing it," says Maria Ghazal, director of public policy for Business Roundtable, an association of CEOs at major U.S. companies. Forty-one percent of the uninsured have no access to preventive care, so when they do go to the ER, "they are most likely going in at a time when their illness has progressed significantly and costs more to treat," says Lumpkin. Hospitals have no way to recoup the costs of treating the uninsured, so they naturally pass on some of those costs to their insured patients.
Myth 7: "We can't afford to tackle this problem now." We may be in the middle of a recession, but as Robert Zirkelbach, spokesperson for America's Health Insurance Plans, says, "the most expensive thing we can do is nothing at all." If we do nothing, the Congressional Budget Office projects that our annual health costs will soar to about $13,000 per person in 2017, while the number of uninsured will climb to 54 million by 2019. Already more than half of Americans say they have cut back on health care in the past year due to cost concerns. Roughly one in four of us say we put off care we needed, and one in five of us didn't fill a prescription. Clearly, the urgency is greater now than ever before.
Myth 8: "We'll end up with socialized medicine." Some experts favor a single-payer system similar to Medicare or the health program offered to federal-government employees. Yet all the proposals being discussed today would build on our current system, Feder says—which means that private insurers and the government are both likely to play roles. Says Lumpkin: "There are many ways to solve our health care problem, but we will come up with a uniquely American solution, and that solution will be a mixed public and private solution."
Karen Cheney is a Philadelphia-based writer who specializes in money and health care issues.
For black-and-white reprints of this article call 866-888-3723
HEALHCARE REFORM BILLS COMPARE
Lawmakers are working on three versions of proposals to overhaul the US Healthcare system.
Click on this link
www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/.../102872.htm
Here is a quick summary based on what I have read on what they are planning to do if the bills pass.
1. You will have to have health insurance.
You will be required on all bills to have health insurance or pay a penalty.
2. The Federal Government might help you pay for it
Both House and Senate bills have subsidy provisions if you can't afford to buy it.
3. Your employer might have to help out.
Employers might have to help you get coverage.
4. The most contentious part of these bills for health care reform is that the Government
might get into the insurance business.
Might is the big word here, because the public health insurance plan to provide competition to private insurance has lots of enemies. What is being considered as an option to replace it is the consumer run insurance cooperative.
PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS, VIEWS, IDEAS WITH US. OUR TOWN FORUM WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 20TH AT 7PM.
Monday
Living Smart with Dr. Perry and Pain Management
This Sunday August 30th at 3pm, Dr. Bruce Perry shares the importance of human connections for children. Dr. Perry is one of the most nationally reknowned child psychiatrists. He is often called by the federal government to treat kids traumatized by such events as 9/11, the Branch Davidian standoff, the Columbine shootings and many of the cult movements in America. He is concerned as I am of what technology and our way of life is doing to our children, where they spend hours playing video games, watching TV or texting on their cell phones will little real human interaction. Kids need safe adult relationships and the more the merrier! As I heal from my breast cancer surgery, and even not being a child, I can say the adult relationships helped me more than I can say. I can't help but share that if it wasn't for the many, many friends and family who prayed for me, sent me cards, flowers, gifts, kind words, smiles and most importantly the greatest energy on the planet (LOVE), the darkest part of my journey would have never seen the light. I believe in angels, something good in everyone I meet as the ABBA song says and I have felt it. I feel I can now cope with anything.
I made the decision to share what is going on with me believe it or not from a place of empowerment, not my ego. It was not an easy decision to share something so personal but I felt that by sharing my information I could help other women. Here is what I would like to share this time around. If you have pain GET HELP! There are great pain specialists at MD Anderson and any hospital you may be undergoing treatment. I was diagnosed a few days after surgery with a neuropathic pain that could not be treated with simple drugs. I am so much better now but I did suffer needlessly for days. I also had a needle localization procedure that was quite painful for me and it did not need to be. Had I know what I learned from the pain specialist I would have demanded better pain management. I ask you to do the sam if you are going through it. Ask and you shall receive! Because of the pain meds, I can now start physical therapy. Before I could not move my arm because of the pain. I am lucky the medication worked finally. It took a while but I can tell you. It works. Stay positive and Believe things will get better. Miracles Happen.
I made the decision to share what is going on with me believe it or not from a place of empowerment, not my ego. It was not an easy decision to share something so personal but I felt that by sharing my information I could help other women. Here is what I would like to share this time around. If you have pain GET HELP! There are great pain specialists at MD Anderson and any hospital you may be undergoing treatment. I was diagnosed a few days after surgery with a neuropathic pain that could not be treated with simple drugs. I am so much better now but I did suffer needlessly for days. I also had a needle localization procedure that was quite painful for me and it did not need to be. Had I know what I learned from the pain specialist I would have demanded better pain management. I ask you to do the sam if you are going through it. Ask and you shall receive! Because of the pain meds, I can now start physical therapy. Before I could not move my arm because of the pain. I am lucky the medication worked finally. It took a while but I can tell you. It works. Stay positive and Believe things will get better. Miracles Happen.
Tuesday
Living Smart and Going Green
This season brings creativity and new ideas. Look for our going green segments on Living Smart. We have been very busy meeting many Houstonians who share a passion for doing good things for our planet. Our planet is being stripped of all of its natural resources and we cannot simply continue to take without giving something back. I am eager and excited to spread the word and share so many creative and innovative ways you can go green!
Going Green Tip of The Day:
Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators to save resources without sacrificing water pressure. An efficient shower head will save a family of four up to $285 per year. They can cost less than $15, and installing them couldn't be easier: they just screw on.
Monday
The Breast Cancer journey, My Dog and Health Care
I had my surgery. It lasted 5 hours, but when I woke up, I could handle the pain and the nausea and that was of most importance to me. I also learned they didn't find cancer in the lymph nodes which is extremely important since that is how the cancer spreads. As I wait for the pathology reports, I look back at whas was most difficult in the first part of the journey. I can honestly say the "not knowning" was the worst part. The second worst part was the waiting and finally some of the tests I had to undergo before surgery. Have I said that I am a very lucky woman time and time again? They found my cancer early, so I most likely won't die from it. I also have said, the breast cancer journey is a very personal lonely one at least for me. Don't get me wrong. I have so many dear friends and family members who have held my hand, my soul and my heart for weeks, but no one takes away that each time you have a test, a mammogram, a surgery, you are alone with your God or whatever you believe in.
I don't want to scare anyone because frankly, the experience is unique for every person. It so happens that I have a low threshold for pain. The day before my surgery I had to be injected with a local anesthetic so they could locate two needles where the surgeon was to operate. This is called a needle localization procedure. It was not fun. I cussed which is not like me and didn't do so well when they injected the dye but I must say this. The doctors and nurses at MD Anderson are amazing. Thanks to me they learned a few bad words in Spanish (When I cuss I do it in my first language) and they were patient and understanding and caring. I was embarrassed but never felt they didn't understand or made me feel like a fool. They held my hand and kept saying they were sorry. I would answer under my breath. You are saving my life so do what you must. I can take it but please humor me, let me scream!
The surgery results could not have been better. I had asked friends and family to pray for I believe in the power of prayer to heal. I know hundreds were praying for me. The cancer had not spread which makes my prognosis a wonderful one. I will never be able to thank enough those who did pray for me. These are the people who make my life worth living.
I was told before I went into surgery that my life would change forever. I didn't really understand what that meant. I still don't but I find that I am much more aware of what is really important to me. I don't believe in coincidences. I believe in miracles. The night before my surgery, my brother's dog which I considered my dog Athena decided that she was going to have a heart attack and die. I so loved that dog I can't tell you. I feel she waited for me to go through this and I was able to say goodbye to her at 8pm when I went home to bed (I said I loved her and that I would see her soon because I had to have major surgery) and she died at 11pm that night. I didn't find out until after surgery. I cried so hard because this dog had shown me the lessons of unconditional love and I had the priviledge to have her in my life 9 years. I feel she held off until I could handle it. Dogs and animals have so much to teach us. WE can be in a bad mood, or depressed or feel defeated but they never change around us. They continue to love us and accept us unconditionally. In her honor, I will try to be more like her. I will attempt to stop reacting to negative emotions brought on by others. I will wiggle my tail with happiness every day I see those I love and even those I don't like.
As I recover at home. I am reading all I can about health care, since we will have a town forum on October 13th on the topic. I am very dismayed at the misinformation that exists regarding reform. Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, make sure you are getting accurate information. Health care will be one of the biggest challenges we face as a nation. Unfortunately, we seem to live in a time that few in government tend to have the ethics and integrity to face up to big interests. Get informed and let us know what you think. I am very lucky to have insurance but do I feel comfortable that 50 million Americans don't? No, because I could be one of them tomorrow. We are all interconnected. Next I will share what I have learned about diets and cancer. There is a lot we can do to prevent cancer in our lives. Knowledge is power.
I don't want to scare anyone because frankly, the experience is unique for every person. It so happens that I have a low threshold for pain. The day before my surgery I had to be injected with a local anesthetic so they could locate two needles where the surgeon was to operate. This is called a needle localization procedure. It was not fun. I cussed which is not like me and didn't do so well when they injected the dye but I must say this. The doctors and nurses at MD Anderson are amazing. Thanks to me they learned a few bad words in Spanish (When I cuss I do it in my first language) and they were patient and understanding and caring. I was embarrassed but never felt they didn't understand or made me feel like a fool. They held my hand and kept saying they were sorry. I would answer under my breath. You are saving my life so do what you must. I can take it but please humor me, let me scream!
The surgery results could not have been better. I had asked friends and family to pray for I believe in the power of prayer to heal. I know hundreds were praying for me. The cancer had not spread which makes my prognosis a wonderful one. I will never be able to thank enough those who did pray for me. These are the people who make my life worth living.
I was told before I went into surgery that my life would change forever. I didn't really understand what that meant. I still don't but I find that I am much more aware of what is really important to me. I don't believe in coincidences. I believe in miracles. The night before my surgery, my brother's dog which I considered my dog Athena decided that she was going to have a heart attack and die. I so loved that dog I can't tell you. I feel she waited for me to go through this and I was able to say goodbye to her at 8pm when I went home to bed (I said I loved her and that I would see her soon because I had to have major surgery) and she died at 11pm that night. I didn't find out until after surgery. I cried so hard because this dog had shown me the lessons of unconditional love and I had the priviledge to have her in my life 9 years. I feel she held off until I could handle it. Dogs and animals have so much to teach us. WE can be in a bad mood, or depressed or feel defeated but they never change around us. They continue to love us and accept us unconditionally. In her honor, I will try to be more like her. I will attempt to stop reacting to negative emotions brought on by others. I will wiggle my tail with happiness every day I see those I love and even those I don't like.
As I recover at home. I am reading all I can about health care, since we will have a town forum on October 13th on the topic. I am very dismayed at the misinformation that exists regarding reform. Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, make sure you are getting accurate information. Health care will be one of the biggest challenges we face as a nation. Unfortunately, we seem to live in a time that few in government tend to have the ethics and integrity to face up to big interests. Get informed and let us know what you think. I am very lucky to have insurance but do I feel comfortable that 50 million Americans don't? No, because I could be one of them tomorrow. We are all interconnected. Next I will share what I have learned about diets and cancer. There is a lot we can do to prevent cancer in our lives. Knowledge is power.
Wednesday
MD Anderson Cancer Center, insurance and surgery
As I approach my surgical date, I would like to share some interesting lessons I have learned. First of all, yes, you need to know all about your insurance plan, because if you don't you will be facing unpleasant surprises. As I began to get bills every day from just the diagnostic tests I had, I realized I better get informed and empowered or else I would lose a lot of my savings. I got to talk to a woman who deals with insurance companies and hospitals so that the patient does not have to worry about it. I thought her services were useful and helpful in times like these. Her name is Jane P. Lehto, CSA, MRR Medical Reimbursement Resource. 713 526 0955. I had no idea services like these existed and I must say, it makes sense. There is too much pressure and tension in our lives when going through this and the last thing we want to think or should think about is insurance coverage. (Reminder our town forum on health care reform will be on October 13th so put it on your calendar.)
MD Anderson has a great patient advocacy office. These folks, who are hard working and very busy, preety much handle all your questions and try to help you with everything or anything you need. I suggest you make use of them and if you are in another hospital, assign someone to be your advocate. Someone you can talk to about everything that is happening to you. This has been an essential part of this journey.
I also suggest you get reading material that eases your anxiety. Read on your condition but also buy funny books and watch funny films. Laugh. It is great therapy. Remember, cancer is no longer a death sentence. It is a chronic disease. For most, if caught early, it is treatable and if it is not caught early, it is still treatable. It just takes longer and yes sometimes it can kill you but so can stress, heart disease and diabetes so don't lose faith. You do have to arm yourself with patience. That you will need in abundant doses.
I am very lucky. My surgeon is the chief of breast cancer surgery and she posesses a zen like quality. When she walks in the room, you feel a certain peace (sort of like the pope!) and then she has a sense of humor which really helps. I really liked her when she told me she operates while listening to Coldplay!
Her nurse is a hoot and highly knowledgable. I did ask if she believed in miracles and what would they do if they found nothing. She said, "we would worry" Well, by golly, I hope they will just have to worry!!!!
I have found that if I go to the hospital in a great mood, and I can lift the spirits of those around me it will make this journey so much more pleasant and worthwhile. I have learned that some personnel at Anderson are just plain tired, but when you smile at them and show them some compassion too, they appreciate it. Remember, they see people who are scared, sick and sad every day. They need some TLC too (tender loving care!) Finally, not everyone is as lucky as I am. I have an incredible family, awesome friends and the best medicine has to offer. It is my responsability to help those around me who don't. That may be one of the reasons I have to go through this. Keep me in your prayers!
MD Anderson has a great patient advocacy office. These folks, who are hard working and very busy, preety much handle all your questions and try to help you with everything or anything you need. I suggest you make use of them and if you are in another hospital, assign someone to be your advocate. Someone you can talk to about everything that is happening to you. This has been an essential part of this journey.
I also suggest you get reading material that eases your anxiety. Read on your condition but also buy funny books and watch funny films. Laugh. It is great therapy. Remember, cancer is no longer a death sentence. It is a chronic disease. For most, if caught early, it is treatable and if it is not caught early, it is still treatable. It just takes longer and yes sometimes it can kill you but so can stress, heart disease and diabetes so don't lose faith. You do have to arm yourself with patience. That you will need in abundant doses.
I am very lucky. My surgeon is the chief of breast cancer surgery and she posesses a zen like quality. When she walks in the room, you feel a certain peace (sort of like the pope!) and then she has a sense of humor which really helps. I really liked her when she told me she operates while listening to Coldplay!
Her nurse is a hoot and highly knowledgable. I did ask if she believed in miracles and what would they do if they found nothing. She said, "we would worry" Well, by golly, I hope they will just have to worry!!!!
I have found that if I go to the hospital in a great mood, and I can lift the spirits of those around me it will make this journey so much more pleasant and worthwhile. I have learned that some personnel at Anderson are just plain tired, but when you smile at them and show them some compassion too, they appreciate it. Remember, they see people who are scared, sick and sad every day. They need some TLC too (tender loving care!) Finally, not everyone is as lucky as I am. I have an incredible family, awesome friends and the best medicine has to offer. It is my responsability to help those around me who don't. That may be one of the reasons I have to go through this. Keep me in your prayers!
Tuesday
Facing the Mortgage Crisis August 4th and Health Care Town Forum
On Tuesday August 4th at 7pm at HoustonPBS, we will do everything we can to help people facing foreclosure an opportunity to save their homes if they can or leave them with dignity if they can't. There are so many free services that can help people make better choices. We noticed in our research and through the production process that many people have a lot of fear and shame and that keeps them from getting help. There are also a lot of people who are apathetic or feel hopeless to do anything about the problem. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of SCAMS. It is unbelievable that to this day, there are many companies charging for services that homeowners can get for free from HUD (Housing and Urban Development) approved housing counselors. You can check our website for all sorts of resources to help you if you are facing this challenge. www.houstonpbs.org/mortgage
If you are interested in being part of our audience, we have limited seating but let me know. You would need to be here at 6:15pm.
Now moving on to Health Care. On October 13th we'll produce a town forum on health care reform. A lot could change from now until then, but the debate is essential for Americans. There are too many players that could be affected and there is no doubt our economy can't handle the continuation of the system we have. We have had a status quo for at least 20 years and we just can't afford it. Out of a lot of the material I have read. I really liked the simplicity of this article in the AARP website.
The Issue: Create a government-sponsored health insurance plan
Why do it: About 47 million Americans don’t have insurance, mostly because it’s unaffordable or unavailable. A “public plan” would compete with private insurance plans, and President Obama contends it would help reduce costs. After all, it could be offered more cheaply because of the government’s buying power and the fact that it wouldn’t need to turn a profit or spend millions on advertising.
Why not: A government plan with those advantages might draw so many customers away from private insurance that those companies fail. And if a public plan underpaid doctors—as health care providers claim Medicare and Medicaid do—health care providers might drop out of the program and then patients would have fewer physicians and fewer choices.
Who likes it: Consumer groups and many Democratic lawmakers, such as Charles Rangel of New York, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, who says it will be part of the legislation the House passes. The White House says Obama backs the idea but is keeping an open mind.
Who doesn’t: Many Republican lawmakers, private insurance companies and their trade group, America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), and businesses, which say a public plan would undermine the market. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), which represents big drug companies, says the Medicare prescription drug benefit is proof that a new government plan isn’t needed to lower costs and improve health care access. It contends that the Medicare drug benefit has been successful using only private insurance companies.
The Issue: Require individuals to have health insurance and employers to provide help getting it
Why do it: Many uninsured people end up in the emergency room with expensive medical problems because they didn’t get treated earlier. This causes unnecessary costs and health problems. Most parties agree that a major overhaul of health care won’t work until everyone has insurance coverage. Moreover, expanding the pool of people buying health insurance adds younger people who do not need expensive care and will help keep insurance prices lower. An employer mandate with a “pay or play” option would force businesses to provide insurance for workers or pay into a system that would cover the uninsured.
Why not: Healthy younger workers without a lot of income, who often choose not to be covered, might not want to bear the cost. And businesses complain that their health care costs are already so high they can’t compete globally. Some states have considered an individual mandate, though most have balked at the expense of subsidizing those whom it requires to have coverage, but who can’t afford it.
Who likes it: Insurance companies and AHIP support the idea of everyone being required to have coverage and have offered to make care more accessible if that happens. They say they would stop refusing to insure people with preexisting medical conditions and also wouldn’t charge patients higher premiums based on gender or current health status. Most proposals still would allow insurance companies to charge more for older people but just how much more is in question.
The American Medical Association believes wealthier individuals should be required to have coverage and people who can’t afford insurance should get government subsidies.
Who doesn’t: Labor unions and consumer groups are likely to oppose a mandate on individuals if employers aren’t required to ante up as well. Small businesses oppose an employer mandate, contending that it would be so costly they would have to lay people off. (Because it's so expensive for them, many small businesses don’t offer their workers health coverage now.) The U.S. Chamber of Commerce opposes a mandate on employers.
The Issue: Help workers ages 50 to 64 get health insurance
Why do it: Insurance premiums are expensive and often unavailable for this age group because they tend to have more medical problems. But the faltering economy has triggered widespread layoffs, forcing many Americans ages 50 to 64 to lose their jobs and thus their employee health insurance. In the most recent figures, 7.1 million adults in this age group had no coverage.
Why not: It’s expensive. Allowing those 50 to 64 years old to buy into the Medicare system could bankrupt that program if they were allowed the same subsidies as Medicare beneficiaries. Without any subsidies, most in this age group could not afford to buy into the program. And asking insurance companies not to charge them so much more, based on their age, could mean that younger workers have to pay more.
Who likes it: AARP. And Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., who has proposed letting people ages 55 to 64 buy into Medicare.
Who doesn’t: Some health care insurers say they must continue to charge older patients more for coverage or they will have to charge younger people too much.
The Issue: Spending more than $1 trillion for a major overhaul of health care that improves access to coverage and quality of care.
Why do it: Health care costs are climbing so fast they are consuming more than 17 percent of the total economy. These costs are hurting businesses that offer coverage to their employees. And more and more Americans are without basic medical treatment because they don’t have access to affordable health care.
Why not: Almost everyone involved agrees that health care reform is important—and expensive. Where will the money to fund it come from?
Who likes it: To come up with $634 billion of the $1 trillion-plus needed for major reform, President Obama proposed cutting Medicare payment rates to medical providers and raising taxes on the wealthy. Lawmakers will spend the next month or two hashing out other ways to pay for reform. Some Republicans like Sen. John McCain of Arizona have proposed capping or eliminating the tax deduction for health care coverage that employers get for providing insurance. Others want to require employees to pay taxes on the value of their employer-financed health coverage.
Who doesn’t: Republicans, including Ohio's John Boehner, the House minority leader, have criticized Obama’s proposal for raising taxes (on the wealthy) during a recession. Medical interests are concerned about cuts to their reimbursements.
At least this article has a list of all the players and what they are interested in. Here is what is missing in my own mind. What is missing is what we can do ourselves and what WE are responsible for. Let's face it. We Americans are too fat, too lazy, too stressed and many times unwilling to change our lifestyles to have healthier lives. A lot of the healthcare expenses have to do with obesity, heart disease, diabetes and many other chronic diseases caused by the terrible way we eat, play and deal with every day stress!
Do you want to spend less on health care? This is what my doctor tells me. Get moving, quit eating sugars and flours and start meditating!
If you are interested in being part of our audience, we have limited seating but let me know. You would need to be here at 6:15pm.
Now moving on to Health Care. On October 13th we'll produce a town forum on health care reform. A lot could change from now until then, but the debate is essential for Americans. There are too many players that could be affected and there is no doubt our economy can't handle the continuation of the system we have. We have had a status quo for at least 20 years and we just can't afford it. Out of a lot of the material I have read. I really liked the simplicity of this article in the AARP website.
The Issue: Create a government-sponsored health insurance plan
Why do it: About 47 million Americans don’t have insurance, mostly because it’s unaffordable or unavailable. A “public plan” would compete with private insurance plans, and President Obama contends it would help reduce costs. After all, it could be offered more cheaply because of the government’s buying power and the fact that it wouldn’t need to turn a profit or spend millions on advertising.
Why not: A government plan with those advantages might draw so many customers away from private insurance that those companies fail. And if a public plan underpaid doctors—as health care providers claim Medicare and Medicaid do—health care providers might drop out of the program and then patients would have fewer physicians and fewer choices.
Who likes it: Consumer groups and many Democratic lawmakers, such as Charles Rangel of New York, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, who says it will be part of the legislation the House passes. The White House says Obama backs the idea but is keeping an open mind.
Who doesn’t: Many Republican lawmakers, private insurance companies and their trade group, America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), and businesses, which say a public plan would undermine the market. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), which represents big drug companies, says the Medicare prescription drug benefit is proof that a new government plan isn’t needed to lower costs and improve health care access. It contends that the Medicare drug benefit has been successful using only private insurance companies.
The Issue: Require individuals to have health insurance and employers to provide help getting it
Why do it: Many uninsured people end up in the emergency room with expensive medical problems because they didn’t get treated earlier. This causes unnecessary costs and health problems. Most parties agree that a major overhaul of health care won’t work until everyone has insurance coverage. Moreover, expanding the pool of people buying health insurance adds younger people who do not need expensive care and will help keep insurance prices lower. An employer mandate with a “pay or play” option would force businesses to provide insurance for workers or pay into a system that would cover the uninsured.
Why not: Healthy younger workers without a lot of income, who often choose not to be covered, might not want to bear the cost. And businesses complain that their health care costs are already so high they can’t compete globally. Some states have considered an individual mandate, though most have balked at the expense of subsidizing those whom it requires to have coverage, but who can’t afford it.
Who likes it: Insurance companies and AHIP support the idea of everyone being required to have coverage and have offered to make care more accessible if that happens. They say they would stop refusing to insure people with preexisting medical conditions and also wouldn’t charge patients higher premiums based on gender or current health status. Most proposals still would allow insurance companies to charge more for older people but just how much more is in question.
The American Medical Association believes wealthier individuals should be required to have coverage and people who can’t afford insurance should get government subsidies.
Who doesn’t: Labor unions and consumer groups are likely to oppose a mandate on individuals if employers aren’t required to ante up as well. Small businesses oppose an employer mandate, contending that it would be so costly they would have to lay people off. (Because it's so expensive for them, many small businesses don’t offer their workers health coverage now.) The U.S. Chamber of Commerce opposes a mandate on employers.
The Issue: Help workers ages 50 to 64 get health insurance
Why do it: Insurance premiums are expensive and often unavailable for this age group because they tend to have more medical problems. But the faltering economy has triggered widespread layoffs, forcing many Americans ages 50 to 64 to lose their jobs and thus their employee health insurance. In the most recent figures, 7.1 million adults in this age group had no coverage.
Why not: It’s expensive. Allowing those 50 to 64 years old to buy into the Medicare system could bankrupt that program if they were allowed the same subsidies as Medicare beneficiaries. Without any subsidies, most in this age group could not afford to buy into the program. And asking insurance companies not to charge them so much more, based on their age, could mean that younger workers have to pay more.
Who likes it: AARP. And Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., who has proposed letting people ages 55 to 64 buy into Medicare.
Who doesn’t: Some health care insurers say they must continue to charge older patients more for coverage or they will have to charge younger people too much.
The Issue: Spending more than $1 trillion for a major overhaul of health care that improves access to coverage and quality of care.
Why do it: Health care costs are climbing so fast they are consuming more than 17 percent of the total economy. These costs are hurting businesses that offer coverage to their employees. And more and more Americans are without basic medical treatment because they don’t have access to affordable health care.
Why not: Almost everyone involved agrees that health care reform is important—and expensive. Where will the money to fund it come from?
Who likes it: To come up with $634 billion of the $1 trillion-plus needed for major reform, President Obama proposed cutting Medicare payment rates to medical providers and raising taxes on the wealthy. Lawmakers will spend the next month or two hashing out other ways to pay for reform. Some Republicans like Sen. John McCain of Arizona have proposed capping or eliminating the tax deduction for health care coverage that employers get for providing insurance. Others want to require employees to pay taxes on the value of their employer-financed health coverage.
Who doesn’t: Republicans, including Ohio's John Boehner, the House minority leader, have criticized Obama’s proposal for raising taxes (on the wealthy) during a recession. Medical interests are concerned about cuts to their reimbursements.
At least this article has a list of all the players and what they are interested in. Here is what is missing in my own mind. What is missing is what we can do ourselves and what WE are responsible for. Let's face it. We Americans are too fat, too lazy, too stressed and many times unwilling to change our lifestyles to have healthier lives. A lot of the healthcare expenses have to do with obesity, heart disease, diabetes and many other chronic diseases caused by the terrible way we eat, play and deal with every day stress!
Do you want to spend less on health care? This is what my doctor tells me. Get moving, quit eating sugars and flours and start meditating!
Friday
A wake up call: Curable Breast Cancer
I never thought I would ever be writing a columm about breast cancer. For some reason I have lived in denial about cancer all my life. It is perhaps because I know so many people I love who have survived it, died from it or suffered through it. My mother had it when she was 75, so did my father when he was 76. They are both well, but others in my family have not fared so well.
I was diagnosed recently and it came as a shock to me. Although I produce and host a show called Living Smart, I must admit I chose to live dumbly several years by not having a regular mammogram. I guess it is "smart" to admit that I make silly mistakes every now and then. I have always known I was not perfect or smart in many occasions but I had not had a mammogram for 5 years. That was surely not a "smart" decision in my part. I am not to panic. I am blessed and lucky as always. We found this cancer threat on time and my stage is curable. In fact I believe so many more breast cancers now are curable and I am so lucky to live in a time which treats this type of cancer so well. This of course is due to what I call "women´s sacred power" to scare the heck out of politicians in Washington and demand more research. Too many women still die of breast cancer and other diseases such as heart disease. Perhaps one of the reasons I never thougth I would get breast cancer is that heart disease is a much bigger killer of women so I just decided to concentrate on my heart...for instance not to get it broken! which more than once I have failed to do, or to remain a good body weight and excercise and deal with stress etc. Oh well. It took me a while to decide to write about this, but after a while I felt it would be irresponsible to do a show on Living Smart and not admit how dumb I was about my own breast cancer. I am not afraid at all. I believe I am responsible for my own health and if I do everything right, especially under the wonderful care of the best doctors in the world and complimenting this with alternative therapies, I will be just fine. HOWEVER, I do feel this is a wake up call to look into my soul and figure out what role I played in all of this. This is why I choose to share a bit about this disease. Cancer is no longer the death sentence it used to be, but no matter how you look at it. It is a wake up call. Was I stressed before this diagnosis? Was I dealing with my personal and professional issues effectively? Am I angry at anyone or anything? Do I still hold resentments? How is my spiritual life? Do I excercise on a regular level? What do I gain from being sick? Is this how I want to get attention? As you can see I have a lot of work to do, inner work, soul work and professional work. I accept prayers for I believe in the power of prayer. In the mean time, I am now going to continue to try to live SMARTER! I have to walk the talk right?
I was diagnosed recently and it came as a shock to me. Although I produce and host a show called Living Smart, I must admit I chose to live dumbly several years by not having a regular mammogram. I guess it is "smart" to admit that I make silly mistakes every now and then. I have always known I was not perfect or smart in many occasions but I had not had a mammogram for 5 years. That was surely not a "smart" decision in my part. I am not to panic. I am blessed and lucky as always. We found this cancer threat on time and my stage is curable. In fact I believe so many more breast cancers now are curable and I am so lucky to live in a time which treats this type of cancer so well. This of course is due to what I call "women´s sacred power" to scare the heck out of politicians in Washington and demand more research. Too many women still die of breast cancer and other diseases such as heart disease. Perhaps one of the reasons I never thougth I would get breast cancer is that heart disease is a much bigger killer of women so I just decided to concentrate on my heart...for instance not to get it broken! which more than once I have failed to do, or to remain a good body weight and excercise and deal with stress etc. Oh well. It took me a while to decide to write about this, but after a while I felt it would be irresponsible to do a show on Living Smart and not admit how dumb I was about my own breast cancer. I am not afraid at all. I believe I am responsible for my own health and if I do everything right, especially under the wonderful care of the best doctors in the world and complimenting this with alternative therapies, I will be just fine. HOWEVER, I do feel this is a wake up call to look into my soul and figure out what role I played in all of this. This is why I choose to share a bit about this disease. Cancer is no longer the death sentence it used to be, but no matter how you look at it. It is a wake up call. Was I stressed before this diagnosis? Was I dealing with my personal and professional issues effectively? Am I angry at anyone or anything? Do I still hold resentments? How is my spiritual life? Do I excercise on a regular level? What do I gain from being sick? Is this how I want to get attention? As you can see I have a lot of work to do, inner work, soul work and professional work. I accept prayers for I believe in the power of prayer. In the mean time, I am now going to continue to try to live SMARTER! I have to walk the talk right?
Tuesday
Health Care Reform and the Mortgage Crisis
Lately we are being bombarded with news on health care reform and the mortgage crisis. HoustonPBS is now partnering with different local organizations to cover both these topics in future television shows. On August 4th at 7pm I will be hosting a show on the mortgage crisis and what you need to do if you are at risk of facing foreclosure. I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. I am also very excited about a town meeting we plan to do in a couple of months with the Center for Houston's future on health care reform.
I have lived in Europe and South America and had to use the medical system in several countries. The USA has the best medical system with a big "BUT" and that is... it is the best for those with insurance or those who can pay for it. For the rest of the 50 million people who are uninsured or those with low medical coverage insurance, health care can be a nightmare. In the US it is too expensive and with very little incentive to focus on prevention. There are also a lot of players in the game who benefit from the way the system works right now. In Houston, health care is one of the largest industries with a very important role in our local economy. Whatever reform happens at the national level will affect us tremendously, so if you have something to say about it. Please feel free to let me know on this blog.
On the show we plan to cover the different policy initiative and how they would affect us. I look forward to hearing from you.
I have lived in Europe and South America and had to use the medical system in several countries. The USA has the best medical system with a big "BUT" and that is... it is the best for those with insurance or those who can pay for it. For the rest of the 50 million people who are uninsured or those with low medical coverage insurance, health care can be a nightmare. In the US it is too expensive and with very little incentive to focus on prevention. There are also a lot of players in the game who benefit from the way the system works right now. In Houston, health care is one of the largest industries with a very important role in our local economy. Whatever reform happens at the national level will affect us tremendously, so if you have something to say about it. Please feel free to let me know on this blog.
On the show we plan to cover the different policy initiative and how they would affect us. I look forward to hearing from you.
Monday
A commencement Speech and the secret of success
The other day I was asked to give the commencement speech to highschool graduates of the Raul Izaguirre Charter School here in Houston. I was honored to say the least. These children have achieved in their short lifetime more than most teens in America. They come from low socio economic backgrounds, yet they have excelled academically and all 38 of them are going to college! Most of them are the first to do so in their families which must sign a contract of commitment to excellence to get into the school.
I have given many speeches in my lifetime but when I talk to adolescents I am afraid they won't listen, so I start out with music to get their attention. I told them I didn't expect them to remember anything I said. I certainly don't remember who spoke in my graduation in 1979! but I did tell them I hope they remembered one thing. Thoughts and words have power and "What you believe and conceive you will achieve!" I don't claim to be the creator of that phrase or thought, but I do defend its veracity. Our thoughts are full of power and so are our words so we must watch what we say and do on daily basis.
There is one poem I did not have time to share with the students and their families because I promised I would only talk for 10 minutes (that may be long for anyone's atention span) so I didn't get to share the following poem by Lindsay Pankey. If you are a dentist you probably know who this man is. My brother is a dentist. He was voted one of the best in America last year by the way and I think it is because my brother is constantly studying and cares so much about his patients and Pankey's philosophy of life and how to provide the best treatment for them. He learned this from the dentist philosopher. I leave you with these thoughts and then with Ralph Walso Emerson whose description of what success is all about is right in line with what I believe. Enjoy!
PROMISE YOURSELF
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something great in them to look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are of your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large to worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
Lindsay Pankey
RALPH WALDO EMERSON SAID SUCCESS IS THE FOLLOWING
To laugh often and much
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends
To appreciate beauty
To find the best in others
To leave the world a little better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition. To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
I have given many speeches in my lifetime but when I talk to adolescents I am afraid they won't listen, so I start out with music to get their attention. I told them I didn't expect them to remember anything I said. I certainly don't remember who spoke in my graduation in 1979! but I did tell them I hope they remembered one thing. Thoughts and words have power and "What you believe and conceive you will achieve!" I don't claim to be the creator of that phrase or thought, but I do defend its veracity. Our thoughts are full of power and so are our words so we must watch what we say and do on daily basis.
There is one poem I did not have time to share with the students and their families because I promised I would only talk for 10 minutes (that may be long for anyone's atention span) so I didn't get to share the following poem by Lindsay Pankey. If you are a dentist you probably know who this man is. My brother is a dentist. He was voted one of the best in America last year by the way and I think it is because my brother is constantly studying and cares so much about his patients and Pankey's philosophy of life and how to provide the best treatment for them. He learned this from the dentist philosopher. I leave you with these thoughts and then with Ralph Walso Emerson whose description of what success is all about is right in line with what I believe. Enjoy!
PROMISE YOURSELF
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something great in them to look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are of your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large to worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
Lindsay Pankey
RALPH WALDO EMERSON SAID SUCCESS IS THE FOLLOWING
To laugh often and much
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends
To appreciate beauty
To find the best in others
To leave the world a little better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition. To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
Wednesday
Houston's Economy, The good news!
On May 7th I moderated and produced a special on Houston's Economy along with other producers and the Center for Houston's Future. My production assistant took notes and shares some highlights that you may want to read on Houston's problems and Solutions. The good news is that we are better off than everyone else. The lesser good news, it will take a bit longer to get back to normal. To watch the show go to www.houstonpbs.org/haveyoursay
Evening highlights Houston’s problems and solutions
By Elias Jabbe
HOUSTON- Houston PBS hosted a special program focused on Houston’s economy for the latest version of ‘Houston Have Your Say’ on May 7th, 2009. Hosted and moderated by Patricia Gras, the one-hour program aired live from Houston PBS’s studio and featured an audience that reflected the cultural and professional diversity of the city: representatives from sectors such as education, energy, real estate, and aviation all were present and contributed their opinions on Houston’s economic development.
The program involved the guests answering questions posed by Gras, yet the questions weren’t solely presented by the host. Houstonians blogged on PBS’s website and had the opportunity to call in and voice their concerns to the expert audience, and they took advantage of the opportunity by calling in several times. The audience also was able to listen to the opinion of the public while watching the short interviews with Houstonians discussing the local and global job market that were shown intermittently.
Though the sentiment concerning the job market for most people has been one of doom, the audience stated that the negativity was overstated in the media, and that the city of Houston actually is much better off than many cities in the United States.
The current economic recession has helped teach the world a lesson about being more efficient and less wasteful, according to some of the experts in the audience. “This recession reminds me of the one that took place between 1984 and 1990 in Houston as a result of ‘overbuilding’ by real estate companies,” said Giorgio Borlenghi, president of real estate company Interfin. Despite the hard times that many are experiencing now, Borlenghi has faith that the future will be bright. “Houston is a city of growth: millions of people are arriving here. Real estate is a great service to the community, and the sector needs to stop using methods like prospecting and instead needs to create demand first before building new property,” said Borlenghi.
Patrick Neal Jankowski, vice president of the research department of Opportunity Houston had a notably optimistic attitude regarding the future of Houston. “The Greater Houston Partnerships predicts that Houston will lose between 40,000 and 45,000 jobs in 2009. We have a lot to be thankful for: Phoenix has lost 137,000 jobs in one year, and it is two-thirds the size of Houston, “said Jankowski. Houston’s growth as a world-class city will be the key to its success. “Houston is a global city: 3,000 companies here do international business, and the future for Houston has to include more global trade. Houston is the best place to ride out the recession at. Oil and gas will continue to be important resources because so many key derivatives come from them,” said Jankowski.
Representing Houston’s education sector was Dr. Adolfo Santos, Chair of the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Houston. Dr. Santos noted that Houston has the potential to produce people who can make an impact worldwide. “Many young people in Houston of Mexican descent have the advantage of knowing both Spanish and English, which means that jobs in foreign Spanish-speaking countries in regions such as Latin America are there for the taking,” said Santos.
Evening highlights Houston’s problems and solutions
By Elias Jabbe
HOUSTON- Houston PBS hosted a special program focused on Houston’s economy for the latest version of ‘Houston Have Your Say’ on May 7th, 2009. Hosted and moderated by Patricia Gras, the one-hour program aired live from Houston PBS’s studio and featured an audience that reflected the cultural and professional diversity of the city: representatives from sectors such as education, energy, real estate, and aviation all were present and contributed their opinions on Houston’s economic development.
The program involved the guests answering questions posed by Gras, yet the questions weren’t solely presented by the host. Houstonians blogged on PBS’s website and had the opportunity to call in and voice their concerns to the expert audience, and they took advantage of the opportunity by calling in several times. The audience also was able to listen to the opinion of the public while watching the short interviews with Houstonians discussing the local and global job market that were shown intermittently.
Though the sentiment concerning the job market for most people has been one of doom, the audience stated that the negativity was overstated in the media, and that the city of Houston actually is much better off than many cities in the United States.
The current economic recession has helped teach the world a lesson about being more efficient and less wasteful, according to some of the experts in the audience. “This recession reminds me of the one that took place between 1984 and 1990 in Houston as a result of ‘overbuilding’ by real estate companies,” said Giorgio Borlenghi, president of real estate company Interfin. Despite the hard times that many are experiencing now, Borlenghi has faith that the future will be bright. “Houston is a city of growth: millions of people are arriving here. Real estate is a great service to the community, and the sector needs to stop using methods like prospecting and instead needs to create demand first before building new property,” said Borlenghi.
Patrick Neal Jankowski, vice president of the research department of Opportunity Houston had a notably optimistic attitude regarding the future of Houston. “The Greater Houston Partnerships predicts that Houston will lose between 40,000 and 45,000 jobs in 2009. We have a lot to be thankful for: Phoenix has lost 137,000 jobs in one year, and it is two-thirds the size of Houston, “said Jankowski. Houston’s growth as a world-class city will be the key to its success. “Houston is a global city: 3,000 companies here do international business, and the future for Houston has to include more global trade. Houston is the best place to ride out the recession at. Oil and gas will continue to be important resources because so many key derivatives come from them,” said Jankowski.
Representing Houston’s education sector was Dr. Adolfo Santos, Chair of the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Houston. Dr. Santos noted that Houston has the potential to produce people who can make an impact worldwide. “Many young people in Houston of Mexican descent have the advantage of knowing both Spanish and English, which means that jobs in foreign Spanish-speaking countries in regions such as Latin America are there for the taking,” said Santos.
Monday
Do you want to be healthy, release weight, and become smarter? Listen up
Recently, I attended a summit Food Addiction: The Obesity Epidemic Connection in IslandWood, Bainbridge Island, WA. For more info go to www.foodaddictionsummit.org
Scientists came from all over the country and parts of the world. They were from Yale, Princeton, UCLA, Rockeffeler, University of Florida, France etc. They were joined by therapists, writers, journalists, philanthropists who wanted to know more. Why? There is now a growing concern, refined foods and sugars may be addictive and playing a major role in our obesity epidemic.
Here are some stats on that. Let's start with children. One in five children in the US is overweight. In the last 30 years, childhood obesity has doubled and is increasing among younger children. The question asked in the summit. Are we exposing our children to substances, refined sugars and processed foods that cannot help but create a generation of young addicts? As for adults, you know the answer, 39 million Americans are obese, a lot more are overweight. Are we doing much about it? Let's start with the science. Here are some of the presenters and what they said. Please understand the presentations were complex and comprehensive this is a very simplistic summary. I suggest you check the website. www.foodaddictionsummit.org for more complete info.
Kelly Brownwell PhD from Yale. He is the director at Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity.
In his popular book "Food Fight: this Inside Story of the Food Industry, America's Obesity Crisis and What We Can Do ABout It" he and co author Katherin Battle suggest public policy iniatives for reversing the obesity epidemic. He questions what if the focus is on food and what it does to the body and the brain, in a way we can posssilby project the public health impact. Information on food addiction Dr. Brownwell feels could help remove the stigma tied to obesity.
Dr. Gene Jack Wang MD is the Chairman of Brookhaven National Laboratory Medical Department. He uses medical imaging techniques to study brain disorders. He found morbidly obese subjects had reductions in DA D2 receptors (brain dopamine receptor levels) which are similar to that observed in drug addicted subjects. This means, these people just as those addicted to drugs are predisposed to search for strongly rewarding reinforcers except in this case it was food (insntead of a drug) to temporarily compensate for decreased sensitivity of their DA regulated reward circuits.
Ernest Noble PhD and MD is a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavorial Sciences and Director of Alcohol Research Center Semel Institute for Neuroscince and Human Behavior at UCLA School of Medicine. "It is well established that food (particularly carbohydrates) like alcohol, when consumed, increases brain dopamine levels. He found with his colleagues the DRD 2 A1 allele (the minor form of the D2 dopamine receptor gene to be associated with) alcohol addiction is also associated with obesity.
Serge Ahmed PhD Scientist at the Univeristy of Bordeaux France. In his research he found intense sweetness can surpass coaciane reward, even in drug sensitized and addicted individuals. "Sociologists, economists and epidemiologists have accumulated strong evidence linking increased accessibility and consumption of refined sugar with obesity in vulnerable populations, such as, for instance, chidlren and adults from poor communities. His findings clearly demonstrate that intense sweetness can surpass cocaine reward.
Bert Hoebel PhD Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience Princeton University
Sugar Addiction: Bingeing, Withdrawal and Craving. "Evidence from animal models suggests sugar can act on the brain in ways similar to drugs of abuse. Eating large amounts of sugar when hungry, also known as sugar-bingeing, can cause behavioral and neurochemical changes in the brain that resemble those produced when someone takes substances of abuse including morphine, cocaine and nicotine. "
Eric Stice phD Senior Research scientist at teh Oregon Research Institute
"His program of research has primarily focused on the elucidating genetic and environmental factors that increase the risk for onset of eating overeating disorders and obesity, as well as the development and evalution of prevention programs for these conditions. He states "It has been theorized that elevated reward from food intake or anticipated food intake increases risk for overeating. However it has also been theorized that individuals who experience weaker activation of dopamine based reward circuitry in response to food intake may overeat to compensate for this reward deficit.
Irene Yaroslavsky PhD of the Leibowitz Laboratory, Rockefeller University
Mechanisms of Food Cravings
Dr. Sarah Leibowitz PhD has led animal studies exploring metabolic and neural antecedents for the overconsumption of fat and alcohol. " A major reoccuring theme in our research is the existence of a positive feedback loop, whereby a meal rich in fat activates certain brain systems that further stimulate fat intake. More specifically we have shown that brain systems involved in a palatability and reward can both stinulate and be stimulated by the intake of preferred diets rich in fat."
Scientists came from all over the country and parts of the world. They were from Yale, Princeton, UCLA, Rockeffeler, University of Florida, France etc. They were joined by therapists, writers, journalists, philanthropists who wanted to know more. Why? There is now a growing concern, refined foods and sugars may be addictive and playing a major role in our obesity epidemic.
Here are some stats on that. Let's start with children. One in five children in the US is overweight. In the last 30 years, childhood obesity has doubled and is increasing among younger children. The question asked in the summit. Are we exposing our children to substances, refined sugars and processed foods that cannot help but create a generation of young addicts? As for adults, you know the answer, 39 million Americans are obese, a lot more are overweight. Are we doing much about it? Let's start with the science. Here are some of the presenters and what they said. Please understand the presentations were complex and comprehensive this is a very simplistic summary. I suggest you check the website. www.foodaddictionsummit.org for more complete info.
Kelly Brownwell PhD from Yale. He is the director at Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity.
In his popular book "Food Fight: this Inside Story of the Food Industry, America's Obesity Crisis and What We Can Do ABout It" he and co author Katherin Battle suggest public policy iniatives for reversing the obesity epidemic. He questions what if the focus is on food and what it does to the body and the brain, in a way we can posssilby project the public health impact. Information on food addiction Dr. Brownwell feels could help remove the stigma tied to obesity.
Dr. Gene Jack Wang MD is the Chairman of Brookhaven National Laboratory Medical Department. He uses medical imaging techniques to study brain disorders. He found morbidly obese subjects had reductions in DA D2 receptors (brain dopamine receptor levels) which are similar to that observed in drug addicted subjects. This means, these people just as those addicted to drugs are predisposed to search for strongly rewarding reinforcers except in this case it was food (insntead of a drug) to temporarily compensate for decreased sensitivity of their DA regulated reward circuits.
NOTE: In neuroscience, the reward system (studied to understand addiction) is a collection of brain structures which attemp to to control and regulate behavior, cognitive and reward mechanisms by introducing pleasure effects. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter studied in addiction because it has many functions in the brain including important roles in reward, cognition and behavior.
Ernest Noble PhD and MD is a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavorial Sciences and Director of Alcohol Research Center Semel Institute for Neuroscince and Human Behavior at UCLA School of Medicine. "It is well established that food (particularly carbohydrates) like alcohol, when consumed, increases brain dopamine levels. He found with his colleagues the DRD 2 A1 allele (the minor form of the D2 dopamine receptor gene to be associated with) alcohol addiction is also associated with obesity.
Serge Ahmed PhD Scientist at the Univeristy of Bordeaux France. In his research he found intense sweetness can surpass coaciane reward, even in drug sensitized and addicted individuals. "Sociologists, economists and epidemiologists have accumulated strong evidence linking increased accessibility and consumption of refined sugar with obesity in vulnerable populations, such as, for instance, chidlren and adults from poor communities. His findings clearly demonstrate that intense sweetness can surpass cocaine reward.
Bert Hoebel PhD Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience Princeton University
Sugar Addiction: Bingeing, Withdrawal and Craving. "Evidence from animal models suggests sugar can act on the brain in ways similar to drugs of abuse. Eating large amounts of sugar when hungry, also known as sugar-bingeing, can cause behavioral and neurochemical changes in the brain that resemble those produced when someone takes substances of abuse including morphine, cocaine and nicotine. "
Eric Stice phD Senior Research scientist at teh Oregon Research Institute
"His program of research has primarily focused on the elucidating genetic and environmental factors that increase the risk for onset of eating overeating disorders and obesity, as well as the development and evalution of prevention programs for these conditions. He states "It has been theorized that elevated reward from food intake or anticipated food intake increases risk for overeating. However it has also been theorized that individuals who experience weaker activation of dopamine based reward circuitry in response to food intake may overeat to compensate for this reward deficit.
Irene Yaroslavsky PhD of the Leibowitz Laboratory, Rockefeller University
Mechanisms of Food Cravings
Dr. Sarah Leibowitz PhD has led animal studies exploring metabolic and neural antecedents for the overconsumption of fat and alcohol. " A major reoccuring theme in our research is the existence of a positive feedback loop, whereby a meal rich in fat activates certain brain systems that further stimulate fat intake. More specifically we have shown that brain systems involved in a palatability and reward can both stinulate and be stimulated by the intake of preferred diets rich in fat."
Kay Sheppard, Ma LMHC, CEDS
is the pioneer in food addiction treatment. She wrote the first best selling book on the subject. "Food Addiction: The Body Knows: From the First Bite and Food Addiction: Healing Day by Day. A licensed mental health counselor she conducts workshops and food adicts worldwide. " I came to appreciate that the brain and body of a food addict reacts differently to addictive foods due to the inherited predisposition to the disease of addiction. Addictive foods stimulate and increase the transmission of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. When the brain is flooded with these neurotransmiters, euphoria results leading to the compulsive pursuit of mood change by engaging repeatedly in episodes of binge eating despite adverse consequences."
There were other presenters who shared their research, programs and ideas.
Dr. Mark Gold MD Food as an Addiction College of Medicine Brain institute at University of Florida
Elissa Epel PhD Co Director of the UCSF Center for Obesity Assessment and Treatment
Cravings and Chronic Stres: Why the Candy Industry thrives when the economy declines
Jefrey Grim PhD Co Director of the Northwest Center for Research on Eating Behaviors.
Abstinence make sthe Heart Grow Fonder: Incubation of Sucrose Craving.
Yvonne Sanders Butler Ed PhD who as the principal of Browns Mil Elementary banned all fods high in refined sugars, high fat, and processed foods and drinks from the cafeteria. The results, immediate drop in absenteeism, improvements in attention, and general increase in energy levels and grades.
Connie Benett, Author of Sugar Shock
Joan Ifland PhD, MBA Founder and Chair of Refined Food Addiction (REFA) Research
Foundation.
Ellot Blass PhD University of Massachusetts. Evolutionary and Devleopmental bases of Eating Addictions.
To get all the presentations in full go to
What next?
This is an epidemic and what concerns me the most is our children. Find out what your children's schools are offering. Get involved, contact Dr. Yvonne Sanders Butler. Get documentation to back your claims. Kids need to start eating better and moving more. Our schools are feeding them sugars and processed foods and yet we expect them to be healthy and smart.
We have to start somewhere. Knowledge is power. Don't expect the government or food companies to make the changes. We the people are ultimately responsible for what we and our children eat. Get armed with adequate information.
Sunday
Living Smart, the future and Susan Boyle
This coming Sunday April 26 at 3pm, Futurist Peter Bishop who studies scenarios of what might happen based on a lot of research will share his views on jobs, the economy, alternative sources of energy and what careers to consider for the future. Knowledge is power and this show can smarly prepare us for what is to come.
At 2:30 pm on Sunday you can also watch Latina Voices, as we discuss wellness with a medical doctor and a naturopath and we learn how to market ourselves to the top so we can get the job of our dreams.
One of the reasons I wanted to produce a show like Living Smart 4 years ago, was to help our viewers find golden nuggets of information that could help them find more happiness, better health, fulfilling relationships and more importantly a way to reach their dreams. We would all be so much happier, healthier and relevant if we had a passion for what we did every day. I know however that many don't find what that is in a lifetime. This in turn causes a lot of problems for them and those around them. That is why when I saw Susan Boyle on You Tube today. I cried. I also cried when I heard Paul Potts sing. Both were featured in the British talent show. Both surprised audiences around the world with their incredible and quiet talent.
I will share their youtube links for you to watch. Both of these people to me represent millions of people in the world who never give up their dreams. They have an unknown or unrecognized talent so many laugh at them, smirk, make fun of them or are quietly envious of their hidden talent. Yet they never give up. They both began singing at a very young age, and maybe never had a great chance to be discovered. There are millions still out there who are undiscovered, but I do hope they like Susan and Paul, will never give up their passion, their dream, their hidden talent.
What I feel we can learn from them is their incredible humility and resilience. Society does not tend to think highly of people who are unemployed or make a low salary. But in reality, everyone is special, everyone has a story, a dream, a passion. Some may never discover it. Others have it but only they know it. I just hope that by watching these videos you begin to ask yourself the question. What is my dream? What is my talent? What is my passion? and then sit back and just listen to these two. I know they will move you to tears of joy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk Susan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DelJrP3P7tA Paul Potts
Let me know what you think!
At 2:30 pm on Sunday you can also watch Latina Voices, as we discuss wellness with a medical doctor and a naturopath and we learn how to market ourselves to the top so we can get the job of our dreams.
One of the reasons I wanted to produce a show like Living Smart 4 years ago, was to help our viewers find golden nuggets of information that could help them find more happiness, better health, fulfilling relationships and more importantly a way to reach their dreams. We would all be so much happier, healthier and relevant if we had a passion for what we did every day. I know however that many don't find what that is in a lifetime. This in turn causes a lot of problems for them and those around them. That is why when I saw Susan Boyle on You Tube today. I cried. I also cried when I heard Paul Potts sing. Both were featured in the British talent show. Both surprised audiences around the world with their incredible and quiet talent.
I will share their youtube links for you to watch. Both of these people to me represent millions of people in the world who never give up their dreams. They have an unknown or unrecognized talent so many laugh at them, smirk, make fun of them or are quietly envious of their hidden talent. Yet they never give up. They both began singing at a very young age, and maybe never had a great chance to be discovered. There are millions still out there who are undiscovered, but I do hope they like Susan and Paul, will never give up their passion, their dream, their hidden talent.
What I feel we can learn from them is their incredible humility and resilience. Society does not tend to think highly of people who are unemployed or make a low salary. But in reality, everyone is special, everyone has a story, a dream, a passion. Some may never discover it. Others have it but only they know it. I just hope that by watching these videos you begin to ask yourself the question. What is my dream? What is my talent? What is my passion? and then sit back and just listen to these two. I know they will move you to tears of joy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk Susan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DelJrP3P7tA Paul Potts
Let me know what you think!
Monday
Living Smart with Opera Star and the most important things in life
This Sunday April 19th at 3pm, (repeats friday April 24th at 10pm) Ana Maria Martinez one of the greatest Lyric Sopranos of our times will enlighten us with her knowledge of the value of music in our children's lives. Ana Maria who has sung in the greatest opera houses of the world remains humble and down to earth. She is extremely personable, talented and one of the smartest people I have ever interviewed. The only child of a psychoanalyst and an opera singer, Martinez grew up listening to music and trying to figure out the world alone. Now married to an opera singer and the mother of a two year old child, she knows first hand the value of music in children's brain development. I look forward to sharing this interview with Living Smart viewers.
This week I had the priviledge of reading one of my friend's books. Gloria Alcozer Thomas has written, "Feeding my Children. " She is considered a "Tejana" a word that can be interpreted and defined as she says in various ways. "For example as an Indian term of endearment, or secondly, as one of the first references to the indigenous people of the lower southwestern United States. Later it would identify as a whole the people of Texas. Gloria has lived all over the world and is a magnificent storyteller.
“Do you see my skin? It is a colour that leaves me in between I am not black or white Nor am I a race that other’s can easily categorize.” This is from one of the many poems written by Gloria Alkozer Thomas in her book. Does this sound like an American story? It is, with all its contradictions, ironies, and the confusion, pain and joy of being an American. Alcozer is the daughter of migrant workers. The book’s title describes her mother
mission and goal, who despite a very difficult life confronting poverty and intractable racism, succeeded in feeding her children in every way. At a time when readers beg to hear an authentic voice, my friend reminds us in her gripping and entertaining narrative, that in her journey to find herself, we learn to ask ourselves where we come from and why it matters.
On Sunday April 26th at 2:30pm Latina Voices Smart talk interviews a western medical doctor and a naturopath on how to achieve overall wellness. We also talk to Abel Garcia about his book, “Market Yourself Back to the Top.
Today, a door I wanted opened closed. I often hear from friends, when one door closes, many windows open and I truly believe that. I would like to share with you the latest e mail I got from a friend about "The Most Important Things in Life." I am translating
Falling in Love
Laughing so hard your face hurts
A hot bath
No lines in the supermarket
Getting mail
Lying down in bed while watching the rain
Finding your favorite outfit at half price
Chocolate ice cream
When someone tells you that you are beautiful
A long conversation with a friend
Waking up and still having time to sleep another 20 minutes
Finding a twenty dollar bill in your pocket
Your first kiss
Your first puppy
Great Dreams
Your first swing
Watching a great film with someone you love
Watching someone's face when they open a present they like
Winning a competition
Making chocolate chip cookies
Holding your lover's hand
Getting tickled
A surprise
Walking on the Beach
Watching the sunset
Please add yours. I am sure this made you think about it. Have a great blessed week!
This week I had the priviledge of reading one of my friend's books. Gloria Alcozer Thomas has written, "Feeding my Children. " She is considered a "Tejana" a word that can be interpreted and defined as she says in various ways. "For example as an Indian term of endearment, or secondly, as one of the first references to the indigenous people of the lower southwestern United States. Later it would identify as a whole the people of Texas. Gloria has lived all over the world and is a magnificent storyteller.
“Do you see my skin? It is a colour that leaves me in between I am not black or white Nor am I a race that other’s can easily categorize.” This is from one of the many poems written by Gloria Alkozer Thomas in her book. Does this sound like an American story? It is, with all its contradictions, ironies, and the confusion, pain and joy of being an American. Alcozer is the daughter of migrant workers. The book’s title describes her mother
mission and goal, who despite a very difficult life confronting poverty and intractable racism, succeeded in feeding her children in every way. At a time when readers beg to hear an authentic voice, my friend reminds us in her gripping and entertaining narrative, that in her journey to find herself, we learn to ask ourselves where we come from and why it matters.
On Sunday April 26th at 2:30pm Latina Voices Smart talk interviews a western medical doctor and a naturopath on how to achieve overall wellness. We also talk to Abel Garcia about his book, “Market Yourself Back to the Top.
Today, a door I wanted opened closed. I often hear from friends, when one door closes, many windows open and I truly believe that. I would like to share with you the latest e mail I got from a friend about "The Most Important Things in Life." I am translating
Falling in Love
Laughing so hard your face hurts
A hot bath
No lines in the supermarket
Getting mail
Lying down in bed while watching the rain
Finding your favorite outfit at half price
Chocolate ice cream
When someone tells you that you are beautiful
A long conversation with a friend
Waking up and still having time to sleep another 20 minutes
Finding a twenty dollar bill in your pocket
Your first kiss
Your first puppy
Great Dreams
Your first swing
Watching a great film with someone you love
Watching someone's face when they open a present they like
Winning a competition
Making chocolate chip cookies
Holding your lover's hand
Getting tickled
A surprise
Walking on the Beach
Watching the sunset
Please add yours. I am sure this made you think about it. Have a great blessed week!
Living Smart and Hispanics and Education
This Sunday April 12th at 3pm we launch season 5 of Living Smart with Jeff Yeager, the Ultimate Cheapskate on living more with less. We aired our first Living Smart show on October of 2005 and we have come a long way since then. We are now on 113 PBS channels across the nation and the show serves a need for information that can empower the audience in different areas of life.
As we learn to live more with less, enjoying life more without depending on a big salary, and becoming resilient in difficult times, I can't help but become concerned with the latest information I have read about Latinos and higher education. Latinos are the fastest growing ethnic group and the least likely to enroll in college. Why does this concern me particularly in Houston? Half of our population is Latino and if we are not educating our Latino youth properly or well enough to get them into college, we can't expect a robust economic development, the kind we need to keep our economy strong, diverse and our middle class strong and thriving.
We know Latinos from low income families are the least likely to enroll in college, so now that we know this. What can we do about it?
There are a lot of programs to help Hispanics make it into college but they are not widespread or systemic. They remain piecemeal and thus ineffective to read the volume of students we need to reach.
The Houston Chronicle reported just 42.5 percent of Hispanics graduated from highschool in 2007 enrolled in college or technical training. This is just not good enough. In fact, it is dismal.
Today 20 percent of students at the University of Houston (the largest university in town) are Hispanic. This is an improvement but Latino students are facing the biggest hurdle ever, money and the way the economy is going, that is not meant to get any better.
We always like to focus on solutions to the problem, but until we realize as a city and a state we need a better way, there is no end in sight.
We will most likely discuss this topic on our next town forum. In the mean time, make suggestions. I like a quote that might help us with this. "There is no stopping an idea whose time has come."
I hope that idea is how do we as a city, and a state with a very large Latino population, educate our youth for the future. This is not about blame. I am not asking why I am asking how do we do it.
+
As we learn to live more with less, enjoying life more without depending on a big salary, and becoming resilient in difficult times, I can't help but become concerned with the latest information I have read about Latinos and higher education. Latinos are the fastest growing ethnic group and the least likely to enroll in college. Why does this concern me particularly in Houston? Half of our population is Latino and if we are not educating our Latino youth properly or well enough to get them into college, we can't expect a robust economic development, the kind we need to keep our economy strong, diverse and our middle class strong and thriving.
We know Latinos from low income families are the least likely to enroll in college, so now that we know this. What can we do about it?
There are a lot of programs to help Hispanics make it into college but they are not widespread or systemic. They remain piecemeal and thus ineffective to read the volume of students we need to reach.
The Houston Chronicle reported just 42.5 percent of Hispanics graduated from highschool in 2007 enrolled in college or technical training. This is just not good enough. In fact, it is dismal.
Today 20 percent of students at the University of Houston (the largest university in town) are Hispanic. This is an improvement but Latino students are facing the biggest hurdle ever, money and the way the economy is going, that is not meant to get any better.
We always like to focus on solutions to the problem, but until we realize as a city and a state we need a better way, there is no end in sight.
We will most likely discuss this topic on our next town forum. In the mean time, make suggestions. I like a quote that might help us with this. "There is no stopping an idea whose time has come."
I hope that idea is how do we as a city, and a state with a very large Latino population, educate our youth for the future. This is not about blame. I am not asking why I am asking how do we do it.
+
Tuesday
Economic town forum, Vaccines for addiction and priorities
On May 7th at 7pm, HoustonPBS will present the third town forum. The topic this time is on Houston's regional (13 counties) economy. We plan to discuss the state of the economy, where the jobs are and where we are going. We will also provide a resource list on our website on job opportunities, training and placement organizations. You will have an opportunity to call in, chat and blog as well. I will start twittering soon! There is no doubt most viewers are interested in jobs. Those who have lost it, how to get a new one, those who have kept it, how to keep it and those who want something better during these hard times, where will the jobs be and what will happen in the future. We hope to find some answers to those questions.
This Sunday at 3pm Living Smart presents one of the most respected addiction researchers in the world, Dr. Tom Kosten who will address the new vaccines he has created to combat addiction. He offers hope and very useful information.
As we deal with the anxiety caused by this unprecedented economic downturn. I would like to share something I got from a friend.
"Life is short, work as if it was your first day, forgive easily and rapidly, kiss very slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrolably, and never seize to smile even at the strangest things. Life can't be the feast we expected, but while we are here, we should smile and be grateful. "
This Sunday at 3pm Living Smart presents one of the most respected addiction researchers in the world, Dr. Tom Kosten who will address the new vaccines he has created to combat addiction. He offers hope and very useful information.
As we deal with the anxiety caused by this unprecedented economic downturn. I would like to share something I got from a friend.
"Life is short, work as if it was your first day, forgive easily and rapidly, kiss very slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrolably, and never seize to smile even at the strangest things. Life can't be the feast we expected, but while we are here, we should smile and be grateful. "
Monday
IT'S THE ECONOMY STUPID!
On Sunday March 29th at 3pm on Ch. 8 , Permaculturist Diana Petrochelli teaches us some lessons on how to take care of the planet and in the process save ourselves some money. I can't help but want to talk about the economy with everyone I run into. Whether we like to think about it or not, it does affect our lives and our next town forum on May 7th on Ch. 8 at 7pm we'll discuss the Houston regional economy.
I am sure just as you have, heard the reasons: greed, subprime mortgages, derivatives, Madoff ponzi schemes, back to greed, lack of regulation, lack of oversight, stupidity, too much of a good thing, easy money, hedge funds, debt, back to greed, dangerous financial innovations, lack of savings, hubris, innocence, back to consumer debt. The list goes on and on.
What really bothers me now is that it appears no one was talking about this in the past 10 years. Where were the pundits, financial gurus, journalists, TV talk stars, etc. What was I doing? Sure I did a lot of shows on financial education but was clueless about the intricate economic signs of what was coming. I studied Economics in college and later got an MBA and know this much. The economy is cyclical but this downturn appears to be tied an tremendous financial system excess.
Also does speculation ring a bell? Delusion? again, Greed?
Now everyone is questioning what we do about it. My fear is that no one really knows if the government plan will work. If the solution was easy, then someone else would have come up with it. It is so much easier to criticize than to actually do something. The administration is trying something very risky but can they just let nature run its course? During the depression the government allowed 2 out of 5 banks to fail. We are not doing that now but does it mean we don't hold them accountable?
What we can not do is panic and unfortunately we are getting closer and closer to that. The media is not helping, neither are politicians who repeat the word crisis every chance they get.
The Federal Reserve promises to do everything they can to support the functioning of the financial markets and stimulating the economy but what can we do? We the people? What are we supposed to do? Here is my ten point plan to ride the wave of recession.
1. No recession lasts forever, so don't panic.
2. Look at the crisis as an opportunity, not a punishment for bad behavior.
3. Make a list of what you really need. (Really NEED) and for now only buy that.
4. Even if we are supposed to consume to get the economy back in shape, start saving now!
5. If you can plant your own garden, do it or find a community garden close to you.
6. Bring your lunch to work.
7. If you are out of work and can't pay the bill move in with family or friends for a few months.
8. Realize how lucky you are to live in the United States of America. This is still the land of opportunity. Don't ever lose hope or the vision that things will get better. That's American!
9. Love those around you more. You'll need them now more than ever and now you have time.
10. Don't take it personal. Losing a job is not about you. Quit being hard on yourself. You got a job before, you will do it again.
I am sure just as you have, heard the reasons: greed, subprime mortgages, derivatives, Madoff ponzi schemes, back to greed, lack of regulation, lack of oversight, stupidity, too much of a good thing, easy money, hedge funds, debt, back to greed, dangerous financial innovations, lack of savings, hubris, innocence, back to consumer debt. The list goes on and on.
What really bothers me now is that it appears no one was talking about this in the past 10 years. Where were the pundits, financial gurus, journalists, TV talk stars, etc. What was I doing? Sure I did a lot of shows on financial education but was clueless about the intricate economic signs of what was coming. I studied Economics in college and later got an MBA and know this much. The economy is cyclical but this downturn appears to be tied an tremendous financial system excess.
Also does speculation ring a bell? Delusion? again, Greed?
Now everyone is questioning what we do about it. My fear is that no one really knows if the government plan will work. If the solution was easy, then someone else would have come up with it. It is so much easier to criticize than to actually do something. The administration is trying something very risky but can they just let nature run its course? During the depression the government allowed 2 out of 5 banks to fail. We are not doing that now but does it mean we don't hold them accountable?
What we can not do is panic and unfortunately we are getting closer and closer to that. The media is not helping, neither are politicians who repeat the word crisis every chance they get.
The Federal Reserve promises to do everything they can to support the functioning of the financial markets and stimulating the economy but what can we do? We the people? What are we supposed to do? Here is my ten point plan to ride the wave of recession.
1. No recession lasts forever, so don't panic.
2. Look at the crisis as an opportunity, not a punishment for bad behavior.
3. Make a list of what you really need. (Really NEED) and for now only buy that.
4. Even if we are supposed to consume to get the economy back in shape, start saving now!
5. If you can plant your own garden, do it or find a community garden close to you.
6. Bring your lunch to work.
7. If you are out of work and can't pay the bill move in with family or friends for a few months.
8. Realize how lucky you are to live in the United States of America. This is still the land of opportunity. Don't ever lose hope or the vision that things will get better. That's American!
9. Love those around you more. You'll need them now more than ever and now you have time.
10. Don't take it personal. Losing a job is not about you. Quit being hard on yourself. You got a job before, you will do it again.
Sunday
THE VALUE OF YOUR FEMALE FRIENDS
As women, our bonds with other women tend to be different than friendships between men. Chris Hedges, a war correspondent for 30 years wrote "War is a Force that gives us meaning." (You can find the interview I did with him on video google) He said men don't fight for their countries. They fight for each other, for their brothers in combat, for other soldiers they have bonded with. As women our bonds tend to be stronger than men's. We don't need to go through something as traumatic as a war to bond. A few weeks ago, I received an email from a friend in Argentina so I will translate it as best as I can. It describes why women are so important in our lives.
This says it all.
Time passes,
Life goes on,
Distances separate people.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go
Passion diminishes
Men don't always do what they were supposed to do.
Hearts break
Parents die.
Coworkers forget favors they have received
Professional careers come to an end
BUT
Your sisters are always there, It does not matter how much time and how many miles are between you.
A girlfriend is never too far to be with you when you need her.
Men don't always do what they were supposed to do.
Hearts break
Parents die.
Coworkers forget favors they have received
Professional careers come to an end
BUT
Your sisters are always there, It does not matter how much time and how many miles are between you.
A girlfriend is never too far to be with you when you need her.
When you have to walk the valley alone, the women in your life will be there surrounding you, cheering you on, praying for you, pushing you, intervening for you, opening their hearts and waiting for you with open arms at the end of the journey.
Sometimes, they will even break rules and will walk by you and will ease your burden.
Friends, daughters, grandmothers, sisters in law, sisters, moms, grandaughters, cousins, nieces and all your family are a blessing in this life.
The world would not be the same without women and I would not be who I am without them. When we began this adventure of being women, we didn't have any idea the incredible satisfaction and the painful challenges that await us. We don't know either how much we will need each other, but we will.
Pass this on to all the women who give meaning to your life.
First I would like to take this opportunity to thank my friend in Argentina who sent me this. She is going through cancer treatment so keep her in your prayers. She and I grew up together in Argentina and reconnected this year after 20 years through FACEBOOK! She lives in the mountains so we were out of touch. Gracias MARITE
Pass this on to all the women who give meaning to your life.
First I would like to take this opportunity to thank my friend in Argentina who sent me this. She is going through cancer treatment so keep her in your prayers. She and I grew up together in Argentina and reconnected this year after 20 years through FACEBOOK! She lives in the mountains so we were out of touch. Gracias MARITE
I also want to thank all the women who supported me in the past week. Your friendship, your unconditional love and wise counsel got me through one heck of a week. Thank you sisters in arms. I hope I can be there for you always as you have been for me.
Remember Season 5 of Living Smart begins April 12 at 3pm on HoustonPBS and will repeat the following friday at 10pm. On March 22n at 2:30pm Latina Voices airs its second show.
Friday
Change Magazine, Living Smart and Latina Voices
Change Magazine recently did a very nice article on Living Smart, Latina Voices and my life. Here is the link if you can't pick it up in your area, http://www.changemagazine.net/
The experience for me was like no other. I have never been interviewed at length and the reporter Sue Mayfield-Geiger, Publisher, Carla Medlenka and photographer Lisette Templin could not have been kinder, gentler and funnier. It was such a nice unforgettable experience. I consider it a gift to be among the ultimate joyful professionals they proved themselves to be. My wardrobe consultant and dear friend Sam Gershen made sure I looked good and despite freezing weather outside during the photo shoot. We had a blast. Thank you all.
Living Smart will launch in April 12th at 3pm (it will repeat on friday nights at 10pm) and Latina Voices comes back on March 22nd at 2:30pm. It will air every third Sunday of the month. (You can also find it in HTV Ch. 16 comcast on Sundays and Wednesdays at 8 am and 8pm .
I am truly excited about both these shows and simply want to share, I find them relevant to what we are living right now. Last week two close friends lost their high paying jobs. It feels awful to watch dear friends go through this. However, nothing puts us on a different life track than looking for work and feeling rejected. There is no doubt we learn humility when we go through this. We realize we are not indispensable and we have to dig deep to find what we have within ourselves to get back up and start looking for the next opportunity. I know how difficult this can be. As much as I try to live smartly, I fail many times because I am human and I learned we must allow ourselves these failures and be kind to ourselves, especially when we are down. Humility is a virtue we all need in times like these, then we must have courage to go on.
Keshavar Nair said "With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity."
The experience for me was like no other. I have never been interviewed at length and the reporter Sue Mayfield-Geiger, Publisher, Carla Medlenka and photographer Lisette Templin could not have been kinder, gentler and funnier. It was such a nice unforgettable experience. I consider it a gift to be among the ultimate joyful professionals they proved themselves to be. My wardrobe consultant and dear friend Sam Gershen made sure I looked good and despite freezing weather outside during the photo shoot. We had a blast. Thank you all.
Living Smart will launch in April 12th at 3pm (it will repeat on friday nights at 10pm) and Latina Voices comes back on March 22nd at 2:30pm. It will air every third Sunday of the month. (You can also find it in HTV Ch. 16 comcast on Sundays and Wednesdays at 8 am and 8pm .
I am truly excited about both these shows and simply want to share, I find them relevant to what we are living right now. Last week two close friends lost their high paying jobs. It feels awful to watch dear friends go through this. However, nothing puts us on a different life track than looking for work and feeling rejected. There is no doubt we learn humility when we go through this. We realize we are not indispensable and we have to dig deep to find what we have within ourselves to get back up and start looking for the next opportunity. I know how difficult this can be. As much as I try to live smartly, I fail many times because I am human and I learned we must allow ourselves these failures and be kind to ourselves, especially when we are down. Humility is a virtue we all need in times like these, then we must have courage to go on.
Keshavar Nair said "With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity."
Tuesday
To heal the world, heal thyself
As some of my friends were discussing politics and how Rush Limbaugh and Anne Colter said this and Al Franken said that and why are the Republicans so angry etc. One of those friends sent me this quote by Thomas Merton.
"So instead of loving what you think is peace, love other people and love God above all. And instead of hating the people you think are warmakers, hate the appetites and the disorder in your own soul, which are the causes of war. If you love peace, then hate injustice, hate tyranny, hate greed - but hate these things in yourself, not in another."
- Thomas Merton, from "New Seeds of Contemplation"
Wow, I thought, how liberating it is to focus on what we hold within ourselves, our own prejudices, hatreds, confusion, anxiety etc. I actually have many mirrors around me (people who don't like me or accept me the way I am) They shine a light on my (shadow) Jungian concept of what we hate in ourselves. In time, I realize there is a lot within I have to work through. That is why I always pray for inner peace, harmony and balance. If I keep focusing on what I don't want in my life, then unfortunately I will probably attract it, so we must focus on the positive aspects of everything and quite blaming others for our own misfortunes. This is the only way we can get ahead. Blaming others tends to put a rope around our throat as we try to move forward. Yes, people hurt us, fire us, abuse us, lie to us, steal from us etc. but there are those who love us, accept us, put up with us and hold our hand when we need them. What am I going to focus on?
Kassim
"So instead of loving what you think is peace, love other people and love God above all. And instead of hating the people you think are warmakers, hate the appetites and the disorder in your own soul, which are the causes of war. If you love peace, then hate injustice, hate tyranny, hate greed - but hate these things in yourself, not in another."
- Thomas Merton, from "New Seeds of Contemplation"
Wow, I thought, how liberating it is to focus on what we hold within ourselves, our own prejudices, hatreds, confusion, anxiety etc. I actually have many mirrors around me (people who don't like me or accept me the way I am) They shine a light on my (shadow) Jungian concept of what we hate in ourselves. In time, I realize there is a lot within I have to work through. That is why I always pray for inner peace, harmony and balance. If I keep focusing on what I don't want in my life, then unfortunately I will probably attract it, so we must focus on the positive aspects of everything and quite blaming others for our own misfortunes. This is the only way we can get ahead. Blaming others tends to put a rope around our throat as we try to move forward. Yes, people hurt us, fire us, abuse us, lie to us, steal from us etc. but there are those who love us, accept us, put up with us and hold our hand when we need them. What am I going to focus on?
Kassim
Friday
"Living Smart" in times of crisis
The fifth season of Living Smart will explore integrity, ethics, civility, parenting, music and science literacy and one of the most relevant topics as far as I am concerned will be covered by Dr. Bruce Perry M.D/PhD who is one of the top childhood trauma and development specialists in the country. Why do I say that?
Let's face it listening to the news has become more and more difficult. Thousands of Americans are losing their jobs, anxiety is at an all time high and many in the political spectrum only criticize but come up with few if any solutions to the financial crisis. Whether we agree with what the new administration is doing to solve the problem or not, we hope (if we are sane, there are those who want it to fail) and pray that it works. Putting labels on what is going on does not help. Is this too much government? Too much pork? Too many pet projects? I am going to be asking instead every month, does it work? Who is doing the right thing? What is working and what is not? I don't care if the projects are called "socialist or market driven" Do they work?
We have to get back to holding our officials and OURSELVES accountable, living in integrity, Making smart decisions based on facts not emotions.
Dr. Perry talks about keeping ourselves sane through relationships and how important these are in the lives of children and ourselves. The fact is Americans are becoming increasingly lonely and isolated. We are more reconnected than ever through technology but lonelier than we have ever been. A recent study by Duke University researchers found the number of people whom the average American discussed important matters dropped from three to two in the past few years. The number of one person households has also been increasing steadily since 1940, when only 7 percent of households had one resident. Today more Americans are living alone than ever in our history.
I was born in Houston but grew up in Latin America where extended families and friends are always around. I know that Health and Happiness is closely tied to social connections.
In sum, It is fine to be self reliant, at times individualistic and self motivated and driven, but we must be aware of social disconnection. We are social animals, we need each other and in hard times like these, believe it or not it might be easier and more essential than ever reconnect. Try it, you might stop thinking about the economy and that in itself makes it all worthwhile!
Let's face it listening to the news has become more and more difficult. Thousands of Americans are losing their jobs, anxiety is at an all time high and many in the political spectrum only criticize but come up with few if any solutions to the financial crisis. Whether we agree with what the new administration is doing to solve the problem or not, we hope (if we are sane, there are those who want it to fail) and pray that it works. Putting labels on what is going on does not help. Is this too much government? Too much pork? Too many pet projects? I am going to be asking instead every month, does it work? Who is doing the right thing? What is working and what is not? I don't care if the projects are called "socialist or market driven" Do they work?
We have to get back to holding our officials and OURSELVES accountable, living in integrity, Making smart decisions based on facts not emotions.
Dr. Perry talks about keeping ourselves sane through relationships and how important these are in the lives of children and ourselves. The fact is Americans are becoming increasingly lonely and isolated. We are more reconnected than ever through technology but lonelier than we have ever been. A recent study by Duke University researchers found the number of people whom the average American discussed important matters dropped from three to two in the past few years. The number of one person households has also been increasing steadily since 1940, when only 7 percent of households had one resident. Today more Americans are living alone than ever in our history.
I was born in Houston but grew up in Latin America where extended families and friends are always around. I know that Health and Happiness is closely tied to social connections.
In sum, It is fine to be self reliant, at times individualistic and self motivated and driven, but we must be aware of social disconnection. We are social animals, we need each other and in hard times like these, believe it or not it might be easier and more essential than ever reconnect. Try it, you might stop thinking about the economy and that in itself makes it all worthwhile!
Monday
Books I am reading in times of "Crisis"
As you know I have to read for my work and my soul every day. I interview people all the time and try to read books cover to cover before I talk to them. One of my upcoming interviews on Latina Voices is Abel Garcia who wrote "Market Yourself back to the top!"
Basically Garcia, who has a lot of experience as a headhunter says we have to look at ourselves as a product or service so we have to come up with a dynamic personalized marketing program. (I guess this is better than being an object!) All I can say about this book is that it has useful information. I don't know if it works and frankly I don't want to find out, but seriously, any information that can help us stand out, I welcome.
Another book I have been reading to keep with international relations and the US role in the world is The Post American World. The author, CNN correspondent Fareed Zakaria originally from India, ends the book with a quote I am paraphrasing and I feel says a lot about the greatness of America. "For America to thrive in this new and challenging era....it should be the place that is inviting, and exciting to the young student who enters the country today as it was for me."
(This of course applies if we don't make it harder than it already is for legal immigrants to come to America, which is not the case in the latest stimulus package. )
America, I agree with Zakaria is the most universal nation in the world. (I have lived in 7 different countries and visited 50 and from my own personal experience this is a fact)
We are a nation of immigrants where people can mix, work together and share common dreams. We have values that the rest of the world envies but we have to get back to those values and affirm our own ideals. "America can't freelance when it suits its purposes" says Zacharia, because then all the other emerging powers such as China, India, Brasil can also bend the rules and thus destabilize the whole world. I found the book pragmatic in its assessment of US power. Do we want to be the only superpower or an honest broker where "we share power, create coalitions, build legitimacy and define the global agenda." I venture to say, I prefer the latter.
For Living Smart I recently read the Muhammad Yunus book on Creating a World Without Poverty. Social Business and the Future of Capitalism. I was preparing for my interview with Elizabeth Vallette an Iraq war veteran and a microfinance advocate who wants to see America use its soft power as well as its hard power to influence the world. What I enjoyed most about this book is how comprehensive anti poverty programs have to be besides the microlending aspect of them to truly lift the poor out of poverty. Yunnus was the first to realize we can lend to the poor but we also have to create a social network for them to survive and thrive. Does the term we are all interconnected ring a bell?
I also read the Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: and other stories from a child psychiatrist's notebook. This book was written by Living Smart guest Dr. Bruce Perry M.D. Phd and Maia Szalavitz. The book is very well written but this is not an easy read because of the subject matter. I am still astounded at how cruel people can be with children. Dr. Perry who is the government consultant for childhood trauma in incidents such as 9/11, Branch Davidians, Columbine shootings, Katrina etc. shares the most horrific stories about traumatized children, but in the end, we learn what it takes to heal these children. Believe it or not, a permanent, loving, fully present adult can make a big difference. No therapy in the world can take the place of that. On our show Dr. Perry explains the importance of adult relationships for children. The book also introduces us to Mama P. a foster mother whose only weapon is consistent, permanent, repetitive, nurturing love.
Finally a book that is not difficult to read but is extremely uplifting by Paul Ferrini "Grace Unfolding" The art of living a Surrendered Life. It speaks for itself. Ferrini says "as we surrender to the truth of our being, we learn to relinquish the need to control our lives, figure things out, or predict the future. We let go of our judgements and interpretations and accept life the way it is."
My favorite quote in that book is "If we are going to be successful in our lives, we need to cultivate our ability to be present and alert." Basically what I get out of this little book is that we have to live the moment, the now, the present, period. Why is it so hard to do? Because we want control of our lives, well as you know, there is no such thing.
Basically Garcia, who has a lot of experience as a headhunter says we have to look at ourselves as a product or service so we have to come up with a dynamic personalized marketing program. (I guess this is better than being an object!) All I can say about this book is that it has useful information. I don't know if it works and frankly I don't want to find out, but seriously, any information that can help us stand out, I welcome.
Another book I have been reading to keep with international relations and the US role in the world is The Post American World. The author, CNN correspondent Fareed Zakaria originally from India, ends the book with a quote I am paraphrasing and I feel says a lot about the greatness of America. "For America to thrive in this new and challenging era....it should be the place that is inviting, and exciting to the young student who enters the country today as it was for me."
(This of course applies if we don't make it harder than it already is for legal immigrants to come to America, which is not the case in the latest stimulus package. )
America, I agree with Zakaria is the most universal nation in the world. (I have lived in 7 different countries and visited 50 and from my own personal experience this is a fact)
We are a nation of immigrants where people can mix, work together and share common dreams. We have values that the rest of the world envies but we have to get back to those values and affirm our own ideals. "America can't freelance when it suits its purposes" says Zacharia, because then all the other emerging powers such as China, India, Brasil can also bend the rules and thus destabilize the whole world. I found the book pragmatic in its assessment of US power. Do we want to be the only superpower or an honest broker where "we share power, create coalitions, build legitimacy and define the global agenda." I venture to say, I prefer the latter.
For Living Smart I recently read the Muhammad Yunus book on Creating a World Without Poverty. Social Business and the Future of Capitalism. I was preparing for my interview with Elizabeth Vallette an Iraq war veteran and a microfinance advocate who wants to see America use its soft power as well as its hard power to influence the world. What I enjoyed most about this book is how comprehensive anti poverty programs have to be besides the microlending aspect of them to truly lift the poor out of poverty. Yunnus was the first to realize we can lend to the poor but we also have to create a social network for them to survive and thrive. Does the term we are all interconnected ring a bell?
I also read the Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: and other stories from a child psychiatrist's notebook. This book was written by Living Smart guest Dr. Bruce Perry M.D. Phd and Maia Szalavitz. The book is very well written but this is not an easy read because of the subject matter. I am still astounded at how cruel people can be with children. Dr. Perry who is the government consultant for childhood trauma in incidents such as 9/11, Branch Davidians, Columbine shootings, Katrina etc. shares the most horrific stories about traumatized children, but in the end, we learn what it takes to heal these children. Believe it or not, a permanent, loving, fully present adult can make a big difference. No therapy in the world can take the place of that. On our show Dr. Perry explains the importance of adult relationships for children. The book also introduces us to Mama P. a foster mother whose only weapon is consistent, permanent, repetitive, nurturing love.
Finally a book that is not difficult to read but is extremely uplifting by Paul Ferrini "Grace Unfolding" The art of living a Surrendered Life. It speaks for itself. Ferrini says "as we surrender to the truth of our being, we learn to relinquish the need to control our lives, figure things out, or predict the future. We let go of our judgements and interpretations and accept life the way it is."
My favorite quote in that book is "If we are going to be successful in our lives, we need to cultivate our ability to be present and alert." Basically what I get out of this little book is that we have to live the moment, the now, the present, period. Why is it so hard to do? Because we want control of our lives, well as you know, there is no such thing.
Tuesday
Albert Einstein and the Chinese on the meaning of "Crisis"
None of us want to hear we are responsible for what is happening to the economy, our jobs, our homes, income, security, relationships etc. It is much easier to blame it on someone else, the government, the republicans, the democrats, the greedy executives, the ex husband or wife, the liars, etc. After all is said and done, we are still responsible for ourselves because no one can really save us from the vicissitudes of life. We can however control our response to what is happening around us and that's why I found what Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds of all times said, very interesting.
"Let's not pretend that things will change if we keep doing the same things. A crisis can be a real blessing to any person, to any nation. For all crises bring progress.Creativity is born from anguish, just like the day is born form the dark night. It's in crisis that inventive is born, as well as discoveries, and big strategies. Who overcomes crisis, overcomes himself, without getting overcome. Who blames his failure to a crisis neglects his own talent, and is more respectful to problems than to solutions. Incompetence is the true crisis.The greatest inconvenience of people and nations is the laziness with which they attempt to find the solutions to their problems. There's no challenge without a crisis. Without challenges, life becomes a routine, a slow agony. There’s no merit without crisis. It's in the crisis where we can show the very best in us. Without a crisis, any wind becomes a tender touch. To speak about a crisis is to promote it. Not to speak about it is to exalt conformism. Let us work hard instead.Let us stop, once and for all, the menacing crisis that represents the tragedy of not being willing to overcome it."
So basically what we need to find is the blessings in disguise, the blessings in the crisis. We are supposed to learn from them. Ask ourselves where is the lesson. Here is what the Chinese say about crisis.
Not everyone agrees this is what the Chinese really meant but the word "crisis" in some Chinese circles means "danger" and "opportunity."
Let's face it, what we are facing seems dangerous but in my circles we say when one door closes, another one opens. Let me share an example. When I lost my job years ago, this is the opportunity that opened up for me.
1. I got time to network and meet new people.
2. I had time to work out and get back in shape.
3. I learned to be frugal with my money because I was running out of it.
4. I got creative on how to socialize: Pic nic's and cooking my own food instead of going out to eat.
5. I had more time to spend with friends and family.
6. I realized this can happen to anyone and became more understanding and compassionate.
7. I had to move in with my parents and had more quality time with them than I ever had. I was
older and more mature, therefore more open to them.
Last but not least. I always say the Cubans are some of the most creative people on the planet. Why is that? Under the Communist system, Cubans have lacked basic things. They have thus learned to fix things with what they have, to think out of the box, to plant their own gardens etc. They have had to be tremendously creative to survive. They have lived in crisis for a long time, and I think when they finally open up their system, they will quickly thrive. Again, I ask the question what can we learn from all of this? How do we Live Smart? How will this crisis enhance our creativity and innovation?
"Let's not pretend that things will change if we keep doing the same things. A crisis can be a real blessing to any person, to any nation. For all crises bring progress.Creativity is born from anguish, just like the day is born form the dark night. It's in crisis that inventive is born, as well as discoveries, and big strategies. Who overcomes crisis, overcomes himself, without getting overcome. Who blames his failure to a crisis neglects his own talent, and is more respectful to problems than to solutions. Incompetence is the true crisis.The greatest inconvenience of people and nations is the laziness with which they attempt to find the solutions to their problems. There's no challenge without a crisis. Without challenges, life becomes a routine, a slow agony. There’s no merit without crisis. It's in the crisis where we can show the very best in us. Without a crisis, any wind becomes a tender touch. To speak about a crisis is to promote it. Not to speak about it is to exalt conformism. Let us work hard instead.Let us stop, once and for all, the menacing crisis that represents the tragedy of not being willing to overcome it."
So basically what we need to find is the blessings in disguise, the blessings in the crisis. We are supposed to learn from them. Ask ourselves where is the lesson. Here is what the Chinese say about crisis.
Not everyone agrees this is what the Chinese really meant but the word "crisis" in some Chinese circles means "danger" and "opportunity."
Let's face it, what we are facing seems dangerous but in my circles we say when one door closes, another one opens. Let me share an example. When I lost my job years ago, this is the opportunity that opened up for me.
1. I got time to network and meet new people.
2. I had time to work out and get back in shape.
3. I learned to be frugal with my money because I was running out of it.
4. I got creative on how to socialize: Pic nic's and cooking my own food instead of going out to eat.
5. I had more time to spend with friends and family.
6. I realized this can happen to anyone and became more understanding and compassionate.
7. I had to move in with my parents and had more quality time with them than I ever had. I was
older and more mature, therefore more open to them.
Last but not least. I always say the Cubans are some of the most creative people on the planet. Why is that? Under the Communist system, Cubans have lacked basic things. They have thus learned to fix things with what they have, to think out of the box, to plant their own gardens etc. They have had to be tremendously creative to survive. They have lived in crisis for a long time, and I think when they finally open up their system, they will quickly thrive. Again, I ask the question what can we learn from all of this? How do we Live Smart? How will this crisis enhance our creativity and innovation?
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