Working in the health care industry, you see all types of things. But there isn't anything more difficult than to hear that services are denied because your insurance company won't pay. Is that what this world has come too? Not, we'll do whatever we can to make you better, and figure out expenses later...How did insurance companies get so much power that THEY determine what kind of treatment your doctor provides for you. In most cases the doctors and hospitals follow along because they too want to get paid. Not all insurance companies are like this, some are really wonderful. Then there are the bad apples that cause me to write things like this:
You work your entire life all the time paying for health insurance, not because you NEED it, but just in case there's an emergency.
Now imagine yourself in one of the following situations:
#1~
your doing a self breast exam, you find a lump, you go to your doctor, have all the necessary tests. The results show you have breast cancer. You sit down with your doctor to discuss the best treatment plan. Together you decide a mastectomy is the best treatment, a overnight stay (possibly two)in the hospital for observation/pain management is recommended. NOW imagine being told by the hospital financial advisor that your insurance company WILL NOT approve the overnight hospital stay(s)!! THEY feel that a mastectomy should be a same day come and go procedure....
#2~
your a typically healthy person, one day the unthinkable happens. You fall terribly ill which requires hospitalization, surgery, and several follow up exams and visits. NOW imagine being told while your in the hospital that your insurance company has cancelled your policy. Apparently they didn't expect you to ever get sick and actually need the insurance. So you are now left paying all of your medical expenses yourself (although most hospitals/doctors offices offer some form of a self pay discount).......
#3~
your like millions of other families have an hmo insurance(its usually more cost effective). Unlike some insurance policies, HMO's assign you and doctor and hospital and most tests and visits to a specialist must be authorized or referred by your assigned primary care physician. NOW imagine your baby develops a rare form of leukemia. The hospital assigned to you by your HMO doesn't have the treatment your child needs. But the hospital across town does, you need an authorization from your insurance company to go there, BUT the insurance company denies the authorization.....
#4~
you've worked hard your whole life, now your retired. Relaxing, enjoying life. One day during your annual checkups it is discovered that you have colon cancer. Immediately a surgery is scheduled, followed by chemotherapy. You feel good, look good, you think things are going well. Until the doctor informs you that the cancer has spread, there isn't anything they can do, surgery would be too risky. And the chemotherapy must be stopped because the insurance company will no longer pay for it. By the way you have two months to live......
AS IF being sick isn't stressful enough. How dare you terminate my policy once I become ill, or tell me that having my breast chopped off isn't worthy of a night in the hospital, or tell me that I can no longer have chemo since I'm dying anyway, regardless of what I think or feel. What do you do? Who are these people (insurance companies)?
Did you know that in Europe and Canada health care is free? I'm sure one can make arguments and point out several alternatives, but the point is those alternatives weren't available to these people.
P.S. I LOVE YOU
LOCATION: NEW ORLEANS, La
JUNE 2008
I LOVE NEW ORLEANS, the people, my family, the food, the history, the culture, you name it I LOVE IT!!! Of all the places I've visited NEW ORLEANS is my favorite, every time I've visited the more I've contemplated moving there, the only thing that slaps me back into reality is mother nature (the weather). It's hard to believe it's been 6 years long years since my last visit. There have been some big changes in the city since I was last there, but all the things I love most haven't changed a bit. Although the times of year which I visited are different mardi gras vs a week in mid June, you can't help but notice the lack of "life" in the streets, and multiple abandoned buildings, homes, and even the most historic hospital. Talking to the residents and hearing their stories firsthand was almost as heartbreaking and surreal, as watching the events unfold 3 years ago on television. I was taken aback to see so much of the city still in ruins. In speaking with residents and family I learned that the main priority of local officials was to get the tourist areas repaired as soon as possible so the city can begin making money again (trust me when I say I did my part to help, lots of shopping =-)). And many houses a that haven't been rebuilt, is because the owners have left the state, or they are waiting for assistance from a program called 'ROAD HOME'. I was baffled to learn that 3 years have gone by and some of these people are still waiting for assistance. I was even more shocked to learn that since the storm home insurance and property taxes have increased and to make ends meet some homeowners are now charging san francisco type rents, in a economy that doesn't offer san francisco type wages.
My other reason for visiting is because, for the past year or so I've been working on my family genealogy, and putting together a special project for my family. And since that's where it seems almost everything began, that's where I went. Unfortunately I wasn't able to fulfill all the goals I set for my trip, which means another MUST be planned. But I was able to meet a new side of my family that I didn't know existed, which means I have alot more research to do. Unfortunately I didn't think to bring a recorder (since my memory is limited), so that I could record all of the stories I was told. Most of my pictures from this trip are of my family, so I'll spare you the boredom, and show you some pictures that I took around town.
I learned alot on my trip. Not just about my family, but about hope, faith, endurance, patience and love all from the city and people I love.
JUNE 2008
I LOVE NEW ORLEANS, the people, my family, the food, the history, the culture, you name it I LOVE IT!!! Of all the places I've visited NEW ORLEANS is my favorite, every time I've visited the more I've contemplated moving there, the only thing that slaps me back into reality is mother nature (the weather). It's hard to believe it's been 6 years long years since my last visit. There have been some big changes in the city since I was last there, but all the things I love most haven't changed a bit. Although the times of year which I visited are different mardi gras vs a week in mid June, you can't help but notice the lack of "life" in the streets, and multiple abandoned buildings, homes, and even the most historic hospital. Talking to the residents and hearing their stories firsthand was almost as heartbreaking and surreal, as watching the events unfold 3 years ago on television. I was taken aback to see so much of the city still in ruins. In speaking with residents and family I learned that the main priority of local officials was to get the tourist areas repaired as soon as possible so the city can begin making money again (trust me when I say I did my part to help, lots of shopping =-)). And many houses a that haven't been rebuilt, is because the owners have left the state, or they are waiting for assistance from a program called 'ROAD HOME'. I was baffled to learn that 3 years have gone by and some of these people are still waiting for assistance. I was even more shocked to learn that since the storm home insurance and property taxes have increased and to make ends meet some homeowners are now charging san francisco type rents, in a economy that doesn't offer san francisco type wages.
My other reason for visiting is because, for the past year or so I've been working on my family genealogy, and putting together a special project for my family. And since that's where it seems almost everything began, that's where I went. Unfortunately I wasn't able to fulfill all the goals I set for my trip, which means another MUST be planned. But I was able to meet a new side of my family that I didn't know existed, which means I have alot more research to do. Unfortunately I didn't think to bring a recorder (since my memory is limited), so that I could record all of the stories I was told. Most of my pictures from this trip are of my family, so I'll spare you the boredom, and show you some pictures that I took around town.
I learned alot on my trip. Not just about my family, but about hope, faith, endurance, patience and love all from the city and people I love.
AS I AM
LOCATION:
MGM GRAND HOTEL
LAS VEGAS, NV
EVENT: AS I AM TOUR
FEATURING: ALICIA KEYS, JORDIN SPARKS, neo and two proteges of ALICIA KEYS
A few months ago I had the opportunity to see two amazingly talented young women give a performance I will never forget. I have always been a huge fan of Alicia Keys, and have enjoyed watching her grow, as a young lady, an artist, and also a humanitarian. So when the tour dates for the As I Am tour came up, I was there. The show was fantastic, she looked just as fantastic in person as she does on the red carpet. She dazzled us for about a hour, and showed no signs of exhaustion, but she did have a concert the next night in san jose, ca. I took some pictures there but can't find them, so we'll just have to settle for the ones I found online.
MGM GRAND HOTEL
LAS VEGAS, NV
EVENT: AS I AM TOUR
FEATURING: ALICIA KEYS, JORDIN SPARKS, neo and two proteges of ALICIA KEYS
A few months ago I had the opportunity to see two amazingly talented young women give a performance I will never forget. I have always been a huge fan of Alicia Keys, and have enjoyed watching her grow, as a young lady, an artist, and also a humanitarian. So when the tour dates for the As I Am tour came up, I was there. The show was fantastic, she looked just as fantastic in person as she does on the red carpet. She dazzled us for about a hour, and showed no signs of exhaustion, but she did have a concert the next night in san jose, ca. I took some pictures there but can't find them, so we'll just have to settle for the ones I found online.
June 29th
Well the inevitable has happened!!! I did it, I turned
I celebrated with family, friends, co workers, by spending a week in New Orleans (post & opinions to come), and a week if being wined and dined by family and friends. A BIG thank you to everyone who remembered me, and shared my special day.
My co workers got my favorite pizza for lunch, a dulce de leche cake decorated with my favorite strawberry shortcake. Michelle (my co worker has the same birthday)
my grandma & Marg got my other favorite pizza, pepsi (the best!!) and CAKE!!!!
I have pictures of this too, but for some reason my camera and laptop aren't getting along. As soon as I figure out what the problem is I'll fix it.
*NOTE TO ALL: EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1ST, 2009, I WILL BE 25 AGAIN. THANK YOU!!!!
I celebrated with family, friends, co workers, by spending a week in New Orleans (post & opinions to come), and a week if being wined and dined by family and friends. A BIG thank you to everyone who remembered me, and shared my special day.
My co workers got my favorite pizza for lunch, a dulce de leche cake decorated with my favorite strawberry shortcake. Michelle (my co worker has the same birthday)
my grandma & Marg got my other favorite pizza, pepsi (the best!!) and CAKE!!!!
I have pictures of this too, but for some reason my camera and laptop aren't getting along. As soon as I figure out what the problem is I'll fix it.
*NOTE TO ALL: EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1ST, 2009, I WILL BE 25 AGAIN. THANK YOU!!!!
Memories
The other day while searching around for music to put on my blog, I came across this song and it brought back some memories. Some of you may know that I grew up in a buddhist household (Nichiren Shoshu buddhism to be exact). Well once a month we would meet at a members house and do evening gongyo (done twice a day-morning & evening), and receive inspirational guidance from our priest. So one evening after gongyo a family friend had this WONDERFUL idea!!! That at the next months meeting I would sing a song!!!!! Well of course everyone thought that was a GREAT IDEA, everyone except for me, of course I was terrified.
The song chosen: summertime.
For a month I practiced and practiced.
Then the day arrived. I was TERRIFIED, once gongyo was over I was introduced I stood up in front of everyone, and begin to sing in a very low voice, but don't worry the room was quiet so everyone could still hear my voice crack. If I remember correctly I only sang the first verse, when it was over everyone applauded- I mean really whose gonna boo a 10 year old at a religious meeting? I'd like to think that there was some lesson learned, or something deep and thoughtful that came of all this, but nope, nothing just memories.
Whenever I hear this song I just smile, so I thought I'd share so that you can smile too.
This rendition was sang by my new favorite artist Leona Lewis, on the show X- Factor (the UK version of american idol). Her voice was a little better than mine.
The song chosen: summertime.
For a month I practiced and practiced.
Then the day arrived. I was TERRIFIED, once gongyo was over I was introduced I stood up in front of everyone, and begin to sing in a very low voice, but don't worry the room was quiet so everyone could still hear my voice crack. If I remember correctly I only sang the first verse, when it was over everyone applauded- I mean really whose gonna boo a 10 year old at a religious meeting? I'd like to think that there was some lesson learned, or something deep and thoughtful that came of all this, but nope, nothing just memories.
Whenever I hear this song I just smile, so I thought I'd share so that you can smile too.
This rendition was sang by my new favorite artist Leona Lewis, on the show X- Factor (the UK version of american idol). Her voice was a little better than mine.
Footprints
This poem by Mary Stevenson, is one of my FAVORITES. It always makes me reflect on my life, and my family and the obstacles that we've overcome. Also it reminds me daily, whether I am facing challenges or not that I am never alone, that my savior is not only with us, but carrying us, loving us, seeing us through til the end. Selfishly until now I've only thought of myself and my family when reading this poem.
One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Scenes from his life flashed across the sky
and he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
one belonging to him and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life had flashed before him,
he recalled that at the lowest and saddest times of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
Dismayed, he asked, "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
I don't understand why, when I needed you most,
you would leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious child.
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering
when you saw only one set of footprints...
That was when I carried you.
I first fell in love with this song while listening to the album 'spirit' by my new favorite artist Leona Lewis, then last night I came across this video, it brought me to tears.
One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Scenes from his life flashed across the sky
and he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
one belonging to him and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life had flashed before him,
he recalled that at the lowest and saddest times of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
Dismayed, he asked, "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
I don't understand why, when I needed you most,
you would leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious child.
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering
when you saw only one set of footprints...
That was when I carried you.
I first fell in love with this song while listening to the album 'spirit' by my new favorite artist Leona Lewis, then last night I came across this video, it brought me to tears.
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