Obama's updated health care reform - where are we going??

Where is health care going??

A deadline of August for a Congressional decision to discuss the future of our health care appears to be in place. But increasing amounts of pressure has been placed on Congress and it is unknown what will be in the forecast.

Cost may be at the forefront. It has been estimated that "Covering 50 million uninsured Americans could cost as much as $1.5 trillion over a decade." citation from "Obama team plans more active role on health"

Obama is attempting to allow Congress to progress at its own pace - which is slower than his initial anticipation and expectation.

Some beginning legislation is attempting to force employers to cover their employees or face a strict penalty. This would allow for coverage for every working employee. However, it is less known to what extent this would be applied.

Another option is an insurance plan that would be government sponsored. This would allow the public to choose between their current work provided health care or a government sponsored insurance plan. Those against this are private insurers who argue that they would be pushed aside and would soon be forced to shut their doors.



Obama stated in a radio and Internet address : "This issue, health care reform, is not a luxury. It's not something that I want to do because of campaign promises or politics. This is a necessity. This is something that has to be done."

Another recent issue that congress is muling over currently is to ask some 164 million Americans who are currently covered by their employers to "give up at least part of the longstanding tax exemption granted to such compensation.

Some believe that this will primarily affect the wealthy who receive the largest tax break due to exclusion of their income.

A similar idea was passed around during the Regan administration back in 1984

What does this actually mean? Currently we are not taxed on our insurance. Or in other words, our yearly income is not higher because our insurance does not play into our income. We therefore receive a "tax break". This may lead to a coverage provided by employees that leads to higher deductibles or co-pays and/or a overall coverage that is less extensive and complete.

Recently Republicans from the Finance Committee gave a warning to President Obama and they insisted that he was making a mistake by supporting a government sponsored insurance plan directed at the middle class. Their concerns are that the government would begin to control the insurance market and that other private companies would be pushed out. Many Democrats remain mixed with many who support the idea but remain cautious with the finer details.



Reformation ideas are ever changing with the current need for a health care reform.
It will be interesting to watch as political dust is thrown in the air and watch where it lands and who is affected.


Check out the following stories:

Health insurance ‘haves’ to pay for ‘have-nots’?

"Obama team plans more active role on health"

Originally seen at http://www.iahealth.net/blog

An age old arguement continues to be found regarding the health value of Carbs and proteins. Let's take a closer look!!!

Both Carbohydrates and Proteins are used for energy and are essential in good health. Another important element of energy are fats. For years, loss of weight and good health have been viewed as joined together. Diets have tried to find the right amount of both carbohydrates and proteins. But nutritionally - what occurs if we load up on one or the other?

Is there 1 that is more healthy and benefical then the others ????

Carbohydrates - Are not an essential food source for survival but organs such as the brain, heart and kidneys are dependant on this food source for energy. Without this food source for quick breakdown, certain organs are unable to function to their capacity. Muscle mass will decrease and brain function will slow along with an increase propensity for infection. These results are related to a decrease of carbohydrate as a food source.

When carbohydrates are absent from from the diet, then the body must find energy from another source. Carbohydrates are found in muscles, organs, and other tissues as proteins. These carbohydrates or glucose molecules will be taken out for energy use.

"The food source for the brain outweighs the need of other organs and tissues."

Therefore the breakdown of the sources can cause serious harm and strain on many organs.

Good vs Bad Carbohydrates: Certain carbohydrates in simple sugars such as chips and cookies and candies are a type of carbohydrates that can cause weight gain when eating in excess and sometimes even in moderation. But other carbohydrates such as grain products,brown rice, vegetables and some fruits are better sources of carbohydrates.

Proteins are essential for amino acids and the carbohydrates that are metabolised from breakdown.The "pieces" that make up proteins become the building blocks for muscles, organs, tissues such as skin, and other areas.Proteins through a complicated process are broken down into carbohydrates and essential amino acids.Foods such as meats, fish, seeds, nuts, vegetables, and some grains.

"The key to weight loss is calories in and calories out."

The body does not care if those calories come from carbs or proteins.When you eat more calories through protein and/or carbs then you burn during the day - the result is weight gain.

High-Carb diets and High-protein diets are options and their opportunity to allow for a larger amount of weight loss has beenargued.

Several keys to weight loss include:

1.) Eating good carbs in moderation: 40%-60%

2.) Eat protein in moderation

3.) Replacement of bad fats with good carbs or proteins

4.) Exercise

*** Remember fats are another energy source - when consumed they are ready for use....when not used they will then be stored in adipose tissues. Again there is a good source and a bad source of fats!!!!

Often if you are truly seeking to loose weight, you need to meet with a proper nutritionist and an exercise trainer that can tailor a menu and an exercise schedule to meet your needs!!!

Originally posted on http://www.iahealth.net/blog