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| Written by Jennifer Wadsworth | |
| Saturday, 09 August 2008 | |
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Some state-insured patients have had a hard time getting their medication since the state cut Medi-Cal reimbursements by 10 percent, as it simply costs some pharmacists too much to refill their perscriptions.
"If it’s too expensive, I have to tell them to go somewhere else," he said. "Some of them are longtime customers, who’ve come to me for 15 to 20 years, and I can’t help them." Independent pharmacies like Reich’s Pharmacy and Medical Supplies on 10th Street have found it too expensive to refill some prescriptions — especially brand-name drugs for their low-income clients — ever since the state enacted a 10-percent cut on Medi-Cal reimbursements to doctors, hospitals and pharmacies on July 1. Later that month and early into this one, patients’ prescriptions began to run out. These past few weeks, Reich said he’s been inundated with clients he’s had to turn away. Arthritis-stricken Bonita Perez, 48, was one of them. For 15 years, Medi-Cal paid for her to refill at Reich’s pharmacy the prescription anti-inflammatory she took to treat her arthritis. Since July, though, the West Ninth Street public-housing tenant has had to turn to her doctor for three-pill sample packets. Unless the state lifts the cutback after finalizing the state budget this fall, she said she’ll just count on the free samples to tide her over. There’s a chance, though, that lawmakers will reduce the cut by 5 percent or extend it through the fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2009. Medi-Cal pays back pharmacists based on a wholesale rate calculated for brand-name drugs that leaves practically no leeway for adjustment. Until July, pharmacists expected a 4-percent profit and pay-back for dispensing, staffing and administrative costs. The 10-percent cutback nixes that profit margin, even flipping it. Instead of getting something back, pharmacists pay the difference, Medi-Cal officials explained. The state’s ruling, which pharmacists challenged to no avail last month, has especially been tough for state-insured sufferers of immunodeficiency disorders like AIDS and HIV or those with multiple sclerosis — sicknesses that all require high-priced medications to treat. Some face the prospect of doing without, Reich said. He described a case in which a woman was recently re-hospitalized because he had to deny her request for expensive antibiotics prescribed by a local doctor to treat a toxic bowel infection.
Sutter Tracy Community Hospital would lose about $200,000 this year through outpatient care if the cutback continues through next summer, said the nonprofit hospital’s chief financial officer, Eric Dalton. Corporate pharmacies have continued to fill prescriptions, despite it eating up some company profit. "They have a little more cushion to eat the cost," Reich said, adding that some of his longtime patients have started shopping around at the bigger pharmacies to get their prescribed drugs. Brand-name drug companies have an agreement with the state that prohibits pharmacies from dispensing generic medication alternatives to state-insured patients. Those types of brand-name drugs, which most often treat serious nerve, immune system or brain diseases, are the most expensive kind of medications — some neuropathic injections that treat MS, for example, cost up to $2,000 a month. Pharmacists are also restricted from dispensing generic versions of even some commonly prescribed drugs, like anti-nausea pills. The brand-name version costs three times the price of the generic counterpart, according to Reich. So pharmacists lose anywhere from a few to several hundred dollars per prescription without the state’s usual reimbursement. "It’s the people with AIDS, with MS, the ones who can’t live without their medication who have to be turned away," Reich said. Shirlyn Abala, owner of Abala Pharmacy on Tracy Boulevard, said she’s kept re-supplying Medi-Cal patients despite losing as much as $35 for a single refill. Unlike Rite-Aid or Walgreens, though, she has less to give. "I’m just closing my eyes for now," she said, predicting that she can go on this way for only another month before she’ll have to deny state-insured prescriptions. "I’m hoping there’s a miracle in here somewhere."
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(114)
 written by bella , August 09, 2008
so she has been on wwelfare for 20 years, who,s fault is it , hers we all work why did,nt she at one time. we are now retired, and pay over 8oo.oo in insurance a month. I see her at yard sells all the time,she gets around pretty good. sick of people who want hand out all the time. get a job Bonita. we did.
 written by amy , August 09, 2008
Sad signs of time happening everywhere, the number is rising:
Some face the prospect of doing without, Reich said. He described a case in which a woman was recently re-hospitalized because he had to deny her request for expensive antibiotics prescribed by a local doctor to treat a toxic bowel infection. System was abused to the point that those who do need help desperately due to these diseases: cancer, MS, coronary disease, chronic toxic infection.....would have to be turned away, too. If abuse for handouts had not occurred, more would have been helped? Different subject: Obesity brings hosts of problems! I don't know any medical profession who would say differently since evidence speaks loudly in medical field. Bet most of the medication would not be needed if the weight were within normal range. Would be surprised if diabetes were not factored in? It not only hurts the pharmacists, it hurts all pharmacy in and out of the hospitals. Hospitals are taking losses, too. Not just in CA, everywhere, too. Just too messy for too many desperately ill people with these kind of economical hardships! Those who truly suffer are hurt the most. -amy PS. A friend of mine was ill for a long while only to trace it back to her acrylic nails! She recovered a month after the acrylic nails were removed. Chemicals in it made her ill!  written by Nicki , August 09, 2008
Bella,
Just because she gets medi-cal doesn't mean she is on welfare and not working.I read the article and it doesn't say she is not working. My husband works hard and makes good money and we have insurance, but my child has many medical problems and they will only pay for some of the things he needs. They keep telling us to apply for medi-cal. On an average I spend $800.00 a month out of my own pocket on things that the insurance won't cover fully. So don't make this about being lazy and not working. written by bella , August 09, 2008
nicki, I,m nothing putting anyone down, you have worked and pay your I,m all for your getting the help your child needs, I have grandson 2yearsold just open heart surgery, and now has cancer. there are getting help. I knew this lady she has not worked. I,m for any one who needs real help. I,m a nurse myself. I,m not for people getting everything free. I have 2 friends on med cal ,but they worked.
 written by Concerned Parents , August 09, 2008
Bella-did she have a lot of children? Otherwise it's hard to imagine how she was able to get Medi-Cal for 2 decades.
written by bella , August 09, 2008
nicki you should get med cal for your child, your husband has paid taxs ,I,m takeing about people who abuse the system.I saw alot of it.when I was doing nurseing work,The people who really need can,t it. they wound up loseing there homes and everything , they work all there life for.yes nicki get help.
 written by juantamad , August 09, 2008
there are patients on medical who are abusing the system....they can not afford to pay for health insurances but they are enrolled at In-Shape, drives a brand new car - a Mercedes Benz, has an I-phone ....what the heck? .....is there a way to report these people????
written by bella , August 09, 2008
conparents after there kid are 18 teen ,they go on S.I.S taxs payers pay for this.I lived in foster homes when I got out of high school, I was on my own. I wanted to be a nurse so I went into the miltary an became army nurse in 1966, I,m proud of what I did, I never ask for anything free.
 written by Tom Benigno , August 09, 2008
To whom it may concern:
This is the price we pay for trying to stay alive. Take it from me. t. b  written by Annie Snyder , August 09, 2008
I have spoken with Bonita before. I don't know her well, though. She has talked about trying to lose weight. I know it is difficult when you are in pain or you are facing a huge obstacle. Her weight is enough that it may feel too big for her to face.
From my own experience I will say that excercize and weight control will help with some of her medical issues. I have never been very big, but I have been a size 14 before. My knees and hips have bothered me for years. I was only a size 9 when my knee swelled up and hurt very bad. I went to the doctor who gave me a brace. I started to excersize again, as I use to. My knee improved. My joints still hurt, but if I let that stop me it will only get worse. If you have a lot of weight to lose and it feels too overwhelming, just start. Even if it is just a little walk or some kind of movement. Don't do nothing, do anything. My mom started by just walking up and down the front walk. She built up to more than two miles a day plus a full time job. Just start! written by Annie Snyder , August 09, 2008
One thing that did make me really upset was when I was pregnant and could not get help. I worked since I was 12. I was 14 when I started working for a real pay check. I payed into the system for years. I was 31 when I was pregnant with my second child. I had complications and was told to stop working. I quit my part time job, but kept doing home daycare because I could not get any financial help. They said my husband earned too much money. His money did not pay all our bills. I am not the manicure/hairdo/shopping type of woman. I clip coupons and shop sales. My kids and I wore hand-me-downs or thrift store clothes. It was frustrating to see people living on the system that did not deserve it but I could not get a little assistance.
written by bella , August 09, 2008
Annie syder What happen to was wrong, people that work all their lives can,t get help inless you sign away home and life.you could have lost you live or your child. your husband and kids much be so proud of you.
 written by cd em , August 10, 2008
"Brand-name drug companies have an agreement with the state that prohibits pharmacies from dispensing generic medication alternatives to state-insured patients..." Everyone here has picked on the victim of the system instead of focusing on the culprits e.g. the "Brand-name drug companies and the Dr.'s (MD's are medicine dispensers). The typical insured patient only receives coverage for generic medications, could be that the insurance companies have more clout than the pharmaceuticals. Recently a local doctor admonished an acquaintance for not following his instructions in self managing the 21 prescribe "drugs", you know the typical treatment medications -high blood pressure, satin, pain killers, antidepressants, diuretics, acid-reflex, anti-inflammation, etc. If scientists were to give this many medications to lab rats, the lab rats would be a little confused and FETA would burn the place down. I was lucky, when I quit take prescribed “drugs”, I only had to 7 to keep track of and wasn't 100% faithful to my DR's instructions. What prompted me to quit the meds was finding out one would enhance (enlarge) my breast and could possibly lead to breast cancer. Being an adult heterosexual male I didn't think I needed larger breast. My point is save the meds for the seriously ill and leave the rest of us alone.
 written by tgtracy , August 10, 2008
yay for abala pharmacy!!! they're the best in town
 they're still trying to fill meds for medi-cal patients!! if you havent been to abala, you're missing out. they have the BEST customer service and are SUPER fast. the state needs to allow state insured patients to receive generic drugs, which would cut the cost down TREMENDOUSLY. written by amy , August 10, 2008
Bella and Annie Snyder, you both are true survivors! What courage you carry! And still retain wonderful humor on other blogs, that is a gift!
Good points cd em! Med-Cal ought to allow generic, will they allow it if the patient ask them of it? Not sure how that Med-Cal insurance works. Ask them questions, and sometimes the insurance company will work with you? Just don't want to see any more family pharmacy being harmed and put out of business in today's economy. Bless Harold Reich for his wanting to help his customers, I know he hates turning patients away and he is not alone in having to do that. Happens all across USA. -amy written by Tom Benigno , August 10, 2008
To whom it may concern:
Do we allow Canadian drugs to come into the country, because they are cheaper. I voted against it, because there were too many placebo drugs mixed in to the non generic drugs, that were supposed to be cheaper. t. b  written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 10, 2008
Picking on the one person in this picure is easy, but the truth is a lot of people abuse the system and they are experts at it and they show their friends how to do it. Maybe the system is fighting back from all the abuse.
As far as obesity goes she could have diabetis or another medical problem causing that. Obesity is a disease itself. It should be recognized as such so people who are overwieght are not continually looked down on or that they ar lazy. I have a friend who never had extra pounds, and this person fell and droke their pelvic bone, amy and bella should know this is a rare case. I have a copy of the xray and no bone problems. My friend gaind 20 plus pounds. So please don't think our system can't handle our over weight friends or family. They have feelings like the rest of us. written by Nicki , August 10, 2008
You can contact the drug maker in a lot of cases and they can help you get your meds free or cheaper. Unfortunately it is not meds that my child needs. It's DME
written by amy , August 10, 2008
Will let the readers come to their own conclusion after that erronous statement:
http://www.lifeclinic.com/focu...esity.asp Obesity With 61% of the U.S. adult population considered overweight or obese, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has released a new practical guide to help doctors treat their overweight patients. It consists of a 10-step plan to help the nation’s 97 million obese or overweight adults to lose weight and thereby reduce their risk of illness or death from hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions that have been associated with overweight. In preparing a new practical guide to help doctors treat their obese and overweight patients, the panel reviewed relevant treatment strategies designed for weight loss. Dietary therapy -- A low calorie diet -- with a deficit of 500 to 1000 calories/day -- is recommended for weight loss. Physical activity -- Individuals should start moderate activity for 30-45 minutes, 3 -- 5 days/week, and aim for at least 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity on most, and preferably all, days. Behavior therapy -- This is a useful adjunct when incorporated into treatment for weight loss and weight maintenance. Pharmacotherapy -- Using FDA-approved weight loss medications, in combination with diet and physical activity, results in weight loss when used for 6 months to a year. Weight loss surgery is an option for carefully selected patients with clinically severe obesity when less invasive methods of weight loss have failed and the patient is at high risk for obesity-associated illness or death. Further, the panel recommended that dietary therapy, physical activity, and behavior therapy be used in combination for the greatest success. The panel recommends these methods to foster long-term weight control and to prevent weight gain as well. -amy Information at everyone's fingertips? written by amy , August 10, 2008
Juvenile diabetes and obesity related diabetes are two entirely different kind of diabetes.
-amy written by amy , August 10, 2008
Many patients who followed the regiment of correct diet, excercises, their sugar level returns to normal, but damages done by diabetes at untreated, advanced stages, blindness, necrosis of toes, ulcerated sores, kidney failure, congestive heart failure are obvious. Good idea to get weight under control? Obesity brings hosts of problems? I think so. Take care of your health.
-amy written by amy , August 10, 2008
Obesity would not have been further addressed if it had not been pointedly commented on.
Just could not let misinformation confuse the people. Diabetes is a serious matter. Thanks. -amy written by amy , August 10, 2008
Petite women, small boned women are prone to osteoporosis. "Porous bones" hence the pelvic breaks at advanced age, over 50's. None weight related.
Important for women to get bone scans, some men, are not extempted from osteoporosis. Tall, small boned men, too in small category. -amy written by bella , August 10, 2008
MBNDC boy lady all you do is turn what other say around, all we were talking about was people who abused the SYSTEM....Not those who are over weight. You just like to put people down.IF you have nothing good to say just keep your thought,I,m sick of nasty mouth. you could not walk in Annie Snyder orAmy or My foot steps we have more class than you will every have.
written by bella , August 10, 2008
MBNDC..... I,m sure that I,m not the only one tired of you ATTACKING Amy, she has done nothing to you. Half the time you make NO sense.. Most of us enjoy the humor the others give us with the police blotter, I know cops who race home to read it.
written by Nicki , August 10, 2008
What does her not getting her meds have to do with obesity? NOTHING..good grief people stay on topic
written by amy , August 10, 2008
Misinformation was stated on diabetes causing obesity when it is actually the other way around.... and it needed correction. Had to clear that up for public's information.
Hope that subject on "what causes" obesity is cleared and closed, I hope. Just don't understand why the state insurance would not allow generic??? Tiny cases have been reported to sensitivity to generic antibiotic as well as brand names.... so where is the real difference besides the costs? 10 percent less reimbursement to the pharmacy is hurting the business? -amy written by amy , August 10, 2008
That is like taking 10 percent cut of your pay. Poor Harold. Bet he felt sick of having to turn patients away.
-amy written by bella , August 10, 2008
Nicki have take to social security, about help for your child. nicki this want we are talking about, your family needs help with the childs meds. your not asking for money ,just for help so your child can live right. others abuse the system, you won,t Amy do you know ahy where they can help with the meds.PLEASE ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW OF ANY KIND OF HELP THIS FAMILY CAN GET FOR THEIR CHILD THEY NEED IT NOW.....
written by bella , August 10, 2008
sorry nicki meant to say have you talk to S.I.S or social system some Doctors or someone has to knew how to get you and your husband help. THis has got to be so hard on the two of you ,no man should have to go to work, with this on his mind all the time . his got to be one good man.
written by amy , August 10, 2008
There are Medicare Program that they could enroll their child for these urgent reasons, but the problem is the Medicare program varies from State to State. I don't know. So I suggest someone contact Health Care Consultant, that the clinic and hospital can help you with in the wording of the medical conditions. I am sure there is someone who could help in the Social Service Program.
Just need someone to "walk you through the filing process" to get the assistance your child or family member needs. I do hope you can be helped with the medical needs for your family. -amy written by amy , August 10, 2008
Thanks Bella, hope the information will help many. Just feeling so bad for those who are hurting! All of the people needing medical help and those like Harold who wanted so much to help!
-amy written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 10, 2008
You see this bella, it was the second comment made. There is no mention of obesity in the article. amy brought it up. Annie was more compassionate about this lady and she brought up the fact that obesity is a hard disease to over come. You look for my name and try to insult me. Lay off it, I had a valid point. You wouldn't want to realy know what I thought when amy brought out the fat card, that they are in essence the ones causing all this or a good part of it, bull. Thats discrimination what she said, She could have put her own nails on to, whoever brought that up.
written by amy , August 09, 2008 written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 10, 2008
written by amy , August 10, 2008
Will let the readers come to their own conclusion after that erronous statement: This article is about drugs being to expensive not about over weight people costing us money. I'm about to get rude here. Keep it up. And only because you are being rude. Obesity is a disease, written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 10, 2008
I didn't say this person was a women. There are 4 cases of this kind of break so you never know what can be a catalyste for people becoming ovr weight. Your are hurtful again amy.
written by amy , August 10, 2008
Hey Bella, have you seen the Sunday Police Blotter, fortheunderdog told a joke about hyperdermic needle... told him I liked it.
-amy written by amy , August 10, 2008
Sorry, Sunday 10th Police logs, can't wait for new ones! Will check back later.
Not trying to hurt anyone, just mentioned all those "medication" would not be necessary under controlled weight. That applies to obsese children as well. Very small group suffer from hypothyroid condition and it is treatable. Medical field just wishes the people would not make excuses for their over eating habits. Just be conscious of consequences it may bring? Hypertension, requiring medication, diabetes, requiring insulin and treatments of the extremities, enlarged heart (congestive heart failure) chronic bladder infection. Ability to fight infection is much lowered due to diabetic condition. I am sure Bella knows the scenario. Ignorance due to misinformation hurts the people and giving wrong information is dangerous. That hurts them? No one was picking on the person in the picture! -amy written by cd em , August 10, 2008
If, the State (Medi-Cal) had not cut a deal prohibiting the use of generic drugs when available there would be more than a 10% savings. Remember, "Brand-name drug companies have an agreement with the state that prohibits pharmacies from dispensing generic medication alternatives to state-insured patients the consumer" those with the fewest means available the Medi-Cal patients and the owner operated pharmacies will suffer the most from this 10% cut in the reimbursement. If the state needs to save 10% why not cut the amount they pay the Brand-name drug companies. After, Canada, California Medi-Cal system must be the biggest customer of the Brand-name drug companies, thus, use that clout and reduce payment to the drug companies. If the facts presented in the article are correct then the Brand-name drug companies have broken anti-trust laws in their negotiations with the State or the State is shelling-out and selling-out our taxes and tax payers.
written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 10, 2008
Oh bella, you brought it on didn't you? I'll show you class lady. I never said anything about Annie Snyder first of all.
I'll put my answers in caps. written by bella , August 10, 2008 MBNDC boy lady NEVER SAID I WAS A LADY all you do is turn what other say around,NOT TRUE, NO EXAMPLE GIVEN SO WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT all we were talking about was people who abused the SYSTEM amy BROUGHT UP THE THING ABOUGHT OBESE PEOPLE ,....Not those who are over weighty amy DID. You just like to put people downYOU DO A PRETTY GOOD JOB OF IT YOURSELF. YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TAALKING ABOUGHT LADY.IF you have nothing good to say just keep your thoughtSAME FOR YOU,I,m sick of nasty mouthI NEVER SAID ANYTHING NASTY. you could not walk in Annie Snyder orAmy or My foot steps we have more class than you will every have.YOU DON'T KNOW ME AND YOU HAVEN'T WALKED IN MY SHOES EITHER, SO WHATS YOU POINT, bella? Calm down bella. Reread everything you have totally got yourself all mixed up here. written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 10, 2008
Thank you nicki for also pointing it out this article is not about OBESITY.
written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 10, 2008
"Medical field just wishes the people would not make excuses for their over eating habits".amy quoting insulting comments that have nothing to do with the cost of pills, Give it up.
written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 10, 2008
"Medical field just wishes the people would not make excuses for their over eating habits". by amy again.
Medical field wishes people would quit smocking, doing illegal drug. shooting each other. And all sorts of other things. Right ,amy. Then we wouldn't need doctors or nurses for that matter, to bad. written by amy , August 10, 2008
Uh oh, someone dropped the ball:
Medical field just wishes the people would not make excuses for their over eating habits. Just be conscious of consequences it may bring? Hypertension, requiring medication, diabetes, requiring insulin and treatments of the extremities, enlarged heart (congestive heart failure) chronic bladder infection. Ability to fight infection is much lowered due to diabetic condition. I am sure Bella knows the scenario. Will never give up accurate information to people once misinformed! Most attention was drawn to the "complaint" on "complaint" of obesity. Would not have been pursued if not negatively commented on? Boy, be careful, what kind of information you give out to the public! -amy written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 10, 2008
No one was picking on the person in the picture!
-amy Better read again. bella accused her of haveing long manucured nails and goes garage sailing. Implying what bella? written by amy , August 10, 2008
I don't deal with those with nasty mouths and closed minds.
Deal with yourself! -amy written by amy , August 10, 2008
cd em, you have lots of points in there, wondered the very same thing myself. So what happened? Deregulations? Waiver of agreement of sort? Hope more information will come out on that issue.
-amy written by bella , August 10, 2008
MBNDC hey missy I never said one word about her getting her nails done. you need to go back to school and learn how to read. nothing you say makes any sense. you sure mix up what people say. you got problems LITTLE GIRL>>>>>>. we are talking about people that abuse the system. you just get, do you LITTLE in lest your one of them. go pull a sack over your head, you need HELP> no one is afraid of you LITTLE MISSSSSSSSSY....
written by bella , August 10, 2008
mbncd I did,t say one word about her nails, some else did . don.t threat any one on this blog, LITTLE girl. I,m 60 years old be belive I could take your little smart butt down . go play in the freeway.
written by Concerned Parents , August 11, 2008
I for one agree with the medical profession, people should stop "smocking" it is a waste of material!
 written by bla , August 11, 2008
LOL, it was I who said she gets her nails done. They aint press-on. Sorry, its just one of my many pet peeves. Your right, I don't know this woman's situation but I know many who are on welfare or State assistance that somehow can afford to get their hair and nails done. Maybe I am just jealous, I manicure my own nails and color my own hair... Got to help feed the family.
  written by BigDeal1 , August 11, 2008
Most pharmaceutical companies have patient assistance programs for low income patients with insurance or no insurance. there are guidelines but it doesn't hurt to try. here is a website http://www.needymeds.com/-- good luck to those who need the help!
written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 11, 2008
Sorry bella. The nails look Cr*ppy like home done type.
Hypertension, requiring medication, enlarged heart (congestive heart failure) chronic bladder infection. Ability to fight infection is much lowered due to diabetic condition.by amy OK, my mother had these symptoms for at least ten years before she passed, I took out the one she didn't have, and she was never over weight. It can be people in general that don't take care of themselves,(not necessary obese is all I'm saying) that can get these problems. The reaquiring bladder infection was awful and made her hallucinate. written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 11, 2008
Most attention was drawn to the "complaint" on "complaint" of obesity. Would not have been pursued if not negatively commented on?
Boy, be careful, what kind of information you give out to the public! -amy amy, you are the only one that mentioned obesity. I see arthritis, immunodeficiency disorders such as AIDS and HIV or multiple sclerosis, toxic bowel infection, but nothing about obesety. Mental disorders weren't evenmentioned and some of the cost of those pills are very expensive. written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 11, 2008 written by bella , August 10, 2008 bella, I'm not attacking amy. Get over it. get a hold of yourself and reread what I said. I was not being mean. written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 11, 2008 written by bella , August 09, 2008 bella, do you treat the people who you assume abuse the system differently, because of this statement I would not want you as a nurse. I have good medical coverage btw. written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 11, 2008
Excellent and caring statement Annie.
If you have a lot of weight to lose and it feels too overwhelming, just start. Even if it is just a little walk or some kind of movement. written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 11, 2008
The cost of co pays are going up as well. Over the counter Cold medicines, over the counter any medicine are expensive. The elderly have to skip there meds to stretch them out. It is very sad.
Bella, I'm a lover not a fighter. Sorry I won't go any rounds with that statement as it is not true that I am attacking amy. I am conversing with her and disagreeing thats all. Please stop harrassing me and my comment or I will report abuse to Tracy Press. written by Concerned Parents , August 11, 2008
Amy, I assume the subject of obesity came from the photo, right? At least that was my thought, not being mean just observant.
written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 11, 2008
And amy knows if this woman was born into certain genetics that could be a factor for being overweight, like diabetes. And I'm not being mean either. I've heard of skinny people that have high chukesteral and high blood pressure. They work out and do all the right things.
written by Annie Snyder , August 11, 2008
My family is genetically narrow. I don't like the word skinny, hee-hee! My dad was about 5'8" and weighed around 145 lbs. He had high blood pressure and strokes. This was, I believe, a direct affect of alcohol and cigarettes for most of his life. He drank tons of coffee and loved snacks. When he was young he was very physically active. In his adult life he had a physical job. He hated doctors and pills, so he did not abuse the system when his symptoms got bad. He developed diabetes in his 60's. Through dietary changes his condition cleared up.
There are nine of us kids. Most of us are narrow. The biggest one is pretty big, but has always been the healthiest. I don't think size is the reason for a lot of problems, I think it is diet and life style. written by Annie Snyder , August 11, 2008
Were you two up late or up early? I got up at 4:30. Goodday Sacramento starts at 4:30 now!!!!! {squeals of excitement!}
written by Annie Snyder , August 11, 2008 Seriously! where is the governor on this issue? Hey Arnold, quit smacking my kids and deal with the insurance problems. Cutting the school budget is not going to get the voters to do what you want. It is bullying on a big scale. And I don't want to hear how our "governor is not taking his allowed paycheck. There are plenty of perks that make his "job" cost effective. Everything he does is a tax write off. Don't get me started on this guy!!!! written by bla , August 11, 2008
I am excited about Good Day @ 4:30 too
. Don't leave home until 10:00. Alan is a cutey. He and his crew showed up at my house many months back. I have tried to win the 250.00 in free gas but no such luck! I bet the people at Good Day would get a kick out the Police logs...  written by Annie Snyder , August 11, 2008
Yeah, they would crack up at some of our stupid criminal stories.
I have to leave home! Dang it! I need to take a walk. Starting tomorrow I have to go to work. Students start Wednesday. I have never tried any of the contests. I did not even sign up for the 5:00 a.m. club. I am up, but I am a dork on the computer. written by amy , August 11, 2008
Concerned Parent, no, the issue is not based on the photo. The issue is based on the expensive containers of medications on the table. Not getting generic.
That is why I said "Different Subject", nothing to do with the person in the picture, but American's diet in general leading to needing prescriptions. True, there are people born predisposed to being fat, that is why the diet and regiment program was placed in healthy living practice to prevent pains in the joints, breathing problems and so on. I included the report of listings of alternatives for those who care about consequences the extreme weight brings. There are young children, overweight, coming in with hypertension! Diseases brought on by high carbohydrate, (sugar laden, colored cereal, potato chips, snacks that does not do body any well. I just feel they are just too young to be having adult problems by the lack of choice of what they eat/snack at home. Medications would not be necessary? Juvenile diabetes is not brought on by obesity. It is a disease in itself. Some young children are even afflicted with arthritis, and there are some after allergy screenings, they were returned to non-arthritic state. Food allergy plays a big role in the person's health, too. There are even food allergy that causes a person to retain fluids. To be sure, get food allergy screening, too. Why they couldn't get generic is a question I have. The abuse on the system are hurting those who are truly hurting and I believe that is what we were mostly addressing until someone came along and twisted it around to one word, "obesity" and gave wrong information that diabetes causes obesity when it is the other way around, if she had not given out wrong information I would not have bothered to reply. -amy written by amy , August 11, 2008
Report was included after the wrong information was given out, dangerous to give misinformation.
Thanks. -amy written by bella , August 11, 2008
MBNDC I,m and was a good nurse, I took care of soldiers that came back from Vietnam, WE nureses were in our early 20s . WE had to see things , you will. I use to beg God let me sleep. we worked 24hrs shifts with any rest or sleep. don,t me I was not agood nurse.
written by bella , August 11, 2008
mbndc meant to say you will never see and you hope you will not. IT was not easy for any nurse or doctor .
written by amy , August 11, 2008
BigDeal 1.... thank you so much for supplying that website on getting assistances, hope the people will book mark it in their puter.
Thanks! -amy Bella, my uncle I never knew was never the same after the war, was told he passed a scholarship to fight in the Viet Nam War. He had been injured and received two purple hearts.Seeing that you have so much heart, I hope you had cared for him. Thank you for your difficult nursing career, they would not have made it home in better condition if it had not been done by the courageous nurse like you. To live in fear of your life by the bombardment not so far from the medical camp, must not be easy. The things that you have seen, I know robbed you of your sleep. He couldn't sleep either, before he took his own life. Thank you, Bella. -amy  written by fortheunderdog , August 11, 2008
Dang, you guys get up early! Whatever happened to sleeping in late?
 Actually, my yellow Lab woke me up at 5 wanting to go out. I was a bachelor all weekend with my wife visiting with her mom. It was real quiet. I agree with amy that patients should opt for generic prescriptions whenever possible. And like Concerned Parents I, too, noticed from the photo that the woman is overweight which could be caused by a number of reasons. Genetics, over-eating, depression, etc. I also noticed a bottle of Effexor on the table which is an anti-depressant used to treat anxiety/depression that can be cause by being overweight. The article did say she has arthritis which would make exercising quite painful so with no physical conditioning being done it just seems logical that her metabolism isn't working as fast as those of us who work out daily. This is going to start a fight but being recently retired I vacuum, dust, wash clothes, maintain the yards, clean the pool, maintain the cars, exercise, etc all so I can spend more time with my wife when she gets off work. Hey, my name is on the mortgage too! written by amy , August 11, 2008
That is correct, too, fortheunderdog! That is why my concerns were not addressed to the person in the picture, it applies to lifestyle and eating habits that could be modified to ensure those healthy to remain healthy therefore they would not be needing medications. I do hope the misinformation was cleared up and that the person, bless her heart for being the "brunt of it" by the complainer's comments addressing obesity to her, was not reading this as personal affront. She has the courage to pose in the picture showing all that medication and showing of her predicament as well as Harold's. They are both hurting? I think so!
-amy Those who do need it like the lady and many others like her above in the picture should be able to get generic medications. There are others who could be helped, by following the doctor's instructions and the guidelines in healthy living, eating lifestyle. I am for Green Living, healthy living awareness and hoped it will give those something to think about since 1 in 3 Americans without health insurance have chronic conditions. That is scary problem to have while being uninsured, the generic could help them? Is the system failing every body? I fear it needs alot of work before we can have an healthy system in operation for the people's health benefits. Long way to go, in the meantime, take care of yourself and your health? -amy written by Annie Snyder , August 11, 2008
I think my husband doing chores would be bad for my health. I would have a stroke! Hardee-har-har! Good job, ftud.
Antidepresents can cause weight gain. Weight gain can add to the self loathing. It is a cycle. I have known people to get on so many drugs to battle the effects of their drugs that they are no longer themselves. I am blessed to not need that stuff yet. I don't even take motrin unless I am really bad off. I am too stubborn! written by amy , August 11, 2008
Right! Annie!
Household chemicals can cause depressions, too!!! If you used furniture polish like Pledge or something, and you feel cranky about thirty minutes later... neurological induced depression that would go away after some moment. It is important to get food, chemical, so on screenings to find out what triggers depression, for some it is swiss cheese, some food triggers migraine. However,there is a small group whose brain is "hardwired" (chemical imbalance) in the brain that lacks serotonin level... needing depressive medication for that. Medical society just felt that the people could use more screenings to find the cause of weight gain, depressions, food allergies, attention deficit disorder and so on. Food does play a big role in one's health, it is not just obesity to be concerned about. Since obesity is the major cause of many symptoms, it could be prevented with good guide in planning one's health? Not once did I or others address obesity to the person in the picture, although she probably would feel like it is all about her rather than more on the need of generic to help her and those like her and the pharmacist who wanted so much to help her? I hope her feelings are not so hurt, just hate to see someone "used" like that in spitefulness. I have to say, she has alot of courage, and KUDOS to her for bringing cost of prescriptions and lack of obtaining generic to the news, KUDOS to Harold, too! -amy written by Annie Snyder , August 11, 2008
Thank Amy, I am "hardwired" different myself. My kids are, as well. One has O.C.D. and Tourette's syndrome. Through diet and education he no longer has noticeable tics. My middle one is hyper and has other brain glitches, as I like to call them. Diet and lots of physical activity work well for him, but not great. My oldest has depression. He also has a very poor reaction to pseudoephedrine (not sure of the spelling). He hears voices and his depression gets much worse. Educating oneself about the meds they think they need and the disability they are trying to treat can be much more effective than actually taking the meds. It is easier to take a pill, but not necessarily the best solution.
written by Annie Snyder , August 11, 2008
I meant that my son hears voices when he takes the sudafed type products. He does not have this problem otherwise.
written by amy , August 11, 2008
Yes, Annie, my deceased husband heard voices when he took antihistamines, stopped when he stopped taking it. Prescriptions are pretty much a mystery, even over the counter prescriptions. I worry when people mistakenly mix prescriptions. Pharmacist have computers that warns them of drug interactions, but patient treating themselves over the counter, needs to consult with the pharmacist to see if it would interact with the prescriptions they are taking. Just to be safe.
Thanks. -amy Leaving for Mount Hood, today! written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 11, 2008
Because of the fast food places and the extra load on fmilies wanting material items I agree people are getting larger. I know that obesity is being addressed in th scientific world. You absolutly have to eat right AND exercise. Not one or the other. You need both to achieve it.
That is interesting about the pledge polish and the antihistamines. bella, I never said you were a bad nurse. I don't know how you can tell when you were working who is abusing the system or not. Maybe if they have nice jewelry, should they sell it off, could be heirlooms or they became financially unable to pay bills like what is happening with all the foreclosed homes. It is going to get bad. You sounded angry that some people abuse the system. How can you tell when they are? I apologize for the misunderstanding. Anyone who is a nurse and especially thru the wars had a lot of hard work and visions to deal with. I don't think they are given enough credit for their services. Or recognition. ftud, I noticed a big change in my ability to mow lawns yard work since starting at In-Shape a couple months back. Having a better attitude. I know amy is right about the exercising and diet and the drug companies are greedy. |
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