v How do you define health?
v What does your ideal health
care system look like? (Briefly sketch it out—what kinds of services should it
provide? Who is covered? How is it paid for?). You might consider what you saw in the Emperor of All Maladies -- the cost of treatment for cancer, and other high costs associated with medical care (we've seen some stories about it in our Current Events blog).
v Kai Nielsen writes: “If there is the need for some particular
regime of care and the society has the resources to meet that need, without
undermining structures protecting other at least equally urgent needs, then, ceteris
parabus, the society if it is a decent society, must do so” (p. 652). Do you agree with Nielsen? Does his argument apply to the U.S.? Explain.
Can a just society refuse to provide health care to all of its
citizens? Is health care a right, and if so, what kind? For whom is it a right (citizens, military, the
elderly, children, all, none?).
How do I define health? Health can mean many different things to lots of people. When I think of health I think about the quality of life. One can have an illness or disease in still is in good health. How you treat yourself and care for your own needs will promote good healthy living actives. If the person is involved and engaged in life then health will follow and shine though. A person’s state of mind I feel plays a large part in how one sees their health and reacts to any illness that comes their way.
ReplyDeleteHealth care is it right or should it be earned? This is a hard question to answer because we all need health care and not all people can work for it. However, my personal belief is that you should work for what you get in life because nothing is ever truly free. In saying my personal value/belief comes from how I was raised. My parents always taught me you show earn what you have and never take something for free. Then on the other side I also was taught to always help them that are in need. I do feel that parents have the right ideal but in today’s world some people do not have any standards or core values in life. Making people pay for their own health care would make them respect their health a little more because if they got sick they would have to pay the co pay or their cost of insurance may go up. If someone does get assists with health care they should work for it in some fashion, if they are in able body. Now those who are unable to care for themselves such as the elder, the TRULY disable, or families which a very sick child that might need help with assists it should be there for them. But, I know making those decisions to who is able and not able is hard in the times we live in today. So free or not free I guess it is still a toss-up?
I define health as the absence of chronic, debilitating disease. Most of us have some sort of health problems and diagnoses, but not to the point of disability. It does not mean the same to everyone, but very few people live without any medical problem or aches and pains ever. If we can maximize our health with diet, exercise, meds, and live with the conditions we have with good quality of life, then I'd say that is good health. Our ideal healthcare would look similar to in quality to the affordable care act. I like the premise of Obamacare, extending coverage to all Americans, extending kids coverage to age of 26 for kids, covering more services for preventative care for free without copays, and many other benefits. With that being said, I'm not sure how to have all this paid for and not send our country in further debt (it already has). Just because everyone is covered, doesn't mean they are actually paying for it. All of us working are paying to keep this country afloat, which is why many are opposed. Medicare and Medicaid coverage has been extended and that has made our taxes go up. I also feel we spend a lot of money on treatment that is unnecessary at times, doing treatments and running tests that are running costs up on patients that we know will not benefit from them. I don't know what the answer is, but I think we need more parameters to meet criteria for usage of certain tests or treatments. If patients don't fit into the criteria, then perhaps the treatments should not be an option or made available to them.
ReplyDeleteI used o define health by the textbook definition " the absence of disease", however since I live with a chronic illness ( lupus) , by that definition I would never be seen as healthy, SO, like any good nurse - I redefined my idea of health. Health for me is being able to get up each morning and do the things I need to do , as well as the things I want to do with minimal interruption of pain, stiffness, swelling, fever, and fatigue that defines my disease. I am happy to say that on most days I enjoy great health.
ReplyDeleteWHO deserves healthcare? I truly feel that everyone does , regardless of age, gender, economic status , etc. However I do feel that those who are able should contribute to the financial support of healthcare. The US , in my opinion , is very lax in who they give disability payments to. Sure , there are a lot of people out there who can't work because of horrible diseases or injuries- but we have also seen those who still enjoy recreational activities , regular lives and are on it as well. Everyone has something they can contribute to the betterment of society - finding that talent and exploiting it , turning it into a meaningful contribution could be there repayment fir insurance .
Health can be defined as the absence of illnesses and/or diseases. However, there are people that have diseases who I would consider healthy. For example, someone with asthma who is able to carry out their normal ADL’s, meeting all of the typical needs without limitations of asthma I would consider healthy.
ReplyDeleteWhat does my ideal health care system look like? This is the million dollar question. It is a wonderful idea for everyone to have access to insurance. I am just not sure how we can make that happen. I do not like a big government and our government just seems to get bigger and bigger sticking its hand in every part of our lives. I am all for helping those in need, who are trying to help themselves into a better position, and are not abusing the system or help they are given. Healthcare for everyone would be a wonderful thing, but I believe it holds many problems of its own such as limited access to the care and decisions regarding treatments available not left up to the patient but made by the government. After this and our nursing class, it is even more evident that we are facing significant issues in healthcare. In addition, you look around at those issues that are not directly related to healthcare that need attention as well, such as infrastructure (bridges and roadways) in need of major repair or replacement, long term drought with no relief in sight, the national debt that already exists, and national security. It paints a dismal and depressing picture. I believe that for successful collaboration you need individuals who are willing to work together and not focused only on their individual agendas. You need a variety of disciplines represented and to find those groups or agencies that are currently successful and leading the way in positive strides towards healthcare. Then, start with the areas that can make the greatest impact for the most people and continually evaluate the progress being made.
I define health as the overall well-being of a person socially, mentally, emotionally and physically. A person can be dx with a chronic disease however he/she can still function as a "healthy person". I believe every American should be entitled to health care coverage in the U.S. I think an "ideal" health care system would be similar to the Universal Health Care Plan of Europe. The UK provides the leading health care system in the world and spend significantly less on GDP each year. The majority of the system would be ran by a public sector and the government would control the spending cost for administration salaries, cost of prescription medication and health care services. This system would be funded through tax payers dollars and the amount is determined by a person's total income.
ReplyDeleteLike many of my classmates, I do not define health as simply the absence of disease. I feel as though a person is healthy when they are able to function to the best of their ability even in the presence of chronic conditions. Those chronic conditions could be heart disease, diabetes, depression, MS or any other of dozens of diseases. Those who are able to manage those processes while still functioning in the roles of life they held as valuable prior to a diagnoses. For instance, my father in law was recently diagnosed with cirrhosis. He is a more active participant at family gatherings, has been making an effort to be more involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. I realize much of this is due to his needing to face his own mortality. He has been able to be an active participant in managing his disease by being responsible for taking his medication and making adjustments to his daily like to handle side affects of his new meds. He states he feels healthier even though he knows this new diagnosis means his life will likely end sooner than without the cirrhosis. I see him as an overall healthier person.
ReplyDeleteAn ideal healthcare system would have access to care for all. I do not believe that that care needs to be unlimited. I think that patients, those who receive care need to be held accountable to some degree for their health. By that I mean, as consumers of healthcare, we need to be responsible for our actions. I think that incentives should continue and even increase for those who exhibit healthy lifestyle habits. I also think that higher rates may be appropriate for individuals who do not change unhealthy habits should pay a higher insurance premium, but there is a fine line between monitoring those behaviors and impinging on privacy. I have no answer on how to address that issue.
I think there will continue to be a great need to supply insurance for those who are unable to attain private insurance. I think "giving" insurance or coverage needs to be monitored frequently to be sure that the insured still meets criteria for the coverage. At some point, we all need to accept that there will be times when insurance will not cover any and all procedures and testing. It will become cost prohibitive. Again, I do not have an answer for this, just my thought on what's coming as healthcare becomes more expensive to provide.
Health is different for everyone. I think when people are at their ultimate best then they are their healthy. These levels can range due to a person’s chronic conditions and personal health habits.
ReplyDeleteTo have a successful health care system, I believe we need to make it a right, not business. I think having the government taking over health care would be ideal, but that would put so many people out of jobs. Insurance companies need to be reformed into providing appropriate care and making it affordable. The top of these insurance companies would not be allowed to have big incomes with huge bonuses. This money needs to go back into health care. Everyone in our country deserves quality health care. Preventative measures need to be the focus and rewarded.
I define health as physical and mental well being. Although most people live with chronic disease, they can still "be well". Compliance with diet, medication, and exercise is key to a healthy lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteI think healthcare is a right, and it should be income based. US citizens with true disabilities and are unable to work, should still have sources like Medicaid. I think if our government cracked down on the people who are "working the system" and took assistance (food stamps and SSI) away from those capable of working, the government would have the funds for a healthcare system that would benefit everyone. People should not be discriminated against for pre-existing conditions, these individuals need healthcare the most.
I define health as being able to carry on your personal duties in their personal and professional life.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that healthcare is a right. I like how our healthcare system is set up now. However, I think that their should be less out of pocket pay for people with insurance,
I also believe that the government should crack down on the people that are using the system. People with chronic conditions, children, vets, military, elderly ect should be able to obtain healthcare if they can not obtain insurance on their own.
I define health as living your life with a happy and positive attitude and living it to your fullest without and medical complications holding you back. Quality of life is what is most important to me and my family. I believe that everyone under the age of 18 years old should be entitled to healthcare coverage. I feel that everyone over that age should have to work and or pay to contribute into our healthcare system in order to receive healthcare benefits. If a person develops cancer at say age 50, he or she would have already payed into healthcare throughout their life and would have full healthcare benefits. I think the way our system is set up currently is very hard to swallow sometimes. I see people abusing the system on a daily basis having their 8th child on medicaid and getting all free healthcare and food and not working or even trying to work. Why would they, everything they have now in life is free. And on the other hand you have all the middle class people working every hour they can to afford healthcare insurance and life in general. seems life an unfair system to me.
ReplyDeleteI define health as living your life with a happy and positive attitude and living it to your fullest without and medical complications holding you back. Quality of life is what is most important to me and my family. I believe that everyone under the age of 18 years old should be entitled to healthcare coverage. I feel that everyone over that age should have to work and or pay to contribute into our healthcare system in order to receive healthcare benefits. If a person develops cancer at say age 50, he or she would have already payed into healthcare throughout their life and would have full healthcare benefits. I think the way our system is set up currently is very hard to swallow sometimes. I see people abusing the system on a daily basis having their 8th child on medicaid and getting all free healthcare and food and not working or even trying to work. Why would they, everything they have now in life is free. And on the other hand you have all the middle class people working every hour they can to afford healthcare insurance and life in general. seems life an unfair system to me.
ReplyDelete