| What a brain!
Though the physical body inevitably winds down with age, theres no reason why the brain should suffer the same fate. IN the developed world, and now increasingly in developing countries such as Malaysia, a person can reasonably expect to live for quite a long time past middle age. No longer is one considered old at the present retirement age of 56 years. In fact, back in 2004, life expectancy for Malaysians had already reached 69 years for men and 74 years for women. Life expectancy will continue to increase with better health status in the whole population. Unfortunately, the later years come with a risk of dementia a feebleness of the mind, a slowing of the intellect. The incidence of dementia doubles every five years after the age of 65 so that there is a 22% risk in those over 80.
Outsourcing Medicine: Patients Go Overseas
Facing a health care crisis at home, including expensive medical treatment and lack of affordable insurance, a growing number of Americans are being forced to seek alternatives to the traditional forms of medical care.
Some are turning to the Web, to sites like PlanetHospital.com and MedRetreat.com, where they find incredibly discounted medical procedures at accredited hospital overseas.
Such was the case for Chico resident Suzanne Rakow, 59. When she was 54, she did what a lot of folks would like to do. Rakow retired. She sold her home in the Bay Area, and moved to a slower-paced life in Chico, where she enjoys reading and weaving. But then the problems began, starting with getting health insurance.
"I wasn't able to obtain insurance that was affordable," Rakow said.
Analysis: SCHIP 'middle ground' sought
WASHINGTON, April 26 (UPI) -- Two prominent U.S. senators Thursday introduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program they say can make it into law. "We wanted a bill that made sense, could get votes and would pass," said Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., who co-authored the bill with Sens. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and Olympia Snowe, R-Maine. The bill would expand the joint federal-state program, known as SCHIP, that currently offers healthcare coverage to 6 million low-income children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. Most Republicans and Democrats support SCHIP in principle as the program comes up for reauthorization this year but differ widely over the program's scope. In his 2008 budget, President Bush called for a $10 billion reduction in SCHIP funding, saying states that extend eligibility to families above 200 percent of the federal poverty line and to parents have gone beyond the original intent of the program.
Tips to eat better and healthier
The Grey Bruce Health Unit Board of Health is learning how to do just that as members took a recent tour of the Owen Sound A & P grocery store. Public Health Dietitian, Kathryn Forsyth says anti-oxidants and fibre are crucial for a healthy diet. A good source of both is found in apricots, mangos and pomegranates. Forsyth says the key to chosing fruit and vegetables is too look for vibrant colours. Owen Sound Mayor Ruth Lovell says its good to learn about the updated Canada food guide, portion sizes and the sugar content in many produce items. Lovell says she has always been very conscious of what she eats. Grey County Warden Bob Pringle says it was a good tour with good information. He says we are not all eating as healthy as we probably should be.
|
