Yesterday night we had a really good discussion in class about health care. We have been talking about health care since the start of the semester and most of the discussion has been on whether or not health care is a right or a privilege. After many readings and discussions in class I decided that I couldn't really make up my mind about which side that I believed was stronger. I tended to use the terms "But" and "Although" in my argument a lot.
The discussions that we have had more recently are more interesting to me because it does not revolve around rights and privileges. I learned a lot about health care and what it would mean if the United States moved to a universal health care system. I have never known much about health care but it was helpful to discuss how others view it and their opinions about it. This helped me to form my own. Also, by looking at another aspect to health care that is not just revolving around right and privilige helped me to make up my mind. I now support Universal Health Care and believe that it would be a positive change.
A question that one might ask is whether or not you have control over your health or not. I believe this is a good question but it all depends on the definition of a healthy lifestyle and for many individuals there is not one exact definition that is clear. I believe that everyone can control the lifestyle they live. You can choose the foods you eat and the amount of excersise you receive. The only way that someone would not have control over their health is if a genetic disease or illness effects them such as cancer. This is something that cannot be controlled. As a whole, everyone has control over their health.
After reading the assigned articles this week I have found that really agreed with Gladwell. He states that many individuals do not have health care and that this is the crisis. "The death rate in any given year for someone without health insurance is twenty-five per cent higher for someone with insurance..." I believe that this proves that there are many people without insurance that do need it and a universal system would help to relieve these numbers.
I also agreed with Gladwell when he states that the Moral Hazard debate is something that is dramatized and that it is not an issue. " "You always hear that the demand for health care is unlimited. This is just not true. People who are very well insured, who are ver rich, do you see them checked into the hospital because it's free? Do people really like to go to the doctor? do they check into the hospital instead of playing golf."" I agree with this statement 100 percent. I do not think there will be an overuse of the system.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
GL 350 Week 5
Week five went by super fast! We had a productive week and it was a lot of fun. We were able to visit the museum of medical arts. This museum was very unique and fascinating. It is really hard to believe how far we have come with technology. The instruments used back in the day were very basic and it is mind boggling to believe that this was the way surguries and even other medical procedures such as childbirth was done. So many women and infants died before technology helped improve the methods of childbirth. The museum really helped me realize that things weren't always the way they are now and how much technology has helped improve society.
During the week, we all went on Gabby and Aubree's tour of the Borghese Gardens. We were able to have class and lunch in a beautiful part of the gardens. After this we went to the Gallery which was very fascinating. They did a very good job leading the tour throughout the gardens.
After visiting Ireland this past weekend I have noticed that as a majority everyone was very friendly there. Someone would always come up to you and strike up a conversation. The taxi ride from the airport to our hostel was really fun believe it or not. Our driver was really friendly and gave us a mini tour on our way. After being in Dublin for a weekend I compared Italy to Ireland. I know that Italians speak Italian as a majority of course, and in Dublin almost everyone spoke English but even their demeaner was more friendly, such as opening doors or asking if we need help with anything.
This reminded me of the reading from "The Italians." "Why should they, who won the war, enrich us, who lost it? They must have their own reasons. Whatever they are, there is no doubt the Americans are serving their own interests. Therefore, there is no need fo rus to be grateful to them." I think that this is an example of when I compared Ireland to Italy. As a whole I don't believe everyone here is friendly and open.
During the week, we all went on Gabby and Aubree's tour of the Borghese Gardens. We were able to have class and lunch in a beautiful part of the gardens. After this we went to the Gallery which was very fascinating. They did a very good job leading the tour throughout the gardens.
After visiting Ireland this past weekend I have noticed that as a majority everyone was very friendly there. Someone would always come up to you and strike up a conversation. The taxi ride from the airport to our hostel was really fun believe it or not. Our driver was really friendly and gave us a mini tour on our way. After being in Dublin for a weekend I compared Italy to Ireland. I know that Italians speak Italian as a majority of course, and in Dublin almost everyone spoke English but even their demeaner was more friendly, such as opening doors or asking if we need help with anything.
This reminded me of the reading from "The Italians." "Why should they, who won the war, enrich us, who lost it? They must have their own reasons. Whatever they are, there is no doubt the Americans are serving their own interests. Therefore, there is no need fo rus to be grateful to them." I think that this is an example of when I compared Ireland to Italy. As a whole I don't believe everyone here is friendly and open.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Soc 490 week 3/4
On Thursday of week four we were able to visit the museum of the minds. This was an old hospital for patients that were diagnosed with mental issues. A lot of these issues would not be considered something severe enough to be put in an insane asylum. It is really amazing how far we have come along with medicine. The procedures and types of treatments used at this hospital were really hard to believe. The electric therapy was something that I learned about in my Cognitive Neuropsychology class last year. It is crazy to think that that method of therapy was used so commonly in that hospital.
Today we visited the museum of medical arts in Rome. This as well was very interesting. Many of the tools used in the hospital were there on display. Just as the Museum of the Mind, the Museum of Medical Arts was just as intriguing and has made me realize how far we have come with health care. I thought seeing all the instruments and apothecary sets were very interesting, seeing the fetuses preserved in jars kind of bothered me a little bit. It was interesting to see but at the same time a little unsettling.
By visiting these two museums, it has made me realize how far we've come with health care. The technology we now have helps to save many lives on a day to day basis. We have many different forms of health care in the United States and they all do not cover the same the needs or procedures. In Italy, all Italians have the same coverage and have the same access to care as every other citizen.
In order to understand if universal health care benefits everyone is a great question because it is hard to understand unless you live in this society and can see what the system is really like. I believe that the interviews that we will do with the citizens of Italy will help us to see how this system really works and if it will benefit the citizens of the country. I have noticed that Italians live their day to day a little bit more healthy than we do. Italians walk a lot more, and they eat more healthy as well.
The United States could benefit from a universal health care system just as the Italians have in different ways. If we change our health care system, we will find the care that we need without having to worry about what coverage we have an what insurance will be accepted. Newall states, "More than 20,000 people die each year in this famine because they cannot afford the price of for-profit health insurance." This is one issue that will be solved if we imitate the type of health care system that the Italians use.
Today we visited the museum of medical arts in Rome. This as well was very interesting. Many of the tools used in the hospital were there on display. Just as the Museum of the Mind, the Museum of Medical Arts was just as intriguing and has made me realize how far we have come with health care. I thought seeing all the instruments and apothecary sets were very interesting, seeing the fetuses preserved in jars kind of bothered me a little bit. It was interesting to see but at the same time a little unsettling.
By visiting these two museums, it has made me realize how far we've come with health care. The technology we now have helps to save many lives on a day to day basis. We have many different forms of health care in the United States and they all do not cover the same the needs or procedures. In Italy, all Italians have the same coverage and have the same access to care as every other citizen.
In order to understand if universal health care benefits everyone is a great question because it is hard to understand unless you live in this society and can see what the system is really like. I believe that the interviews that we will do with the citizens of Italy will help us to see how this system really works and if it will benefit the citizens of the country. I have noticed that Italians live their day to day a little bit more healthy than we do. Italians walk a lot more, and they eat more healthy as well.
The United States could benefit from a universal health care system just as the Italians have in different ways. If we change our health care system, we will find the care that we need without having to worry about what coverage we have an what insurance will be accepted. Newall states, "More than 20,000 people die each year in this famine because they cannot afford the price of for-profit health insurance." This is one issue that will be solved if we imitate the type of health care system that the Italians use.
Monday, November 19, 2012
GL 350 week 4
Week four flew by, and some great memories were made along the way. On Monday we had a tour of Aventine Hill with Danielle. Amy was sick so Danielle guided the tour solo and did an excellent job. We saw some really amazing churches and got some great pictures. We had class in a park with Professor after the tour and had discussion.
During the week we had another student led tour with Aimee and Rachel. They also did a great job. We got to see the Pantheon which was amazing. I couldn't believe how big it was! The hole in the top was massive and it was hard to believe there was no cover on top. There are drains in the floor to prevent the building from getting too wet. We saw some great churches with them and also some great fountains. I got to take a lot of good pictures here as well. After the tour a number of us ate lunch at this little Italian restaurant, it was really good. We had our Health class in Rome outside of the Pantheon on the steps, we even took a very studious picture! In the Smiles of Rome, Spark had a great quote at the beginning of the section, " I think what attracted me most was the immediate touch of antiquity on everyday life. If you live in central Rome you have only to walk down the street and you come to a fountain by Bernini in which children are playing or a Michelangelo embassy or some fine fifteenth-century building with today's washing hanging out." I find this quote to be very true and I see it everyday when we go into Rome. There are always some famous fountain or statue, and if you look there will be apartments with laundry hanging on a line outside the window. It's hard to believe that everyday someone can look out their window and see all the amazing and beautiful history.
During the week we had another student led tour with Aimee and Rachel. They also did a great job. We got to see the Pantheon which was amazing. I couldn't believe how big it was! The hole in the top was massive and it was hard to believe there was no cover on top. There are drains in the floor to prevent the building from getting too wet. We saw some great churches with them and also some great fountains. I got to take a lot of good pictures here as well. After the tour a number of us ate lunch at this little Italian restaurant, it was really good. We had our Health class in Rome outside of the Pantheon on the steps, we even took a very studious picture! In the Smiles of Rome, Spark had a great quote at the beginning of the section, " I think what attracted me most was the immediate touch of antiquity on everyday life. If you live in central Rome you have only to walk down the street and you come to a fountain by Bernini in which children are playing or a Michelangelo embassy or some fine fifteenth-century building with today's washing hanging out." I find this quote to be very true and I see it everyday when we go into Rome. There are always some famous fountain or statue, and if you look there will be apartments with laundry hanging on a line outside the window. It's hard to believe that everyday someone can look out their window and see all the amazing and beautiful history.
Friday morning we left for Florence via the fast train. It was nice not having to go to the airport and wait for our flight. The view on the way there was very pretty. Florence was a pretty small city but it was easy for me to get turned around and confused with the many streets. We went to a museum and took an audio tour of the large art collection. I took an art history class at Walsh last year and learned a lot about different artists and artwork. It was amazing remembering some of the pieces and seeing them a couple feet away from me. We were able to see the Statue of David, which was amazing. I couldn't believe we were actually there seeing this statue that I've only heard about and seen pictures of. I was able to sneak a picture of it while I was amongst the crowd of people. It's hard to believe how big it really is when you are just looking at a picture but it was indescribable.
Florence was filled with shopping areas. There were many markets and other stores to buy souvenirs. Florence is known for their leather and gold products. I have to say I spent the majority of my money in Florence. I bought a lot of leather products and some charms for my Pandora bracelet. I had an amazing time shopping for Christmas gifts for everyone back home.
Florence was really fun, the night life was really energetic and there were many other tourists. Although the majority of everyone thought Florence was the best so far, I don't think it tops Venice for me. Besides the shopping, I think Venice was gorgeous and I liked the atmosphere a little better than Florence. I'm so glad I was able to go and experience a new city and I can't wait to see Dublin and Sorrento!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Week III, GL350
Well time is really starting to fly! I can't believe week three has come to end so quickly. I can't keep track of all the awesome experiences. After get back at midnight on Monday from Venice, we woke up early and David and I led the class on our tour through San Giovanni. San Giovanni was one of my favorite churches so far, and it was probably because we researched it and learned a lot about it. I think that once you learn about something you appreciate what you're seeing a lot more and the pictures have more meaning. We started our tour at the church of St. Constantine. This was a really awesome church filled with a lot of history.
The next stop of our tour was at the Sacred Steps. It is said that Constantine's mother, St. Helen brought these back from the Holy Land and that they were the steps that Jesus descended after his trial in the home of Pontious Pilot. The 28 stairs are a holy symbol and were covered with wood and in order to ascend the stairs you must climb on your knees. It is said that on each stair you must say a prayer, usually a Hail Mary. I climbed these stairs on my knees and it was a great experience. My knees were sore after about the tenth step but the last eight seemed to go really fast and my knees didn't hurt so bad. It made me feel that something helped me get through the last steps with ease. Below is a picture of the Sacred Steps.
The next stop of our tour was at the Sacred Steps. It is said that Constantine's mother, St. Helen brought these back from the Holy Land and that they were the steps that Jesus descended after his trial in the home of Pontious Pilot. The 28 stairs are a holy symbol and were covered with wood and in order to ascend the stairs you must climb on your knees. It is said that on each stair you must say a prayer, usually a Hail Mary. I climbed these stairs on my knees and it was a great experience. My knees were sore after about the tenth step but the last eight seemed to go really fast and my knees didn't hurt so bad. It made me feel that something helped me get through the last steps with ease. Below is a picture of the Sacred Steps.
San Giovanni was really amazing as well. Dave and I spent a long time in here walking around and preparing to give the tour. Visser hit the nail on the head in "The Smiles of Rome" when she states, "Memory, in a church, is not only individual, but also collective: the building is a meeting house for a group of people who agree with each other in certain important respects. They come together to express solidarity, and they do this by participating in an intensely meaningful performance known as a ritual." You could feel a lot of history throughout this church. There was a lot of art in this huge church including statues and painting. There are a number of popes buried here. Only the pope is allowed to say mass at this church and he still does so every Holy Thursday.
We also had a tour of the catacombs and this was by far my favorite tour. The guide was excellent and we got to learn a lot about the history of the catacombs and how and why they came to be. Week three was great and next we're going to tackle London!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Soc. 490 week 2
After another week has gone by along with some more readings and several discussions in class, I still believe it is a right just because there are many hard working individuals that can't afford it, or children that are stuck without the care that they need. I also understand why others believe that it is a privilege.
Those that think health care is a privilege believe that if health care was treated as a right that it would increase health care costs. This is what Boudreaux states in his article; "This leads to monstrously inefficient consumption of health care. Some people consume too much while many others with more pressing needs do without." This is true, if health care was a free for all then there would certainly be debates on who is more deserving of certain treatments, there would be a lot of controversy when it comes to making medical decisions, and would ultimately be placed in the hands of the government and other officials. It would not be such a freedom, but more of a government regulated hand out.
Health care as a privilege also makes sense because it something that should be worked for and not handed to those who do not deserve it. Someone who is not working just because they are lazy or do not want to find a job certainly don't deserve health care. Hard working individuals earn their health care by being employed and striving to make a good living, and those that lack motivation should not be rewarded something that is not necessarily a dire need.
When there was a question about why someone that lives next to the Cleveland Clinic is not healthy when it is the most advanced and well known hospital in the United States, it is merely an observation. Just because you live in the same city as a great hospital does not mean you receive all the care that it offers and is a place you frequently visit. Hospitals do not just see you because you live in the area, you need insurance and other requirements to be seen by a doctor. You don't just give your mailing address and if you live within so many blocks you qualify for treatment. Just because it is so close does not mean you are automatically more healthy.
I understand each side of the debate clearly and I think that there will always be a fine line between a right and a privilege. The reason I think health care should be a right is because of children. Children should not be denied care because an adult is not able to produce health insurance. Whether this adult is truley unable to receive insurance or they just do not believe in hard work, it is not the child's choice. Health care will always be a topic up for debate and a solution will be hard to find that satisifies both sides.
Those that think health care is a privilege believe that if health care was treated as a right that it would increase health care costs. This is what Boudreaux states in his article; "This leads to monstrously inefficient consumption of health care. Some people consume too much while many others with more pressing needs do without." This is true, if health care was a free for all then there would certainly be debates on who is more deserving of certain treatments, there would be a lot of controversy when it comes to making medical decisions, and would ultimately be placed in the hands of the government and other officials. It would not be such a freedom, but more of a government regulated hand out.
Health care as a privilege also makes sense because it something that should be worked for and not handed to those who do not deserve it. Someone who is not working just because they are lazy or do not want to find a job certainly don't deserve health care. Hard working individuals earn their health care by being employed and striving to make a good living, and those that lack motivation should not be rewarded something that is not necessarily a dire need.
When there was a question about why someone that lives next to the Cleveland Clinic is not healthy when it is the most advanced and well known hospital in the United States, it is merely an observation. Just because you live in the same city as a great hospital does not mean you receive all the care that it offers and is a place you frequently visit. Hospitals do not just see you because you live in the area, you need insurance and other requirements to be seen by a doctor. You don't just give your mailing address and if you live within so many blocks you qualify for treatment. Just because it is so close does not mean you are automatically more healthy.
I understand each side of the debate clearly and I think that there will always be a fine line between a right and a privilege. The reason I think health care should be a right is because of children. Children should not be denied care because an adult is not able to produce health insurance. Whether this adult is truley unable to receive insurance or they just do not believe in hard work, it is not the child's choice. Health care will always be a topic up for debate and a solution will be hard to find that satisifies both sides.
Monday, November 5, 2012
GL 350/venice week 2
Our second week is over and I can't believe how much we have already seen! The first week went slow and I think it was because of the jet lag, but this week went a lot faster. Even though we will be here for eight weeks, which feels like a long time, it is hard to believe that we are still not going to see everything that Italy has to offer in that period of time. There are so many churches and other historical sights that all have such meaning and it is hard to believe that Italy is home to all of it. During the first week we learned that Italy was just about the size of Arizona, and I find that hard to wrap my head around!
During this second week, we got to venture around the Spanish Steps, take an amazing and bumpy bike ride on the Appian Way, and travel to Venice! Venice was definitely my favorite city so far. When we arrived at Lido we were all expecting to swim to our hotel, but we got a very pleasant surprise with warm weather and sunshine on Friday and Saturday.
I loved everything about the Island. When we arrived, we grabbed lunch and walked a short way to the Adriatic Sea where we walked on the beach and collected sea shells. I wasn't expecting such a great view. Barzini states when inquiring about the fatal charm of Italy, "Is it spectacular landscapes, majestic mountains, iridescent bays, waterfalls, coquettish lakes, pretty islands that travellers think they cannot do without? Of course, natural beauty and famous are abundant in Italy. Such things, however, are not unknown elsewhere." Barzini has a great point, there are beaches in the United States, so what made Venice so special? I'm not sure, maybe because everything was surrounded by water and the number of cars were few and added to the overall view and experience.
We visited the Murano and watched glass being blown and shaped into amazing forms. It was an amazing art form. My dad used to bend glass and had his own shop, so seeing it done a different way was really interesting and something that I'm very excited to tell him about when I get home. Walking down the streets I noticed that it was different than Rome in the way that there was water surrounding everything, there were little to no cars, hardly any beggars, and it was cleaner. Riding on a gondola was pretty as well. It was definitely a part of the trip I won't forget.
On Sunday we were able to visit St. Marcs and had a great mass. The choir was absolutely amazing, I would love to be in a choir like that. Even though it was in Italian, it still was breathtaking to be there in that amazing church. All in all, week two was amazing!
During this second week, we got to venture around the Spanish Steps, take an amazing and bumpy bike ride on the Appian Way, and travel to Venice! Venice was definitely my favorite city so far. When we arrived at Lido we were all expecting to swim to our hotel, but we got a very pleasant surprise with warm weather and sunshine on Friday and Saturday.
I loved everything about the Island. When we arrived, we grabbed lunch and walked a short way to the Adriatic Sea where we walked on the beach and collected sea shells. I wasn't expecting such a great view. Barzini states when inquiring about the fatal charm of Italy, "Is it spectacular landscapes, majestic mountains, iridescent bays, waterfalls, coquettish lakes, pretty islands that travellers think they cannot do without? Of course, natural beauty and famous are abundant in Italy. Such things, however, are not unknown elsewhere." Barzini has a great point, there are beaches in the United States, so what made Venice so special? I'm not sure, maybe because everything was surrounded by water and the number of cars were few and added to the overall view and experience.
We visited the Murano and watched glass being blown and shaped into amazing forms. It was an amazing art form. My dad used to bend glass and had his own shop, so seeing it done a different way was really interesting and something that I'm very excited to tell him about when I get home. Walking down the streets I noticed that it was different than Rome in the way that there was water surrounding everything, there were little to no cars, hardly any beggars, and it was cleaner. Riding on a gondola was pretty as well. It was definitely a part of the trip I won't forget.
On Sunday we were able to visit St. Marcs and had a great mass. The choir was absolutely amazing, I would love to be in a choir like that. Even though it was in Italian, it still was breathtaking to be there in that amazing church. All in all, week two was amazing!
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