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NYC Health Department Ad Features Diabetic Amputee To Warn Against The Dangers Of Soda
Really, it's a combination of factors. In the 1970s, two-income households were not as common. You had someone that could be home when the kids were home, giving kids the opportunity to ride bikes and play. Unless one person makes a crapload of money, it's near impossible to have a one-income household these days. Kids are spending time at daycare and indoor after school programs, where they are probably sitting at tables or on the floor instead of running around. A lot of schools have cut recess time or done away with it entirely. In many places, gym classes are pretty ineffective. My gym class consisted of throwing a basketball at a hoop for an entire quarter. Not playing basketball, where we'd run around and burn some calories, but throwing the ball every so often.
Then you've got food deserts, lack of access to affordable healthy foods, lack of education about nutrition, etc. It's a big mess.
Study: Only 14% Of Medical Errors Reported By Hospitals
It's definitely not easy to file a malpractice case. I was misdiagnosed with not one, but two, medical problems by the same hospital over a two-month period. I was in severe pain almost all the time, but they said my CT scans were normal. They said it was likely intestinal inflammation causing the problem. I eventually had to move home with my parents because I couldn't go to work any more because of the pain. I went to my dad's doctor and he ordered another CT scan. I almost didn't get it done because I figured it was a waste. Turns out I had obstructive uropathy (an obstruction of the tube that leads from the kidney to the bladder) and an ovarian tumor. I had to have two surgeries to correct the problems. I wanted to file a claim against the first hospital since, if I had been diagnosed appropriately, I could have had the surgeries and been back to work in a couple weeks. I talked to a prominent attorney and he said that since I had past medical problems, I couldn't prove that their lack of diagnosis caused me any harm. He said he'd open a case if I paid a retainer and all costs, but he wouldn't do it on contingency.
Study: Only 14% Of Medical Errors Reported By Hospitals
I believe this. I have seen some pretty lax infection control procedures at local facilities. One in particular is where my aunt and grandmother have both been admitted within the past year. Both of them had blood transfusions and both of them ended up with strep infections in the blood. I'm sure it's a coincidence, but if you saw the way some of the nurses and phlebotomists worked, you'd know why it raises my eyebrows.
Comcast Balks On Replacing Cockroach-Infested Cable Box
I've lived in lots of apartments and never had a problem before. These people are just dirty, though. I am not Ms. Neat, but there is a big difference between a little clutter (coat tossed on the couch) and 30 bags of trash in the basement (says the real estate agent who is trying to sell the house). Our landlord is super nice, but he has serious health issues and can no longer keep up with the property. We have the opportunity to buy a condo for a good price (a family member was in a severe accident and can no longer live there because it is not handicapped-accessible); it's just going to be getting a mortgage that is the issue.
Comcast Balks On Replacing Cockroach-Infested Cable Box
Stupid roaches! They love to hide in electronics. My neighbors do not enjoy cleaning or being hygienic in any way, so my fiancee and I were the lucky recipients of a crop of German roaches this past summer. The first sign of a problem was when I noticed dirt around our electrical outlet and decided to unscrew the plate and wash it off. When I took it off the wall, the roaches spilled out. Our landlord had someone spray the kitchen, but that just drove them into the living room, where they hid under the TV, cable box and modem. Yes, I hate renting. Yes, I am in the process of trying to get approved for a mortgage so I can get the hell out of here.
Why I'll Never Shop At Kay Jewelers Again
I have to disagree with not shopping at chain stores, ever. I get all of my jewelry from Littman and have never had a problem. I got my engagement ring and wedding ring there, plus a very expensive Seiko watch, a sapphire necklace, and an emerald ring. I know the three main salespeople very well, and they always remember me and greet me nicely when I go to the store. They always clean my rings for free and, when I lost weight and my ring got loose, they even put a ring guard on for free instead of encouraging me to pony up the money to have it resized like so many other commissioned salespeople would. I guess it depends on the chain and the people at your local branch.
Keep It In Your Pants Until You Double-Check Your Insurance
My insurance plan ticks me off. I was told I should not ever get pregnant because 1) I have so much scarring from previous pelvic surgery that they don't even know if I could carry safely; 2) I had bladder augmentation surgery in 1987, which displaced my pelvic organs -- so again, they don't know if I could grow a little chatterbox and 3) I have kidney disease and hypertension, so I am a huge stroke risk. My OB/GYN said if I absolutely insisted on having kids, I would have to spend 6 to 7 months of the pregnancy in the hospital. So, trying to be responsible, I decided to get my tubes tied. Turns out, my insurance won't pay for it because it's a contraceptive procedure. So they'll gladly pay like half a million dollars or more for me to lie in the hospital for six months, but they won't pay for a one-time procedure.
End The Old Year With A Cheap Celebration
I think the potluck party is the most fun (less stress for the host and hostess). My cousin has a party every year and we all divvy up who will bring what. She buys basic drinks (beer, rum, vodka, and mixers), and then if anyone wants anything fancy or unusual, they bring it. I'm making meatballs, a veggie tray, and a fruit tray. Other friends will bring things like mozzarella sticks, chicken wing dip, taco dip (cream cheese mixed with taco seasoning and sour cream and layered with salsa, lettuce and shredded cheese), and other yummy stuff.
Not-So-Secret Santa Picks Up $16K For 1,000 Shoppers' Holiday Layaway Items
You are totally right that you can't judge wealth based on appearances. My father-in-law makes a metric shit ton of money every year (> $200K). He drives a Jaguar, lives in a beautiful house that they are always remodeling/improving, takes nice vacations, buys his wife diamonds and furs, etc. Outward appearances would indicate they are rolling in money and don't have a care in the world, but the truth is, he is up to his eyeballs in debt. He runs a successful company, but he can't manage his own financial affairs properly.
Comments from chatterboxwriting
How Going To HR Made A Health Insurance Co-Pay Hike Less Huge
This kind of stuff is why I quit the HR field and never went back. At my very first HR coordinator job, I was in charge of telling 200 people that their benefits had been cut substantially AND that prices were going up substantially. I have chronic health issues, so I really felt for all of those people. Some of them went from paying $400/month (family plan) to $800 per month, and the deductible increased to $4,000 per year. I just felt so shitty having to break the news. Now I work from home so I don't have to give people bad news. :)