Viewer Mail

Friday, March 30, 2007

A Viewer, Memphis, TN:

We have to have universal healthcare for everyone. I am apart of the working class and the benefits are slowly disappearing with these major companies. People even opt to work second job just to get good benefits. So people have to chose between higher wages or health care.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Beverly Dennis, Cincinnati, OH:

I work in the healthcare industry and sold health insurance to employers and worked with the Medicaid population through the Medicaid transition over to the commercial carrier to handle their health care. I see egregious discrimination toward all minorities in rates, existing health issues prior to obtaining new health care, even with COBRA as a way of trying to prevent those issues.

Monday, March 19, 2007

Olive Taylor, Miami, FL:

I think the road to very good health is an awareness of the right foods to eat to maintain a healthy life. People are sometimes caught up with their craving for foods that are tasty and delicious, even though it might just be the kind that will invite and welcome some life threatening diseases. The only road to health is eating the right foods and getting good exercise with enough sleep.

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Alma, Detroit, MI:

It is very true that some fast foods will cause you to crave more!! I suffered this after eating Burger King and KFC!!! This should be outlawed by the federal government allowing companies to add these addictive items.

Monday, March 5, 2007

Lynda Wilson, Los Angeles, CA:

We will not be a healthy people if we do not control the type of food that is permitted to be sold in our communities.

Monday, February 26, 2007

Lisa Price, Kennesaw, GA:

What is really amazing to me and has helped me in the area of being conscience of my health is the decision of being disciplined. Diets were a failure to me-it only speaks temporarily. Diets teach you fast process-right now results-but when you really begin the process of discipline eating- you begin to understand the importance of quality over quantity.

I'm an African American woman that has decided that being responsible with my health is more important than anything else. I started my process of discipline eating last year in October of 2006-within three months I had lost twenty five pounds due to my discipline in what I was putting in my body. Now this process that I'm going through is not easy-not at all easy-but with determination and the results that you will witness, it's worth the time and effort you put into it.

My first step after I found out that I suffered with Reactive Hypoglycemia- a condition that lets you now that too much sugar is in the body-which will result in constant palpitation-shortness of breath and a rapid heart beat-gave me a gateway to changing my eating habits.

But in finding out that my body requires little to no sugar at all I begin to substitute or eliminate the things that were most harmful to my health. For example I loved white rice-eliminate. I loved pasta-eliminate. I LOVED chocolate chip cookies-eliminate. I loved potato chips and boy did I prefer a grab bag of plain lays potato chips-eliminate.

So after my long dreaded process of elimination -my life became a constant battle with trying to find a suitable substitution for my cravings. This is the hard part-NOTHING TASTES AS GREAT TO ME THAN THE FATTY FOODS THAT ARE NO GOOD FOR ME. My battle of waves became a little less forceful as the months passed by. Now the struggle of eating discipline has become a lot easier-it's a habit now. The weight has come off and I feel great. I'm now in a size ten- not a size fourteen anymore. It feels great to know that with my hard work and determination I can now balance my self when eating.

I'm more aware of exercise and calories and I know portions like I KNOW MY SKIN COLOR. So if you want to see lasting results-teach yourself discipline-it works out better in the long run. When you go grocery shopping -read the labels of the foods you are buying-see the fat contents, the calories that it has. Become knowledgeable of what you purchase for you and your family. It will show your love for yourself and your family. Be blessed, be informed and be knowledgeable.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

D.Tullison MSN,RN, Okinawa, Japan:

No one is forcing people to eat themselves to death! With all this access to information and technology....we should be the healthiest species in the universe! However, we are not! Everyone has a vice and food is right up there with smoking, drinking and drugs! If we would follow the natural order of things and eat the way Christ intended....we would not have all these health issues. As African Americans...we should not be shocked when we don't receive the same care as other races! We have been inundated with enough information to know that eating right can add 10 or more years to your life.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Kathryn Mora, Saratoga Springs, NY:

Our body is self healing. When we provide our body with a healthy diet and exercise, our body thrives.

Friday, February 2, 2007

Lois P, Roswell, GA:

More and more the state of our health as African American requires all of us to pay special attention on all fronts. The younger generations my be the first in a long time to live shorter lives than their parents due to health issues such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. As parents, aunties and uncles, we need to get educated on healthy eating and pass along the knowledge to improve the future generations. This holds true for health, finances, and various other issues. We need to do better for our own health, welfare and prosperity.

Friday, January 26, 2007

Charles Williams, Montgomery, AL:

We need to nourish our bodies. We invest in our homes, cars, smell, appearance but not the inside. Like Jesus said about washing the outside of the cup but not the inside. We need to invest in ourselves, time & money, and get to feeling better.

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Johanna Blanding-Koskinen, Kansas City, MO:

Thank you very much for the idea of "The Road to Health." I think it important to know the path this road should be paved on. Sure, we can talk about heading to Washington and the poll booths to change the policies that have adversely affected not only communities of color, but the nation as a whole, but let's try to remember that any policy is only as effective as the people who put it to use.

What I'm saying is simply this: Communities of color are not lacking funds to affect change in the community. If anything, what we lack is the unity of mind and spirit to stand together, lift each other up, point out the manipulations of those who have come into our communities "claiming" to serve, but in reality only come to serve themselves. What is needed, is not a change of policy, but a change of heart and mind. Only then can we really begin to look honestly at health initiatives and policies and ask the question: "How much of what is wrong in our community can be changed by government, and what are we to be accountable for?"

Saturday, January 6, 2007

April Sharkey, Milwaukee, WI:

We need to have an honest and open conversation about why African-Americans have such health disparities and what are we going to do about it.

Thursday, January 4, 2007

Miss Lettie A Davis, Ohio:

Healthy foods and mental health are nothing without the knowledge and the empowering of oneself to eat decently and give attention to preparation and amounts eaten. Big hearted America needs to stop for a minute as we begin to observe ourselves giving better treatment as in humane at the ingesting of less red meat, more vegetables, beans and legumes and other food stuffs that add to overall health as well as behaviors.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Jacqueline Shaw, Plano, TX:

The answer is and has always been prevention but the road to healthcare is paved with green.

Sunday, December 3, 2006

Linda K. Brown, Dallas, TX:

We need to work toward getting better and healthier restaurants in our neighborhoods as well as healthier food selections in our grocery stores. It's sad to say when I crave a salad or soup, I've got to visit the chain restaurants that offer a plethora of poor food choices to get to the healthy ones. This is far too tempting. Same with the food stores, limited supply for low fat foods and lean meats.

It angers me that I have to go across town to more highly populated White environments to get healthier meal choices. It's our own choice what we eat. Black Americans are surrounded by fried chicken vendors, fried fish, tacos, hamburger and BBQ joints. Come on, why can't we hold our local government accountable for allowing these types of places to drown our neighborhoods but not the liquor stores? Aren't they both killing the health and well being of the Black Community? Many times we are a reflection of our environment. I never felt so inclined to desire to do better health wise until my environment changed.

What can I do here in Dallas?

Tuesday, November 7, 2006

Michael K. Thompson (Tiamo), Canyon Country, CA:

I think that we are our own best physician. The doctors (practioners) ask us what is the problem and/or symptoms, we tell them. What we really need is some basic knowledge on preventive medicine, not the scraps or to be thrown a bone of information but some meat, real methods and info. That could make a difference in one's body composition.

Monday, September 25, 2006

Raymond W. Lucas, Columbia, MD:

Providing access to affordable health care is clearly a complex problem. However, WE can put a significant dent in this issue when we assume accountability for our own good health by educating ourselves and our children on good nutrition, the essential value of exercise, and the consequences of high risk behavior. Adults HAVE to model this behavior for children.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Bonita, Adelphi, MD:

We need more exposure to natural, God-given alternatives to health and longevity. We cannot look to traditional resources for this type of information. They either don't have a clue or they just want to ignore or conceal the truth. Our people rely too much on prescription drugs, and invasive, traumatic procedures to counteract their choices that wreck havoc upon them.

Friday, May 5, 2006

Sherri A. Turner MD JD, Frederick, MD:

Neurosurgery is rampant with disparate treatment like all other fields. This has been well documented. It has nothing to do with economics either. It unfortunately is purely racial, conscious and unconscious.

I, myself, as a neurosurgical patient of nine years, recently encountered extreme racial prejudice when I complained of chronic pain in one of Washington's top hospitals. The offending doc was in the ER and I am currently pursuing all avenues of discipline so that no other Black patient is subjected to the horrendous treatment that I was.

The next day I collapsed in the subway and had to be taken to George Washington Hospital and later National Rehab Center: two fine institutions where I stayed a total of twelve days. Medical schools have yet to address this lethal issue and until they do, many people of color or ethnicity that differs from the caretaker will continue to be at risk of morbidity or even mortality.

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

LaTashae Berry Caldwell, Columbia, SC:

I suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. These debilitating illnesses have radically changed my life. More minority women suffer from them than any other group. Please include more about these debilitating conditions causing havoc in our community.

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Dwayne Ingram, Saint Louis, MO:

Health is a topic that needs to be promoted and shared more in our faith based entities. I myself embarked upon a self-imposed clinical trial. In desperation, to lower my cholesterol before my physician prescribed cholesterol lowering drugs, I went on a strict vegetarian diet, although I did consume very small quantities of dairy (cheese, ice cream). I was able to lower my cholesterol from 250 to 193, in just two months!

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Brenda Frost, Upstate, NY:

As a 2 year breast cancer survivor, single mother of 4, and working professional, I have experienced first hand what can happen as an African American women with health insurance. Facing chronic illness the road of disparities is long and difficult to bear. And being a single parent fighting cancer is an untapped issue in society. They refuse to address being a single parent with chronic health issues. I am praying for women, men and children in minority communities to take a stand, and really be advocates for their health rights and demand change from our political officials (who must be held accountable).

Saturday, February 18, 2006

A Viewer, McGregor TX:

I just feel, from experience, that education is the key to health. I was diagnosed as a diabetic about 3 years ago after getting out of the military. But 6 months later, my blood sugar was normal and has been ever since. It was the food education I received from an excellent dietician. She did not place me on a diet, just educated me on things such as carbohydrate intake and how to read labels on the foods you buy. Simple things such as lunch meat, don't buy the already packed meats with all the extra unhealthy stuff to preserve it, but buy fresh sliced meat from the deli with out all the non-healthy stuff. I am truly blessed. I no longer have diabetes and never had to go on a diet. I just got educated on food nutrition, made a life style change, and had the determination to break the diabetes chain in my family history.

Monday, January 30, 2006

Craig Davidson, Los Angeles, CA:

The old adage: "Keep It Simple Stupid," applies. Stick with foods that prepare in no time. Also, pre-cook and pack your daily meals (5/day) the night before. Additionally, schedule your meals so you know exactly when to eat. Last, add a few Meal Replacement Shakes into your diet, they’re great for our fast pace generation.

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Deana, Gary, IN:

I am completely fed up with health insurance. It continues to get higher and higher. The ones that can not afford it are afraid to get sick. It is so very unfair. The seniors: their recent bout regarding their Meds. Come on now, no money and you just die. Our government does NOT appear to care--their families and friends are all taken care of. They would rather send help/money to other countries then to support our seniors. The rich continue to get richer, the poor (no matter the color) continue to just get poorer. It is so unfair, and there is nothing that we can do about it. This is occurring in the country that is supposed to be the "land of honey?"

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Ivy Medina, Brooklyn, NY:

I want to thank you so much for your program about the Medicare Part D Prescription Program. I am currently caring for a senior citizen who has been confused by the latest prescription drug program. I had to explain the procedures to my patient, and by the time the explanation was finished, he understood what was expected of him.

For me, the confusion was not necessary. In 1997, Medicare Part C was passed to make it easier for the poorest senior citizens to be able to apply for both Medicaid and Medicare. However, now with Medicare Part D, Medicaid no longer picks up the bill for prescription drugs, and for those who have both Medicare and Medicaid, the confusion does not stop there. The prescription drugs are now paid by Medicare Part D. The Medicare Part D has released a formulary (a listing of covered prescription drugs under the approved plans covered by Medicare). There is no question in my mind why so many senior citizens are confused! There are too many choices and not enough explanation.

The Government will not always assist each and every senior citizen. In fact, they will try to turn the matter over to the contracted agencies that were hired by Medicare to explain this problem. Many senior citizens are forced to choose between struggling to pay for their prescription medications, or buy food. This is a decision that should not have to be made. It saddens me, because this is a matter that could have been easily resolved in the beginning.

I always suggest to those who are confused to have a family member present before they sign any document that they do not understand regarding Medicare Part D prescription plans. No one should be pressured to sign any plan that is not fully explained to them. That is the law. And it is best to always ask questions of the person who is offering the insurance plan.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Sandye Curry, Oakland CA:

I applaud your work and commitment to journalism. I appreciate an intelligent Brother getting to the bottom of issues without all of the drama and sensationalism that is being attached to everything today. My comment is in reference to the African American community, we need to recognize the health crisis in our community and educate the young ones on the benefits of moderation in what you are eating, getting some basic exercise and back to basic spiritual healing. The majority of the health concerns of the African American people can be controlled by diet and exercise.

Tuesday, December 6, 2005

A Viewer, New Mexico:

Why is there a penalty on this Medicare part D if you don’t join with a drug coverage plan? I thought it was supposed to help us with our drug cost, but it seems to hurt us more than help--especially if we don’t have any drugs.

Friday, November 4, 2005

Lisa Watson, Marietta, GA:

Being healthy is more important than being wealthy. What's wealth without good health? Knowing your body and how it operates can enhance awareness that could lead to prevention and could save a life. But what we really need now is good doctors and affordable health care....

Wednesday, November 2, 2005

Lovey Dixon, Jackson, MS:

Without good health insurance you cannot go to a doctor. I only have Medicaid and they don't cover much of nothing.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Lesley, Chicago, IL:

I was wondering about all the new drugs that are available and why they have so many side effects in them. I think we should be taking more vitamins and herbal drugs. I feel this will make us healthier and better physically and mentally.

Saturday, October 22, 2005

A Viewer, Brooklyn, NY:

As a health care professional, it is so important to guide my patients to care for their own health. Diabetes is a disease that will eat you up slowly. The reason why it was important for me to learn about this horrific disease was because my husband was stricken with diabetes in 1995.

God spared him his life. Today, he is much healthier because he has learned how to live with the disease, and he does not allow it to swallow him up whole. He believes in eating a healthy diet and he exercises each day and makes sure to take his insulin.

Saturday, October 22, 2005

Katrina Williams, New Rochelle, NY:

I feel that black people need to read more on health and eat right. You don't need a lot of money to eat well, leave the junk food alone. See your doctor for check-ups each year. That's not asking too much. We need to feed our minds with all the knowledge on good health.

Monday, October 17, 2005

Adam Migacz, South Carolina:

I believe that more attention should be given to alternative healing. Of course, I understand that the FDA wants to advertise and sell drugs, but that should NOT be the focus. The focus should be prevention, healing, and curing all of our ailments. Pharmaceuticals are big business, but sometimes money is not that important when it comes to being able to heal someone and keep them well. I am not opposed to all drugs but believe the focus is not truly about healing people but the bottom line. I know we can come up with a plan to have healthy people in the future!

Wednesday, October 5, 2005

A viewer, Philadelphia, PA:

If the events of the past month do not make us wake up as individuals, then shame on us. Yes, government has responsibility. However our own health is in OUR hands. Our diets are outrageous. Our exercise non existent and we joke about weight as though it is not a health risk. I am sorry but even with no supermarkets in our neighborhoods, lack of finances, and no sports programs these are excuses. It takes nothing to walk and if someone says fries and potato chips are fattening, drink water and rice cakes. Yes, I can hear you laugh, but seriously when I looked at the exodus for Rita I said 'I would ride my bike out.' I mean we have to become self reliant and the first way to start that is to take care of our bodies. Just as we are bombarded with health dangers we are bombarded with enticing food advertisements, but we have to recognize this for what it is: propaganda, manipulation, seduction. We have to be stronger than the enticement--the alcohol, the drugs, the food--we need to recognize IT is in our hands.

Tuesday, October 4, 2005

Michelle James-Mann:

I think that the inner city hospital situation is horrible. My sister-in-law went to the hospital with chest pains. She died due to medical neglect. The hospital failed to monitor her during her 24 hour emergency room stay.

Thursday, September 29, 2005

Hattie Davis, Raleigh/Durham, NC:

Health is very important, especially in this day and time. The economy is so hard on us, we have to maintain our health. It is too expensive to get sick.

Thursday, September 29, 2005

Annjanette, Steubenville, OH:

Taking part in this obese society (I played my part faithfully) I decided changes had to be made for myself and my family.

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Published: September 15, 2005