Flawed Logic
I was going to write about the Garden State Plaza Mall in NJ but instead am ranting about this.So I'm sure we've all been there. You're sitting in the doctor's chair. Most likely somewhat exposed - literally. A boob threatening to peak out under your flimsy hospital gown. Trying to stay warm from the cold examination room. You tell your doctor that something is just not right and they respond with,
"Oh, sure, I'll do a test for that."
"Great," You respond with relief that whatever was ailing you will be discovered and cured.
Days later, you hear nothing from your doctor which means everything was fine. And you feel fine.
But then you get a bill from your insurance. Not covered. $675!!!
WTF ?!%$#@
So you mean if I had just waited TWO days without asking my doctor to perform any tests, I could have saved $675?!?!
You're outraged. In what universe is it okay to give someone a service of some kind only to find out afterwards what you owe? No estimate. No idea that it will even cost you money. Plumbers and contractors guilty of this are kept in check through Yelp reviews. But who keeps medical services in check?
So you call your doctor's office. Five transfers and fifteen minutes later, you get transferred to the billing department of the lab.
You have the bill in your hand that itemizes the procedure costs. Over $3,000. You have no idea what any of this means but are racking your brain trying to figure out how any of this could add up to that.
You bring this up to the billing administrator.
Her response, "It doesn't matter. We charge this to the insurance company and they adjust it. They tell us that it should be $675 because they won't pay that cost."
Your response, "So you charge them as much as you can get away with and then they adjust it to what should make sense?"
Awkward pause. I've caught the billing administrator in trying to explain the flawed logic of hospital and lab costs.
And you continue.. "So without the negotiating power of the insurance company, I'd owe $3,000."
Response, "No - well.. we'd figure something out."
You continue. "If I was getting a haircut and the hairdresser told me that I'd look good in this cut - and I said go ahead. Then his salon charged me an outrageous amount for that - beyond what he knew would happen. They wouldn't be in business anymore. In fact, it would be considered bad business. Except I'm not in a hairdresser's chair and this is my health. Potentially my life, and you're viewing me as a source of profit. How does any of this make sense? How is any of this even moral?"
At which point - you've reached a standstill because the administrator has no response. In fact, they probably even know that you're right and the system is FUBARED. And anything she says will probably incriminate her in some way.
Finally, the administrator responds with "The next time you're at the doctor, call your insurance company first and see what's covered before getting any procedure done."
You think about this. This makes sense. Okay. Then you think about it some more. To which you response, "I'm not a doctor. How would I know which tests to ask about? How would I be able to make the decision over whether or not it's worth it to get a test done or wait? How would I know if I'm making the decision between paying an extra $50 or $500? How does any of this make sense?"
You hang up the phone completely defeated - wondering why in this day in age - where the most detailed information about cost is available through a simple Google search - this still happens. And then you log on to your bank account - visualizing that $675 no longer in your account. Money that could have been used for a vacation. A month's worth of food including eating out. A payment to a school loan. But instead, it's mainly going to cover the costs of our screwed up medical system - money to maintain absurd overhead - equipment instead of doctor's intuition / patient time. High medical malpractice insurance. High administrative costs negotiating with insurance company. You are understandably distraught.
And then you contemplate moving to Canada or Europe and wondering how - with a country that has gotten so much right - they could have gotten something so wrong.
Tipping Point
Last week, I stopped by a fruits and vegetable mini grocery store in my home town (suburban NJ) and was delighted to find veggie juice; i.e. kale, lemon, ginger, apple, etc. for only $4.50. I put it on the counter at the register and an older woman in her 60s said "What is that supposed to do?" And next to her was another older couple discussing their happiness at finding juice at Julio's (the store), mentioning that they were following some sort of diet by Dr. Oz. I explained to the woman that juice had tons of nutrients and that kale was awesome. It made me think, does this conversation mark what would be called a "tipping point?" Obviously healthy eating, juices and the idea of "alternative medicine" has been around since the 60s. It has gone slightly mainstream thanks to Whole Foods but could still be considered limited to a wealthier consumer or even younger demographic.My suspicions were confirmed a few days ago. The NY Times recently posted an article marking this shift. National food chains are offering healthier options at the demand of their consumers. We've reached a tipping point. Corporations are looking towards sustainability and even pharmacies are carrying fresh fruit. In the coming years, I believe there will be a societal pressure to eat healthy and live more sustainable just as we've pressured each other to quit smoking, wear seat belts, and not drink and drive. I'm hoping that the obesity epidemic, crazy weather and political strife around the world is one of those situations where it has to get worse before it gets better. Will everything will be uphill from here?
Monday Awesomeness
Didn't really sleep that well at all last night. I love how the knowledge that I had to wake up around 6:15 stressed me out and prevented me from sleeping. Kind of counterproductive. During my 6 hours or less of sleep, I did manage to have a vivid, hopefully prophetic, dream. If you recall, a few weeks ago, I found a gold chain necklace at the 68th street subway platform... I dreamed I found another gold chain necklace and can't remember where I initially thought it came from. But then saw an old shoe laying around the room (not my apartment or house but you know how dreams are). I believe the shoe was from Target. The bottom lining of the shoe was coming off, and I pealed it away to find more beautiful gold necklaces. I believe 2-3. Then I had some sort of weird realization that someone in a far off place (where ever Target shoes are made) had tried to hide this jewelry in the lining of the shoes and they somehow made it into stores. So I have no idea how to interpret this dream or where to take it. Should I start designing shoes? Make sure I finally sell my gold chain? Is this a subtle reference to a long running joke between a friend and I - who once found money rolled up in a shoebox? Hmm.. perhaps I now know what I'll be doing on one of my days off.
In other news, I am awesome. I went to a Core Fusion class with my coworker this morning from 7am-8am! It feels sooo satisfying to wake up that early and already get a workout out of the way. I can go an unlimited number of times this week for $40. Otherwise, it's about $30 a class depending on how many you get at once. It's a mix of pilates and yoga. Awesomeness. And pain. I am Spartacus.
Exercise Can Make You Fat?
Interesting article on Time.com about exercise and weight loss. It's fairly long so I'll sum it up. Studies have found that those who exercise more frequently tend to eat more from hunger and the belief that they can consume caloric foods after exercise. While muscle does burn more calories - 6 calories per pound vs. 2 that's hardly a blip on the caloric radar. So if you've succeeded in converting 10 pounds to muscle - a very lofty achievement, you'd only burn 60 more calories a day- less than my Dannon Light & Fit that I just ate.
I'm not advocating tossing out your gym membership. Studies have shown that regular exercise diminishes the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other maladies. For me, exercise has been a great mood regulator, keeping me sane and happy throughout the ups and downs of my life. I even noticed a significant downswing in my mood and overall well-being during the month that I was researching apartments and settling into my new apartment which meant that I was skipping the gym in the process. So overall advice, watch your calories when you exercise. A 5 mile run, intense spinning class or hardcore hour with your trainer is no excuse to hit the Shake Shack.
Activity Booster
Twenty Foods that will boost your activity. Re-posted below via LifeHacker, that was via Lifehack
"Most people eat to lose weight, get healthy and build muscle. There are some people, however, who snack correctly in order to enhance their productivity. The following is a list of 20 foods you can eat to improve your eye-sight, improve your performance, energize your brain and keep your day on track.
- Avocados. These keep you from bloating up after a big lunch and are tasty either on their own, with sugar or salt on top, or with your salad.
- Almonds. Great for brainpower. Read more here.
- Raisins. Want more energy? Grab a pack of raisins. They are high in energy and antioxidants , and low in fat and calories.
- Figs. They help maintain high energy levels while keeping your appetite far away. Whether you find fresh figs or a pack of dried fruit, enjoy its natural sweetness.
- Olives. These are anti-inflammatory and they reduce symptoms to arthritis, asthma and menopause.
- Walnuts. These are full of omega 3 fatty acids to help you think more clearly and keep you focused. Excellent source of protein, but be sure to chew well.
- Carrots. I love carrots and have at least six carrots in a big glass of juice every morning. They are also good for other times too. Snacking on one cup of chopped carrots will give you six times your recommended daily value of Vitamin A. They improve eyesight, especially in the dark.
- Strawberries. As with carrots and flaxseeds, strawberries surprisingly aid in better eye sight. Eating strawberries has also been linked to preventing cancer.
- Flaxseeds. If you’ve been working hard all day, have some flaxseeds. They are great for your eyes to stop them feeling a little dried out, and allowing you to feel fresh even after a hard day.
- Water. Nothing beats water, the healthiest drink on the planet. It speeds up your metabolism, makes you feel fuller instead of eating junk and keeps you hydrated.
- Sunflower seeds. A popular way to beat fatigue. Chew properly as it can take some time.
- Papaya. The colorful fruit helps protect you against the potential damages of secondhand smoke, rheumatoid arthritis , and even the common cold.
- Pear. Usually only available during the pear season and when they come out, I always get them. They taste good, they’re cool in the mouth and they are hypo-allergenic.
- Green tea. So this is probably one of the trendiest tea’s out there, but it’s also very healthy for your body. They are full of antioxidants and strengthens your immune system.
- Ginger. Great for beating nausea and stomach gas. Have it as ginger tea, ginger in your stomach or as low fat ginger cookies. Also helps ease stomach tummy muscles.
- Peppermint. If you have a stomach bug or just need to perk up a bit, have a peppermint drink. It’s a great muscle relaxant and helps you clean up your nasal passages and breathe easily.
- Watermelon. There is nothing like cool, red sweet watermelon that gives you great energy and nutrients without any calories. It’s a great energy booster.
- Low fat yoghurt. Yoghurt is refreshing and cool when you put it in your mouth so it’s a great, tasteful wake up call for your mind.
- Dark chocolate. Having one small bar a day will satisfy your cravings for sweets and give you a load of antioxidants.
- Raspberries. These beautiful fruits are a great source of antioxidants which are great to neutralize your free radicals which can affect your cells."
Apartment Search and then Some
I'm taking the Upper East Side off the table again. I hung out there yesterday and although it's close to the park and people I hang out with, I just feel like it's too generic. Not sure how I feel about the general population that lives there. I love how each neighborhood in New York has a distinct character even from one block to another. Plus having to wait for the 456 probably takes just as long as having to wait for any train in Brooklyn.
In other news, I went to the doctor again- follow appointment. This is nothing new, but apparently I have to give up all refined carbs if I want to lose weight. My doctor put it in terms that I could understand- it's like being an alcoholic.. all or nothing. I have to give it all up because apparently I can't handle moderation. Yeah, that's pretty accurate. Although ironically, he didn't try to deter me from having a glass of red wine every once in while. In fact, he seemed to encourage it. It's definitely harder to plan meals given this information. Seems like refined carbs are easier to grab on the go but yeah, I already know this. Anyway, I'm making an announcement in the hopes that it will keep more motivated. Besides, there ain't no AA for reformed refined carbaholics. Okay, maybe there is- it's called Overeaters Anonymous but I'm not ready to go there. Anyway, you can put off a lot of things, but you can't put off weightloss.
So um, here's to the first day of the rest of my life. That would be tomorrow I mean. No more refined carbs. No more pizza, no more bagels (actually gave that up months ago), no more bread basket, or pasta, or pastries, or muffins. BUT here's to cheese!, nuts, peanut butter, butter, delicious vegetables, fruit, and anything creamy and fatty.
I suppose I'll keep you posted on my progress. The goal is to lose 20 pounds by November. I'm hoping that by telling my readers that, I'll be more likely to achieve it.
Unspeakable Joy
Happy Friday! I actually voluntarily went to the gym this morning before work. My coworker has been trying to convince me for weeks to try it and I insisted I wasn't a morning person. Then I purchased a few training sessions at Crunch since they had a good deal. My trainer had good advice - set your alarm to waking up for a work out every morning, and if you actually wake up 2 out of the 5 days, that's an accomplishment. We both agreed that there's something about Friday's that make it easier to wake up. I think it's the excitement of the weekend and the knowledge that you no longer have to reserve your energy for the rest of the week. In any case, here's a song by Kim English that they play at my spinning classes fairly often and I find there is some real truth to the lyrics. Seriously. Remember that the joy is within you and no one can take it away.
When I wake up in the morning gets me outta bed
Keeps me runnin' skippin' jumpin' like a little kid
You know sometimes I can hardly keep it inside
It overtakes me, overwhelms me, and I'm mortified
Did not get it from any woman or man
And it's okay if they don't always understand
It's very easy to get caught in circles dance
It's even easier to break out in a dance
Chorus:
JOY!
Unspeakable Joy!
'Cause they did not hear, and they can not take it away!
JOY!
Unspeakable Joy!
In my heart and I can't let them steer my
JOY!
Unspeakable Joy!
'Cause they did not hear, and they can not take it away!
JOY!
Unspeakable Joy!
'Cause they did not hear, and they can not take it away!
People ask my why this supernatural high
Seeing only sun when there's a cloudy sky
I know the trouble tries to surround me
But I've been given something greater deep inside of me
I did not get it from any woman or man
And it's okay if they don't always understand
It's very easy to get caught in circles dance
It's even easier to break out in a dance
(Chorus)
JOY!(x3)
(Chorus)
JOY!
Unspeakable Joy!
'Cause they did not hear, and they can not take it away!
JOY!
Unspeakable Joy!
In my heart and I can't let them steer my
JOY! (x11)
(Chorus)
When I'm facing opposition of that attitudes
We come see notions, dispositions are completely rude
When darkness thinks that it's outdone me,
I must remember the greater love's
inside me
I did not get it from any woman or man
And it's okay if they don't always understand...
