Stop the Madness
For years I have lived my life compromising — always trying not to upset the status quo, and I wondered how long I could go on like this. Years ago, I was respected as a medical professional for my scientific writings. Now-a-days, I am quoted as a “blogger” (Dr. Manny, a blogger said…) But I guess that’s the price you pay for being in the media.
This morning, I read a story about a lovely couple in England who wanted to adopt a child, but was denied because the potential father was “too fat.” Medical advisors for the adoption agency expressed concerns over 37-year-old Damien Hall’s health when their risk assessments concluded that his height of 6-feet, 1-inch tall, weight of 343 pounds and BMI of 42 deemed him morbidly obese, and therefore not eligible to adopt at the present time. Now I know my words don’t matter that much anymore, but when is the madness going to end?
Today I saw a beautiful child with Down syndrome in my office. He couldn’t have been more than 10 years old. So sweet and kind, I was moved by his presence. His innocence was refreshing, and he unknowingly turned my day around. I could only hope to make such a simple difference in someone else’s life. And these hopeful parents in England, were trying to do just that.
Even though I write these short blogs, I hope that someone out there begins to realize, that people can make a difference, and certain rules must be forgotten. As Dale Carnegie used to say, “The perfect way to conquer worry is to pray.”
Tags: adoption, blogger, Dale Carnegie, Damien Hall, Down Syndrome, Dr. Manny Alvarez, England, hope, media, obesity
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The best is the reason they gave “because of a risk he could become ill or even die” I wonder if any of them could pass those “tests” if they can I’d like to know how?
Doctor,
Think more about that 10 year old boy. You probably made a good impression on him. Try to turn your mind away from the madness, because it is probably going to get worse, and right at home if we get socialized medicine in this country.
I agree.
The world, that is America needs more caring physicians like yourself. People are god’s creation and therefore beautiful. Many of your peers view humans as income and subjects not as god’s creation.
Unless the world gets so far advanced that all children already have loving parents, or slides so far back that successful fathers must catch and kill wild beasts to provide food… I’m shaking my head with you Dr. Manny.
Well said Doctor Manny. Why do people not matter but appearances and states of “health”? I had respect for you and what you say before this post, but now I have the utmost and highest respect for you.
I totally, totally agree with you, Dr. Manny! When I read this article yesterday I thought, how does anyone of us know how long we’ll live? None of us is guaranteed a long life. So if that man wanted to be a loving, giving, caring father, I say LET HIM BE! The world needs more of those!
I think the world is heading for insanity.
What does it matter if the guy is hefty if he is willing to play catch, teach how to ride a bike and enjoy the laughter of his child on a playground. I’d be more concern with his lifestyle – how did he get to be a heavy person, than his actual size. A person can be a hefty size and still be healthy. Besides, isn’t it better to have a fat parent who loves you than have no parent?
Manny, I think words like yours will help to stop the madness, although they will never appear in medical journals. But what of that? If enough of us would just say “stop the madness” perhaps the echo’s of those phrases may just reach the right ears. Have a wonderful life Manny and I’m so glad you are not afraid of making some waves now! Your newest friend, Randy.
What’s next? Are they going to start taking our children AWAY if we get larger than allowed medically for our body structure. How do they come up with some of these rules?
dr manny, why does “if you can’t be a real physican, go on tv”, come to mind for all these so called drs????? j mack
Dr.Manny:
I agree with you wholeheartedly! I too am a physician in NJ . I am a Family Physician in Warren county and am struggling trying to keep my doors open. I too would like to make a difference but feel overwhelmed at times. Any advice for a young doc trying to make it in the world? As you know being a physician in NJ is rather frustrating!
I just want you doc and all the commenters to know that it is a lot more parents wanting to adopt than children available for adoption in the world, thus putting up strict criteria even for health and fitness is not only ok but even good.