While Americans spend a lot of time (and money) protecting their overall skin, they often overlook one crucial part of the face – their lips. The skin on the lips is very thin and fragile, which is why caring for them on a regular basis is important.

The Problem:  Cracked and peeling lips
Your lips are exposed to extreme temperatures, sun and wind, which causes moisture loss (whether you are walking outside in the summer or winter, sunbathing, waterskiing, snowboarding, or ice skating).  Cracked lips are found among people living under dry and humid weather conditions or staying long hours in centrally heated or air-conditioned rooms.

The Treatment: 
Refrain from the common reaction of licking your lips — instead, help them retain their natural moisture by using a quality lip balm with an SPF if possible.  Great products include: Clinique Superbalm, Labello and Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer.  Exfoliate lips on a regular basis using Smashbox Emulsion Lip Exfoliant, or Philosophy Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub.

The Problem:  Aging Lips
Many patients seek treatment when they find they cannot get rid of the wrinkles, lines, and creases which emerge on their lips.  They become annoyed as these lines cause their lipsticks to bleed and feather.
These effects are fixable and occur because the lips aren’t producing enough circulation or collegen. Without proper care however, lips can age prematurely.

The Treatment: 
Philosophy Hope In A Tube Eye & Lip Cream or Caudalie Contour Cream Eyes and Lips

The Problem: Chemical Reactions
Most common chemical reactions can impact lips and take place around the mouth when something in our lipstick, gum, toothpaste or mouthwash doesn’t agree with our skin.  Chemical reactions happen when there is sensitivity to one of the ingredients or preservatives in the products used.

Once diagnosed as having a problem/chemical reaction, I recommend a dermatologist perform a patch test.  The results of which will determine what you are allergic to.

The Problem: Cold Sores
Cold sores usually present as blisters or crusted bubbles. They can also appear on our lips as scabbed, inflamed bumps. There may be a clear fluid with a small amount of puss.   Cold sores are caused by a herpes simplex type 1 or type 2 virus. Cold sores must be distinguished from allergic reactions or to indiopathic ulcers or to a blister aphtha.

How to treat and prevent:
Cold sores can be treated with topical antiviral ointments that your dermatologist can prescribe including Acyclovir or Denevir or oral antiviral Acyclovir or Famir.  Cold sores can be highly contagious, so it’s wise to avoid direct contact. Try drying the lesions with gauze soaked in saline or salt water. Also, a dermatologist may suggest Burrow’s Solution which can be purchased from the pharmacy.

While cold sores can be embarrassing, they are also very contagious. Seek treatment from a dermatologist for the best path to recovery.

Dr. Neil Sadick is one of the most renowned dermatologists and researchers whose multiple discoveries have strongly influenced and transformed the future of dermatology. He is a Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and President of the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation. Dr. Sadick is author, or co-author, of more than 500 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has contributed more than 75 chapters of medical books. Read more at www.sadickdermatology.com.

Dear Yvonne,
Is it possible to have your period while pregnant?
—Liz

Dear Liz,
It is not possible for a woman to have an actual period while pregnant. She may, however, experience vaginal bleeding. It is not uncommon for women to experience some spotting and light staining during the first couple months of pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or suspect you may be, and are experiencing bleeding, consult with your health care practitioner immediately. If you have any reason to suspect that you’re pregnant, take a test!

 
Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

The average American works a 9 to 6 job, thus eating majority of their meals at the office. According to Australian researchers, work places have contributed significantly to the accelerating obesity rate over the past few years. It’s easy to toil through a day of meetings, phone calls, and e-mails to discover at 4 p.m. that you haven’t eaten since breakfast, sending your body into starvation mode and causing you to make poor food decisions. The office doesn’t have to be a danger zone.  Making sure to keep healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks on hand will allow you to avoid making poor food choices.

Make sure every meal is a combination of fiber and protein.  Fiber and protein are the two nutrients that take the longest to digest.  It is this perfect combination of foods that keeps your serum glucose levels consistant, leading to improved energy throughout the day.  In addition, since fiber has 0 calories per gram, and protein has 4 calories per gram, you are guaranteed the least caloric intake with the most food itake.  Eating small, frequent meals helps to stabilize blood sugar and keep energy levels consistent.  In addition, it helps to prevent you from becoming ravenous at night which leads to poor food choices and less portion control, and eventually, overeating.

Tips on healthy eating at the office:

Healthy Breakfasts:

Recent research shows that eating breakfast can actually help you shed pounds by jump starting your metabolism for the day. A breakfast consisting of fiber and protein is the ultimate combination because these nutrients will fill you up on the fewest calories. While stopping at Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts before work and picking up a muffin with your coffee may seem like a great breakfast option, beware that one store-bought muffin contains over 500 calories and little to no fiber, causing your glucose levels to crash soon after. Bring your own healthy breakfast to the office and steer clear of all the high-calorie,  artery-clogging pastries that are always around. 

• Take advantage of your office refrigerator and leave non-fat yogurt, fat-free cheeses, and skim milk in it. Pair these with an  instant oatmeal packets and high-fiber cereals that you can keep in your desk drawer for the perfect breakfast combination.  

Healthy Lunches:

Are you always going out for lunch or ordering in? It doesn’t have to be this way. If you have the proper ingredients on hand, you will be able to prepare a quick and easy lunch even at the office. Preparing lunches is one of the best and easiest changes you can make to be certain you have a healthy diet while at work. 

Salads
Salads are a great way to fill up on few calories while feeding your body many essential nutrients. Create any salad you like and enjoy.

Color
Colorful vegetables contain many vital minerals and nutrients. Many contain powerful antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Stock your salad with a wide variety of these beneficial veggies. The darker the better, look for dark green veggies like spinach, romaine, broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, green peppers, and peas.  Carrots, peppers, tomatoes and cauliflower also contain these valuable nutrients.

Fiber
Basing your salad with romaine or spinach leaves instead of iceberg lettuce will not only provide you with more fiber, but more vitamins as well. Spinach is also a great source of iron and calcium. Filling up on fiber-rich vegetables will add bulk and satiety to your diet without excess calories. Plus, you’ll get the extra health benefits of crucial vitamins and minerals.  Some fiber-rich choices include broccoli, cauliflower, artichokes, heart of palm and asparagus.

Lean Protein
Most people opt for tuna salad at a salad bar. This tuna fish contains 400 calories and 22 grams of fat. Instead add lean proteins to your salad like chicken, (90 calories for 3 ounces,) turkey, tofu and tuna without mayo. Protein helps to provide you with long-term satiety and energy.

Toppings
Most toppings on salads typically add more calories and fat than the actual salad itself. Here are some better alternatives to the typical high calorie and high fat ones.

Beans
Beans are both high in fiber and protein. Add Garbanzo, Kidney, and Canelli. 

Cheese
Cheese can add calcium and protein to your salad. If you like cheese, opt for an aged cheese like parmesan,(55 calories) instead of ¼ cup blue cheese (210 calories) or cheddar cheese (226 calories) for a savings of about 150 calories.

Fruit
Fruit is always a great addition to a salad. Choose Strawberries instead of raisins. Instead of only having 2 tbsp of raisins, for the same amount of calories, satiate your sweet tooth 1 and ¼ cup of strawberries you get double the portion size and more fiber and nutrients.

Crunch
For that needed crunch, instead of having only 9 croutons for 35 calories, have 2 tablespoons of slivered almonds for the same amount of calories, but an added boost of fiber and protein, which as mentioned above will keep you feeling fuller longer.

Salad Dressing
Salad dressing usually contains more calories than an entire salad combined. A typical dressed salad can be anywhere from 400 to 500 calories, from the dressing alone.  Get the dressing on the side or use oil and vinegar (no more than a tablespoon of which has 120 calories and 14g of fat)

Sandwiches
Sandwiches are a satisfying and tasty lunch, but can also cause havoc on your diet. Swap out white breads for healthy whole grain versions and add lean proteins and you will instantly save over 200 calories.

Tuna Sandwich: 1 can tuna fish prepared with 1 tablespoon non-fat mayo, 2 slices high-fiber bread, try Nature’s Own Double Fiber bread (for a tuna melt add 2 slices of fat- free Kraft Singles)

Turkey Sandwich: 3 oz lean turkey deli, ½ whole wheat pita, 2 slices tomato, romaine lettuce, and sliced onion

Ham Sandwich: 3 oz ham 2 slices fat-free cheese , 2 lettuce leaves, 2 slices tomato, mustard, topped on whole grain English muffin and 1 cup minestrone soup
Soups:

Soup is a wonderfully warming and satisfying addition to any lunch. According to a Penn State University study, soup is a super appetite suppressant because it’s made up of a hunger-satisfying combination of broths and vegetables. Just make sure to avoid soups made with cream or loaded with pasta or potatoes.  Aim for broth based soups filled with vegetables for a low-calorie and filling meal or appetizer. Miso soup, vegetable soup and bean soups are all great options. If a microwave isn’t accessible, you can always heat up at home and bring it in a thermos.

Healthy Snacks:

For career women, an afternoon snack is essential to keeping energy levels up. When you are busy at the office, what you choose as an afternoon snack can make a big difference on your mood and energy. The candy jars and vending machines can wreck any diet, therefore make sure to stock your desk draw with healthy treats.
Snacks should contain 100-200 calories, which is just enough to satisfy you without sabotaging your diet. They should also be a combination of fiber and protein, since fiber and protein are the two nutrients that take the longest to digest and keep you full and satisfied on fewer calories. So in order to keep up with your kids’ constant energy, snacks are an essential part of the day. Avoiding refined carbohydrates that spike your sugars temporarily will prevent you from crashing later in the day. 
  
 1) 8 dried apricot halves with 1 oz. Everybody’s Nuts pistachios (European Roast)
2) ½ cup Fiber One cereal with 1 cup Fage 0% Total Greek Yogurt
3) Starkist Lunch To-Go tuna kits (omit the crackers) and 4 whole grain high-fiber crackers
4) 1 individual size Jell-O Pudding Snack double chocolate sugar-free pudding with 1 cup strawberries
5) Starbucks Tall Non-fat Sugar-free Vanilla Latte with a Gnu Flavor and Fiber bar
6) 1 packet Quaker Weight Control instant oatmeal packets with a banana
7)4 oz. container of 1% or fat- free cottage cheese and a cup of berries
1 cup trail mix (high-fiber cereal, whole-wheat pretzels, peanuts, and raisins)
9) Apple and Sargento Light string cheese
10) 2 tbsp peanut butter and ½ banana roll-up on La Tortilla Factory Whole-wheat, low-carb, low-fat tortillas
11) ½ turkey sandwich on 1 slice whole-wheat bread with lettuce and tomato
12) 1 bag Glenny’s Soy Crisps

Other Tips to Survive the Office:
• Water is essential for all bodily functions and keeps you hydrated and helps avoid fatigue, which tends to lead to overeating.  Keep a water bottle at your desk and you’ll find it much easier to drink the recommend 8 glasses of water each day.  If drinking plain water seems painful to you add a calorie- free crystal light packet for a boost of flavor.
• Don’t drink your calories. Research shows that our bodies do not register calories from fluids.  Meaning that the amount of calories that your drink contains has absolutely no effect on your satiety level meaning your drink will not fill you up. Stick with calorie free beverages like unsweetened iced tea and diet sodas.
• When a sweet craving hits, pop a sweet mint or chew on a stick of sugar free gum. This will help alleviate your craving.
• Don’t just sit at your desk all day, get up and move. Just standing by your des, will enable your to burn more calories than sitting.

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

The Institute of Medicine, a prestigious body, has released a new report building on previous reports issued between 2001-2004 which have all concluded that the lack of health insurance in our society is putting a lot of pressure on our current health care system and leading to skyrocketing costs. The current report concludes that when local rates of people without insurance are relatively high, even people with insurance have difficulty obtaining needed care.                                                      

According to the report, the number of people who have health insurance continues to drop, while employment-based coverage — the principle source of insurance for most Americans — is failing. The average amount of money that employees paid for year for family coverage has doubled in the past decade to $3,354 in 2008. The IOM committee concludes that if there is no intervention, the decline in health coverage will continue, costing the health care system more money down the line in terms of delayed diagnoses and poor outcomes.   

My take is somewhat different.  Here’s why:
 
*  I don’t assume that increased health coverage automatically leads to improved health outcomes. Our system is currently clogged with insured patients who overuse their coverage precisely because they don’t feel the pain in their pocketbooks. Recent studies have shown that it is these folks who unnecessarily fill our ERs, often with minor ailments.
*  There is a great and growing shortage of doctors, especially primary care doctors. Current medical school graduating classes average only 2 percent going into primary care. So who is going to practice all the preventative medicine that IOM has in mind by extending insurance coverage?
*   The current system of health care is far too intervention-oriented. This means that we wait until people get sick and then use our insurance coverage to absorb the cost of disease-modeled intervention. Did you know that over $460 billion – that’s right BILLION – was spent last year in the U.S. on cardiac and vascular interventions. Until we transition to a real preventative-oriented model, where hospitals are NOT the focus, extending coverage will only extend the problem.
*  Making the system more prevention oriented is not a function of extending a generic disease model to more people. Instead, it means disruptive innovation, altering the system itself, with a new focus on prevention through the use of genetic technology, biotechnology, personalized medicine, and most importantly, increased development and use of screening tools that lead to catching a cancer or heart disease before it occurs, or at least before expensive chemotherapy or elaborate stenting procedures are required.
*  With the current managed care/employer-driven health model, there is no way to protect the patient/consumer from shoddy care. Extending that will only extend the shoddy care.
 
 
Let me give you an example of how the current system doesn’t work – (as if you don’t know it already from your own health care difficulties):

A producer here at Fox had an earache – he wanted to see his primary care doctor, but the doctor was all jammed up with patients. So he went to a mini-medicine mart, a doc-in-the-box, and was quickly given an antibiotic, and his ear has started to improve.

But ears are tricky, and are easy to misdiagnose or mistreat. I send many of my patients so afflicted to ear specialists. The producer may not have needed the antibiotic or he may need more care than just an antibiotic. Either way, I am wary of the care he received, and am concerned that in the end he could end up costing the health care system more money, and himself more aggravation, than if his primary doctor had been available. And keep in mind that his doctor WAS not tied up with the uninsured, but with the kind of coverage that IOM thinks should be extended to more people.

Dr. Marc Siegel is an internist and associate professor of medicine at the NYU School of Medicine. He is a FOX News medical contributor and writes a health column for LA Times, where he examines TV and movies for medical accuracy. Dr. Siegel is the author of “False Alarm: The Truth About the Epidemic of Fear“ and “Bird Flu: Everything You Need to Know About the Next Pandemic.”  Read more at www.doctorsiegel.com

Hey ladies! If you’re going for a dental cleaning with your friendly, neighborhood dentist, and he starts fondling your breasts, trust me, this is no medical therapy!

Yet this is the excuse that Dr. Mark Anderson has given for his actions in the felony charges that he is facing in the state of California. He is charged with 19 felony charges for skin-to-skin contact and one misdemeanor for allegedly touching a patient’s breasts over her clothing. So far, fourteen women have come forward.

The attorney for the defendant told jurors that his client massaged women’s chests as part of a medical treatment. I wonder what kind of “treatment” calls for that?!

Let’s face it ― this is just another example of negligent behavior on the part of a medical professional. It is important for patients to understand that if they feel uncomfortable during a physical examination they should speak out and ask questions.

I also truly believe that a chaperone should always be present during a physical examination so that both the patient and the doctor are protected from unsubstantiated allegations.

I’m going to be following this trial because I can’t wait to see how the defending attorney is going to prove that his client’s actions were part of a medical treatment. But you know lawyers, they will give the jury “an act with lots of flash in it, and the reaction will be passionate.”

British reality TV star Jade Goody, who appeared on the show ‘Big Brother’ in 2002, is turning her death into reality television.  Goody suffers from terminal cervical cancer and is making a show about her impending demise.  Recently, she wed an ex-con named Jack Tweed, in a televised ceremony, which included bridesmaids who had shaved their heads (to mimic Goody’s hair loss from chemotherapy).  Tweed was allowed by officials to stay out past his house arrest curfew, imposed after his 18-month jail sentence for attacking a teenager with a golf club.

Television can do very good things, and it can do very bad things.  This is a very bad thing, and Goody is doing no service to herself, her two sons (ages 4 and 5) or the public.  Her decision to televise her demise turns what should be private moments between Goody, her children and her “husband” and her Maker (if she believes in God) into entertainment. 

It dehumanizes her, deprives her children of the certain knowledge that life and death and family and love are greater than fame, and injures every person who struggles to make sense of our mortality, rather than distorting it with the lens of a camera and rendering it absurd.

If you want to know why some young people have no reluctance to tape beatings and air them on YouTube, take a look at Jade Goody (and the reprehensible producers of her series).

If you want to know why we have an epidemic of character pathology—including extreme narcissism—gripping this nation, take a look at Jade Goody.

If you want to know why real empathy is in short supply, too often replaced by a thin, synthetic veneer of concern for others, no deeper than applause, take a look at Jade Goody.

Turning death into a make-believe circus of photo ops, paydays (Goody reportedly received $2.2 million for the media rights to her wedding) and fake pathos doesn’t raise cancer awareness, as Goody claims.  It buries it.  Cancer is about moments behind closed doors, about private thoughts late in the night, about quiet courage to face suffering, about tears shed over concerns for oneself and one’s children that are unspeakable, except to those we love, for real.

Goody has apparently defended her reality series because it will provide money to raise her two children.  She could have left them something else:  The certain knowledge that they mattered more than fame, that they should never sell their souls to the highest bidder, that being alive on the face of this great planet means coming to terms with death, not denying it or trivializing it by turning it into a taped, partly faked spectacle or last ditch try for fame.

Nope, there’s nothing good about this at all.

Dr. Keith Ablow is a psychiatry correspondent for FOX News Channel and a New York Times bestselling author. His newest book, “Living the Truth: Transform Your Life through the Power of Insight and Honesty” has launched a new self-help movement. Check out Dr. Ablow’s website at livingthetruth.com or e-mail him at info@keithablow.com.

Dear Yvonne,
My wife wants to get a little “kinky” in the bedroom, citing that we’re a bit “vanilla” compared to what’s out there. I don’t see anything wrong with what we’ve been doing, but was wondering what you think.
—Nolan

Dear Nolan,
While many people find comfort in seeing themselves as “vanilla,” pushing the envelope on occasion can do them a world of good, revitalizing their sex life and opening the door to new sensations and pleasures.

By challenging their sense of eroticism, especially in a trusting relationship, many people are delightfully surprised with their physical and emotional response to a new adventure. And if it isn’t their cup of tea, then there’s still a sense of accomplishment that they were willing to put themselves out there. By keeping passion alive and nurturing a monogamous, long-term relationship, most sex researchers will agree that what is considered novel can make or break a sexual relationship. So changing things up on occasion can only help you.

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

Approximately 75 percent of the world’s population is lactose intolerant. Lactose is the predominant sugar found in milk products such as yogurt, milk and ice cream.  Lactase, an enzyme produced in the small intestine, and is responsible for breaking down lactose so it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.  People who are lactose intolerant either don’t produce enough lactase or any at all.  Without lactase, lactose remains undigested and can lead to uncomfortable symptoms which may include bloating, cramping and diarrhea.  Thanks to new products on the market that contain the enzyme lactase, many people who are lactose intolerant can now enjoy foods that were once prohibited.   Lactaid products have lactase added to them so products like cottage cheese and milk can be enjoyed without distress.  In addition, these products are high in calcium, an important nutrient that can protect bone integrity and help stave off osteoporosis.

Below are some lactose-free recipes that everyone, lactose intolerant or not, will enjoy!

Oatmeal Blueberry Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats

• 6 egg whites, beaten

• 1 cup nonfat vanilla soymilk

• 2 teaspoons oil (any kind will do)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 cup natural unsweetened applesauce

• 1 cup blueberries

Directions:  Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor until fairly smooth. (Until you have a normal pancake mix consistency).  Coat a skillet with nonfat cooking spray making sure the skillet is hot.  Pour half a cup of the batter into the skillet and cook until firm, flipping occasionally.

12 Servings

Nutrition content Per Serving: 100 calories,16g carbohydrates,2g fiber,4 g protein, 2g fat,0g sat. Fat, 93 mg sodium.

Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 cup low-fat soy milk

• 1 cup Lactaid low-fat cottage cheese

• 11/2 cups Veggie shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

• 1 pound multigrain elbow pasta

• 3 tablespoons whole wheat bread crumbs

Directions:  Preheat oven to 400F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.  In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. Lower the heat and stir in the cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and keep warm.  Cook pasta until tender, but firm. Drain pasta and return to its pot. Add the cheese sauce to the pasta and stir well to combine. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or casserole and sprinkle the top with bread crumbs.  Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and the top is golden. Serve immediately.

Serves 4

Nutritional Content Per Serving:411calories,50g carbohydrates, 5g fiber,28g protein,2g total fat,1g sat fat,126 mg sodium.

Cream of Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups spinach

• 2 cups broccoli

• 2 cups mushrooms

• 2 cups cauliflower

• 2 cups peppers

• 1 cup onion, chopped

• 1 cup sliced celery

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 1/2 cups of low-fat soy milk

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• Veggie Soy Parmesan Cheese

Directions:  Heat a large stockpot over high heat. Spray with cooking spray.  Add the onion and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes more.  Add the spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, cauliflower, peppers, chicken broth and spices. Season with salt and pepper.  Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for 15 minutes.  Add the low-fat soy milk to the pot and puree the vegetables. Continue pureeing until the soup is at the consistency you like.  Serve and top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Serves 8

Nutrition Content Per Serving: 110calories, 15g carbohydrate,6g fiber, 6g protein, 4g fat,1g sat. fat, 800mg sodium

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of Skinnyandthecity.com. She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being. For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

In some cultures, as soon as a baby is born, the father whispers a message into the child’s ears. I’ve seen it done with some of the babies I’ve delivered, and while I never ask what was said, I’m sure it’s a massage of hope and love.

I don’t know if my father did anything like that when I was born, but he did make sure to tell me early on in my life, that America was the land of hope and opportunity. And I believe that it was then, and it always will be.

I know that for many people right now this seems like a difficult concept to believe in, but for some of us, today’s troubles are the challenges that will continue to make our future great.

The stresses that most Americans are experiencing right now are overwhelming. I see it in my own practice — unfortunately these days it seems even the joy of a new baby is sometimes overshadowed by the financial strain of a growing family.  I tell some of my patients that are dealing with these feelings of anxiety to reflect on their past and see how America has always been there for them.

It’s human nature to survive, and throughout history, we have seen people survive through much worse conditions than we are in today. This isn’t the first time a nation has faced hardship, and history has shown us that even at the lowest points, through two world wars, depressions, the Holocaust, famine and terrorism, just to name a few, the human spirit has prevailed. And today, we as Americans will not surrender.

As a kid, I grew up in a communist dictatorship where our survival was predicated on dealing with a black market economy. My father came to America with just a coat and $150 in his pocket. America made him a new man and allowed him to work hard and build up his family. He stopped thinking about the worst-case scenario, and focused on making an honest living.

America will never fail — just look back in our history. The world has seen many terrible things. But rather than surrendering to your worries about the present, think of the past and remember the words of Winston Churchill, who in his most desperate moments, rallied those around him, by saying “We will fight in the hills, we will never surrender.”

These are interesting times we’re in ― to say the least. Over the past couple of weeks, we have all been concentrating on “Octomom” from California, and with new developments in the story everyday, it’s easy to see why she’s been the topic of conversation. I was following the story too, calling for an ethical investigation of the fertility clinic from day one, but with the state of our economy and the country experiencing what could be one of the most pivotal moments in American history, I want to move past that story.

I think it’s time the media starts concentrating on the changes that the Obama administration will be proposing in the future and some of the ideas that have already been approved.

Now, let’s look at the facts … The American health care system needs help! Why? Well, because it is filled with inefficiencies and overpriced operational costs.

How did it get like that? Well, it’s possible the American health care system has seen a lot of the same issues as our financial sector ― which we all know by now is quite a mess. Our financial experts have given us many explanations for the current economic crisis: Many blame the banks for recklessly handing out loans and credit, some blame the public for borrowing more money than they could ever repay, then there’s all the greedy Wall Street executives making profits off back of funds that don’t even exist, and who can forget those elaborate Ponzi schemes that went unnoticed by federal agencies for years.

Well, believe it or not, we have a lot of the same things happening in health care. We have some patients that demand every test in the book on the basis of what they’ve read or seen on television, hospitals that have been enamored with demands because of technological advances and profit margins, and doctors that have concentrated on sub-specialty service, rather than primary care and prevention.

So now, we are all looking to President Obama’s stimulus bill to see how he will resolve these problems. Some of his proposed ideas are very interesting. Electronic medical records, for instance, provide us with computerized data entry on patients, a way to track symptoms, disease processes, a way to dramatically decrease the overutilization of certain tests, minimize medical mistakes both by physicians and hospitals. And down the road, it might even decrease costs.

But many critics worry about privacy issues. I totally agree that patient confidentiality should always be protected. I remember when the new HIPPA laws came into effect under President Clinton, I could not even discuss a patient’s medical condition or get a second opinion from a colleague without getting a written consent from the patient.

But I think that before we start throwing good money in to solve the problems bad money got us into, the way previous financial stimulus plans have, we need to really understand how our current health care system is working, and address the issues that got us here in the first place.

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