Are we done paying for Bernie Madoff’s crimes? Not any time soon. Bernie may get at least 20 years in prison, but it seems we’re going to have to be paying for his lifestyle — although more modest behind bars — for quite some time.

According to some estimates, Bernie is going to cost taxpayers an average of $29,000 a year — and that’s not including any extra perks that his lawyers may negotiate in court.

Things may have changed since the days of Michael Milken spending a few years in “Club Fed” only to be released to his $500 million dollar fortune, but the Bernie Madoff tab is still open.

At a time when 45 million Americans are living without the benefits of health insurance, and reform is the hot topic on everyone’s lips, it’s quite disheartening to know that the only people with a constitutional right to government-funded health care are convicts. And isn’t it ironic that in the midst of an economic crisis, where many Americans are struggling to get by, that we taxpayers are once again footing the bill for those same greedy crooks who got us into this mess?

So the question is: Should Bernie Madoff have to pay for his own imprisonment? And I think the answer is yes. Now I know many of you smart lawyers out there might tell me this is a ridiculous notion, but I can’t help but think ― if I was planning my retirement, what would I want?

Well, I think I would want secluded place to spend my time, three hot meals a day, 24/7 health benefits ― including dental and vision ― and visitors that would come and see me once in a while, but would never stay long enough for me to have to kick them out. Sounds an awful lot like Bernie’s new retirement plan, doesn’t it?

So I guess I better start saving now for my retirement at the age of 70. But I wonder if all the people that he stole from, whose lives he destroyed, are going to be able to see some the benefits that American taxpayers will provide good ol’ Bernie for the rest of his miserable existence.

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.”

Did you know that your mouth contains one of your body’s best defense systems against the cold and flu? Protecting and enhancing your oral health can go a long way towards helping to boost your immunities and prevent the spread of infection. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) colds are one of the most common causes of absenteeism with up to 22 million work and school days lost each year. Don’t let a cold or flu interrupt your life this year… fortify your front line and follow these healthy smile tips today!

1)     Gargle with warm crystal salt water.

In our dental offices, we offer a Himalayan crystal salt treatment that helps to reduce inflammation and restore the mouth’s important pH balance on a cellular level. Himalayan crystal salt is very pure, has 84 important trace minerals, and does not burden the body the way chemically processed table salt does. It is more ‘bioenergetic’ and pure than sea salt much of which is also industrially “cleaned.” At home, begin with a thorough daily brushing of your teeth, tongue and then gargle with a homemade crystal saltwater solution. If you can find Himalayan crystal salt in a health food store or online, that’s always preferable. Warm crystal salt water helps heal inflammation in the mouth, promotes sinus health and is soothing for sore throats as well.

2)     Brush three times a day.

Brushing your teeth and tongue three times a day, preferably with a mild non-detergent, chemical-free toothpaste and alcohol-free mouthrinse will help keep your mouth clean and healthy. An unhealthy oral environment, with decay and gum disease, has also been shown to compromise the proper function of your immune system and can make you more susceptible to respiratory infection. In many instances, this can reduce your protection against the common cold or flu.

3)     Change and sanitize your toothbrush

Your toothbrush is a veritable incubator of viruses and bacteria – some removed from your mouth during brushing, and some from the environment (especially your cosmetic or toiletries case). It is a good idea to change your toothbrush immediately after any illness. Regular sanitizing and also changing your toothbrush monthly will also help keep harmful germs at bay year-round.

4)     Eat an antioxidant rich diet.

Antioxidant rich foods such as lightly cooked or raw greens, plant-based foods and hormone-free meats will not only help keep you lean, but may also aid your body’s natural defense systems. When you do feel ill, you my want to try a mega-green fresh power juice or an antioxidant infused water.

5) Exercise and manage stress

Exercise helps to boost the immune system, helps improves circulation and helps reduce stress. Runners, for instance, may often have a very low incidence of gum disease. Healthy habits are especially important during the winter months. Try to get as much sleep and exercise as our full lives allow. Take time for yourself. Stress will help deteriorate your defenses and may quickly lead to illness.

6) Avoid smoking.

Smoking may irritate oral and nasal passageways, strangle blood circulation and may make you more susceptible to infection. Try to limit or avoid all types of smoking, including second hand smoke.

Dr. Gerald P. Curatola is a renowned aesthetic dentist and pioneer in the emerging field of rejuvenation dentistry, which improves patients’ overall health and appearance by integrating total wellness with cutting edge oral care and restorative procedures. In addition to his private practice, research, and work as a Clinical Associate Professor at NYU College of Dentistry, he is an internationally sought after speaker, author and expert who has been featured widely in print and broadcast media. For more information, go to DrGerry.net

by Lori Lundin 

My husband Doug grew up in a very low income family in Washington State and didn’t get much dental care.  His teeth were also becoming very worn down as a result from grinding. 

He finally decided he had to do something, so he went for a consultation with a dentist in New York.

The diagnoses:  financially painful.

Doug would need a full mouth reconstruction, which would take about two years to complete and cost approximately $60,000.

However, if he didn’t have his teeth fixed, they would continue to deteriorate and he would continue to have problems.  

But we didn’t have $60,000 to make it happen.  I’d heard about medical tourism and started doing some online research.  From there I found a book called “Patients Beyond Borders.”  It was an eye-opening experience.  More and more people are traveling to places such as India, Thailand, Costa Rica and El Salvador to get health care. 

There are companies that specialize in facilitating all sorts of medical treatments overseas.  Not only are they getting great quality care and saving thousands of dollars, but they are making a vacation out of it.

And it’s not just small stuff.  Folks are going for heart surgery, plastic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, dental work, laser eye surgery…you name it.  The book showed price comparisons and recommended the top medical tourism companies.  After calling a few, I chose a company called Planet Hospital. 

The founder, Rudy Rupak began the journey toward medical tourism after his wife became sick in Thailand.  He was amazed at the quality of care, the compassionate treatment and how little it cost. After the initial phone call, we sent Doug’s treatment plan and x-rays from the American dentist.

Rudy put us in touch with one dentist in Costa Rica and one in El Salvador.   We immediately felt comfortable with Dr. Rafael Lorenzana, who was located in El Salvador. 

We were given an estimate for $18,000. Even with airfare and hotel, we would be saving about $40,000. But knowing so little about the country, we also felt cautious.  We called several people in the states who had gone to Dr. Lorenzana for similar procedures and they were thrilled.  Not only did they rave about the care and the quality of work, but they loved the country.

We decided to go for it.  Not only would Doug finally get his teeth fixed, but we would get a tropical vacation in the process.

Lori Lundin is a News Anchor/Reporter with Fox News Radio