Showing posts with label multicultural. Show all posts
Showing posts with label multicultural. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

The Talmudic Path To Satiety And Away From Obesity

The Talmud And Other Diet Books by Jonathan K. Crane.  The New York Times.  March 26, 2013.

A fascinating perspective from a professor of bioethics and Jewish thought at Emory University.  He presents an approach based upon individual perceptions of satiety and not imposed from above.  "Am I full?" should be replaced by "Am I satisfied?"

I was particularly impressed by this sentence:  "A body stuffed with food and drink is full only of biology;  it leaves no room for biography, for what makes us human."

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Including Undocumented Immigrants In Obamacare May Have Benefits: They Are Healthier and Use Medical Services Less

Could Immigration Reform Improve Our Health by Matthew O'Brien.  Philly.com.  March 19, 2013.

This analysis contains some surprises.  First of all, it notes that along two different dimensions, obesity and diabetes, undocumented immigrants are healthier that Latino U.S. citizens.  In addition, they visited physicians less than U.S. citizens.  Including 11.1 individuals who are healthier than most U.S. citizens could serve to lower insurance premiums on the insurance exchanges.  Undocumented immigrants are now specifically excluded from Obamacare.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Ethnic Diversity Vital In Bone Marrow Donation

Transplant Advocate Understands The Need, Personally by Sheilia Poole.  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  March 6, 2013.

Personal case studies are used to illustrate the need for more diversity in bone marrow matching services.  A close genetic match is necessary to prevent graft-versus-host-disease.   Latinos, according to the article, come form a very diverse genetic pool which poses a problem in matching.  The diversity of ways to donate and the need to overcome misperceptions are emphasized.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Clinics Illustrate Cultural, Financial, Policy Issue In The Delivery Of Care

As 'Bodega Clinicas' Fill Void, Health Officials Are Torn by Sarah Varney.  The New York Times.  January 12, 2013.

The rise of these clinics in immigrant neighborhoods around Los Angeles provides a fascinating story of how a parallel health care system for uninsured Latino residents functions.  They are mainly "cash-only" enterprises which are, in reality, doctor's offices and thus escape regulation required of licensed clinics.  With the Affordable Care Act fast approaching, policymakers are puzzling about how to address these clinics.  On the one hand, the clinics serve illegal immigrants who are prohibited from getting insurance under the ACA.  On the other hand, there is some doubt about what the clinics are doing.  They could be valuable in serving those immigrants who are accustomed to receiving healthcare in this manner and are uncomfortable visiting a medical complex for care.