Affordable Care Act lives to protect us
Americans will remain protected by the Affordable Care Act.
Americans who have survived devastating medical conditions will not be penalized by private medical insurance companies and charged higher premiums, nor can they be denied coverage.
Americans will not be categorized into risk pools created by private insurance companies and charged higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions.
Younger Americans may remain insured under their parents’ insurance policy up to the age of 26.
Americans will not be denied coverage by their insurance company for doctor’s office care, emergency care services, hospitalization, care during pregnancy and after the birth of their child, newborn care, mental health/substance use care, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services and supportive medical equipment, laboratory services, annual physicals, well woman exams, screening for disease and chronic disease management, pediatric services, including oral and vision care, birth control and breast feeding services.
Those services are vital in maintaining a healthy nation.
The fight and struggle for affordable health care for everyone is still very much an issue. Rationing it is not the answer. Instead, we need to expand it toward Medicare for everyone.
Dr. Danielle Mitchell
The Chattanooga Sports Institute and Center for Health
Time to spring to foods from plants
I have looked forward to the first day of spring, with balmy weather and flowers in bloom.
The first day of spring is actually a perfect opportunity to turn over a new leaf in our personal habits – to clean house, to jog outdoors and to replace animal foods with healthy, delicious vegetables, legumes, grains and fruits.
The shift toward healthy eating is everywhere. Fast-food chains like Chipotle, Quiznos, Starbucks, Subway, Taco Bell and Wendy’s offer plant-based options. Parade, Better Homes and Gardens and Eating Well are touting vegan recipes.
Google CEO Eric Schmidt views replacement of meat by plant protein as the world’s No. 1 technical trend. The financial investment community is betting on innovative start-ups like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods while warning clients about the “death of meat.” Even Tyson Foods’ new CEO sees plant protein as the meat industry’s future.
Indeed, Global Meat News reports nearly half of consumers are reducing meat intake. Beef consumption has dropped by 43 percent in the past 40 years.
Each of us can celebrate spring by checking out the rich collection of plant-based dinners and desserts in our supermarket’s frozen food, dairy and produce sections.
Tristan Bell
Just let Jesus be the passenger
Just imagine that Jesus is your front seat passenger. It might change your driving habits. You would drive within the speed limits, use your turn signals, no tailgating and be a defensive driver. Rewards: few accidents, lower insurance rates and a more pleasant driving experience. Of course, you might have that other fellow as your passenger and continue your present driving habits. The choice is yours.
Charles “Rocky” Renneisen
Signal Mountain