Fewer Calories (Carbs, Protein or Fat) Are Called Weight-Loss Key - NYTimes.com
Now this is news! It is common sense, is it not? One can not produce more than what one has. In other words if one does not consume calories one can not store it!! in the form of fat. All the excess calories, does not matter if it comes from good or bad source, get converted in to fat stores. So it just make sense that one should consume less and/or spend the calories consumed to prevent weight gain.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Saturday, December 13, 2008
What is security?
This Friday did not start very well. I received a call from my wife that she was in an accident. It was a three car pileup. She was in the middle. Luckily no body was injured. The car was damaged quite badly. My son was in the car too. He is doing fine after the accident.
This event made me think. We have three cars. We have a new van which we kept for the nanny thinking it is a bigger and safer vehicle and kids will be in that car most of the time. We purchased a set of snow tires for my wife's car(not a four wheel drive). It so happened that my son wanted to go with my wife to the school in her car. Later that morning because of icy conditions the accident happened.
We spend a lot of time thinking, arguing and researching what is best for ourselves and the family. We worry about a lot of things which may may not happen. We plan for these events. Most of the time it is a smart thing to do. But many a time we get caught up in this and lose sleep over the planning process. It seems to me we forget that the inherent nature of the safety net is imperfect and depends on many variables.
While saving for retirement we calculate how much we will need in 30 years. We chase that magic number. As soon as we get there we find out "the fundamentals of our economy are not strong" (Sept 2008). Or we put in overtime to make that extra buck and suffer a heart attack or stroke as we get to retirement age.
We buy the best security system for the car but forget to lock the car. We send our kids to the best school but never ask them about their friends.
Time and again we see around us that against all odds a toddler survives an earthquake, an old man out lasts the robber and in the best of circumstances things go wrong. I have seen miraculous treatment in the district (govt run, underfunded) hospitals and really bad outcome in the private hospitals. We can go on and on with these examples. We have this false sense of security that we are doing the right thing or at least we tried if something goes wrong.
Deep in our heart we know that we have little control over the events in this life. But secretly we are sceptical and think we can out smart the nature. While telling our friends and colleagues to enjoy the present we continuously plan how to get ahead of others in the future. We intentionally neglect the law of the nature. We lose the ability to enjoy the present. We do not enjoy the small joy everyday life brings. We are constantly living and worrying about the future. This process goes on both in subconscious and conscious level.
Why don't we have a strong conviction in ourselves that while we are planning for our future, creating a safety net we would not forget to live in the present tense. This will require a constant state of awareness of our actions. It can reduce unnecessary worry, headache and hopefully improve our surroundings.
Just think about it. If one didn't care about the future and just enjoyed and worked hard to make the present more livable, enjoyable and peaceful, it would translate in to the future too.
This event made me think. We have three cars. We have a new van which we kept for the nanny thinking it is a bigger and safer vehicle and kids will be in that car most of the time. We purchased a set of snow tires for my wife's car(not a four wheel drive). It so happened that my son wanted to go with my wife to the school in her car. Later that morning because of icy conditions the accident happened.
We spend a lot of time thinking, arguing and researching what is best for ourselves and the family. We worry about a lot of things which may may not happen. We plan for these events. Most of the time it is a smart thing to do. But many a time we get caught up in this and lose sleep over the planning process. It seems to me we forget that the inherent nature of the safety net is imperfect and depends on many variables.
While saving for retirement we calculate how much we will need in 30 years. We chase that magic number. As soon as we get there we find out "the fundamentals of our economy are not strong" (Sept 2008). Or we put in overtime to make that extra buck and suffer a heart attack or stroke as we get to retirement age.
We buy the best security system for the car but forget to lock the car. We send our kids to the best school but never ask them about their friends.
Time and again we see around us that against all odds a toddler survives an earthquake, an old man out lasts the robber and in the best of circumstances things go wrong. I have seen miraculous treatment in the district (govt run, underfunded) hospitals and really bad outcome in the private hospitals. We can go on and on with these examples. We have this false sense of security that we are doing the right thing or at least we tried if something goes wrong.
Deep in our heart we know that we have little control over the events in this life. But secretly we are sceptical and think we can out smart the nature. While telling our friends and colleagues to enjoy the present we continuously plan how to get ahead of others in the future. We intentionally neglect the law of the nature. We lose the ability to enjoy the present. We do not enjoy the small joy everyday life brings. We are constantly living and worrying about the future. This process goes on both in subconscious and conscious level.
Why don't we have a strong conviction in ourselves that while we are planning for our future, creating a safety net we would not forget to live in the present tense. This will require a constant state of awareness of our actions. It can reduce unnecessary worry, headache and hopefully improve our surroundings.
Just think about it. If one didn't care about the future and just enjoyed and worked hard to make the present more livable, enjoyable and peaceful, it would translate in to the future too.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Medical malpractice crisis
Now this is not a new subject. People have passionate views about this topic on both sides. I will try to argue why a reform is important.
There is malpractice in every profession. That is just a sad reality. Some of it is fault of system and some of it results from negligence. Medical malpractice is particularly important because it can cause permanent damage, death and/or financial loss. And almost everybody visits doctor at least once in his/her lifetime and has a potential claim against the doctor.
In USA most of the lawsuits against doctors are brought on contingency basis (plaintiff does not have to pay unless he/she wins). If one loses there is no financial loss to the plaintiff. That means one does not have to think twice before accusing somebody of wrongdoing. In my opinion this is the root cause of the crisis. Here is why
Most of the cases where gross negligence is involved do not reach courts. These cases are settled. To bring a lawsuit against any doctor or hospital, trial lawyer has to prepare the case, get the medical records, hire a specialist, depose various parties involved in the case etc etc. This all can cost ( including their time) upto 25-30 K (sometimes more if the case is complicated). Majority of the cases are won by the health care professionals. So a smart trial lawyer will take the case which has the most tragic outcome, which a jury can relate to, in order to increase his chances of winning. These kind of cases usually involve death, brain damage, limb loss or some other crippling condition. These endpoints may be just a result of natural course or unexpected complication.
For a moment think about a 30 year old man who has a small wound on his forearm and it was not properly attended to by a health care provider and he has to miss two or three days of work because of pain or other symptoms. But wound gets better and there is a small scar. This case does not cause emotional outburst. The guy lost 3 days wedges but nobody would take his case. Because the reward will be minimum.
Now imagine a 30 year old female had a small wound because of her own mistake on the face and it was properly attended to but unfortunately she develops an ugly scar because of condition called keloid formation (some people have the tendency). This case has emotional value... And has a potential case written all over it.
So there are a lot of people with small claims who will not get anywhere because it costs too much to argue these cases in the court. On the other hand death (no amount of money will bring that person back) is a potential law suit.
This does not bring about the positive changes in the way hospital operates or physician practices... These suits are not intended to do that.
Each time a doctor is sued his/her insurance company has to spend money to retain a lawyer and defend in case it proceeds to the court. The lawyers can name a doctor by mistake and may later drop his name but that doctor must report to the insurance company. There are no consequences for lawyers because they made a mistake. The insurance companies, in turn, increase the premium based on how many times one was named. This is driving up the cost of doing business.
One can argue this is a free market and the compnies will charge what a market can bear. BUT THIS IS NOT A FREE MARKET FOR PHYSICIAN. Their fees for medcare and medicaid are fixed. The other insurance companies also ask them to discount the fee shcedule to get on the panel. It is illegal for the doctors to pass the extra cost to their customers.
What should one do?
There is malpractice in every profession. That is just a sad reality. Some of it is fault of system and some of it results from negligence. Medical malpractice is particularly important because it can cause permanent damage, death and/or financial loss. And almost everybody visits doctor at least once in his/her lifetime and has a potential claim against the doctor.
In USA most of the lawsuits against doctors are brought on contingency basis (plaintiff does not have to pay unless he/she wins). If one loses there is no financial loss to the plaintiff. That means one does not have to think twice before accusing somebody of wrongdoing. In my opinion this is the root cause of the crisis. Here is why
Most of the cases where gross negligence is involved do not reach courts. These cases are settled. To bring a lawsuit against any doctor or hospital, trial lawyer has to prepare the case, get the medical records, hire a specialist, depose various parties involved in the case etc etc. This all can cost ( including their time) upto 25-30 K (sometimes more if the case is complicated). Majority of the cases are won by the health care professionals. So a smart trial lawyer will take the case which has the most tragic outcome, which a jury can relate to, in order to increase his chances of winning. These kind of cases usually involve death, brain damage, limb loss or some other crippling condition. These endpoints may be just a result of natural course or unexpected complication.
For a moment think about a 30 year old man who has a small wound on his forearm and it was not properly attended to by a health care provider and he has to miss two or three days of work because of pain or other symptoms. But wound gets better and there is a small scar. This case does not cause emotional outburst. The guy lost 3 days wedges but nobody would take his case. Because the reward will be minimum.
Now imagine a 30 year old female had a small wound because of her own mistake on the face and it was properly attended to but unfortunately she develops an ugly scar because of condition called keloid formation (some people have the tendency). This case has emotional value... And has a potential case written all over it.
So there are a lot of people with small claims who will not get anywhere because it costs too much to argue these cases in the court. On the other hand death (no amount of money will bring that person back) is a potential law suit.
This does not bring about the positive changes in the way hospital operates or physician practices... These suits are not intended to do that.
Each time a doctor is sued his/her insurance company has to spend money to retain a lawyer and defend in case it proceeds to the court. The lawyers can name a doctor by mistake and may later drop his name but that doctor must report to the insurance company. There are no consequences for lawyers because they made a mistake. The insurance companies, in turn, increase the premium based on how many times one was named. This is driving up the cost of doing business.
One can argue this is a free market and the compnies will charge what a market can bear. BUT THIS IS NOT A FREE MARKET FOR PHYSICIAN. Their fees for medcare and medicaid are fixed. The other insurance companies also ask them to discount the fee shcedule to get on the panel. It is illegal for the doctors to pass the extra cost to their customers.
What should one do?
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Tsunami
This is the first day of new year 2005. I read Mr. Manmohan Singh's appeal to the nation. I am very proud of us all. Our nation responded to his call and we have raised enough money for Tsunami victims. India was able to decline the foreign aid and channel it to other countries. India is also sending two naval ships to Indonesia and giving aid to Thailand. I am sure with all the help from NGO, volunteers and army southeast Asia will rebuild its shores and villages.
When 9/11 hit USA, I was impressed with generosity of people. And I thought to myself do we, as a nation, have the necessary empathy for such disasters. The overwhelming response of Indians proves that we do. Recent growth in economy and new industries have increased movement within India. Now most middle knows somebody who is working in Mumbai, Delhi and Chhennai etc. No one can say it is south Indian issue or north indian issue.... if there is any problem or achievement it is INDIAN. Internet, superb telecommunication, better rail and road transport have decreased the hassle to send and ask for help.
The silverlining in this tragedy is an opportunity to improve national esteem. If we can help ourselves and others it will boost moral of young working people. It improves our international standing. I am neither advocating unilateral approach to everything nor I am saying we will be able to do it by ourselves each time. But it is great feeling that we can take care of our domestic problems.
I hope that our enthusiasm continues and the uphill task ahead of us is accomplished. May God give all the stregnth to the Tsunami survivors to reorganize and star a new life.
When 9/11 hit USA, I was impressed with generosity of people. And I thought to myself do we, as a nation, have the necessary empathy for such disasters. The overwhelming response of Indians proves that we do. Recent growth in economy and new industries have increased movement within India. Now most middle knows somebody who is working in Mumbai, Delhi and Chhennai etc. No one can say it is south Indian issue or north indian issue.... if there is any problem or achievement it is INDIAN. Internet, superb telecommunication, better rail and road transport have decreased the hassle to send and ask for help.
The silverlining in this tragedy is an opportunity to improve national esteem. If we can help ourselves and others it will boost moral of young working people. It improves our international standing. I am neither advocating unilateral approach to everything nor I am saying we will be able to do it by ourselves each time. But it is great feeling that we can take care of our domestic problems.
I hope that our enthusiasm continues and the uphill task ahead of us is accomplished. May God give all the stregnth to the Tsunami survivors to reorganize and star a new life.
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