| More political games with our health care
HB 849 is a bill that would require health insurance companies to pay for bariatric surgery for type II diabetics. I put this bill in at the request of doctors at the Portsmouth Hospital. There are different procedures, but bariatric surgery is basically stomach reduction. The bill, after being amended and undergoing about six subcommittee meetings, was carefully crafted to meet the needs of type II diabetics who cannot lose excess weight by traditional methods of dieting and exercise and need this type of surgery to stop the downward spiral of failing health. The testimony on this bill was absolutely compelling that in about 80 percent of those who met the criteria to be operated on, the surgery "cured" type II diabetes, high blood pressure, reduces heart attacks and a number of other expensive health care issues.
Nene may have shed weight problem
It has been a little more than a week since Nuggets forward Nene had surgery to repair a torn ulnar ligament in his left thumb. It is an expected six-week rehabilitation process before Nene is back on the court, but already strength-and-conditioning coach Steve Hess is excited about what the Brazilian will look like, weight and conditioning-wise, once he returns. "I promise you, when he steps back on the court, people are just going to be like 'Wow,"' Hess said. "He'll come back from an injury where a person with less mental strength may put on weight. He won't. He'll come back better than he was when he went out." Weight has been an issue for Nene. Last season in January, he was placed on a diet and weight program that resulted in a loss of nearly 40 pounds by the end of April.
Study: Don't blame babies
Despite the fears of some nursing moms, breastfeeding does not cause sagging breasts, a study has found. Researchers at a University of Kentucky plastic surgery clinic examined 93 patients who had experienced at least one pregnancy and had an average age of 39. Fifty-four women had breastfed at least one child, for an average of nine months. There was no significant difference in breast sagging between these women and the 39 moms who did not breastfeed. But other factors did increase the likelihood of sagging. They include age, obesity, more pregnancies, larger pre-pregnancy cup size and smoking. Dr. Brian Rinker and colleagues reported the study at a meeting last week of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "These findings support the assertion of pediatricians and lactation specialists that breastfeeding does not adversely affect breast shape," researchers wrote.
Wizards' Arenas Undergoes Knee Surgery
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Washington Wizards leading scorer Gilbert Arenas underwent surgery on his left knee on Wednesday and will miss about three months.Arenas had been experiencing swelling and soreness in the knee which he had surgically repaired late last season. After sitting out the past two games, Arenas underwent an MRI Wednesday morning. He underwent the surgery later in the afternoon.Team officials say the surgery was a success and Arenas will begin rehabilitation soon.The 6-foot-4 Arenas is averaging 22.4 points. The Wizards won both games against struggling Portland and Philadelphia without Arenas and were on a five-game winning streak before Wednesday's game against Charlotte."We did win two games in convincing fashion without him, but it wasn't like it was the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs," Wizards center Brendan Haywood said.
A Loing Battle: Scaling down
It's somewhat funny to think back 14 months when I finally decided to risk my life and undergo bariatric weight loss surgery. At 509 pounds, I was afraid I'd die on the operating table.
If I had not made the decision, however, I may not have lived to see my youngest son Brad play his first season of flag football this fall because I was on the fast road to an early death.
I made the decision that was in the best interest of me and my family, and on Sept. 20, 2006, my life changed forever when I had the surgery. I was the largest patient that Presbyterian Hospital of Denton ever got approved for the Lap-Band procedure.
My main goal was to lose 100 pounds. I figured I could live another 10 years and see both of my boys through high school if I could get down to 400 pounds.
Weight-loss doctor out to inspire others
A SURGEON at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary who underwent weight control surgery is hoping to inspire others to combat obesity. Earlier this year, Chris Oliver, a specialist trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at the ERI, chose to have gastric band surgery after tipping the scales at 26 stone. .
Reading this may just save your life, if cancer experts are right
BACON, smoked ham and processed sausages are a cancer threat and should be cut from people's diet altogether, according to the world's most comprehensive study of the disease. The World Cancer Research Fund says the evidence is now strong enough for it to recommend that people stop eating all processed meats, whether they have been smoked, cured, salted or preserved with chemicals. .
Your Week calendar
MONDAY Ronald McDonald House 4-5 p.m. open house Nov. 12 and 26, at the House, 4710 Waters Ave. Individuals interested in learning more about the organization are encouraged to come to the open house. Call 356-5520 or e-mail eileenrmhc@msn.com. The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12, Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church, 50 Diamond Causeway. The NYGASP will present H.M.S. Pinafore. Tickets: $35; may be purchased at the church or at Village Barber, Marsh Point. Call 598-0151. Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra 8 p.m. Nov. 12, Hilton Head First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. Carl Nielsen's "Symphony No. 4, The Inextinguishable," will open the program.
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