Alan's Positions

HEALTHCARE

No Minnesotan should fear the lack of medical care and I will support legislation towards that end. 

I am very concerned about health care delivery and coverage. I have become better-informed regarding this issue through study, my life experience, being a part of a family that has been immersed in the health care discussion for decades (I have two brothers, a foster brother, a sister-in-law and a niece who are doctors, a brother who is a dentist, a niece who is a physician’s assistant and a nephew in medical school), and having examined and incorporated into one of my classes a longitudinal case study involving the development of a major healthcare organization.

Nearly 45 million Americans lack health insurance coverage (statistics show 8% of the 5th District). A job change with a pre-existing condition and/or not being able to afford the insurance premiums are primary reasons why many are going without. Heaven help these Americans if they get sick. Of those who have health insurance, insurance premiums keep rising while coverage and the quality of care diminishes.

It is the bureaucratic-laden healthcare system combined with exhorbitant insurance rates impacted by large volumes of needless lawsuits, skyrocketing product and service pricing, and stratospheric executive compensation that has weakened our health care system causing care to diminish, costs to go through the roof, and more and more people to be excluded from the ranks of the insured. This must change. The American people deserve better! But, the solution is not so simple. Serious analysis must be broadly engaged to determine viable solution options to solve this difficult and complex problem.

We need to explore multiple healthcare options and carefully assess their impacts on cost, quality of care and delivery.

To reduce the cost of healthcare, we should consider:

• Assessing whether or not critical medical technologies that are delivered by a single source constitutes a monopoly
• Assessing whether or not the HMO is, in and of itself, a monopoly in that people cannot readily switch from one to another and it controls hospitals, clinics and can exclude doctors
• Enabling consumers access to online healthcare price comparisons
• Capping the markup patients can be charged above delivery costs
• Capping HMO executive salaries
• Prohibiting states from taxing health care

Preventative Healthcare is an Important Part of Alan's National Healthcare Strategy

I am an avid U.S. Masters swimmer and fitness enthusiast.  I have been learning from medical specialists and fitness enthusiasts for years about diet and exercise regimen refinement.

 

I am concerned about the sedentary lifestyle of Americans and the widespread problem of obesity in this country.  I recognize the toll that it is taking on the quality of life for many Americans as well as the burden it is having on our healthcare system.  As part of my national healthcare strategy, I believe that preventative healthcare is critical to improving the quality of life of our citizens and in bringing down dramatically our nation’s health care costs.  Aside from engaging in at least 30-60 minutes of low impact exercise per day, I am a big proponent of a healthy diet and proper rest.

 

In my book, “Empower Your Self: A Framework for Personal Success” I devote much discussion to these topics.  I discuss the importance of a consistent and sound sleep, diet, and exercise regimen as critical components to building long-term health. (I even include the Guidelines for Personal Exercise Programs developed by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports)  

 

Regarding adequate rest, I have learned, firsthand, from specialists in sleep medicine and have been enlightened through that work to this important, but oftentimes overlooked, component to fitness:

 

“Sleep is not merely a ‘time out’ from daily life.  It is an active state essential for mental and physical restoration.  More than 100 million Americans of all ages, however, regularly fail to get a good night’s sleep.” [1]

           

“Some 84 disorders of sleeping and waking result in diminished quality of life and personal health, and endanger public safety through their contribution to traffic and industrial accidents.  These disorders include those leading to problems falling asleep and staying asleep, difficulties staying awake or adhering to a consistent sleep/wake cycle, sleepwalking, bedwetting, nightmares, and other problems that interfere with sleep.  Some sleep disorders are potentially fatal.”[2]

 

“Even though snoring continues to e a problem for a large segment of the population, most people view it as a subject for jokes or insults and do not consider it an important health problem.  Over eighty percent of the people with snoring and sleep apnea conditions have not been identified, evaluated or treated.  These individuals are very tired during the daytime which is causing reduced productivity at work and a serious safety problem on our highways. “[3]

 

In the Fall of 2005, I wrote the following article on diet which was published on the U.S. Master’s swimming website on the simple and common sense nutrition plan that I advocate:

 

Diet is a very important component to fitness. And like exercise, there is a long-term cumulative impact on our bodies. Here are a few hints that may be helpful to you. Partially hydrogenated oils clog arteries. Avoid foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils. They are used in many processed foods because they increase shelf life. Read the labels carefully. Tomatoes are high in lycopene which is heart healthy. Olive oils are high in monounsaturated fats as is peanut oil. So are avocados. Foods high in monounsaturated fats are good for you. The enzyme in the skin of dark grapes is heart healthy. Avoid white bread, white rice, white pasta (tends to elevate cholesterol). Instead, eat whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta.

Foods that are high in fiber like oatmeal are very good for you. Egg whites are a pure healthy form of protein and are highly nutritious. Skim milk is great, but watch the sugar. Green vegetables are very good for you and can make a great snack. Fresh fruit is good for you, but watch the sugar. Regarding alcohol, remember that your body needs to expel the alcohol before your body can begin processing calories. If you drink a lot of beer...carbs and alcohol...it is a great product for keeping that spare tire around the waist or the saddlebags on the hips. Avoid foods that are high in saturated fat. Red meats and cheese dishes are very high in saturated fat. Healthier forms of protein include fish, chicken (without the skin), beans. Can't say enough good things about soy! Lastly, remember, everything in moderation and focus on natural foods. If you eat processed foods, read the label carefully. Hope this is helpful.