For awhile now, I've been planning to write a post on my experience with Canadian health care. I can't say I've been thrilled with the care here; overall, I feel that my medical interactions, while certainly professional, have been impersonal and somewhat unpleasant. However, a recent illness while in the States has made me appreciate what we have here a lot more.
You see, I was never without health care while living in Minnesota. But during our travels in the U.S. last week, I was indeed without insurance. And then I got really sick. In bed with a fever and chills, far from my country of residence, I found the greatest worry I had was whether or not I would eventually need to see a doctor. How much would that cost? Could we afford it? What if we couldn't?
The Canadian health care system is far from perfect, to be sure. I am currently on one of those much-hyped waiting lists (for an MRI to look at my back pain). But the truth is, had we been in Vancouver, I could have gone in to see a doctor for my symptoms without any problem. And when we finally arrived back home, that's exactly what I did. Thirty minutes of waiting at a walk-in clinic, and I was able to leave with a clear diagnosis (bronchitis) and not a penny less in my pocket. Thank you, universal health care!
It's incredible to me that the U.S. - so often called the greatest country in the world - does not give me, a lifetime citizen, that simple option. And when I think about people with severe and life-threatening health problems facing the same can-I-can't-I debate of whether they can afford to seek care, it absolutely breaks my heart.
So although I may find the Canadian health care flawed, I have to admit: it still kicks the ass of our current, broken system in the States. I really hope meaningful reform gets passed in the U.S., and soon. Yet even if it does, without single-payer on the table, you can bet we'll be looking at our travel insurance options for the next extended trip to MN.
Last night was a great game. It wasn't a well played game but for anyone who doesn't think baseball is capable of being exciting, that game could be used as example A to disprove them.
That being said, as much as I love the Twins and were pulling for them to win last night it was the Tigers, who are the more complete team, that would have had a better shot at beating the Yankees in a short series. I do think that both Pettite and Burnett are beatable though so if the Twins could somehow steal one tonight from C.C. they'd have a pretty decent chance to take this series.
I hope I am wrong, but here are my annual MLB playoff predictions:
Award Predictions: AL MVP – Joe Mauer and it won’t be close. He had it pretty easily either way but last night’s win cemented it. NL MVP – Albert Pujols will win easily too. There were some great seasons by NL first basemen but he was definitely the cream of the crop.
AL Cy Young – Zack Greinke but I am not sure why no one cares that the Cy comes from a losing team when it’s such a big deal for the MVP too. Then again, I don’t believe in pitchers winning MVPs so that is probably the difference. Greinke was the best pitcher in the AL and deserves the award based on the logic that the voters use.
NL Cy Young – Chris Carpenter had a bigger impact on his squad than anyone else in the NL from a pitching perspective and that’s why he’s going to win.
AL Rookie of the Year – Andrew Bailey
NL Rookie of the Year – Chris Coghlan
AL Manager of the Year – Mike Scioscia (Gardy will finish second)
NL Manager of the Year – Jim Tracy
Such a great moment, but yet missing someone so special. Miss you.
I think my blog is turning into a recipe site. Oh well. I love goulash because I think there is a million different ways to make it. I feel that if it is to be a true goulash it must have noodles, hamburger and ketchup. Just my opinion.
