Persuasive Speech On Health Care Reform

Tension is high and understanding is low in today's political atmosphere. With all the insults and accusations going back and forth over the attempt to reform health care and the insurance industry, it's a wonder that any bill was able to come out of congress. Well, one finally did after a long year of debate, politics, and parliamentary procedure, and now that the day has come people are probably more confused than they were when we started this whole process. I've researched the bill and I've spelled out some of the main points so that they can be digested a little easier. You can't fully do justice to a 2,700 page compilation of complicated language in a single article, but these are the highlights concerning what will change about health

In other words no coverage whatsoever can be denied based on preexisting conditions. -- Children now must have the option to remain on the insurance plans of their parents all the way to age 26. • New Mandates for Citizens -- Beginning in the year 2014, every person must hold some form of health insurance. -- There are some exceptions and loopholes to this provision for low-income individuals. -- Those who do not comply will be subject to $695 fines each year, enforceable by the IRS. **This measure is the part of the bill that is currently being challenged by the attorneys general of several states on the grounds that it is unconstitutional for the federal government to force a private citizen to purchase a product. Keep an eye on this one. • New Mandate for Businesses -- If a company has more than 50 employees they must provide health insurance for each employee or potentially pay fines of $2000 per worker. • New Health Insurance Marketplace -- The bill gives states the power to create so called Health Insurance Exchanges. -- This is intended to provide a way for individuals and small businesses to benefit from the economies of scale that make insurance cheaper

Reuters Heath (today.reuters.com) has reported findings of the study, that was originally reported by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2007. The study specifically mentioned apples, pears, red wine, strawberries and chocolate.as being linked to reduction of heart and cardiovascular disease. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has released research that indicates that flavonoid intake reduces cardiovascular related deaths in women who are post menopausal (ajcn.org). The study, which was conducted over a 16 year period, has shown that foods rich in flavonoids may have a protective benefit in post menopausal women. flavonoids may shield women from coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke, according the the study, reports Reuters. Foods that are rich in flavonoids include fruits, vegetables, chocolate and red wine. Flavonoids are antioxidant compounds that are found in many colorful plant based foods. Flavonoids appear to protect the heart by reducing the level of bad cholesterol are reducing inflammation, according to a statement made be Dr. Pamela J. Mink of Exponent, Inc.. Studies of the connection between heart health and flavonoids in the diet have mixed results, possibly because on incomplete nutrition information in the database. The study was conducted by analyzing data from food questionnaires on diet that 34.489 women participated in . The