Vitanews.netWhile we anxiously wait to hear how the Obama administration will tacklehealth care reform, are we missing the forest for the trees? Is it time for acomplete overhaul of not just our dysfunctional system of medicalinsurance but what health economist Robert Evans calls our entire "repairshop" model of health? That idea is gaining traction among a growingnumber of public health advocates and policy makers. Think of medicalcare as our bodies' repair shops, Evans says. It's where we go when ourengines break down. The United States spends twice per person on thoserepair shops than the average rich country, patching up our engines so wecan get back on the road of life. That's one of every seven dollars of ourGDP. So, why are our engines breaking down so often in the first place?Most point the finger at our bad driving habits: our fast-food diet, smoking,lack of exercise. All are important. But newest studies suggest there'ssomething even more basic at work. And that's the condition of our roads.More than a year after health groups in the U.S. reported that top-sellinglipsticks contain lead, FDA is sitting on the results of its own research. Meanwhile, new tests reveal that lipstick isn't the only make-up with aheavy-metal problem. Health Canada announced last week that if foundlead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium during routine testing of children's face paints. The results were immediately announced to the public as thegovernment evaluates next steps. Here at home, Americans are left towonder about the safety of cosmetics. Unlike Health Canada, the U.S. FDAhas no toxic-chemical designation, does not conduct routine safety testingof personal care products, and doesn't share its science with the public.Money is an emotional issue, especially during economic hard times. Socialscientists have always warned that, once a person's basic needs are met,money doesn't buy happiness. But if you're wondering, or maybe evenarguing over, what to do with any precious discretionary income thesedays, a new study suggests how to get the biggest emotional bang foryour buck. Ryan Howell, an assistant professor of psychology at San Francisco State University, found that buying experiences -- such as vacations, going to the theater or renting a sailboat -- gave people morehappiness than buying material things. The study showed that experiencesincrease happiness because they are often social in nature.Lucy Wojskowicz, owner of Laguna Canyon Spa in Laguna Beach, looksforward to the day when she and other massage therapists can get theircredentials to practice massage therapy without being associated with theadult entertainment industry. "In the past, when I applied for city permits,I got grilled as if I were running a massage parlor," the 41-year-old spaowner said. "They don't consider what I do health or therapy. I'm the sameas a prostitute. It's embarrassing." "We want to put the unsavory pastbehind us," said Bill Brown, director of government and industry relationsfor the American Massage Therapy Association. "One goal of getting statesto regulate the practice of massage therapy is to curb prostitution andstop unethical practices that occur with no repercussions . . .I recommend the following products:
