Dems should use this event to illustrate that ALL Americans need

[rodeodance]

health care--not just those who can afford it.



Sat Jul-21-07 12:28 PM
Original message
Bush reclaims power after colonoscopy

Source: USA Today

CAMP DAVID, Md. (AP) — Doctors removed five small polyps from President Bush's colon on Saturday after he temporarily transferred the powers of his office for two hours to Vice President Dick Cheney under the rarely invoked 25th Amendment.

The polyps, or growths in his large intestine, were found during a routine colon cancer scan. They all measured less than a centimeter and none "appeared worrisome," White House spokesman Scott Stanzel said.

The colonoscopy, performed at the Camp David presidential retreat, last 31 minutes. The polyps have been sent for microscopic examination to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Results were expected within 72 hours. Most polyps are benign, or non-cancerous. But over time, some types of polyps can grow and turn into cancer. To be safe, doctors remove all polyps and test them.

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-07-21-bush...

[livvy]

1. Agree. It's a good example.

How many people do not have access to such a simple preventative procedure, either because they have no insurance, their insurance doesn't cover it, or their deductibles are very high?

What does a colonoscopy cost, and who should have the yearly procedure?

Colonoscopy is a procedure in which doctors examine the inside of the colon using an endoscope -- an instrument consisting of a tiny video camera attached to the end of a flexible tube. The cost of colonoscopy depends on several factors, including the part of the country where you live, your insurance plan, the doctor performing the procedure and the setting in which the exam is done (hospital, outpatient endoscopy center). The cost has come down dramatically in the last five years, mainly in urban areas where HMOs and other managed-care plans have a strong presence. The typical cost range is $500 to $1,000 (assuming your insurance will not cover the exam or you have not met your deductible).
Keep in mind that colonoscopy is the most accurate way to screen for colon cancer because it enables doctors to detect colon polyps. Detection and removal of polyps is crucial to preventing colon cancer because we know that, in the vast majority of cases, this cancer begins in a polyp. While not all polyps will become cancerous, we currently have no way of predicting which polyps will eventually grow into cancerous ones. It is known that polyps tend to develop more rapidly in older people. Thus, for most people, colonoscopy screening is recommended starting at age 50.

For someone with a family history of colon cancer, colonoscopy is recommended starting at an age that is 10 years younger than the age at which the family member was diagnosed, or at age 50 -- whichever is younger. Although you do not state how old your father was when he was diagnosed, if it was after age 60, you should be screened starting at age 50. Anyone who needs a colonoscopy but who cannot afford one should discuss the issue with a doctor to see what options might be available.

http://health.ivillage.com/digestion/diexams/0,,6g9h,00.html

[Lost4words]

2. What a great signature line you have!!!

I love it! :hi: 86 43!

[livvy]

3. Thanks!

I have a larger version, that I made into a mini-bumper sticker at Cafe Press. It's really more of a refrigerator magnet size. Couldn't figure out how to make it bumper sticker size.
Here's one I made for Cheney:

As you can see, it really has to go with the other to make sense.
and another related to, well, all of it:



Here's my photobucket link. You are welcome to save anything you'd like to your hard drive to use for yourself.

http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a181/livvy2/Signs/