| Coverage of weight-loss surgery shelved for more study
Genevieve Winegar, 23, says "without a doubt" gastric-bypass surgery saved her life. After she underwent the procedure in 2002, the 5-foot-9-inch Winegar lost 200 of her 348 pounds.
"I was an obese child, an obese teen," said Winegar, who had suffered diseases such as acid reflux and was so depressed she thought of suicide. Now, she says she's happy and healthy.
The idea of covering the costly surgery was discussed Wednesday by members of the House's Workforce Services Committee, who opted for further study of the issue this year.
Committee members raised questions about the cost to the state, whether the requirement would raise insurance costs in general, and the risks involved with such surgeries.
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Body piercings bring risks
Audra Alexopoulos has 20 piercings in both of her ears, not to mention more than 20 more on the rest of her body - including on her lips, eyebrows and navel. So, despite the medical community's concerns about piercings causing major health complications, she isn't afraid to get more. "I like the feeling of getting peircings," said the 21-year-old Sarasota resident. "The adrenaline rush." Out of the 46 piercings she has, she said she's only experienced a few minor infections. Nothing life-threating. Body piercing is a popular trend and a form of self-expression that has recently worried physicans across the nation due to problems experienced by exotic piercings gone wrong. They could result in speech problems from tongue rings, organ damage from a navel ring infection and scarring.
Stomach this: Health and beauty tips for that troublesome gut
That cheese- and sauce-laden pizza sitting in the office lunchroom looks splendid. Too bad you can't even look at it without getting heartburn. However tempting, you pass up the fried chicken, too. We've all struggled with the difficult choice between satisfying our taste buds and preventing a long night of digestive discomfort. The stomach and digestive system are hard to ignore. Whether there's bloating and pain because of something you ate or emotional distress because of width, your belly demands attention. "Having a fit and attractive core - waistline, tummy - helps us to feel confident and good about ourselves," said Rayna McInturf, co-owner of Hoopnotica Inc. in Marina del Rey, Calif., which offers Hoopdance classes. "Having a strong core helps us maintain good posture and helps prevent back pain and injury." Heather Villarreal, clinical dietitian at Saddleback Memorial Center in Laguna Hills, Calif., said that carrying weight around the abdomen increases the risk of developing diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
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