July 09--APTOS -- For those wondering about the cost of federal health care reform, a big part of the answer is looking at what Americans are eating.
"Prevention is how we get a grip on the high cost of health care -- that's nutrition," said Rep. Sam Farr, D-Carmel, addressing more than 60 people at a forum Thursday at Cabrillo College co-sponsored by local Democrats and Health Care for All California. "If you eat food grown in California, you're going to be healthy, as long as you don't eat too much. We have to teach our children and grandchildren to eat healthy food."
Farr said he already has started that conversation with his granddaughter, who was surprised to discover a bag of nachos contained two-and-one-half servings.
"I've been told by diabetes educators at Natividad Medical Center that 350 people in Monterey County will die from diabetes this year," the congressman added. "Why isn't that headlined? If there were that many killed from gang violence, it would shock us. In most cases, this diabetes can be prevented through good nutrition."
Assemblyman Bill Monning, D-Monterey, called for changes to make it easier for families to get food stamps.
"They behave like a bear preparing for hibernation, going for high-fat, high-sugar content," Monning said, noting children follow their parents' example. "If there are liter bottles of Coca-Cola in the refrigerator, that's what they're going to drink."
Monning is co-author of a bill that
would enact a tax on soft drinks, noting "sodas have no nutritional value."
Among those attending the forum were Peg Popken of Santa Cruz, a real estate agent who qualifies for Medicare; Bill Linford, 87, of Santa Cruz, a retired educator; and Edgar McCalbhin, 40, who is studying engineering technology at Cabrillo College.
"I'm one of the uninsured," said Deborah Luhrman, 59, of Soquel, who is self-employed. "A lot of the health care reform won't be implemented until 2014. How can it benefit me?"
Farr previewed a new interactive Web site, www.healthcare.gov, designed to help people find affordable health care coverage. He showed how a 24-year-old with pre-existing conditions and unable to get health insurance could find options for coverage after completing college.
"It's just been put out, so I'm sure it's got a few bugs, but I'm impressed," Farr said.
A man with a video camera interrupted Farr to ask why he couldn't videotape the meeting. Farr suggested he speak to the meeting organizers.
Monning told proponents of single-payer health care that more than 100 people testified in favor of SB 810, a single-payer bill, with the only opposition coming from insurers.
"Make it an issue for electeds around the state," Monning said. "It needs to be ready to resurrect when we look at shortcomings of the federal reform."
As chairman of the Assembly health care committee, he is trying to position Callfornia to capture federal money to invest in prevention and health education programs.
"That is the cornerstone of health care reform," he said.
-----
To see more of The Santa Cruz Sentinel or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.santacruzsentinel.com.
Copyright (c) 2010, Santa Cruz Sentinel, Calif.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com, e-mail services@mctinfoservices.com, or call 866-280-5210 (outside the United States, call +1 312-222-4544).