Clarian Health will fine employees $10 per paycheck if you are obese

[Heracles 417]

I am fed up, frankly, with paying extra in health insurance to carry people who can't be bothered to take care of themselves. To me it's the same as having to pay extra car insurance to cover people who drive recklessly. Like I said, if there is a legitimate medical reason for a person to be unable to lead a healthy lifestyle that's fine, but otherwise it's just selfish self destructive behavior.

Now that is a different story.. Much like everyone else having to pay for the medical bills of people who smoke.

[britbird 4]

Please don't use your children as an excuse. My mother had 3 children, a full time job, spent an hour a day taking us and getting us from school, housework, evening school on occasion etc etc and still found time to exercise. And no, we were not left at day care nor did we have a nanny.

As for being overweight, absolutely. High school and first year of college I was chunky - simply because i couldn't be bothered to do any exercise and I had a catering job that allowed me to eat all the time. That was stupid, it made me unhappy, and I did something about it. I certainly do not come from a family with high metabolisms.

If people choose to be overweight and all the symptoms that go with it, that's fine - but I don't know many obese people who are happy being that way. What annoys me is having to shoulder the tax/healthcare burden.

As for smokers, insurance companies should take that into account in the same way that life insurance companies often do. Again, smoking is selfish self destructive behavior and there is no excuse for it. The classic 'oh but it makes me less stressed' is BS: smoking raises your blood pressure thus adding to stress.

So. Start eating smaller portions, start going for a walk. You, your kids, your bank balance, and your standard of life will benefit.

Edited August 8, 2007 by britbird

[Sinergy 3]

Please don't use your children as an excuse. My mother had 3 children, a full time job, spent an hour a day taking us and getting us from school, housework, evening school on occasion etc etc and still found time to exercise. And no, we were not left at day care nor did we have a nanny.

As for being overweight, absolutely. High school and first year of college I was chunky - simply because i couldn't be bothered to do any exercise and I had a catering job that allowed me to eat all the time. That was stupid, it made me unhappy, and I did something about it. I certainly do not come from a family with high metabolisms.

If people choose to be overweight and all the symptoms that go with it, that's fine - but I don't know many obese people who are happy being that way. What annoys me is having to shoulder the tax/healthcare burden.

As for smokers, insurance companies should take that into account in the same way that life insurance companies often do. Again, smoking is selfish self destructive behavior and there is no excuse for it. The classic 'oh but it makes me less stressed' is BS: smoking raises your blood pressure thus adding to stress.

So. Start eating smaller portions, start going for a walk. You, your kids, your bank balance, and your standard of life will improve.

PLEASE stop assuming we are using are kids as an excuse. The only thing i said is id rather spend time with my kids then run to the gym. im not FAT, but im not thin as id like to be. i take my time losing my weight. but assuming everyone uses their kids as an excuse, i wouldnt go there, your off the burner with that one.

with the smoking, the person with the health insurance PAYS it themselves, i dont remember the insurance guy telling me anyone was paying for my insurance. im a smoker, i pay a higher bill every month, and as long as im paying it, its not your problem. And i think you need to stop being so judgmental. its a nasty quality

Edited August 8, 2007 by Ionescu

[SteveLaura 0]

Half an hour a day of exercise three times a week is beneficial. I think most people can fit that into their lifestyle. A brisk walk at lunchtime. An aerobics video in the am. A cycle ride in the evening. Take the kids to the park and play football (soccer). Swim at a public pool. Etc.

[Heracles 417]

So. Start eating smaller portions, start going for a walk. You, your kids, your bank balance, and your standard of life will benefit.

Obesity is actually a disease. Having a few extra pounds is one thing; while someone obese is a whole other story.

Why don't we stand charging people in wheel chairs for having to build extra ramps?

[britbird 4]

The prior post indicated that as I (or others) did not have children, that we therefore had more time and therefore it was easier for us to find the time to work out. That's fairly judgmental right there.

Not all health insurance companies charge a higher rate for smokers. And smoking is a social problem. There is no good that can come from smoking - if I'm considered judgmental for such a statement then so be it.

Am I judging you? Of course not. I don't know you. If you feel judged that's a shame, though you certainly seem unhappy with your situation. The advice given in this topic on how to get your weight down and benefit your standard of life and wellbeing is good advice. People do not need to suddenly invest in a ridiculous weight machines, or classes, or lessons. Just taking the first step and making time for your health is what is at issue.

To get back on topic: the entire health insurance system in this country needs reworking - we all know that. To have people who do take care of themselves carry the burden of those who do not is inefficient and ineffective. That needs to change. There are a good number of companies who already use a carrot approach to weightloss and have seen good results. The stick approach requires careful monitoring, but if charging $10 causes people to opt for a healthier lifestyle, I think it's worth considering.

[Sinergy 3]

The prior post indicated that as I (or others) did not have children, that we therefore had more time and therefore it was easier for us to find the time to work out. That's fairly judgmental right there.

Not all health insurance companies charge a higher rate for smokers. And smoking is a social problem. There is no good that can come from smoking - if I'm considered judgmental for such a statement then so be it.

Am I judging you? Of course not. I don't know you. If you feel judged that's a shame, though you certainly seem unhappy with your situation. The advice given in this topic on how to get your weight down and benefit your standard of life and wellbeing is good advice. People do not need to suddenly invest in a ridiculous weight machines, or classes, or lessons. Just taking the first step and making time for your health is what is at issue.

To get back on topic: the entire health insurance system in this country needs reworking - we all know that. To have people who do take care of themselves carry the burden of those who do not is inefficient and ineffective. That needs to change. There are a good number of companies who already use a carrot approach to weightloss and have seen good results. The stick approach requires careful monitoring, but if charging $10 causes people to opt for a healthier lifestyle, I think it's worth considering.

Then research your insurance company wisely, if they dont charge smokers more, dont go with them. really is it worth the effort? if it is, more power to you.

Im not unhappy with my situation, i have more joy in my life right now then you prolly do. And i didnt say you were judging ONLY myself, but everyone who is not in your perfect pretend world.

QUOTE(britbird @ Aug 8 2007, 12:04 PM)

So. Start eating smaller portions, start going for a walk. You, your kids, your bank balance, and your standard of life will benefit.

We didnt ask for you to tell us how to live our lives, focus on your own and let ppl with theirs, you may be happy if you do so.

[britbird 4]

Ionescu, if you want to take this debate personally that's your call

The topic concerned whether we felt the additional cost was a valid approach. In order to discuss that we really need to discuss approaches to healthy living.

If discussing healthy living makes you/others uncomfortable that's a shame, but you are choosing to discuss your personal situation therefore that opens it up to comments from others.

Further, I do not recall mentioning my own type of healthcare coverage. I made a general statement that not all health insurance companies take smoking into account. Again, that is a judgment that you are making of me based on a general inoffensive statement. I don't mind your jumping to conclusions, that does not bother me in the slightest. This is an online forum and therefore it is easy to take offense if that's what one is looking to do.

I stand by the comments that I and others have made: making some time during the week to exercise and take care of your physical wellbeing gives an excellent return on the investment made. Further, I feel it is valid to charge higher premiums for those considered obese, in the same general way I feel it is valid to charge higher premiums for those who smoke. Again, as I have done throughout my posts in this topic, I caveat my statement by noting that there are obese individuals who have legitimate metabolic disabilities that make it extremely difficult for them to attain a healthy weight in the same way as the vast majority of us can.

[Sinergy 3]

Ionescu, if you want to take this debate personally that's your call

I think i made it clear a couple times im not taking it personally. I just cant stand when ppl think they are above everyone else who is not as they are. Once you realise everyone is different, your life will be happier.

from there, youve bored me so im off to an interesting topic

[Ban Hammer 13,345]

i've got chocolate!!!

[no name 1]

i've got chocolate!!!

Pay up your $5 for that.

[Ban Hammer 13,345]

i've got chocolate!!!

Pay up your $5 for that.

i only owe $2.50 since you grabbed half of the chocolate

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Too bad that posting in VJ isn't a calorie burner...I'd be skinny as a rail.

...

I think health insurance companies can and should adjust people's premiums based on voluntarily lifestyle habits that are detrimental to their health, but not employers. This is another consequence of having employers taking on the responsibility of our healthcare. If we had universal healthcare in this country - this would be a non-issue with employers.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

Where the he!! is the popcorn? Double butter please.

[isleta521 5]

i've got chocolate!!!

Pay up your $5 for that.

i only owe $2.50 since you grabbed half of the chocolate

Do I get credit for drinking lite beer ?