Veg Out
If you weren’t already worried enough about healthcare costs, a new Harvard University study suggests that medical bills play a major role in bankruptcy cases. In fact, healthcare expenses contributed to a whopping 62 percent of bankruptcies in 2007 alone. But don’t despair; there is something simple you can do to prevent exorbitant doctor bills: go vegetarian.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ranked America’s 10 most expensive medical conditions, and several of the diseases topping the list— heart conditions, cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes— are caused or aggravated by eating fatty, cholesterol-laden animal products.
Fortunately, plant-based foods are not only cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat and calories— they taste great too. You can reduce your risk of chronic diseases and save money on medical bills by eating nutritious and delicious vegetarian foods. See www.GoVeg.com for a free vegetarian starter kit.
Heather Moore
Research Specialist
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
The Business of Babies
The Signal Tribune wrote an article about my natural childbirth classes in the “Offbeat Occupations” section January 2008. I am having a free showing of the documentary film produced by Ricki Lake titled The Business of Being Born.
I think it is important for the community to know about this showing because childbirth in the U.S. is big business for hospitals and obstetricians, and women are not always fully informed of their options during childbirth. 31.8 percent of babies born in the U.S. in 2007 were delivered by Cesarean section. The World Health Organization recommends a C-section rate of less than 10—15 percent.
The Business of Being Born investigates childbirth practices in the U.S. and encourages women to educate themselves so that they can make the best decisions during their pregnancy and birth. I want women in our community to trust their bodies and themselves so that they are not afraid of childbirth.
Free showing of The Business of Being Born
Saturday, June 20 at 10am
4139 Walnut Ave.
Andrea Gamble
Long Beach
