Pray for Oprah

Hi everyone!  I'm writing this to my entire address book because I am extremely concerned about what Oprah Winfrey is doing, and I want to reach the most people possible.  This is not a forwarded message, but my own thoughts and concerns.  If you find this helpful and want to pass it on, that's fine.  Just remove this introductory paragraph.  Since this is to my entire address book, I know some of you very well and others of you may have no idea who I am!  I'm a a pastor's wife, a "thirty-something" mother of two, but most importantly, I'm a Christian.  After you read this email, if you have any questions, please email me, Wende, at gwhitus@comporium.net and I'll be happy to dialogue with you.

A friend of mine recently asked me to read a book called "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle.  I knew a little bit about the philosophy behind the book, but agreed to read it so we could discuss it further.  This is a popular "Oprah Book Club" selection and is the basis for an online class that started on Oprah's website recently.  

I read the first chapter of the book tonight, and I can't sleep.  I am very saddened and concerned about what I've read so far.  Saddened, because the author abuses, misrepresents, and blasphemes God.  It is subtle and seems innocent on the surface, but it is clearly not what the Bible teaches.  I am concerned, because Oprah is very influential and has such a huge, devoted following.  I fear that many people who are seeking truth will follow Oprah and this book without taking the time to really think about and analyze what they are reading.  I want to make this email as brief as possible, so I'll include a few links to give you a start on your own research.  But if you are reading this book or taking this online course, or Oprah's other course on "miracles," PLEASE, PLEASE pray for wisdom and discernment as you proceed.  I pray now for everyone reading this email, that they would find truth in the Bible, not in books written by man.  

I will continue to read "A New Earth."  I think it's important to be educated on false teaching.  If you are a person who prays, please pray for protection over me as I read.  I do pray for each of you, and if there is anyone reading this that does not know the Lord God, I pray that you would come to know Him personally by studying His Word, the Bible.  I pray for Oprah Winfrey and for Eckhart Tolle and for Marianne Williamson.  I love God and I love people.  I write this email not to be hostile or argumentative, but out of deep love and concern for the reputation of God.

Thanks for reading, and God bless you!

Wende

A few links for further study (but supplement this with your own research):

http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/007/smith-oprah.htm 

http://newlife919blog.blogs.com/real_life_with_leslie/     (scroll down to find a few articles on Oprah & the online course in her March 13 and March 8 blog entries)

http://prolepticlife.wordpress.com/2008/03/03/oprah-eckhart-tolle-a-new-earth/

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/newageoprah.asp

Why Some People are Turning Off Oprah

A letter in response to the New Age Messages in Oprah's programs:

I stopped watching Oprah's program a few years ago because she was going off the deep end in some of her philosophy and I knew that it was not of God.  That's where I decided to guard my heart.

 

It just sad that there are Christians even that will fall for the lies.  This is the sort of thing that the Bible tells us about when It tells us to watch out for false prophets. I don't have my bible in front of my right now, so I'm not sure what the passage is.

 

Thank you again for the email and reminding me to pray up my brothers and sisters and those that don't know Christ personally yet, so that they will not get swept up in this or other blasphemous things.

Deceived by Oprah

Countless numbers are deceived by Oprah and her smooth as silk words.

The devil is at work through her and it is sad and frightening.

A Call for Prayer Regarding Oprah's New Age Philosophy

Hi everyone!  I'm writing this to my entire address book because I am extremely concerned about what Oprah Winfrey is doing, and I want to reach the most people possible.  This is not a forwarded message, but my own thoughts and concerns.  If you find this helpful and want to pass it on, that's fine.  Just remove this introductory paragraph.  Since this is to my entire address book, I know some of you very well and others of you may have no idea who I am!  I'm a a pastor's wife, a "thirty-something" mother of two, but most importantly, I'm a Christian.  After you read this email, if you have any questions, please email me, Wende, at gwhitus@comporium.net and I'll be happy to dialogue with you.

A friend of mine recently asked me to read a book called "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle.  I knew a little bit about the philosophy behind the book, but agreed to read it so we could discuss it further.  This is a popular "Oprah Book Club" selection and is the basis for an online class that started on Oprah's website recently.  

I read the first chapter of the book tonight, and I can't sleep.  I am very saddened and concerned about what I've read so far.  Saddened, because the author abuses, misrepresents, and blasphemes God.  It is subtle and seems innocent on the surface, but it is clearly not what the Bible teaches.  I am concerned, because Oprah is very influential and has such a huge, devoted following.  I fear that many people who are seeking truth will follow Oprah and this book without taking the time to really think about and analyze what they are reading.  I want to make this email as brief as possible, so I'll include a few links to give you a start on your own research.  But if you are reading this book or taking this online course, or Oprah's other course on "miracles," PLEASE, PLEASE pray for wisdom and discernment as you proceed.  I pray now for everyone reading this email, that they would find truth in the Bible, not in books written by man.  

I will continue to read "A New Earth."  I think it's important to be educated on false teaching.  If you are a person who prays, please pray for protection over me as I read.  I do pray for each of you, and if there is anyone reading this that does not know the Lord God, I pray that you would come to know Him personally by studying His Word, the Bible.  I pray for Oprah Winfrey and for Eckhart Tolle and for Marianne Williamson.  I love God and I love people.  I write this email not to be hostile or argumentative, but out of deep love and concern for the reputation of God.

Thanks for reading, and God bless you!

Wende

A few links for further study (but supplement this with your own research):

http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/007/smith-oprah.htm 

http://newlife919blog.blogs.com/real_life_with_leslie/     (scroll down to find a few articles on Oprah & the online course in her March 13 and March 8 blog entries)

http://prolepticlife.wordpress.com/2008/03/03/oprah-eckhart-tolle-a-new-earth/

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/newageoprah.asp

Oprah's New Age Thinking Reminds a Reader of Revelation

That is great that you answered God's call and got up and wrote this tremendous letter. I especially like the letter because it is not vindictive and you are praying for Oprah, etc. Your letter reminded me of Revelation 22:18-19

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

New age thinking adds and takes away from the truth of Jesus Christ. New Age is popular because it takes the truth and distorts it so that it is appeals to everyone.

Oprah's New Age Thinking Can Deceive

Hi everyone!  I'm writing this to my entire address book because I am extremely concerned about what Oprah Winfrey is doing, and I want to reach the most people possible.  This is not a forwarded message, but my own thoughts and concerns.  If you find this helpful and want to pass it on, that's fine.  Just remove this introductory paragraph.  Since this is to my entire address book, I know some of you very well and others of you may have no idea who I am!  I'm a a pastor's wife, a "thirty-something" mother of two, but most importantly, I'm a Christian.  After you read this email, if you have any questions, please email me, Wende, at gwhitus@comporium.net and I'll be happy to dialogue with you.

A friend of mine recently asked me to read a book called "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle.  I knew a little bit about the philosophy behind the book, but agreed to read it so we could discuss it further.  This is a popular "Oprah Book Club" selection and is the basis for an online class that started on Oprah's website recently.  

I read the first chapter of the book tonight, and I can't sleep.  I am very saddened and concerned about what I've read so far.  Saddened, because the author abuses, misrepresents, and blasphemes God.  It is subtle and seems innocent on the surface, but it is clearly not what the Bible teaches.  I am concerned, because Oprah is very influential and has such a huge, devoted following.  I fear that many people who are seeking truth will follow Oprah and this book without taking the time to really think about and analyze what they are reading.  I want to make this email as brief as possible, so I'll include a few links to give you a start on your own research.  But if you are reading this book or taking this online course, or Oprah's other course on "miracles," PLEASE, PLEASE pray for wisdom and discernment as you proceed.  I pray now for everyone reading this email, that they would find truth in the Bible, not in books written by man.  

I will continue to read "A New Earth."  I think it's important to be educated on false teaching.  If you are a person who prays, please pray for protection over me as I read.  I do pray for each of you, and if there is anyone reading this that does not know the Lord God, I pray that you would come to know Him personally by studying His Word, the Bible.  I pray for Oprah Winfrey and for Eckhart Tolle and for Marianne Williamson.  I love God and I love people.  I write this email not to be hostile or argumentative, but out of deep love and concern for the reputation of God.

Oprah Appeals to Social Christians

I'm sorry you got "flack" from some that you emailed regarding New Age Thinking and Oprah, but am proud of you for standing firm!!!  You do have more of an uphill battle with some of the more "social Christians" in your midst.  But that is GREAT to be lovingly in THEIR midst!!  They need you!!! 

Oprah is Pushing New Age Thinking When She Recommends The New Earth

I was relieved  to receive your e-mail regarding Oprah and The New Earth because my spirit was greatly disturbed by this book.  I have not read the book, but have briefly heard her promote the book on her show and saw some testimonials about the book that saddened my heart also.  I have commented to others how disturbed I was by this book and her vast influence. I will pray for you as you read the book and want to thank you for your e-mail.  God bless and keep you!

Oprah Seems to Believe Self-Centeredness is A Christian Virtue

Thank you for the heads up!  I, for one am not a big fan of Oprah’s, and I am not up on the various books on her “list”.  I truly appreciate your opinion and the links, and will pass it along as necessary.  It’s kind of scary if you really think about it, self-centeredness as a virtue??!

Oprah is Appealing to Social Christians

Thank you for your deep concern about Oprah and her recommending New Age material such as The New Earth and A Course in Miracles. She is appealing to Social Christians who have not read the Bible. God wants us to be Christ-centered and God-centered, not self-centered.

Pray for Oprah

I am so glad you wrote the email about Oprah and a Course in Miracles. I feel exactly the same way.  I was so disturbed this week when I heard about how many had gotten on her website.  I enjoyed watching her several years back when I had more time.  Every once in a blue moon I will catch a glimpse of her show and last Monday was one of those.  I got on her website to see what they were talking about and happened to open Marianne W.  devotion? for the day?  I was speechless and couldn't believe I was reading what I was reading.  I felt sick to my stomach and at the moment felt little hope.  She was stating that salvation comes from you and there is no such thing as sin or guilt.  I really couldn't read anymore.  I have mentioned it to a few that I saw this week but I am so glad you explained what is going on.  Thank you for being so clear and full of truth and love at the same time.  Ugh.  It makes me so sad that so many will read and follow this idea.  You are right about the need to really pray for this.  I was convicted because I was worrying about it but not praying.

Pray Instead of Worrying

When you are worrying about something start praying. Prayer solves all worries.

Oprah's New Age Books

Hi everyone! I'm writing this to my entire address book because I am extremely concerned about what Oprah Winfrey is doing, and I want to reach the most people possible. This is not a forwarded message, but my own thoughts and concerns. If you find this helpful and want to pass it on, that's fine. Just remove this introductory paragraph. Since this is to my entire address book, I know some of you very well and others of you may have no idea who I am! I'm a a pastor's wife, a "thirty-something" mother of two, but most importantly, I'm a Christian. After you read this email, if you have any questions, please email me, Wende, at gwhitus@comporium.net and I'll be happy to dialogue with you.

A friend of mine recently asked me to read a book called "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle. I knew a little bit about the philosophy behind the book, but agreed to read it so we could discuss it further. This is a popular "Oprah Book Club" selection and is the basis for an online class that started on Oprah's website recently.

I read the first chapter of the book tonight, and I can't sleep. I am very saddened and concerned about what I've read so far. Saddened, because the author abuses, misrepresents, and blasphemes God. It is subtle and seems innocent on the surface, but it is clearly not what the Bible teaches. I am concerned, because Oprah is very influential and has such a huge, devoted following. I fear that many people who are seeking truth will follow Oprah and this book without taking the time to really think about and analyze what they are reading. I want to make this email as brief as possible, so I'll include a few links to give you a start on your own research. But if you are reading this book or taking this online course, or Oprah's other course on "miracles," PLEASE, PLEASE pray for wisdom and discernment as you proceed. I pray now for everyone reading this email, that they would find truth in the Bible, not in books written by man.

I will continue to read "A New Earth." I think it's important to be educated on false teaching. If you are a person who prays, please pray for protection over me as I read. I do pray for each of you, and if there is anyone reading this that does not know the Lord God, I pray that you would come to know Him personally by studying His Word, the Bible. I pray for Oprah Winfrey and for Eckhart Tolle and for Marianne Williamson. I love God and I love people. I write this email not to be hostile or argumentative, but out of deep love and concern for the reputation of God.

Thanks for reading, and God bless you!

Wende

A few links for further study (but supplement this with your own research):



http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/007/smith-oprah.htm

http://newlife919blog.blogs.com/real_life_with_leslie/ (scroll down to find a few articles on Oprah & the online course in her March 13 and March 8 blog entries)

http://prolepticlife.wordpress.com/2008/03/03/oprah-eckhart-tolle-a-new-earth/

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/newageoprah.asp

Oprah's New Age Recommendations Calls for Us to Be Active Not Luke Warm

Your doing something about Oprah's New Age Recommendations reminded me of me who does nothing. I guess God will enjoy chewing on me.

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Revelation 3: 15-16

Oprah's New Age Recommendations and Links to Counter Her Assertions

Hi everyone!  I'm writing this to my entire address book because I am extremely concerned about what Oprah Winfrey is doing, and I want to reach the most people possible.  This is not a forwarded message, but my own thoughts and concerns.  If you find this helpful and want to pass it on, that's fine.  Just remove this introductory paragraph.  Since this is to my entire address book, I know some of you very well and others of you may have no idea who I am!  I'm a a pastor's wife, a "thirty-something" mother of two, but most importantly, I'm a Christian.  After you read this email, if you have any questions, please email me, Wende, at gwhitus@comporium.net and I'll be happy to dialogue with you.

A friend of mine recently asked me to read a book called "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle.  I knew a little bit about the philosophy behind the book, but agreed to read it so we could discuss it further.  This is a popular "Oprah Book Club" selection and is the basis for an online class that started on Oprah's website recently.  

I read the first chapter of the book tonight, and I can't sleep.  I am very saddened and concerned about what I've read so far.  Saddened, because the author abuses, misrepresents, and blasphemes God.  It is subtle and seems innocent on the surface, but it is clearly not what the Bible teaches.  I am concerned, because Oprah is very influential and has such a huge, devoted following.  I fear that many people who are seeking truth will follow Oprah and this book without taking the time to really think about and analyze what they are reading.  I want to make this email as brief as possible, so I'll include a few links to give you a start on your own research.  But if you are reading this book or taking this online course, or Oprah's other course on "miracles," PLEASE, PLEASE pray for wisdom and discernment as you proceed.  I pray now for everyone reading this email, that they would find truth in the Bible, not in books written by man.  

I will continue to read "A New Earth."  I think it's important to be educated on false teaching.  If you are a person who prays, please pray for protection over me as I read.  I do pray for each of you, and if there is anyone reading this that does not know the Lord God, I pray that you would come to know Him personally by studying His Word, the Bible.  I pray for Oprah Winfrey and for Eckhart Tolle and for Marianne Williamson.  I love God and I love people.  I write this email not to be hostile or argumentative, but out of deep love and concern for the reputation of God.

Thanks for reading, and God bless you!

Wende

A few links for further study (but supplement this with your own research):

http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/007/smith-oprah.htm 

http://newlife919blog.blogs.com/real_life_with_leslie/     (scroll down to find a few articles on Oprah & the online course in her March 13 and March 8 blog entries)

http://prolepticlife.wordpress.com/2008/03/03/oprah-eckhart-tolle-a-new-earth/

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/newageoprah.asp

Belief

Our actions reflect our belief.

Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency

Sun exposure
Sun exposure is perhaps the most important source of vitamin D because exposure to sunlight provides most humans with their vitamin D requirement [13]. UV rays from the sun trigger vitamin D synthesis in skin [13-14]. Season, geographic latitude, time of day, cloud cover, smog, and sunscreen affect UV ray exposure and vitamin D synthesis [14]. For example, sunlight exposure from November through February in Boston is insufficient to produce significant vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Complete cloud cover halves the energy of UV rays, and shade reduces it by 60%. Industrial pollution, which increases shade, also decreases sun exposure and may contribute to the development of rickets in individuals with insufficient dietary intake of vitamin D [15]. Sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 8 or greater will block UV rays that produce vitamin D, but it is still important to routinely use sunscreen to help prevent skin cancer and other negative consequences of excessive sun exposure. An initial exposure to sunlight (10 -15 minutes) allows adequate time for Vitamin D synthesis and should be followed by application of a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to protect the skin. Ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure at least two times per week to the face, arms, hands, or back without sunscreen is usually sufficient to provide adequate vitamin D [14]. It is very important for individuals with limited sun exposure to include good sources of vitamin D in their diet. 

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency reaches epidemic proportions among people over 50. Only about 5 percent of these men and 1 to 3 percent of the women get their RDI for this nutrient from diet alone. Supplement use bumps up the share of older adults getting the RDI to about 35 percent of whites, 17 percent of Hispanics, and roughly 10 percent blacks.

Answer to Howard

Howard:

The blog is for anything that interests me and is useful for a personal reference when I am writing a newsletter or book or preparing a speech. It is not intended for anyone to read. Indeed, you are probably the first person to read anything written on it, because the vastness of the Internet makes my blog the tiniest astroid in the universe.

The equality of opportunity essay was not intended to mean we should be satisfied with our best effort, but we should continue to improve on our best effort. Our best effort tomorrow should produce better results than our best effort today. If we fail to grow and improve we are failing to give our best effort.

The above paragraph is an example of why it is nice when someone with a discerning mind can read my material. It helps me clarify my ideas--sort of like lounging around in the college dorm talking philosophy.

The tennis/bike analogy is false. When you don't play tennis for two decades, your strokes are rusty, your timing is off, your judgement of where the ball will bounce is off. Plus you have lost a couple of steps, maybe three or four steps. Your stop and start conditioning is off. It will take a tremendous work effort to get to 25% of my level in 1985, but I am going to extend myself if the local pro will give me lessons without requiring me to join the tennis club. 

Brad beat me badly (6-0, 6-0, 6-0, 6-0) in January and I cannot abide rudeness in a son. I am determined to pay him back. (But don't tell him. I want him cocky and overconfident.) After I beat Brad, I will take you on which might mean we will never meet on the court. I know this: I will give my best effort to send Brad packing with his racket tucked between his legs.

I ordered the two books from Amazon yesterday.

If you ever read my blog again please try to make a comment on it. It will be neat to have a comment.

Comment from Howard

'Brief essay' is an understatement!  Or maybe 'trenchant' is a better word because it

is certainly an accurate observation.  And this 'blog' seems to be some sort of professional

forum directed to your clients.  One can not be too careful with such forums.  Personally,

I would sterilize the bitch and be done with it.  But that would be in another reality wouldn't

it? (I'm kidding, I"m really a compassionate liberal...)

    The 'Equality of opportunity' essay was more interesting to me.  I understand that your

words are meant to encourage those who might not have the wherewithal to be the very best

they can be, but something about it rankles, also.  The tennis analogy is telling because I

have experienced it many times.  I get a lot of satisfaction out of giving my best effort when

I win, but when I lose to some young punk who overpowers me, I think that my best effort

is not enough and I need to strive for a higher best effort!  I guess the key point is that I

think one should never be satisfied with a losing 'effort' because even if it is one's best, that

doesn't mean one can't set a higher standard for 'best effort'. 

    OK, I accept your challenge.  I prefer singles myself.  The loneliness of you against the

world!  No fall guys; no excuses.  If you have relearned to hit the ball.  (It's like riding a bike!)

Brad didn't say how good a tennis player you were, but if you turn up to be a 4.5, 5.0, then

I'm toast, but what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger! 

    Reading list:  I do not recommend books lightly to a person as sensitive as Brad because

I am mindful of Dwayne Hoover, the lead character of Vonnegut's "Breakfast of Champions".

His mind was 'poisoned', as mine was, by reading "Sirens of Titan".  But all of the books I

mentioned are exemplary 'cautionary tales' about where we are going as a culture.  And I

admire Zamyatin the most becuase he was able to recognize this trend as early as 1921....

That qualifies as 'visionary' in my book!  I was a science fiction fan in my early childhood

and came across Vonnegut's "Sirens of Titan" when it was first published in 1961 or so.

I have never recovered!  Nor do I want to....

Equality of opportunity and not equality of result

All of us seek equality of opportunity. Opportunity, however, fails to guarantee equality of results. We may be given the opportunity to try out for the basketball team, but that opportunity fails to assure that we will make the team. 

Some people can jump higher and run faster than others. Some have better minds than others. Some have more musical talent than others. Not everyone will win. We will not receive equal prizes. 

Joy comes from doing the very best we can with the gifts we possess. Doing our very best is good enough. A 3.5 tennis player can have just as much fun as a 7.0 player as long as that 3.5 player gives best effort. 

For the right minded, effort trumps result. We can expect the opportunity to give our best effort, but we cannot expect that our best effort will produce results better than the efforts of others. Doing our best is the best we can expect of ourselves. 

The Hidden Consequence of Compassion

Compassion, a wonderful virtue, has the potential for generating a troubling consequence. Recipients of a  "compassionate government" can develop an infantilizing sense of entitlement--an addiction as lethal as drug dependence.

A patient with six children had been admitted to our psychiatric unit six times with post partum depression. I suggested she consider a tubal ligation. She replied, “I couldn’t do that. I need more money. Every time I have a baby I get a bigger government check.” 

Unearned gifts kill personal responsibility.

 

A Healthy Method to Ban Illegal Immigrants

A British woman planning to start a new life with her husband in New Zealand has been banned from entering the country because she is too fat. Rowan Trezise, 33 has been left behind in England, while her husband, Richie, 35, has already made the move down under leaving her desperately trying to lose weight.  When the couple first tried to gain entry to the country they were told that they were both overweight and were a potential burden on the health care system.   

Source: The Daily Mail

A Cosmic View of Life

We have a serious responsibility not to take anything seriously.    

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

The Law of Unintended Consequences

A recent study done by the Dutch

Obese people are much less costly to the health care system than thin people because obese people tend to die 7-10 years earlier and more money is spent on the aged in the last years of life

Healing

Not everyone who comes to God is  cured. 

•   Curing is temporary
  
•   Healing is eternal
•   We may not be cured but we can be healed
•   Jesus came to make people whole. He came to heal.

Schrodinger's Cat: A thought experiment

In his original thought experiment, Schrodinger imagined that a cat is locked in a box, along with a radioactive atom that is connected to a vial containing a deadly poison. If the atom decays, it causes the vial to smash and the cat to be killed. When the box is closed we do not know if the atom has decayed or not, which means that it can be in both the decayed state and the non-decayed state at the same time. Therefore, the cat is both dead and alive at the same time - which clearly does not happen in classical physics.

Number and Cost of Organ Transplants

Organ	Number of US Transplants Each year	Cost of Transplant Procedure
Heart	2,192	$287,000
Bone marrow	30,000  (Since 1987)	$201,180
Lung	1000	$264,482
Liver	5000	$325,218
Kidney	14,000	$158,490
Pancreas	450	$135,000

Rhetorical Questions on Death

When should we die?

When we are no longer serving a function???

When the cost becomes more than the potential economic benefit of continued life???

How should we die?

Without artificial support???

When does length of life sacrifice quality of life?

A joyless life is not worth living???

Money

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with with you have.

Hebrews 13:5

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Retirement Need

Here is a simple formula to determine how long after retirement we can live in the way we have grown accustomed:

Cash + investments/ annual Debt + annual budget = years until money is gone 

Examples:

$1,000,000 retirement money/$100,000 in debt + $100,000 annual budget = 5 years until money gone

$2,000,000 retirement money/$150,000 annual budget = 13.3 years until money gone

Alternative calculation

If you want to live on $100,000 for 25 years and have no debt you will need $2.5 M in investments

($100,000 x 25 = $2.5 M)

$50,000 x 25 years = $1.25 M 

$100,000 x 25 years = $2.5 M

$200,000 x 25 years = $5 M

400,000 x 25 years = $10 M

What if you want to be retired for 20 years at $100,000 annual budget?

$100,000 x 20 years = $2 M

($100,000 annual budget = $8,333 each month)

$120,000 x 20 years = $2.4 M

($120,000 annual budget = $10,000 each month)

$150,000 annual budget x 20 years = $3 M

($150,000 annual budget = $12,500 each month)

Truth

 A great truth is a truth whose opposite is also a great truth. 

Neils Bohr

What Makes Life Worth Living

Someone you love  who loves you in return

Something to look forward to

Work that you enjoy

Cultivating a Life of Quality

Walk 30 minutes 3 x weekly

Stretching 15 minutes 3 x week

Strength training 15 minutes 3 x week

Get out of chair using leg muscles 10 x day

Maintain ideal weight

Eat vegetables, fruits, bread

Vitamin and Ca supplementation

8 glasses of water daily

81 mg aspirin daily

Puzzles and thinking games daily

Limit television and other passive activity

Party once a week/laugh daily/be a friend

Avoid negative people and negative talk

Serve others

Pray and read the scriptures everyday

Worship weekly

2000 Census Figures

Largest 5-yr. age group = 35-39 year olds

Second largest = 40-44 year olds

Largest percentage growth = 50-55 

Over age 65 = 35 million 

12% of the population

1,019,928 over age 90 (0.4% of population)

55,000 over age 100 (in 2005)

United States Life Expectancy

In 1900 the U. S. life expectancy was 47.3

At birth (Actuary Tables July 9, 2007): 

Male = 74.4 Female = 79.6

At 50 years of age:

Male = 78.09 Female = 81.91

At 60:

Male = 80    Female = 83.21

At 65:

Male = 81.33 Female = 84.2

At 70:

Male = 82.98 Female = 85.45

At 80:

Male = 87.43 Female = 89.00

Life-sustaining Treatments from the AMA

• Life-sustaining treatments should provide medical benefits and should respect a patient’s preferences, as communicated by the patient or a legally recognized surrogate.  Treatments such as mechanical ventilation and artificial nutrition and hydration should be provided only with appropriate authorization from a patient, a surrogate, or a court.  Once initiated, life sustaining treatments may be ethically withdrawn upon request of the patient, or a surrogate or court acting on the patient's behalf.
• To assist patients and surrogates in the decision-making process, physicians have an obligation to provide medical expertise, competent diagnosis based on an appropriate evaluation of the patient, and therapeutic options that are in accord with accepted professional standards of care.

Health Care Cost in the United States From the AMA

Health care costs in the United States hit a new mark in 2006, increasing 6.7 percent to $2.1 trillion, or $7,026 per person, according to the most recent issue of Health Affairs. That’s more than 16 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), highest among developed countries. And it’s nearly double the median average of GDP that the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, which includes 30 countries (including the U.S.), reported in 2004.

It’s easy to see how the money adds up. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, the nation’s 10 most expensive medical conditions cost about $500 billion to treat in 2005. That includes visits to doctors’ offices, clinics, and emergency departments; hospital stays; home health care; and prescription medications. Heart conditions top the list at an estimated $76 billion, followed by trauma disorders at $72 billion and cancer at $70 billion. It’s important to note thatspending on physician and clinical services accounted for only about 21 percent of total health care costs in the U.S. in 2006.

Increases in chronic disease and unhealthy behaviors are partly to blame for these skyrocketing costs. For example, the prevalence of obesity and diabetes has doubled during the past 25 years, and more than a quarter of health care spending growth in recent years is attributable to the rise in obesity and related growth of diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Modifiable lifestyle behaviors such as unhealthy nutrition, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol abuse, as well as motor-vehicle collisions, gun violence, domestic violence, and other forms of trauma, are contributing to the problem.

Meanwhile, inefficiencies in the nation’s health care system continue to drive up costs. One study found that unnecessary medical tests are costing the U.S. health care system millions—and potentially billions—of dollars annually. According to the study, the estimated annual costs of unwarranted use of just three low-cost tests alone—urinalysis, electrocardiograms, and X-rays—cost $50 million to $200 million a year.

Overuse of medical services also occurs because of the high risk of medical liability lawsuits. A March 2003 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated that defensive medicine cost the nation between $70 and $126 billion in 2001.

End-of-life care has been cited as a source of significant overuse. A quarter of the cost of Medicare services is for patients in the last year of life, but reducing these costs is challenging.

Other research suggests that services known to yield savings aren’t being used enough. One particular study found that patients only receive 55 percent of services recommended by clinical guidelines, including preventive services and care for chronic conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Fragmentation of care is an issue, causing repeated medical histories and duplicative diagnostic tests because patient records are not readily available. In addition, administrative costs, profits, marketing, and other nonclinical spending often add to health system costs without contributing demonstrable value to patient care.

These are some of the root causes. Now what are the solutions? The AMA has pinpointed several broad strategies (PDF, 58KB) that would address these rising costs and generate better value for what the nation spends on health care.

First, we must reduce the burden of preventable disease. To accomplish this, we can lessen risk factors for illness and injury and prevent the onset of chronic disease, by improving patient compliance with medications andpreventive care recommendations; by helping patients avoid tobacco use and alcohol abuse; by encouraging patients to eat better and exercise more; and by preventing intentional and unintentional injuries. Public health programs and policies can go a long way toward getting the message across on this front.

Second, health care delivery must be more efficient. Better efficiency will result from improving the coordination of care, using unnecessary services less often, and increasing our use of services that are proven to have a positive return on investment in terms of reducing future disease and costs. We also need to better manage chronic illnesses, reduce medical errors, and shift care to cost-effective sites of service.

Third, we must reduce nonclinical health system costs that do not contribute to patient care by eliminating excessive spending on administration, profits, and marketing (PDF, 67KB).

Fourth, we should promote value-based decision-making at all levels. That means improving the processes by which decisions are made so that they take into consideration both cost and benefit, particularly clinical outcomes. Examples of value-based decision-making include physicians and patients choosing among drug therapies, insurers designing health plan cost-sharing features, and legislators determining public health budgets and considering mandated insurance coverage of particular benefits. The AMA Council on Medical Service is developing a report on this subject that should be ready for the 2008 Annual Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates in June.

The AMA also has identified a list of specific actions to put these four strategies into effect. Among them are promoting patient lifestyle counseling and treatment, supporting cost-effectiveness research, and using clinical performance measurement, as we’re doing through the Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement, to improve efficiency. More details on the AMA’s broad strategies and a complete list of these specific actions can be found in a report from the AMA Council on Medical Service (Word, 171KB) issued last year.

That’s the AMA’s stance on how to limit the nation’s health care spending; now I’d like to hear what you think. What are your views on these broad strategies and specific actions?

Lowering Health Care Cost

by Ron PaulRon Paul

As a medical doctor, I’ve seen first-hand how bureaucratic red tape interferes with the doctor-patient relationship and drives costs higher. The current system of third-party payers takes decision-making away from doctors, leaving patients feeling rushed and worsening the quality of care. Yet health insurance premiums and drug costs keep rising. Clearly a new approach is needed. Congress needs to craft innovative legislation that makes health care more affordable without raising taxes or increasing the deficit. It also needs to repeal bad laws that keep health care costs higher than necessary.

We should remember that HMOs did not arise because of free-market demand, but rather because of government mandates. The HMO Act of 1973 requires all but the smallest employers to offer their employees HMO coverage, and the tax code allows businesses – but not individuals – to deduct the cost of health insurance premiums. The result is the illogical coupling of employment and health insurance, which often leaves the unemployed without needed catastrophic coverage.

While many in Congress are happy to criticize HMOs today, the public never hears how the present system was imposed upon the American people by federal law. As usual, government intervention in the private market failed to deliver the promised benefits and caused unintended consequences, but Congress never blames itself for the problems created by bad laws. Instead, we are told more government – in the form of “universal coverage” – is the answer. But government already is involved in roughly two-thirds of all health care spending, through Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs.

For decades, the U.S. healthcare system was the envy of the entire world. Not coincidentally, there was far less government involvement in medicine during this time. America had the finest doctors and hospitals, patients enjoyed high-quality, affordable medical care, and thousands of private charities provided health services for the poor. Doctors focused on treating patients, without the red tape and threat of lawsuits that plague the profession today. Most Americans paid cash for basic services, and had insurance only for major illnesses and accidents. This meant both doctors and patients had an incentive to keep costs down, as the patient was directly responsible for payment, rather than an HMO or government program.

The lesson is clear: when government and other third parties get involved, health care costs spiral. The answer is not a system of outright socialized medicine, but rather a system that encourages everyone – doctors, hospitals, patients, and drug companies – to keep costs down. As long as “somebody else” is paying the bill, the bill will be too high.

The following are bills Congress should pass to reduce health care costs and leave more money in the pockets of families:

HR 3075 provides truly comprehensive health care reform by allowing families to claim a tax credit for the rising cost of health insurance premiums. With many families now spending close to $1000 or even more for their monthly premiums, they need real tax relief – including a dollar-for-dollar credit for every cent they spend on health care premiums – to make medical care more affordable.

HR 3076 is specifically designed to address the medical malpractice crisis that threatens to drive thousands of American doctors – especially obstetricians – out of business. The bill provides a dollar-for-dollar tax credit that permits consumers to purchase "negative outcomes" insurance prior to undergoing surgery or other serious medical treatments. Negative outcomes insurance is a novel approach that guarantees those harmed receive fair compensation, while reducing the burden of costly malpractice litigation on the health care system. Patients receive this insurance payout without having to endure lengthy lawsuits, and without having to give away a large portion of their award to a trial lawyer. This also drastically reduces the costs imposed on physicians and hospitals by malpractice litigation. Under HR 3076, individuals can purchase negative outcomes insurance at essentially no cost.

HR 3077 makes it more affordable for parents to provide health care for their children. It creates a $500 per child tax credit for medical expenses and prescription drugs that are not reimbursed by insurance. It also creates a $3,000 tax credit for dependent children with terminal illnesses, cancer, or disabilities. Parents who are struggling to pay for their children's medical care, especially when those children have serious health problems or special needs, need every extra dollar.

HR 3078 is commonsense, compassionate legislation for those suffering from cancer or other terminal illnesses. The sad reality is that many patients battling serious illnesses will never collect Social Security benefits – yet they continue to pay into the Social Security system. When facing a medical crisis, those patients need every extra dollar to pay for medical care, travel, and family matters. HR 3078 waives the employee portion of Social Security payroll taxes (or self-employment taxes) for individuals with documented serious illnesses or cancer. It also suspends Social Security taxes for primary caregivers with a sick spouse or child. There is no justification or excuse for collecting Social Security taxes from sick individuals who literally are fighting for their lives.

August 23, 2006

The Value of Exercise

All adults should set a long-term goal to do at least 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, or preferably all, days of the week. Intermittent or shorter periods of activity (at least 10 minutes), including occupational or nonoccupational tasks and everyday activities of daily life, confer similar cardiovascular and other health benefits if performed at a level of moderate intensity (such as brisk walking) for a total of 30 minutes per day. Additional health and fitness benefits may be conferred by burning up to 3,500 calories per week with additional physically activities or more vigorous workouts. Increasing calories expenditure from 1,000 to 3,500 calories per week can be accomplishedby doing one or more of the following: Spending more time doing current exercises and activities. Doing the exercises and activities at a higher intensity level. Adding more exercises and activities to a fitness program.