Sorry I have to vent...

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135

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  • joleenl
    joleenl Posts: 739 Member
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    I agree to some extent.

    Now, I don't have a personal trainer or a nutritionist nor do I think you need them to be successful in your fitness goals. I think if you put time and energy (and common sense) in to exercise and food you can be healthy (or at least healthier then you were). What annoys me is not so much that people won't spend money on it, it's that they won't put effort into it. Time and energy are free.

    I think people should spend their money (and some time) on healthier foods and maybe some supplements like protien supplements and vitamins. (I can't believe some people think of healthy food as an additional expense! It saddens me.) All though if they have extra money to spend... fitness equipment, gym memberships, fitness classes, trainers, and nutritionist are great assets but these are fitness conveninces not necessities.

    Now I see a naturopath. It usaully costs me a bit of money, but I can afford it, I have some benefits through my work for it, and I would rather see a naturopath then a doctor. I believe that this is a luxery that everyone should have. IMO more health care plans (including government ran ones) should cover this so that people can choose what type of "health" advice they want.

    I think Physio therapists, massage therapists, and chiropracters are execellent healthcare aids but they are simply a luxery that most can not afford. And although I see both a massage therapist and chiropracter myself, and I see merit in their treatments, I do believe one can be "healthy" without them.
  • RoseTears143
    RoseTears143 Posts: 1,121 Member
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    I botha gree and disagree. I can see various sides to this. I see where OP is coming from, and I see why so many people are getting their panties in a twist.

    I recently decided to put my health in front of having a lot of discretionary money for "fun" stuff personally. I spend more money on food so I can go get organic and GMO free foods from a local market as opposed to shopping at a Walmart Supercenter. I bought a gym membership, and workout at home as well.

    What people spend their money on in regards to their health is their choice. But in America we as a population generally spend the least amount possible on food, which is the root of all evil when it comes to making or breaking our health. Thsi in turn will determine how much money and time we spend in the doctor's office with various diseases and ailments. Some people ahve more disposable income to drastically change how they eat and exercise to be healthy. Some have to go about it in a slower more managable way and ramp up as they can cut other things out.

    For me, not having as much money to go eat out at restaurants or see movies a few times a week is fine because the tradeoff I get is the adrenaline high I get after lifting weights at the gym and feeling better in my clothes, and my insides feeling good from fueling it with nutritious foods. :)

    We are all here for the same eason. I don't see the point in so many people getting mad over a forum post. I'm seeing it more and more frequently in the forums on this site...
  • devil_in_a_blue_dress
    devil_in_a_blue_dress Posts: 5,214 Member
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    nutritionists, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors and personal trainers

    Amazingly, I am completely healthy and have never seen any such professional. Why on earth would I pay these people money unless I actually NEEDED their services? I am sorry -- but no. That is like me (a professional photographer) saying to people you NEED my services because the memories I capture with my expensive, fancy camera are more meaningful that those you get with you crappy little point and shoot. OH WAIT.

    If somebody medically needs those services to be healthy and comfortable, then yes by all means seeing that type of professional is more important than having an iPhone. But none of the services those people provide are necessary for the average person with no health issues.
  • KateCon912
    KateCon912 Posts: 200 Member
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    Because (I'm assuming you're American) this is America, and yes, people do value their possessions more than themselves.

    I agree with you completely though. :flowerforyou:
  • fernandesg
    fernandesg Posts: 54 Member
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    I'm pretty lucky... I live in Canada and my healthcare is paid for, over and above that the company I work for gives me additional benefits to cover Chiropractor, Optometrist, Physio, Acupucture, Prescription drugs and full dental coverage, they give me an additional $1500 toward Health/Life spending, this covers fitness equipment, Sports equipment, Club memberships, or Personal Trainer, Gym memberships etc. So in some cases there are people/businesses that have put a value on our fitness and health. More places should get on board with this philosophy.

    You won't feel so lucky when you need some diagnostics tests if you get cancer and it takes nine months to get them.


    Don't believe everything you hear in the news. When you NEED something it happens right away. The people that complain the loudest about Canada's health system are the ones who expect testing done right now because their knee hurts (yes there have been exceptions to this, I don't want to "ruffle feathers", but I am speaking of the norm here). I hear about the supposed wait times on the news too, but in my experience, being a Canadian born and bred, EVERYONE I know that has had health problems, and there are many in my life with serious issues, have never had a problem getting their testing done quickly and efficiently. The only things I have ever waited more than a few weeks for is allergy testing for my daughter and honestly, I know something makes her stuffed up, her sister has confirmed allergies, so we can deal. It's not life threatening in her case, so I don't mind waiting. Those people who are in dire need SHOULD come first, no question.

    OP, I understand what you are saying, but as others have said, at the end of the month there are only so many dollars left over, and often this is not enough to pay for a trainer, home equipment etc. That being said, information is out there everywhere and healthy lifestyles do not have to cost more. It is a state of mind, and doesn't necessarily have to be about finances. My money pays for the things that HAVE to cost money, exercise and my well-being can be done for free at home :wink:
  • VoodooLuLu
    VoodooLuLu Posts: 636 Member
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    Ok well here's me Venting!

    I'm guessing you live with mummy & daddy and they work their butts off to pay your bills n keep a roof above your head and drive you everywhere and such...

    If not you should know better... Because (and this has been going for ages now) People for centuries now have been paying taxes and bills and mortgages and rent, child support etc. And no matter how much people bust their *kitten* they are tight on money. Some people that are tight on money actually find it more important to dress and feed their family and provde a roof above their head then worry about a private trainer or whatever

    Lot's of people need cars because they need to drive far places to get to work...
    but hey if you can ride your bicycle to different states hey good for you...
    but lot's of people need cars....
    even buses and trains etc. cost money...

    stop being so ignorant...

    end of vent....
  • ptjolsen
    ptjolsen Posts: 365 Member
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    pretty soon we will have government mandated "state" uniforms to wear, maybe even have our tounges cut out if we talk negative about our government... this mandated health care, forcing americans to purchase a product is just one more reason to fear the idea of a socialist society. pretty soon we will live like north korea, and have absolutely no control over our own lives. taxing us into not drinking soda? really? how about, i dont murder, i dont steal, and i follow the laws of the land, and thats it... freedom? what freedom? its slowly being taken from me... i buy health insurance because i want health insurance... that should be my choice...

    and i will graciously bow out of this now, because all it does it get me upset...



    I have a hard time relating your two posts to the original post. OP was ranting about how people don't mind spending a lot of money on their posessions but not on their health. What does that have to do with being an American and not wanting the government to force you to buy health care or "mandated state uniforms" or socialism? He's questioning how people CHOOSE to spend their money. He never said we should be forced to spend our money on our health, he's wondering why people don't value their health over their material possessions. How that makes you get into rant about a socialist party completely blows my mind.

    **edit for spelling

    Thank you!!!
  • iplayoutside19
    iplayoutside19 Posts: 2,304 Member
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    in the long run; nutritionists, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors and personal trainers should be seen as MORE of a necessary expense than some of the things society deems "necessary". Seem to me we, as a society, have our priorities screwed up.

    Becuase these are things that if you don't have funds...you could educate yourself on the broader concepts, and change the details to fit your lifestyle. MFP is filled with hundreds of people that dropped the weight and kept it off without the benefit of any of those "professionals", and some without so much as a gym membership.

    ...and this coming from a guy who spends most of his allowence on health related gear, activities, or travel to said activities.
  • ptjolsen
    ptjolsen Posts: 365 Member
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    I realize this might "ruffle some feathers" but I have to get this off my chest. :grumble:

    Why is it that people will set aside large sums of money on a monthly basis to make car payments, car insurance payments, gasoline; yet when it comes t investing in their health everyone thinks it is an "extra" expense? Are we that dense as a society that we will pay hundreds of dollars to mechanics to fix our cars that cost us tens of thousands of dollars, yet when it comes to investing in our health through nutrition and exercise we don't value our BODIES enough to bring them to an expert? Do we REALLY value our possessions more than ourselves? Looking at things from a logical point of view, in the long run; nutritionists, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors and personal trainers should be seen as MORE of a necessary expense than some of the things society deems "necessary". Seem to me we, as a society, have our priorities screwed up.

    /end rant.

    I agree!

    But it took a health scare for me to truly see the light!

    I don't think most people realize that health is wealth...without good health the quality of your life plummets.

    Again, Thank you!
  • MagicalLeopleurodon
    MagicalLeopleurodon Posts: 623 Member
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    I realize this might "ruffle some feathers" but I have to get this off my chest. :grumble:

    Why is it that people will set aside large sums of money on a monthly basis to make car payments, car insurance payments, gasoline; yet when it comes t investing in their health everyone thinks it is an "extra" expense? Are we that dense as a society that we will pay hundreds of dollars to mechanics to fix our cars that cost us tens of thousands of dollars, yet when it comes to investing in our health through nutrition and exercise we don't value our BODIES enough to bring them to an expert? Do we REALLY value our possessions more than ourselves? Looking at things from a logical point of view, in the long run; nutritionists, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors and personal trainers should be seen as MORE of a necessary expense than some of the things society deems "necessary". Seem to me we, as a society, have our priorities screwed up.

    /end rant.

    well, my husband is his own mechanic, but the job that pays for the truck note is an hourvaway in said truck....so we need to maintain the payments.

    we have NO money set aside for health or fitness-we wing it. repurposed, rusted, incomplete workout gear. asking companies fir coupons (i have yet to find a protein brand that wont send coupons if you write up a nice letter asking).

    so on the one hand, i see what you mean. my dad spends a disgusting amount of money on knicknacks and landscaping-but balks at thea idea of buying fitness equipment.

    then you have my husband and i that are saving scrap metal so we can get chickens to offset the cost of eggs.
  • Sunnyjb
    Sunnyjb Posts: 220
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    Why isn't it covered? Becuase we're actually governed by dirty money from pharmaceutical. That's why. If we were healthy think of all the money they woulnd't make on meds to "fix" the issues.
  • olDave
    olDave Posts: 557 Member
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    Do you feel better now?
  • ptjolsen
    ptjolsen Posts: 365 Member
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    I botha gree and disagree. I can see various sides to this. I see where OP is coming from, and I see why so many people are getting their panties in a twist.

    I recently decided to put my health in front of having a lot of discretionary money for "fun" stuff personally. I spend more money on food so I can go get organic and GMO free foods from a local market as opposed to shopping at a Walmart Supercenter. I bought a gym membership, and workout at home as well.

    What people spend their money on in regards to their health is their choice. But in America we as a population generally spend the least amount possible on food, which is the root of all evil when it comes to making or breaking our health. Thsi in turn will determine how much money and time we spend in the doctor's office with various diseases and ailments. Some people ahve more disposable income to drastically change how they eat and exercise to be healthy. Some have to go about it in a slower more managable way and ramp up as they can cut other things out.

    For me, not having as much money to go eat out at restaurants or see movies a few times a week is fine because the tradeoff I get is the adrenaline high I get after lifting weights at the gym and feeling better in my clothes, and my insides feeling good from fueling it with nutritious foods. :)

    We are all here for the same eason. I don't see the point in so many people getting mad over a forum post. I'm seeing it more and more frequently in the forums on this site...

    I appreciate your response, and overall, appreciate your last point. I warned people. So if you are overly sensitive on the subject, just keep your fingers off the keyboard :happy:
  • Sunnyjb
    Sunnyjb Posts: 220
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    I agree with this, with one exception, chiropractors? Those guys are quacks, not real doctors....just saying

    be a child growing up with scoliosis and have a chiropractor help you not have to get surgery, then say that
  • conniemaxwell5
    conniemaxwell5 Posts: 943 Member
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    It's about priorities. For years my priority was to have a nice car, house, clothes, etc. and I sacrificed my body and my bank account to have those things. Now I'm working to pay off the debt (financial and physical) of 30 years of that kind of living. Now it's about getting my priorities in order and living a balanced life.
  • quirkytizzy
    quirkytizzy Posts: 4,052 Member
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    I appreciate your response, and overall, appreciate your last point. I warned people. So if you are overly sensitive on the subject, just keep your fingers off the keyboard :happy:

    Yes, disagreement equals sensitive. Your thoughts are so unique and mind-blowing that those who would oppose you must have a character deficit somehow.

    However do you hold up under the strain of your obviously superior ego? I assume you lift?
  • ptjolsen
    ptjolsen Posts: 365 Member
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    Ok well here's me Venting!

    I'm guessing you live with mummy & daddy and they work their butts off to pay your bills n keep a roof above your head and drive you everywhere and such...

    If not you should know better... Because (and this has been going for ages now) People for centuries now have been paying taxes and bills and mortgages and rent, child support etc. And no matter how much people bust their *kitten* they are tight on money. Some people that are tight on money actually find it more important to dress and feed their family and provde a roof above their head then worry about a private trainer or whatever

    Lot's of people need cars because they need to drive far places to get to work...
    but hey if you can ride your bicycle to different states hey good for you...
    but lot's of people need cars....
    even buses and trains etc. cost money...

    stop being so ignorant...

    end of vent....

    College graduate
    2 degrees, no debt thanks to scholarships and working while in school.
    pay for a mortgage....

    Overall I think budgeting has kept me straight with necessities and priorities :wink:
  • cabaray
    cabaray Posts: 971 Member
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    I'm pretty lucky... I live in Canada and my healthcare is paid for, over and above that the company I work for gives me additional benefits to cover Chiropractor, Optometrist, Physio, Acupucture, Prescription drugs and full dental coverage, they give me an additional $1500 toward Health/Life spending, this covers fitness equipment, Sports equipment, Club memberships, or Personal Trainer, Gym memberships etc. So in some cases there are people/businesses that have put a value on our fitness and health. More places should get on board with this philosophy.

    And your tax rate is????

    Don't know what their tax rate is but their dollar is stronger than the US.

    BTW for the folks that wanted to politicize this discussion, do you know what country is consistently rated as having the best Health Care system in the world?

    Answer: Israel. The US System is actually far behind, our life expectancy isn't even in the top 10. So for those promoting how great our healthcare system is in the US, you're blinded by nationalism and myth. Only in America, where the richest country in the world can't even ensure that all of our citizens (working class, poor, elderly, upper class, you name it) receive basic standards of care would we consider our health care system a good model to follow. American arrogance at its finest.

    Finally, for the record Israel has 100% Government socialized healthcare.
    And how does Israel afford this? Billions in aid from the US. Keep the money here and maybe our healthcare system would be better.
  • kjjbean
    kjjbean Posts: 23 Member
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    WOW just WOW :)


    OP I get what your saying and I totally agree. I do think more people are coming around and putting more resources into their health and well being then they used to. I spend more on my families nutrition then anything else. It starts with us and we are only as good as the fuel we consume.

    My bike is worth more then my car & I put more miles on it :)
  • Sunnyjb
    Sunnyjb Posts: 220
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    ruffled feathers indeed. lol.

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