Build better flyswatter; they will come

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October 23, 2009

By Karen Middleton The News Courier Fri Oct 23, 2009, 04:45 PM CDT

ATHENS — Last week I attended an international medical trade show in Atlanta with a friend of mine who invented a repositioning device for bedridden patients to help prevent bedsores.

I played the part of an incapacitated patient for my friend to demonstrate her device to vendors.

As a member of the demographic upon which the highest health care dollars will be spent over the next two decades—baby boomers—I was typecast for the role.

While not engaged in my acting duties I had a lot of time to wander around the huge auditorium in the Atlanta World Congress Center.

I learned there is a device or product for testing and treating every condition of the aged – fallen arches, varicose veins, incontinence, immobility, apnea, edema, problematic hygiene, hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pressure sores, missing limbs, missing breasts and Alzheimer’s nighttime wanderings.

It was an eye-opening experience to say the least.

One, I don’t intend to grow old.

Okay, so that’s out. Next, I pray I’m well insured.

We hear that health care in the U.S. is the best in the world. I believe it. And one of the reasons is healthy competition.

When manufacturers continually strive to offer a better flyswatter—in this case, medical equipment—the public benefits.

Competition in all segments of a free enterprise system, including medical care, is the only way to ensure the continued high standards that we’ve come to expect.

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Karen Middleton

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