Some brief thoughts on Canada Day:
Happy Canada Day to you too Jen ...I came to Canada on June 29 , 1063 ...50 years ago . My choosen Country !!
As an Advocate with the Canadian Diabetes Association it must be said ...that it really depends where one lives as far aa Health Care coverage is concerned . I am extremely fortunate with having an Extended Health Plan ( PBC ) ...most in BC and most in Canada do not .Even in our case we pay out of own pocket at least $ 4,000.00 yearly on diabetes supplies . I know young people , who can't afford an insulin pump , while we also know it would save the tax payers in the long run , to supply pumps to those , who would medically benifit .Well ...more work to be done ...I have a MLA who is listening ! I was happy to snuggle up to the dogs at SPCA , while we are having over 30 C at the moment...Be well ...
Hi Nel, where are you from originally? I know a lot of Canadians who were not born here. I recently found out that my ancestors came from France, Scotland, and First Nations, so I'm exploring that more (although I was born in Canada ... Nova Scotia, and have lived in BC my entire life except for a few years in Ontario).
I agree with you about pump/CGM coverage and taxpayers' money in the long run, but that's why I said "basic" medical needs are covered. At least to my knowledge insulin analogues, meters, and strips are covered in all provinces (plus doctor's appointments, hospital visits, and blood tests and other procedures), so at least someone wouldn't be completely stranded if they suddenly lost a job. Are there provinces where even the basic stuff isn't covered?
Happy Canada Day. :) It's hot here, too, over 30 degrees, too hot for me (although my blood sugar is liking it, been in the 4s literally all day except 12.2 after breakfast). I'm sitting in my apartment with all my windows open and three fans going ... hopefully it will be cool enough to sleep come bedtime!
I did a beauty of a typo ...1063 should read 1963 :) . I am from the Netherlands , Haarlem ; attended one year College in Amsterdam . Worked just short of 2 years in a Hospital, Food Service ; emigrated to TO ,( planned to stay one year) at age 22 and 11 ms .My Dad passed away in November 1963 , went home and 3 weeks later back to C . I have lived in S'toon , New West, B'by , Van , Coq , 1999 to Salmon Arm :) You may qualify for Indian Status ...maybe I am dreaming ??? . There are people , who can't afford Lantus, Levimir and still use NPH, which I believe is covered ( and you and I know of those results ! Even PBC is getting more sticky to deal with ..For instance I need a yearly prescription from my GP with the number of srips prescribed for PBC .There seems a 2 tier system in C . This BC paper may be useful :
http://www.diabetes.ca/documents/getinvolved/17620_Diabetes_Prog_Report_BC_2.pdf. Shortage of Doctors , Specialists in rural areas .We here with Interior Health do not have the pleasure of going on line and get our Lab results as you are able ...but that's a bit of an other story . All in all if we compare to the USA I give Canada Health Care 2 thumbs up ( but we do have Extended Health ) ...
PS...the link does not work ...another try http://www.diabetes.ca/documents/get-involved/17620_Diabetes_Prog_Report_BC_2.pdf
Nel - 1063 that's before William the Conqueror. Health Care has certainly progressed in the last 950 years.
and no keyboards Alan :) ...fat fingers ...the 9 to close to 0 ...what can I say ...