Tag: Independence Day

July Timely Topics- Celebrations and Souvenirs

Here in the United States, we have our most important holiday of the year-Independence Day, but usually just referred to as the 4th of July. Why do I say it is the most important? Because without it, we wouldn’t be a country!

On this day in 1776, the North American colonies of England declared political independence, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Where I live, we just saw the first day of summer, the longest day of the year, come and go. Summer activities are in full swing, with friends either getting back or preparing to leave on vacation.

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For July topics we’ll look at summer safety and wellness. We often call winter the cold and flu season, so we could call summer the poison ivy, sunburn, and bug bite season. Unfortunately, it’s also the season for drownings and water sports accidents.

Celebration

Here in the United States, we have our most important holiday of the year-Independence Day, but usually just referred to as the 4th of July. Why do I say it is the most important? Because without it, we wouldn’t be a country!

On this day in 1776, the North American colonies of England declared political independence, and the rest, as they say, is history. Much has happened in the almost 250 years since, and the United Kingdom is now an ally.

An American citizen, former actress Meghan Markle, married into the British royal family. She and Prince Harry have two children, also American citizens, who are in line for the British throne! (Granted, pretty far down.)

Friendship is worth pursuing between people and countries.

Statue of Liberty
Lady Liberty lifting her torch in New York Harbor -photo
by Dr. Aletha
Here are links to July’s Timely Topics, or use”search” to find what interests you

Celebrate Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Health Care

Every July 4th, Americans celebrate Independence Day, marking the founding of a nation with complex systems, including healthcare. The U.S. healthcare system combines public and private efforts, with significant government funding. Essential programs like Medicare and Medicaid serve millions, underscoring the commitment of healthcare professionals. Celebrating this system’s evolution reflects the nation’s founding principles.

Keep reading

Don’t Drink the Water- How to Avoid Water-related Illness

In this post learn how Water can pose health risks beyond drinking, including illnesses from contact during swimming or recreational activities. Drowning is a significant risk, especially for children. Common waterborne illnesses include gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions. Prevention strategies, such as swimming safety skills and avoiding contaminated water, can prevent these dangers.

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Safe and Healthy Cruising-Keys to an Enjoyable Vacation on a Ship

In this post I share experiences from visiting the Titanic museum and a subsequent cruise, emphasizing enhanced safety measures unlike those on the Titanic. Observations include thorough safety drills, food allergy considerations, hygiene protocols, and various activities available. While the cruise was enjoyable, potential health risks exist, including sun exposure and noise levels.

Keep reading

Summer Reading

Don’t forget to take some books along on your vacation for those hours in the airport, on the plane, or poolside.

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a world globe with two crossed bandaids

Doctor Aletha

Celebrate Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Health Care

Every July 4th, Americans celebrate Independence Day, marking the founding of a nation with complex systems, including healthcare. The U.S. healthcare system combines public and private efforts, with significant government funding. Essential programs like Medicare and Medicaid serve millions, underscoring the commitment of healthcare professionals. Celebrating this system’s evolution reflects the nation’s founding principles.

updated June 30, 2026

Every year on July 4th we celebrate Independence Day- the day the original 13 American colonies established an independent country.

They established a government, military, educational system, highway system, public works, and healthcare system.

We Americans may pride ourselves on not having “socialized” medicine or “national healthcare”, but we do have a health care system that is a combination of public and private funding and administration. And even private healthcare must comply with a myriad of local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Celebrate Healthcare Professionals

I believe we have one of the best healthcare systems in the world because of the people who work in healthcare- the people who devote years to education and training and who work tirelessly 365 days a year, 24 hours a day to make and keep us well.  Their commitment, compassion, dedication, and competence benefit all of us and deserve our gratitude.

Statue of Liberty
Lady Liberty lifting her torch in New York harbor-photo by Dr. Aletha

Government Healthcare Programs

The federal government pays for roughly 31% of all healthcare spending in the United States. According to the latest National Health Expenditures data, the federal government represents the single largest “sponsor” of healthcare in the nation, funding approximately $1.7 trillion of the country’s total $5.3 trillion annual medical tab. [1, 2]

The Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare

The  United States Congress passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010 to guarantee basic health insurance to all citizens.  During the last presidential campaign, President Trump vowed to “repeal and replace” this law but although it has been modified, it is still active

Healthcare for Military Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families

During the American Revolution the fledgling government extended health care benefits to the soldiers and veterans of that war; that system evolved into the current military health care system which covers service members and the Veterans’ Administration system for veterans.

a Veterans Administration clinic
a Veterans Administration clinic (photo by Dr. Aletha)
American soldiers serving in Afghanistan
American soldiers serving in Afghanistan

Medicare and Medicaid

Two other government healthcare programs- Medicare and Medicaid are over 50 years old. 

Medicaid provides insurance coverage for adults and children who are unemployed or low income.  

Medicare covers disabled children and adults  and persons 65 years and older.

You may not be eligible for either of these programs now, but chances are eventually you or someone close to you will.

  • Anyone can become disabled from a serious illness or freak accident.
  • You or your spouse may lose your job and your employer sponsored health insurance.
  • Your child may have a disability that will prevent them from working when they grow up.
  • We may all live long enough to qualify for Medicare on the basis of age alone.  Your parents or grandparents are near or already at Medicare age.
ELDERLY COUPLE -189282_1280
Senior adults age 65 and older use Medicare.

It’s important to understand how Medicare works, since it’s not automatic; even if you qualify, you need to sign up to be covered (with a few exceptions). The rules are summarized here. Or consider an easy to understand book here. 

Federal Healthcare Agencies

  • Food and Drug Administration- FDA
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- CDC
  • National Institutes of Health- NIH
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • Drug Enforcement Agency-DEA
medication capsules
The FDA regulates the development and sale of medications and medical devices and the DEA regulates dangerous and controlled drugs.

Federal Healthcare Laws

  • The Affordable Care Act- ACA
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-HIPPA
  • Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act- EMTALA
  • Americans with Disabilities Act-ADA
Liberty Bell -replica
I took this photo of a replica of the Liberty Bell at Walt Disney World, Florida

Let Freedom Ring

In the Declaration of Independence, the founders of the United States created a nation based on the “self-evident truths”  of  “Life ,Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” and to promote “Safety and Happiness” . 

In the Constitution they vowed to “promote the general Welfare” .

I wonder if they envisioned their new government would spend so much time and money providing and regulating health care -most of which was not available or even imagined at that time? 

Let’s celebrate!

woman holding a sprakler
Let’s celebrate! This photo and featured image from stock photo site- Lightstock.com (affiliate)

Exploring the HEART of Health

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a woman in a red, white, and blue shirt

Me, years ago, showing my patriotic spirit by posing in red, white, and blue

Dr. Aletha