Happy Thanksgiving from Diane, Arnie, our 17 year old cat, and me, one of his staff.Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving from Diane, Arnie, our 17 year old cat, and me, one of his staff.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Legalize Medical Marijuana
It is time to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. As one who is recovering from several surgeries, and the accompanying pain that goes with them, marijuana should be available for pain relief under doctor's supervision.
For years, doctors were stingy with the amount of pain medication given in the hospital and later at home. That seems to be changing, in recent years, painkillers are much more liberally administered to those who need them. Good pain management is proven to speed up the healing process.
Although I am not a marijuana user, I've read reports that people with certain types of cancers and other types of debilitating diseases find pain and anti-nausea relief when smoking marijuana. If we could devise a low cost way to deliver it to appropriate patients through prescription from a doctor, and purchased from a legal outlet, like a pharmacy, I am all in favor of it. Users would have to obey the existing traffic laws and would not be able to resell it to family and friends.
Many of the current drugs we take come from plants. In this case, you would get the relief directly from the plant itself, rather than in pill or liquid form.
If you agree with this point of view, contact your Wisconsin legislator.
They are currently discussing this issue.
Alan
For years, doctors were stingy with the amount of pain medication given in the hospital and later at home. That seems to be changing, in recent years, painkillers are much more liberally administered to those who need them. Good pain management is proven to speed up the healing process.
Although I am not a marijuana user, I've read reports that people with certain types of cancers and other types of debilitating diseases find pain and anti-nausea relief when smoking marijuana. If we could devise a low cost way to deliver it to appropriate patients through prescription from a doctor, and purchased from a legal outlet, like a pharmacy, I am all in favor of it. Users would have to obey the existing traffic laws and would not be able to resell it to family and friends.
Many of the current drugs we take come from plants. In this case, you would get the relief directly from the plant itself, rather than in pill or liquid form.
If you agree with this point of view, contact your Wisconsin legislator.
They are currently discussing this issue.
Alan
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
A Private Sector Response to Health Care Reform
I have had several dozen responses to my recent blog: A 12-Point Program for Health Care Reform. It pleases me to say that almost all were positive and appealed to the readers's common sense. Since it was written, I've benefitted from many articles, broadcast reports, personal conversations. I also learned more about the thinking in Congress at a meeting of the Milwaukee Press Club, of which I am a member, featuring Rep. Gwen Moore (D), and Rep. Paul Ryan (R). Although miles apart on this issue, I was struck by how collegial these two members of Congress were to each other.
Since I began thinking about this issue several years ago, I never thought government control was the answer. I travel to Canada several times a year, and have never met a Canadian, liberal or conservative, who had anything good to say about their national health plan, or the outrageous taxes assessed to pay for it
I am still optimistic reforms must, can and will take place in the private sector. Have you ever seen the folks in "fly over country" so riled about any one issue before?
Congressman Ryan thinks there are many best practices in the private sector that need closer scrutiny and incorporation into our current reform efforts, and so do I. I agree with him that the Swiss model has merit and should be looked into more closely.
The first positive part of the Swiss plan is it is all private sector and covers 99% of the Swiss population, including the indigent. Second,
their system has good outcomes and is only 11% of the country's Gross National Product (GNP), as opposed to 17-18% or ours. Third, 87 private insurance comapnies compete for the Swiss to purchase their offerings. (Currentlywe have to purchase our insurance in the state where we reside, and often have a handful of offerings). They really keep a close eye on provider charges, and pressure them to reduce excesses in their systems. Quality of care is high, as well is patient satisfaction. Fourth, they top the profits of each health insurer at 5%. This eliminates many industry excesses.
Before we turn over our health care system to the same people who ran the "Cash for Clunkers" program so well, and who are on the verge of bankrupting Medicare and Medicaid, I think we need another push to have the private sector take the appropriate response, or we just may end up like Canada or England, hating our health care system.
Alan L. Gaudynski
Since I began thinking about this issue several years ago, I never thought government control was the answer. I travel to Canada several times a year, and have never met a Canadian, liberal or conservative, who had anything good to say about their national health plan, or the outrageous taxes assessed to pay for it
I am still optimistic reforms must, can and will take place in the private sector. Have you ever seen the folks in "fly over country" so riled about any one issue before?
Congressman Ryan thinks there are many best practices in the private sector that need closer scrutiny and incorporation into our current reform efforts, and so do I. I agree with him that the Swiss model has merit and should be looked into more closely.
The first positive part of the Swiss plan is it is all private sector and covers 99% of the Swiss population, including the indigent. Second,
their system has good outcomes and is only 11% of the country's Gross National Product (GNP), as opposed to 17-18% or ours. Third, 87 private insurance comapnies compete for the Swiss to purchase their offerings. (Currentlywe have to purchase our insurance in the state where we reside, and often have a handful of offerings). They really keep a close eye on provider charges, and pressure them to reduce excesses in their systems. Quality of care is high, as well is patient satisfaction. Fourth, they top the profits of each health insurer at 5%. This eliminates many industry excesses.
Before we turn over our health care system to the same people who ran the "Cash for Clunkers" program so well, and who are on the verge of bankrupting Medicare and Medicaid, I think we need another push to have the private sector take the appropriate response, or we just may end up like Canada or England, hating our health care system.
Alan L. Gaudynski
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A 12 Point Plan for Health Care Reform
As a former executive with a major health insurer in Wisconsin, I have thought for many years what I would do if I was asked to reform health care in the United States. In my role as a communicator and lobbyist for this organization, I've explored the points-of-view of providers,
insurers, legislators, regulators and patients. I've concluded that any reform legislation need not be 3,200 pages. There are plenty of "best practices" to explore and incorporate in any reform plan. Also, much of this need not be legislated. Just rely on the best resources of the private and public sectors in using common sense in attacking reform.
I don't think we need to "blowup" the current system. It does need work, and is not perfect by any means. My 12-point plan is based on years of observation of how the system works and how it could be improved. I've worked in upper management of a major health insurer and two of Wisconsin's larger hospitals. During the past 20 years, I've also consulted with many fine funders and providers of health care, and have been a patient myself. Some of my points may be considered unconventional, and not in the mainstream of thinking of current health insurers. For what it is worth, here are my thoughts.
First, revise medical liability laws to make them more realistic so more medical students are attracted to the primary care specialties of family practice, pediatrics and internal medicine.
Currently, malpractice insurance for these specialties is excessive, and may deter students from pursuing these specialties.
Second, to improve competition and lower prices, remove the current provision that we may only purchase health insurance licensed by the state in which we live. Set national standards for health insurance and let us purchase plans anywhere in the United States.
Third, self-insured (ERISA) plans do not have to include state mandated benefits, although many do. Let the individual or employer purchasers have the same freedom to select a plan free of some or all of the state's mandated benefits such as chiropractic, AODA, birthing services, acupunture, etc. Premium costs could be reduced substantially.
Fourth, go back to a community/age-rated system popular with some plans 30 or 40 years ago. Premiums would be based on the community's providers actual charges. Comparisons could be made to other communities' charges by employer and individual purchasers. These purchasers could put pressure on local providers to accept best practices and qualitiy initiatives from the lower-cost communities to reduce costs.
Fifth, insurers must remove the pre-existing condition provision and include that risk in the community/age rating system of determining premium. This could provide incentives for communities to initiate and support well city/community health programs aimed at reducing utilization.
Sixth, hospitals need to develop a better triage system for people, especially the uninsured, who present themselves for care at emergency rooms. Only true emergencies should be treated there. Work with all levels of government to set-up 24-hour clinics down the hall or next door to treat the non-emergent patients at a much reduced cost. Today the cost of care for these patients is often passed on to the people who have insurance, thus raising their premiums.
Seventh, many of our non-insured are illegal immigrants. Have the State Department explore ways to work with the offending countries who allow their citizens who enter our country illegally to take more fiscal responsibility for their lack of emigration enforcement. Perhaps a substanial reduction in foreign aid to those countries could be rerouted to help pay for illegal immigrant health care. This is a very controvertial area, so much thought needs to be considered in how to do this. The current system is not working.
Eighth, develop a better tax incentive program which encourages all individuals to purchase health insurance. Have the tax benefit based on the annual income of the health insurance purchasers, with better tax benefits for lower income individuals.
Ninth, develop premium lowering incentives for people who show marked improvement in their health like weight loss, lower blood pressure, blood sugar, smoking cessation. Do not continue to punish people for past health care sins with higher premiums if they make positive changes.
Tenth, another "must do" for reform is the development of an easily transportable and easily updated electronic medical record system. This alone, could save hundreds of millions of dollars in duplicative or unnecessary tests each year. (A friend of mine is in the process of trying to patent and market these flash drive-type devices for your keychain or in a credit card format).
Eleventh, as a condition of getting health care coverage, each individual should have to register his or her advanced directives for end stage of life health care. The family anxiety and waste in the area are staggering. This would go a long way to provide ethical health care in the final stages of a person's life.
Twelfth, take personal responsibility for your own health and the health of your loved ones.
The resources are all around you. Take advantage of them and you will lead a longer, healthier and happier life.
Alan L. Gaudynski
insurers, legislators, regulators and patients. I've concluded that any reform legislation need not be 3,200 pages. There are plenty of "best practices" to explore and incorporate in any reform plan. Also, much of this need not be legislated. Just rely on the best resources of the private and public sectors in using common sense in attacking reform.
I don't think we need to "blowup" the current system. It does need work, and is not perfect by any means. My 12-point plan is based on years of observation of how the system works and how it could be improved. I've worked in upper management of a major health insurer and two of Wisconsin's larger hospitals. During the past 20 years, I've also consulted with many fine funders and providers of health care, and have been a patient myself. Some of my points may be considered unconventional, and not in the mainstream of thinking of current health insurers. For what it is worth, here are my thoughts.
First, revise medical liability laws to make them more realistic so more medical students are attracted to the primary care specialties of family practice, pediatrics and internal medicine.
Currently, malpractice insurance for these specialties is excessive, and may deter students from pursuing these specialties.
Second, to improve competition and lower prices, remove the current provision that we may only purchase health insurance licensed by the state in which we live. Set national standards for health insurance and let us purchase plans anywhere in the United States.
Third, self-insured (ERISA) plans do not have to include state mandated benefits, although many do. Let the individual or employer purchasers have the same freedom to select a plan free of some or all of the state's mandated benefits such as chiropractic, AODA, birthing services, acupunture, etc. Premium costs could be reduced substantially.
Fourth, go back to a community/age-rated system popular with some plans 30 or 40 years ago. Premiums would be based on the community's providers actual charges. Comparisons could be made to other communities' charges by employer and individual purchasers. These purchasers could put pressure on local providers to accept best practices and qualitiy initiatives from the lower-cost communities to reduce costs.
Fifth, insurers must remove the pre-existing condition provision and include that risk in the community/age rating system of determining premium. This could provide incentives for communities to initiate and support well city/community health programs aimed at reducing utilization.
Sixth, hospitals need to develop a better triage system for people, especially the uninsured, who present themselves for care at emergency rooms. Only true emergencies should be treated there. Work with all levels of government to set-up 24-hour clinics down the hall or next door to treat the non-emergent patients at a much reduced cost. Today the cost of care for these patients is often passed on to the people who have insurance, thus raising their premiums.
Seventh, many of our non-insured are illegal immigrants. Have the State Department explore ways to work with the offending countries who allow their citizens who enter our country illegally to take more fiscal responsibility for their lack of emigration enforcement. Perhaps a substanial reduction in foreign aid to those countries could be rerouted to help pay for illegal immigrant health care. This is a very controvertial area, so much thought needs to be considered in how to do this. The current system is not working.
Eighth, develop a better tax incentive program which encourages all individuals to purchase health insurance. Have the tax benefit based on the annual income of the health insurance purchasers, with better tax benefits for lower income individuals.
Ninth, develop premium lowering incentives for people who show marked improvement in their health like weight loss, lower blood pressure, blood sugar, smoking cessation. Do not continue to punish people for past health care sins with higher premiums if they make positive changes.
Tenth, another "must do" for reform is the development of an easily transportable and easily updated electronic medical record system. This alone, could save hundreds of millions of dollars in duplicative or unnecessary tests each year. (A friend of mine is in the process of trying to patent and market these flash drive-type devices for your keychain or in a credit card format).
Eleventh, as a condition of getting health care coverage, each individual should have to register his or her advanced directives for end stage of life health care. The family anxiety and waste in the area are staggering. This would go a long way to provide ethical health care in the final stages of a person's life.
Twelfth, take personal responsibility for your own health and the health of your loved ones.
The resources are all around you. Take advantage of them and you will lead a longer, healthier and happier life.
Alan L. Gaudynski
Monday, July 27, 2009
Weekend Reading
Took a respite from the usual weekend mystery novel and read John Grisham's football novel about a washed-up NFL quarterback, (not Brett Favre), playing football in a club league in Parma, Italy. "Playing for Pizza" is a great read. I highly recommend it.
Monday, July 20, 2009
A Public Speaking Tune-Up
Being a former speech teacher, I'm still amazed how people who should know better, take little time in preparing important presentations. In recent years, I've worked with people on improving their sales and board presentations, usually shortening them and taking out industry jargon, with great results, including improved sales and commissions. They have been grateful.
The first rule of developing a good presentation is be yourself. The second is practice, practice, practice, in the mirror or with a video camera. The third is to get someone you can trust, and knows your business, to critique your presentation. The fourth is to make the suggested changes.
In preparing your presentation, use active, directive language. Know your audience and be realistic about their expectations.
Next, analyze your audience. A little research about their prior knowledge about the subject will go along way delineating an A presentation from a C one.
Always be logical. An anecdote or two may help. Provide conclusions and proofs. Provide your most important points first, and others in order or descending importance. Reiterate the important points in your conclusion. (Many times I prefer to write the conclusion first, followed by the opening and body to support the conclusions).
In terms of language, always use an active voice with personal language, inclusive pronouns and concrete references. Keep it simple, and do not use jargon.
The best written presentation may fall short if you do not consider the elements of your delivery. Personal appearance, pacing, tone of voice and the elimination of distracting mannerisms will all add to you giving an A presentation.
If you plan on handling questions, make sure you have the answers to every possible question which may be asked. If not, ask them to see you afterwards and arrange to have the question answered.
If you are using Power Point or videos to enhance you presentation, make sure in advance your software is compatible with the hardware in the room.
Always seek better. Like a good wine, you'll get better with age.
If you follow these simple suggestions, I assure you will be able to deliver A presentations every time.
Alan
The first rule of developing a good presentation is be yourself. The second is practice, practice, practice, in the mirror or with a video camera. The third is to get someone you can trust, and knows your business, to critique your presentation. The fourth is to make the suggested changes.
In preparing your presentation, use active, directive language. Know your audience and be realistic about their expectations.
Next, analyze your audience. A little research about their prior knowledge about the subject will go along way delineating an A presentation from a C one.
Always be logical. An anecdote or two may help. Provide conclusions and proofs. Provide your most important points first, and others in order or descending importance. Reiterate the important points in your conclusion. (Many times I prefer to write the conclusion first, followed by the opening and body to support the conclusions).
In terms of language, always use an active voice with personal language, inclusive pronouns and concrete references. Keep it simple, and do not use jargon.
The best written presentation may fall short if you do not consider the elements of your delivery. Personal appearance, pacing, tone of voice and the elimination of distracting mannerisms will all add to you giving an A presentation.
If you plan on handling questions, make sure you have the answers to every possible question which may be asked. If not, ask them to see you afterwards and arrange to have the question answered.
If you are using Power Point or videos to enhance you presentation, make sure in advance your software is compatible with the hardware in the room.
Always seek better. Like a good wine, you'll get better with age.
If you follow these simple suggestions, I assure you will be able to deliver A presentations every time.
Alan
Sunday, July 12, 2009
July Musky Catch
Just got back from my week of catch and release musky fishing in the Winnipeg River Systemnear Minaki, Ontario. A total of ten muskies were caught and released, most on a 4" black and white Crainbait.
We used small baits because the water was colder than usual. Tom captained his new Ranger boat. Ralph planned and executed a great menu of food.
It was a great break, and now I'm anxious to interact with American humans in the PR realm. This was a 40" caught near the "Cluster" islands.
Keep on casting,
Alan
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Business Cocooning? Time to Reset!
Business Cocooning? Time to Reset!
In a weak economy, there is a tendency for many businesses of all sizes to "cocoon," to turn in on themselves and cut or reduce any or all external activities. Some cocooning may be beneficial, especially if management takes some of the "down time" to reflect on ways to improve business by,
analyzing issues and policies affecting stakeholders, including employees,
identifying vunerabilities that may threaten growth, and,
recommending ways to enhance the organization's brand and reputation.
After this reflection and analysis is concluded, it is time to reset ways to work with clients to implement communications strategies and tactics to improve business practices by highlighting opportunities, addressing problems, and suggesting ways to improve future effectiveness.
Now is the time to audit all communications and improve their effectiveness. Here are some questions to ask:
How am I benefitting from my peer networking?
How can we improve, and perhaps shorten our sales presentations?
How are we tracking and utilizing our business referrals?
How can we improve the effectiveness of our media advertising?
How can we better benefit from our civic involements?
How can we improve our corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts in the
communities we serve?
If we go forward with the premise that PR is "Performance Recognized," what are we
doing to take better advantage of our public relations efforts to get recognition for
this performance?
And last, but not least,
What are we doing about getting better engaged in the only major consumer-driven
media -- social media? How are Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook, MySpace, blogs, Skype,
You Tube, Delicious, etc., playing into your communications strategies?
These are all cost-effective and innovative ways of broadening your communications scope, while, at the same time, getting you out of your business cocoon.
We hope you are now convinced that "cocooning" is not a good business posture in this, or any
economy.
Alan L. Gaudynski, APR, Fellow PRSA
In a weak economy, there is a tendency for many businesses of all sizes to "cocoon," to turn in on themselves and cut or reduce any or all external activities. Some cocooning may be beneficial, especially if management takes some of the "down time" to reflect on ways to improve business by,
analyzing issues and policies affecting stakeholders, including employees,
identifying vunerabilities that may threaten growth, and,
recommending ways to enhance the organization's brand and reputation.
After this reflection and analysis is concluded, it is time to reset ways to work with clients to implement communications strategies and tactics to improve business practices by highlighting opportunities, addressing problems, and suggesting ways to improve future effectiveness.
Now is the time to audit all communications and improve their effectiveness. Here are some questions to ask:
How am I benefitting from my peer networking?
How can we improve, and perhaps shorten our sales presentations?
How are we tracking and utilizing our business referrals?
How can we improve the effectiveness of our media advertising?
How can we better benefit from our civic involements?
How can we improve our corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts in the
communities we serve?
If we go forward with the premise that PR is "Performance Recognized," what are we
doing to take better advantage of our public relations efforts to get recognition for
this performance?
And last, but not least,
What are we doing about getting better engaged in the only major consumer-driven
media -- social media? How are Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook, MySpace, blogs, Skype,
You Tube, Delicious, etc., playing into your communications strategies?
These are all cost-effective and innovative ways of broadening your communications scope, while, at the same time, getting you out of your business cocoon.
We hope you are now convinced that "cocooning" is not a good business posture in this, or any
economy.
Alan L. Gaudynski, APR, Fellow PRSA
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
First Blog
I'm a Wisconsin-based public relations consultant and educator with a lot on my mind. Some people think public relations is on the decline. I say, in this economy, the use of public relations principles is the most cost effective way of enhancing an organization's brand. My mentor, Bob Zigman, always said, "PR is Performance Recognized." Many organizations do not know how to get recognition for their performance in the marketplace. Consulting with a public relations professional who can apply these principles is the first step. For more information go to: www.prwisconsin.com
Alan
(262) 436-0380
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