I buy bottled water but still drink tap water at home. It's more of a convenience for work and traveling. Easier to keep a chilled/frozen bottle at my desk then to get up and walk down the hall every time I want a drink. The drinking fountain was shut off during Covid so it was a necessity. Only buy the store brands when on sale like 24 botlles for 3 or 4 bucks.

I just found out that my neighbor's wife passed away very suddenly. What can I do for him that would be helpful? It's just him, so I'm not sure he would eat a lot of food, although I'm intending to extend a permanent invitation to dinner. I hated having to throw out the flowers from my dad's funeral, so I'm not sure that would be the right direction. Any suggestions?

This makes me so sad and angry. I'm in the US too. I know someone who found a lump in her breast but won't go to the doctor because they don't have insurance. Her husband works full-time, she works part time, and they have two young kids. Still can't afford healthcare. She said she'd rather just die than leave her family homeless and bankrupt.

I'm almost 50 too. I don't have insurance to cover any of the normal testing that women my age get. I figure since I don't have the means to detect things, I sure as hell won't have the means to fight anything that gets detected. So I don't stress over it. I do self breast exams, but that's it. I figure if I get really REALLY sick, it's just my time to go. I mean, I live in America, so it's normal here to die due to lack of funds. I don't WANT to die of cancer, but I have no illusions of being able to afford to fight it if I do get it.

I am the OP of the doctor post. I am really healthy as well. But I have hereditary thyroid issues that require medication, which requires an annual exam. I'm also about to turn 50. I don't feel comfortable skipping colonoscopies, Pap smears, mammograms, etc. Yes, I eat really well, don't drink, exercise, etc. But I can't just not go to a doctor for years. I need an eye doctor because I wear glasses, and my prescription is changing as I get older. I was blessed with really good teeth, so that's good. But I still go for a regular cleanings twice a year. Oh, and throw in that I have 2 kids that I also need to get to doctor's appointments.

Agree on the doctor part but disagree on the dentist. You should at least try to go in for a professional cleaning every now and then. I am anal about my teeth and diligently floss and brush everyday but still can't get all the plaque buildup on your own. It's more a preventative measure. My dental ins. got cancelled so it's out of pocket for me too but $75 a year is better than cavity/ dental work.

This is why I'm so diligent with my health. I take meticulous care of my teeth and eat a very balanced diet and exercise often, but not too strenuously. I know I'm anemic so I attempt to give blood every so often because they have to check your hemoglobin at the blood drive. I hover around a 9 usually. I take iron for it. Other than an emergency appendectomy I haven't been to a doctor in several years. Or a dentist. I don't have the time or money. And you know what? Being in charge of my own health is pretty great. I'm pretty lucky so far. If things go REALLY sideways (like appendicitis) I do go to the clinic. But in general, no doctors for me.

Every doctor's office hours: 8:00 - 5:00 (if you're lucky). Standard work hours: 8:00 - 5:00. Does anyone else here see the problem? Add in the fact that employers aren't required to and many don't provide paid time off. And even if your company does provide time off, many will give you a really hard time about using it. So annual exam, mammogram, eye doctor, dentist, etc. all require time off from work at least once a year. The lack of access to healthcare in the US and the toxic work culture here are complete bullshit.

Sorry to keep harping on it- but we did all end up with COVID. My kids and husband had pretty mild symptoms, but I'm struggling. I will be fine and then feel like I'm not getting any oxygen and my chest is very tight. Usually accompanied by a headache, dizziness, and disorientation. No cough or congestion. I'm planning to try to find a GP to see about it, but has anyone else experienced this? I'm taking every vitamin I can find. Google isn't very helpful.

What a turn of events. Hours after the interview, my current claim was processed and I suddenly received 14 weeks worth of benefits since I continued to certify for my current claim. I don't plan a dime since I still may have overpayment not the last claim. I need to get this sorted asap.