Health Care Law: How Politicians can Cooperate with Each Other

Health Care reform issues continue to generate polarized opinions and spark confrontations. Even as President Obama reveled in defeating opposition on health care, he admitted that he hasn't succeeded in breaking down partisan gridlock and changing the tone in Washington as promised before his election. He said, "It hasn't changed. Yet."

But now that the Health Care bill has been signed into law, it's time to figure out how to work together. The following tips can benefit all kinds of relationships - political ones as well as your own:

Minimize emotional overload. Feeling flooded or overcome by emotion can lead to the 'fight or flight' response. Agree to stop arguing and postpone a difficult discussion until you are both calm enough to listen.

Distraction can be a powerful defense. Take several deep breaths, release any negative feelings and develop thoughts about the situation that are more constructive.

Pay attention to the conversation without planning a rebuttal. Try to be empathic and ask questions that can lead to greater understanding. Look at the issues from a perspective that may be quite different from your own.

Sometimes you do know what's best, so take a stand and hold your ground. Practice patience as the other side begins to appreciate your point of view. Then you'll be in a better position to negotiate a compromise or a mutually agreeable solution.

Instead of immediately fighting back the next time you face what could turn into a hostile interchange, modify your approach. Grow from these experiences as you take the opportunity to turn negative feelings into positive ones, teach or learn a life lesson, form a growing connection.

As members of the Sandwich Generation, learn more about growing from experiences by signing up for our e-book,Courage and Lessons Learned , to the left of this post.

Health Care Law: Progress or a Problem?

Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi says, "We have added health care as a right, not a privilege. And when we did, we not only made history, we made progress for the American people." And what about House Republican leader John Boehner's opinion? He thinks: "We need to repeal this jobs-killing government takeover of health care and enact real reforms...without destroying jobs, raising taxes, cutting Medicare to create a new entitlement program or saddling our children and grandchildren with trillions in new debt."

The photo above, of Pelosi and Boehner exchanging the gavel in less volatile times, looks like it's sending a mixed messsage. As a card carrying member of the Sandwich Generation - squeezed between children growing up and parents growing older - you may be in conflict with a family member. So what lessons about commuication can you learn from the present political situation?

We all know that words can hurt and an offhand remark or slip of the tongue can be emotionally damaging. When addressing a sensitive subject, state a specific goal that you want to accomplish. Be direct and clear in what you have to say. Try not to get side-tracked by pointing out past oppositional behavior or questionable character traits. As body language and tone of voice really matter, in a conflict, assume a non-threatening stance. Calibrate your emotions, monitor the negatives and be slow to criticize.

If you want more tips about putting your best foot forward, look to the left of this post and sign up for our new complimentary e-book, Courage and Lessons Learned.

The Sandwich Generation and the Health Care Law

Amid accusations of death panels for the elderly and health coverage for illegal immigrants, and after a 13 month battle, history was made last week. The sugar that makes the medicine go down may be the measure of social justice achieved with the expanding access to health care.

But the fight is far from over. There will likely be huge increases in personal taxes as well as the national debt. Despite passage, close to 50% of the people are opposed to this expansion of government into the health care system. And there is talk of efforts to repeal the law.

As members of the sandwich generation, how will this effect you and your family? Although your children can remain on your health care plan until their mid-20s, changes in Medicare reimbursement to physicians may impact your parents as their health declines and more physicians decide to not participate in the program.

The tone of the debate and the incidents of violence are troubling. Imagine our elected officials calling each other names, and some in opposition leaving nasty phone messages. Why can't they be civil and debate the merits without these ridiculous distractions? They have to work through the issues and move forward eventually. And the battle of public sentiment still has to be won.

Whether or not you're dealing with angst or anger over health care reform, you may be in the midst of a conflict that separates you from friends, family members or co-workers. Log on Wednesday and Friday for some tips that can help you, and perhaps some of the politicians, work out their problems.