Oklahoma News Includes 1 Million Pound Weight Loss

Oklahoma is often the center of controversy with its conservative legislature, governor and legislation, but it's also a state that "gets it right" on less highly publicized issues.

This City Is Going on a Diet

A case in point is Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett's challenge for the city to collectively lose 1 million pounds, issued in January 2008. This City is Going on a Diet is the no-nonsense name of Cornett's program, and the 1 million pound weight-loss mark was celebrated in conjunction with the January 2012 opening of the Oklahoma City Zoo's new Elephant Pavilion.

Oklahoma City was among some of the heaviest cities in the nation, with a high obesity rate of its citizenry, but has now become a city that is home to some of the fittest people in the United States, according to NBCNews.com .

Cornett's proactive approach, adopted by many Oklahoma City's residents, not only reduced the "bulge" associated with the city, but has likely lead to improved overall health and self-image of man of those who took up the weight-loss challenge.

Oklahoma's Medicaid Program Receives Thumbs Up from Oklahoma Policy Institute

The Oklahoma Policy Institute reported that SoonerCare, Oklahoma's Medicaid program, is among the best-run such programs throughout the country . The state's Medicaid costs are "well below" the national average and the state's 34,000-plus available SoonerCare providers are paid fairly and competitively -- payment rates that are some of the best in the nation.

Additionally, 91 percent of SoonerCare recipients rated their satisfaction with the program as above average.

Slower Parole Rate for Prison Inmates Since Fallin Took Office

News that is either positive or negative depending which side of the bars you are on, is that the parole rate of prison inmates has slowed since Gov. Mary Fallin took office reported NewsOK.com . Fallin has been in office two years; last year she approved parole for fewer than 500 inmates.

Comparing Fallin's parole approval rate with her predecessor, Brad Henry revealed that Henry approved parole for more than 2,000 inmates in 2004. At present, Fallin's parole approval rate is 47 percent versus Henry's parole approval rate of 80 percent.

A spokesperson for Fallin explained that the state's Pardon and Parole Board has stated that fewer inmates are coming up for review for parole in recent years, partially attributable to more of them earning credits while in prison and receiving early discharges and partially due to the GPS-type program initiated in 2011 that allows certain low-risk inmates to be allowed early release but wearing an ankle monitor at all times.

Oklahoma County Inmate Deaths Due to Inadequate Medical Care

Seven people who were arrested but had not yet had their day in court died in the Oklahoma County Jail between May 28, 2007, and Jan. 1, 2009, according to NewsOK.com , citing Oklahoma Health Department records. Underlying medical conditions such as sepsis, seizures and heart problems were among the reasons cited for the deaths.

Investigators found that in each of the seven cases, the jail's former medical contractor failed to provide medical equipment, prescriptions, supplies or document medical encounters.

One of these prisoners was Charles Holdstock, age 63, repeatedly asked for his pacemaker to be checked. A physician's assistant who wished to remain anonymous explained the he or she tried scheduling an appointment for Holdstock with an off-site cardiologist, but the request was never carried through. Holdstock's three daughters have taken the issue to court.

Correctional Healthcare Management of Oklahoma, the jail contractor at the time of the seven deaths, has been sued by the county for breach of contract, fraud and unjust enrichment. Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel provided assurances that the current medical contract to the jail have made "significant changes."

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/oklahoma-news-includes-1-million-pound-weight-loss-232400505--finance.html

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