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    The rise of pharmacy deserts

    The podcast discusses the closure of pharmacies disproportionately affecting rural and low-income communities (creating 'pharmacy deserts'), examines an investigation into middlemen driving these closures (New York Times), reflects on whether a townhouse represents the American Dream, and introduces the role of househusbands in Wall Street.

    1
    enOctober 21, 2024
    Make Me Smart

    250 Episodes

    What states are experiencing high housing cost increases?
    What impact do pharmacy closures have on rural and lower-income communities?
    Who negotiates prices between health care plans, pharmaceutical companies, and pharmacies?
    What challenges arise due to the structure of our society around household responsibilities?
    How does work environment flexibility impact families?
    • Housing Affordability Impact on ElectionVoters in swing states like Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina, hit by high housing costs and economic pressures, are heavily influencing the 2020 election.

      Housing affordability has become a significant issue in the election, particularly affecting swing states where home prices have risen significantly faster than the national average since 2019. Swing states such as Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina see more than 80% of their voters living in counties with above-average housing cost increases. These trends are further influenced by the pandemic-induced influx of newcomers and economic challenges specific to these regions. As for solutions, it remains uncertain what the next president can or will do to address rising housing costs. However, it is clear that voters in these states are facing substantial economic pressures due to high housing costs, which is a key concern shaping their voting decisions this election cycle.

    • Housing Affordability StrategiesVice President Harris focuses on incentives & assistance for affordable housing, while Trump reduces regulations & opens land. Experts suggest townhouses as a solution to the crisis that disproportionately affects younger generations.

      Both Vice President Harris and former President Trump have proposed different strategies to address the current housing affordability crisis in the United States. Vice President Harris's plan includes incentives for developers to build more starter homes and affordable housing, as well as down payment assistance and tax credits for first-time buyers and low-income communities. On the other hand, former President Trump's strategy focuses on reducing regulations and opening up federal land for housing construction. However, it is important to note that his plan to reduce the construction labor force through immigration policies may not help in addressing the current shortage of workers in the housing industry. Interestingly, the housing affordability crisis disproportionately affects younger generations. The research indicates that the gap between median income and the cost of buying a home has significantly increased over time, making it much harder for younger individuals to afford homes compared to previous generations. To address this issue, experts suggest focusing on solutions such as townhouses, which represent the "missing middle" level of housing. This approach could help make housing more affordable by providing an alternative to both expensive single-family homes and crowded apartments. Overall, finding sustainable solutions for housing affordability is crucial for addressing inequality and ensuring economic stability for all generations.

    • Housing & Pharmacy ClosuresReconsidering the traditional American dream for eco-friendly, affordable housing and addressing PBM practices to prevent rural pharmacy closures is crucial for community well-being.

      The traditional concept of the American dream, especially the detached single-family home on a big lot, may need reconsideration due to its high cost and environmental impact. Instead, more affordable and low-maintenance housing options like townhouses could be a better choice. Simultaneously, there's an ongoing issue with pharmacy closures, particularly affecting rural areas and lower-income communities. The New York Times investigation revealed that this is primarily due to the practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). PBMs negotiate prices between health care plans, pharmaceutical companies, and pharmacies, often paying their own pharmacies more than they pay local drugstores for the same medications. This practice puts independent pharmacies at a significant disadvantage when competing with large chains like CVS and Walgreens. As a result, many independently-owned pharmacies are closing down, impacting local communities negatively. This is an essential issue to consider as we strive for equitable access to healthcare services in all communities.

    • Impact of Closing Local PharmaciesClosure of local pharmacies in rural and low-income areas, known as 'pharmacy deserts', is causing difficulties for residents to access prescriptions, advice, and essential healthcare products. This can negatively impact patient health management.

      The closure of local pharmacies due to various factors such as competition from mail order pharmacies and changes in consumer behavior, has led to a significant impact on healthcare access in rural and low-income communities. These areas, often referred to as "pharmacy deserts," are causing difficulties for residents to get prescriptions and medical advice, which was traditionally provided by local pharmacists. The loss of this personal interaction can be detrimental to patients' health management, especially when it comes to understanding medication usage and side effects. Additionally, the reduction in sales of everyday healthcare products is contributing to the financial struggles faced by these retail pharmacies, making their survival increasingly difficult compared to other types of local businesses such as shoe stores or general stores.

    • Impact of Local Business ClosureLocal business closure can lead to potential issues like elder abuse, fraud, and lack of personal touch in interactions. Unique expertise and community connections are often lost with consolidation.

      The closure of local businesses such as pharmacies can significantly impact community healthcare and overall well-being. The loss of personalized service and advice, which was once common at locally-owned hardware stores or banks, becomes a concern when these services consolidate into larger chains. These changes can lead to consequences like elder abuse, fraud, and a lack of personal touch in customer interactions. Although convenience and online services have their advantages, it's important to remember that local businesses often offer unique expertise and connections within the community that larger corporations may not provide.

    • Community Support through Conscious SpendingSupporting local businesses not only preserves community character but also contributes to a more equitable economy. Higher income individuals are encouraged to consider socially responsible purchasing choices.

      Supporting local businesses is not just about spending money, but also preserving the values and character of our communities. It's a way to ensure that these establishments, which often include hardware stores, independently owned theaters, and other locally-owned businesses, continue to thrive. This support can sometimes come at a slightly higher cost, but the value we attach to community survival often justifies this expense. Furthermore, the discussion touched upon the role of individuals with higher incomes in making conscious purchasing decisions that reflect their values. While it's understandable that financial constraints might limit these choices for some, those with more disposable income are encouraged to consider the broader societal implications of their spending habits. By choosing socially responsible products like organic foods and ethically-made clothing, they can contribute to a more equitable economy where such options are available to everyone. Lastly, let's remember to appreciate the simple joys in life, as exemplified by enjoying the beautiful weather, meeting friends, and cherishing moments of happiness. After all, even the gloomiest conversations can lead to meaningful insights, and a smile is always just around the corner.

    • Rise of Wall Street House HusbandsIncreasing number of women earn more than their husbands, encouraging a growing trend of stay-at-home dads. This benefits working women by allowing them to focus on careers and contributes to gender equality in family life.

      There's a noticeable shift in family dynamics, particularly in the financial sector, where more powerful women are supported by their stay-at-home spouses. This trend, dubbed the rise of the Wall Street house husband, reflects a progressive change where many women are earning more and prioritizing their careers over traditional gender roles. It suggests that men may feel less stigmatized in not being the primary breadwinner or opting to be the primary caregiver. Interestingly, data from Pew Research Center shows that in 45% of opposite-sex marriages in the U.S., the wife earns as much or more than her husband, a figure that has tripled over the past 50 years. Additionally, in 2021, dads represented 18% of stay-at-home parents, up from 11% in 1989. This change signifies a growing acknowledgement that it's challenging for women to rise in their careers without support, especially when juggling caregiving obligations. For working women fortunate enough to have a partner taking on more household responsibilities, this development is highly beneficial. It allows them to focus more on their careers and contribute significantly to the workforce. The gradual shift in gender roles not only offers more opportunities for women but also encourages men to participate equally in caregiving and family life.

    • Flexible Work Environment for FamiliesThe current structure of our society and economy presents challenges for dual-income families, making it difficult for both partners to maintain successful careers without help. A more flexible work environment could improve this situation.

      Our society and economy are still structured around the assumption of someone being at home to manage household responsibilities and child-rearing. This is due to factors such as school hours not aligning with work hours, summer breaks not coinciding with two parents working, and doctors' office hours not catering to dual-income families. These challenges make it difficult for both partners to maintain successful careers without help, paid or otherwise. The discussion underscores the need for a more flexible work environment to accommodate families better. Despite some high-income couples having both a house spouse and a nanny, the overwhelming majority of women with successful careers in fields like journalism have either been childless, had a stay-at-home partner, or relied on outside help. This suggests that, at present, it may be challenging to achieve career success without someone staying home to manage household affairs and care for children.

    • Balance and Climate Change ImpactsClimate change is affecting modern household balance, increasing costs for homeowners and insurers due to natural disasters, and causing damage to US military facilities in extreme weather areas.

      Balance in modern households can often feel precarious due to the demands of work and family life. This balance takes significant support, and there's a concern that many responsibilities might go unattended as families struggle to juggle their commitments. On another front, the discussion also highlighted the impact of climate change on the U.S. real estate market and home insurance industry. Insurers are pulling out of certain areas due to increased costs from natural disasters, affecting both homeowners and the broader real estate market. Lastly, we learned about the evolving fight between the US military and climate change, which is now occurring on the front lines at locations like the Arctic Ocean. Storms and sea level rises in these areas are causing increasing damage to state-of-the-art military facilities. These are complex issues that warrant further exploration and discussion.

    • Military Climate Adaptation StrategiesLearning from US military's extreme climate survival techniques could help civilians prepare for climate change impacts, potentially leading to more effective coping strategies for future temperature and weather changes.

      The US military's approach to climate adaptation could potentially influence our future climate strategies. By discussing their method of reducing temperature from 110 degrees Fahrenheit to 34 degrees Fahrenheit, we can learn about resilience and survival techniques in extreme climates. This podcast episode offers insights into how the military adapts to various environmental conditions, which could be valuable for civilians preparing for climate change impacts. Essentially, understanding the military's strategies might help us develop more effective and efficient methods for coping with changing temperatures and weather patterns in the future.

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