CombatCritic's TravelValue™: health

Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Jacksonville, FL: River Point Behavioral Health - A Civil Rights Nightmare Masquerading as Mental Health Care

River Point Behavioral Health

Behavior Analysts

Southside, Jacksonville

Let's start with the obvious: Why would anyone trust a hospital with a 1.3-star rating?

The answer is simple--they wouldn't. That's why River Point Behavioral Health depends on involuntary commitments from places like the Mayo Clinic, who funnel disabled veterans and vulnerable patients through their doors to have our rights and dignity stripped away.

I was one of those veterans--a 100% disabled, retired Air Force combat officer--locked inside this facility for seven days against my will. The psychiatrist responsible for this abuse, a South-Asian man whose arrogance is only eclipsed by his incompetence, showed zero interest in listening, reasoning, or treating me like a human being. His role? Keep beds full and keep the taxpayer money rolling in. Medicare is billed thousands per day for "treatment" that doesn't exist.

Let's be clear:

I won't go into the disgusting conditions, the atrocious food, or the utter lack of medical professionalism--but it was a waking nightmare. Everyone involved in my so-called "care" should hang their heads in shame.

When this psychiatrist extended my unlawful detainment by four days, I did what any American with a brain and a backbone would do--I filed a writ of habeas corpus. But that document was never submitted to the court, as legally required within 24 hours. It was buried. Silenced. My rights? Ignored.

And then the retaliation began.

They denied me pain and sleep medications, restricted my phone access, and blocked me from speaking to my wife--who was in Italy, caring for her dying mother. She called. She emailed. She begged. They ignored her--for seven straight days.

Once I got out, I booked the first flight home and contacted legal counsel. But just like with Mayo Clinic, no lawyer in Jacksonville will touch River Point. They're protected by the good ol' boys network, and they know it.

DISABLED VETERANS AND OTHERS, BE WARNED:

I was told by several multi-hospitalization patients as well as a few River Point Behavioral Health staff (who will remain nameless)) that this deplorable Mayo-River Point financial collaboration has been going on for quite some time.

River Point Behavioral Health is not a hospital--it's a prison. They profit off suffering. They violate your rights and retaliate if you speak up. And nobody in Jacksonville has the courage or integrity to hold them accountable.

CombatCritic Gives River Point Behavioral Health ZERO Bombs Out Of 10 ... And A Permanent Spot On My WALL OF SHAME™ ... More Bombs Are Better ... Unless You're On the Receiving End

One Bomb Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Fucked Up Beyond All Repair"

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Lawrence, KS: "Comfortable", "Safe", "Accepted And Respected" ... I Don't Think So

Planet Fitness

2525 Iowa Street
Lawrence, KS 66046
Phone number (785) 865-3771
Website: planetfitness.com

Prices: $$$$

If you travel as much as I do and like to stay in shape while on the road, then a gym membership with reciprocal privileges and numerous clubs across the U.S. is a convenience you cannot do without.

New on South Iowa, Planet Fitness is a breath of fresh air in Lawrence after being an abused member at The Summit and Genesis for the past three years. Planet Fitness has dozens of stationary bikes, ellipticals, treadmills, stair climbers, weight machines, and other top-shelf equipment. They also have 32 TVs with 8 set channels and free Wi-Fi available, all for $10 a month. That is why I left Genesis where we were paying $80/month.

Oh, and by the way, guests are free and you can upgrade to a Black Card, adding hydro massages, tanning (not my bag), drink discounts, and reciprocity at Planet Fitness locations nationwide for just $10/month more. The hydro massage beds (2), recliners (2), and chairs (2) are a relaxing way to finish a workout and almost as good as a real massage. HOOAH! The only thing missing are towels, a sauna, and shampoo in the showers, but hey, what'ya expect for $10-$20 a month?

My one primary complaint are the giant, and I mean HUGE (as The Donald would say), ceiling fans whirling over the aerobic equipment and 30-Minute Workout area. There are two long rows of aerobic equipment divided into two groups, each with a giant fan overhead. As a matter of fact, I have been in the airflow created by a C-130 Hercules propeller with less force than these fans. Not all of us like cold air blowing on us when we are sweating profusely during rigorous exercise. Some do, but many, including me, do not. I have asthma and many of us who suffer from exercise induced asthma should not have unnecessary cold air blowing on us while working out. It exacerbates the condition and, in some cases, could lead to hospitalization or even death.

For reference, here is their philosophy as outlined on their website:

"We at Planet Fitness are here to provide a unique environment in which anyone - and we mean anyone - can be comfortable. ... As we evolve and educate ourselves, we will seek to perfect this safe, energetic environment, where everyone feels accepted and respected."

I went to the front desk to inquire about a suggestion box or other portal where I could share my dismay about the fans and was referred to the Assistant Manager. Because the machines are symmetrical with basically the same number of identical machines on each side, I asked her if it would be possible to turn one of the fans off so that people could have a choice whether or not they have cold wind blowing on them during exercise. It made perfect sense to me and a win-win situation in my estimation. However, her response was: "No that's not possible. We have to turn them on during business hours.", being the wrong answer from a customer service perspective. The correct answer would have been: "That's a great idea, let me look into it and get back to you!", but all I got was a bureaucratic, lazy, "that's the way it has always been done, so that's the way it's going to stay" attitude. Unacceptable.

As a Disabled Veteran with asthma being one of my disabilities, it seems as though the Americans with Disabilities Act comes into play in this situation, but I will not play that card. It is up to Planet Fitness to do the right thing and accommodate a disabled patron. They talk-the-talk with their "customer friendly" philosophy, so we will see if they walk-the-walk. Based on management's prior inadequate response, I highly doubt it. If they do not and I continue to have to tolerate uncomfortable and unsafe conditions, I may just walk-the-walk to a health club that cares about customer satisfaction and well being

CombatCritic Gives Planet Fitness An Initial 5 Bombs Out Of 10 With A Three Bomb Deduction For Uncomfortable Conditions, Disabled Unfriendly Policies, And Management Complacency ... More Bombs Are Better!

Five Bombs Equates To:

Read Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp - Elite '14/'15/'16

Tabelog - Official Judge (Silver)

Zomato - #1 Ranked "Verified" Foodie

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube

Read Chris S.'s review of Planet Fitness on Yelp

Title: Lawrence, KS: "Comfortable", "Safe", "Accepted And Respected" ... I Don't Think So

Key Words: Planet Fitness, planet, fitness, gym, gymnasium, health club, health, club, spa, aerobic, CombatCritic, TravelValue, Iowa, Lawrecne, Kansas, travel, value, service, review, Yelp

Translation for Civilians: Charlie-Mike = "Continue Mission"

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

My Favorite Recipes: Yum ... Healthy And Tasty Low-Fat, Low-Calorie (Vegan) Baked Tortilla Chips

Do you love chips and salsa, but hate the fat and calories that come from frying? Well, my low-fat, low-calorie baked tortilla chips are tasty, crispy, and perfect for homemade guacamole, salsa and pico de gallo dipping.

Ingredients:

24 Corn Tortillas (white or yellow corn - I prefer white)
1 Can Pam (olive oil or other monounsaturated fat spray)
1 Tbsp Sea Salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Cut tortillas in half, quarters, or eighths (your preference)
Spread cut tortillas evenly on large flat baking tray or pizza sheet, making sure not to overlap tortillas
Spray tortillas lightly with Pam or other healthy cooking spray
Sprinkle sea salt over tortillas
Place in oven for 25-30 minutes, turning the tray/sheet 180 degrees halfway through to ensure even browning
Keep an eye on the chips, ensuring they are completely browned, but not burnt (chips not totally browned will be soft and chewy, not crispy)
Remove from oven, cool for 5 minutes, and enjoy by dipping in my world famous Gnarly Guacamole recipe!

"Phonetic spelling of the acronym HUA, which stands for 'Heard Understood Acknowledged.' Originally used by the British in the late 1800's in Afghanistan. More recently adopted by the United States Army to indicate an affirmative or a pleased response." - Urban Dictionary

"The Department of Military Science and Leadership, University of Tennessee claim HOOAH 'refers to or means anything except no' ... Regardless of its meaning ... the term is an expression of high morale, confidence, motivation and spirit." - WarChronicle.com

"The U.S. Air Force stole 'HOOAH' from the Army because we were part of the Army until 1947 and rather than waste a bunch of time coming up with something new and unique, we said 'fuck it, let's go with HOOAH' ... thanks Army ... HOOAH! - CombatCritic

Read Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp - Elite '14/'15/'16

Tabelog - Official Judge (Silver)

Zomato - #1 Ranked "Verified" Foodie

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube

Title: My Favorite Recipes: Yum ... Healthy And Tasty Low-Fat, Low-Calorie (Vegan) Baked Tortilla Chips

Key Words: CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, favorite, recipe, tortilla chips, tortilla, chip, salsa, guacamole, baked, low-fat, calorie, healthy, health, low, cholesterol

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Genesis Health Clubs (Lawrence, Kansas - North/South) DID NOT DO THE RIGHT THING

I joined Genesis after a miserable, humiliating experience at The Summit, which is just a couple blocks from our home in Old East Lawrence, yet eons away in terms of values and how they treat their customers. I was hoping Genesis would be focused more on compassion, integrity, dignity, and respect, but I am starting to have my doubts.

I was lured into signing a one-year contract, an obsolete practice in the fitness industry for decades, by a young salesman who told me that my "wife can join for just $10 extra per month". Considering that my monthly payment is close to $50 per month, that information sealed the deal and I joined that day.

When I finally talked my wife into joining after years of begging, we went to sign her up ONLY TO BE TOLD BY LISA THAT IT NOW WOULD COST $20 per month ... NOT the $10 I was quoted before enrollment. Lisa, the young, female manager, did not offer to honor the price we were originally quoted, but instead offered a two-week trial membership available to the public at-large.

I informed Lisa about the poor public perception of Genesis's practices, particularly on Yelp where I am an Elite '14 member, but she did not seem in the least bit concerned, a potentially fatal flaw for a business in a college town like Lawrence where students use Yelp (and other social media apps), making or breaking most small, local businesses.

I am considering canceling my membership due to false advertising and breach of (oral) contract, but will wait to see if my wife wants to join and if GENESIS HAS THE INTEGRITY to honor the price quoted prior to enrollment.

GENERAL COMMENTS:

1) Even though $50 per month is the most expensive gym membership in Lawrence by far, Genesis offers fair value due to the fact that the other fitness centers in town do not compare in terms of facilities, equipment, amenities, and classes offered. The equipment, while somewhat dated and dirty, is sufficient in number to accommodate patrons without having to wait and the classes (yoga, spin, Pilates, cross fit) offered are abundant and varied enough to fit anybody's schedule.

2) With only one drinking fountain at the Lawrence - South facility, with a prostate problem at that, BRING YOUR OWN WATER ... filling your bottle in the bathroom with the smell of poop lingering in the air is disgusting! A couple of Culligan water dispensers in one of the back exercise rooms would cost $100 a month at most, increasing sanitation and hydration for customers.

3) The men's locker layout in the Lawrence - South location is sub-optimal in that there are only two benches and they are situated by the entrance so that traffic to the shower and toilets must pass between the benches and lockers, a logistical nightmare for the few people lucky enough to have a seat and one of the sparse number of lockers available.

4) The Lawrence - South facility has only two showers and no sauna, steam room, or whirlpool, so exercise is all you are going to get there. The North facility has all three, but the steam room is never hot enough, the sauna is broken more times than not, and the whirlpool, beside being a little too hot, is so chlorinated that it burns the eyes and lungs.

Beside the concerns addressed above, I was pleased with my membership even though both facilities are somewhat dirty, until I found out I was lied to during the registration process. As a retired military officer, honor and integrity are paramount in my life and I do not frequent businesses which fail to practice those core values. We will see if Genesis holds the same values and whether or not they choose to DO THE RIGHT THING, honoring the price I was quoted prior to enrollment.

UPDATE - April, 2 2014:

Sad ... not for me, but for the shortsighted owner of Genesis- Lawrence. Not only will Lawrence South Manager Lisa NOT HONOR THE PRICE I was quoted before signing-up, she had the nerve to insinuate that I, a retired military officer, Veteran, and customer, was trying to game the system! Extremely be ad decision on her part.

I will pay the additional $10 per month over what I was quoted before signing the contract because $10 is not going to break the bank and I do not want to go through the hassle of suing Genesis for Breach of Contract. Genesis, on the other hand, now has a very unhappy customer, one who has provided them with FREE AND MOSTLY POSITIVE check-ins, tips, and reviews up until now. As I told Lisa, I cannot in good conscience continue to support a business that neither treats customers with dignity and respect NOR DOES THE RIGHT THING ... IT IS CALLED INTEGRITY FOLKS!

CombatCritic Gives Genesis Health Clubs (Lawrence, Kansas) 2 OUT OF 10 BOMBS (based on the lack of truthfulness prior to enrollment and poor customer service) AND THAT IS GENEROUS ... BOMBS ARE GOOD!

Follow CombatCritic On Yelp (An Elite '14/'15 Member) And TripAdvisor ("Top Contributor") Where You Can Read His Latest Reviews, Try His Favorite Recipes, And More!

Key Words: Genesis Fitness, Genesis, gym, center, exercise, workout, yoga, integrity, honor, truth, lies, membership, CombatCritic, TravelValue

Friday, December 20, 2013

Total Family Care: New Lawrence (KS) Practice Off to a Good Start!

Total Family Care

Category: Family Practice Medicine

1130 W. 4th Street, Suite 3200

Lawrence, KS 66044

Phone: (785) 505-5850

A new practice, we decided to try them out being new to Lawrence ourselves. The doctors seem knowledgable and thorough.

Dr. Salazar appears friendly, concerned, and professional. I'm an 80% disabled Veteran with several severe medical issues, so I need a doctor who knows his stuff.

My wife sees a female doctor (one of two) and I started with Dr. Salazar recently. They also have a PA and are supposed to be getting their own lab soon. In the interim, lab work and X-rays are done at the adjacent Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

I was very impressed with my reception and, more importantly, the level of care. The only negative was the fact that I arrived 20 minutes prior to my appointment, yet 5 patients entered after me and we're called well before I was. I was finally called 20 minutes after my scheduled appointment time, only to spend the next 20 minutes with the nurse, taking history, vitals, and the like.

So far, so good ... We'll see how things go in the months to come.

CombatCritic Gives Total Family Care 7 Out of 10 Bombs ... BOMBS ARE GOOD!

Key Words: total, family, care, medicine, doctor, health, practice, nurse, clinic, Lawrence, Kansas, CombatCritic, combat, critic

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

SIGN OUR WHITE HOUSE PETITION: To help end military suicides and the negative stigmas surrounding PTSD and mental health treatment in the military

Until our WHITE HOUSE PETITION reaches 150 signatures, it will not be publicly viewable on the Open Petitions section of We the People (the White House Petitions webpage), so be sure to share these URLs with all of your friends and followers:

Short: http://wh.gov/oKbz

URL: https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/help-end-military-suicides-and-negative-stigmas-surrounding-ptsd-and-mental-health-treatment/DTjdBHdY

Petition Verbiage:

More of our men and women in uniform die by their own hand than are killed in combat! Nineteen (19) military/veterans commit suicide each day and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a factor in many of those deaths.

Military men and women DO NOT HAVE THE CONFIDENTIALITY available in the private sector when seeking treatment for their problems (e.g. PTSD, depression, anxiety), causing negative PTSD and mental health treatment stigmas. Because troops fear losing their career or security clearance, they REFUSE TO SEEK TREATMENT, many killing themselves instead.

END THE STIGMAS NOW, today, by giving confidentiality to our military, before one more hero dies by his or her own hand!

Read more in The CombatCounselor Chronicle: http://combatcounselor.blogspot.com/2012/12/article-stigmas-killing-american-heroes.html

WE NEED 100,000 SIGNATURES BY APRIL 12TH, 2013 IN ORDER FOR THE PRESIDENT TO TAKE ACTION, SO GET THE WORD OUT NOW:

Facebook Post:

END THE STIGMAS NOW, today, by giving confidentiality to our military, before one more hero dies by his or her own hand!

Read more here: http://combatcounselor.blogspot.com/2012/12/article-stigmas-killing-american-heroes.html

Please SIGN OUR WHITE HOUSE PETITION to end military suicides and the negative mental health and PTSD stigmas in the military by clicking on the link below.

IF YOU REALLY APPRECIATE AND SUPPORT OUR MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN, SHARE THIS POST WITH ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS...NOW!

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/help-end-military-suicides-and-negative-stigmas-surrounding-ptsd-and-mental-health-treatment/DTjdBHdY

Twitter Tweet:

Help end military #suicides and the negative #stigmas surrounding #PTSD and mental health treatment in the #military http://wh.gov/oKbz

Key Words: anxiety, career, combat, confidentiality, depression, health, mental, military, PTSD, post-traumatic, stress, disorder, security, stigma, suicide, treatment

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