The Amish Cook from Oasis Newsfeatures

I've talked before about the topic of aging.  Rare is the person who ponders their own mortality at age 20, but, as I approach my late 30s, its a topic I ponder more and more. Maybe because it's a "new" topic, maybe in 20 years I won't think about it much because, by then, a certain acceptance sets in?  I don't know.  But I do know that stories like one I saw on CNN.com this morning are inspiring.  I know some of you with slow dial-up connections probably won't be able to watch this, but I encourage those that do to view.   CNN.com ran a story this morning about the nation's oldest practicing physician, a 100-year-old ob/gyn.   Dr. Watson seemed in remarkable physical and mental health.  Very inspiring to see someone who's life has been - and continues to be - so full and rich.  And this was a doctor who's roots were planted during the days before health insurance red tape, copays, and COBRAS.  So much simpler back then - I think.   I know medicine has come a long, long way, but when did "health insurance" really begin to take root?  Maybe one of our older site visitors knows? Was medical care always so expensive?  If you had to visit a family doctor in the 1930s, 40s, 50s, or even 60s, did you just pay a reasonable out of pocket fee? Or were health insurance companies an equally big factor back then?   Anyway, click here to view this neat story about Dr. Watson.