Healthcare In Prison

Don't get sick in prison.

First the good news. I saw plenty of inmates that entered prison with chronic medical problems including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity that left in better shape than when they entered. They did this by assuming responsibility for their own well-being. With so little to do, there is an abundance of time to exercise every day. The food is not great, but most prisons afford the inmates the opportunity to eat reasonably well.

   There are several reasons to prioritize fitness while incarcerated. michaelkaplanauthor.comExercising will help combat depression, which is rampant in prison. It will help fill your day. You can potentially add years to your life to negate the years of your life that the BOP had taken away.

   Healthcare resources are limited, the formularies are archaic, and providers tend to be truculent and abrasive. Your only chance as an inmate is to be polite, but also persistent. I witnessed countless tragic cases of inmates complaints ignored with subsequent fatal outcomes. Because of financial constraints, providers are loath to obtain outside consultation, and often ignore consultants recommendations. The inmates who were persistent eventually got appropriate care --most of the time. Be your own advocate.

   I would strongly recommend that you do not participate in sports that are likely to result in injury. For example, don't expect a fractured ankle to be treated promptly. Hernias are ignored for two to three years. Exercise is critical to maintaining your health but should be tempered knowing that injuries will be treated slowly, if at all.

   Everybody's experience is different. This is a chilling report of the types of challenges come inmates have faced:
https://psmag.com/social-justice/tragedy-of-debbie-daley-for-profit-prison-health

What kind of experience did you have with prison healthcare?

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PRISON SOAP....WHERE IS IT?

When inmates take a dump in prison, they have to bring their own toilet paper with them. There is no toilet paper in the restroom. None. Then, they go to wash their hands...maybe. But guess what? There is no soap. There may be a soap dispenser, but unless there's an inspection by some regulatory agency, there is no soap. Inmates can buy soap in the commissary for $2, which many don't have. That's not the only problem with preventing the spread of diseases, such as Covid-19. Don't even think about disinfecting surfaces or the use of hand sanitizers. Most of these products contain alcohol, verboten in prison. The other key component to preventing the spread of Covid-19 is social distancing. That obviously is in short supply. All of the components are there for massive headaches for the BOP, which will affect inmates, as well as the prison staff, and their families. Read more here

BOP to Tekashi 69: Asthma Shmasma

Inmate Daniel Hernandez, also known as Tekashi 69 , has asthma, making him particularly vulnerable to Covid-19. When the medical director of his facility recommended that he be transferred to a hospital prison authorities reacted dogmatically, as they often do. They overruled the doctor. Sentencing Judge Paul Egelmayer stated that he would have ordered home confinement if he had known about Covid-19, but he knew that ultimately, the BOP does as it pleases. So, Tekashi 69 remains incarcerated, with asthma, in an environment that is a breeding ground for infectious disease.

WIMP'S GUIDE TO SURVIVING PRISON

You don't have to be a tough guy to survive-but you do have to be smart. There are some simple things that you can do in prison which will usually keep you out of trouble. 1) Don't do anything to draw unnecessary attention to yourself. 2) Figure out the zeitgeist of the prison, and try to blend in. 3) Don't ever brag about yourself. 4) Whenever possible, stay clear of the COs. Some are reasonable, but don't assume that's the case. 5) Never borrow anything from anybody. 6) If somebody does borrow something, assume it's gone. 7) Don't gamble. 8) Don't use drugs. 9) Make everyday count. Try to get smarter, stronger, and healthier every single day. That's your most important job. 10) Do whatever is necessary to maintain healthy relationships with those on the outside. You probably will never see anyone you meet on the inside ever again. 11) Be respectful of other inmates. "Please", "thank you", and ...

Michael Kaplan

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