What medical information should we know?

We have 2 interesting stories in the news.  First, as a sports fan, I would like to focus on Kellen Winslow, Jr – Browns confirm Kellen Winslow’s staph infection

Browns coach Romeo Crennel confirmed today that tight end Kellen Winslow suffered a staph infection, but also said he wished Winslow would have kept his complaints in-house and not gone to the media.

"It’s a distraction for the organization and for Kellen,” said Crennel. "He should’ve come to the organization first if he had a problem.”

Winslow told The Plain Dealer Sunday night that he had the staph infection and that he was upset that Browns General Manager Phil Savage didn’t contact him while he was in the Cleveland Clinic for treatment.

The team wants to restrict the player’s right to discuss his own illness.  We know that staph infections are a major problem in sports.  Winslow certainly has a right to share this information with the press.  He had the infection.

To contrast, Kevin reports on a NY Times article which criticizes the presidential and vice-presidential candidates for not revealing all their medical information – Presidential nominee health secrecy

We should apply the same rules to everyone.  No one in the US is required to release medical information – that is the purpose of HIPAA (or so I understand).  Why do we have the arrogance to demand something different from our candidates?  I cannot get health information or use that information to make hiring decisions.  The author of the original article makes the case that voting for President might change with such information.  To which I say, "baloney."  The candidates’ physicians are the only ones who need know.

Why should we make entire medical records available?  I suggest that those who would read these records have an unhealthy interest. 

Kellen Winslow has the right to share his medical problem.  He might argue that his disclosure might help his teammates.

I am ready to disclose that I will have a colonoscopy on November 3.  This will be my second screening colonoscopy.  I am revealing this to encourage all my age (59) to have colon cancer screening.  The colonoscopy (with proper sedation) is not unpleasant, but the prep ….

Please leave the candidates alone.  They deserve the same privacy as every other member of our society.