"Journalist Carl Honore believes the Western world’s emphasis on speed erodes health, productivity and quality of life. But there’s a backlash brewing, as everyday people start putting the brakes on their all-too-modern lives."

Source: TED.com

I have recently stumbled onto this blog and have pulled a couple of articles from it that are interesting and well written. Really enjoying the author’s posts.

This particular post struck a chord with me and really got me thinking. The whole idea of overcoming indifference and fear is such an important skill to master if we are to see any societal progress, especially in health care reform.

I at times have felt indifferent and it can be detrimental…you blend into the background when you are not well defined. This conclusion can be applied to beliefs, inner development, political standing, or simply what you want to do with your future (job carrier, setting goals, etc). Get in tune with your surroundings and the people in your lives…truly listen and become a student for life so you can be a positive influence.

Indifference and Fear: Twin Obstacles to Human Progress

Article Excerpt (source: Health Commentary with Dr. Mike Magee)

"Over these past few months, it has become clear to most that change is upon us, whether we like it or not. We can manage it, or it can manage us. Psychologists say that change is unique in human experiences in its ability to instill in human beings two opposing emotions – fear and exploration. If we chose fear, we retrench and attempt to hold on to the familiar, even if it has clearly failed. In so doing, we fall further behind. Leaders who fan fear, can hold a populace in check for a time, and yet time marches on. And with time, failed leaders fail."

"Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter discussed the lack of adequate, equitable care for those with mental illness in the United States." Individuals with mental health find themselves discriminated against when it comes to seeking treatment. Insurance companies barley, if at all, provide full coverage for mental health. Campaigns like Mrs. Carter’s advocate equality to those suffering from mental health.

The Carter Center Main Page: Supplemental Information

Source: HealthCommentary.org

I have always been an advocate of preventative health care. This TED Talk sheds light on how preventative measures can truly reduce the chances of chronic conditions.

Excerpt (source: TED)

“Stop wringing your hands over AIDS, cancer and the avian flu. Cardiovascular disease kills more people than everything else combined — and it’s mostly preventable. Dr. Dean Ornish explains how changing our eating habits will save lives.”

What can be done to improve the way our government allocates and spends health care funds? The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report identifies the spending inefficiencies in our health care system and offers some interesting solutions.

Opportunities to Increase Efficiency in Health Care

Article Excerpt (source: CBO June 2008 report)

"The single most important factor influencing the federal government’s long-term fiscal balance is the rate of growth in health care costs. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that, without any changes in federal law, total spending on health care will rise from 16% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2007 to 25% in 2025 and 49% in 2082…"