Sunday, November 2, 2008

"Whatever!"

Only days left till the election and I am preparing for a “whatever” party, meaning; “whatever the outcome” celebration. This is the craziest election I have ever seen, full of energy and emotion. I am happy to see everyone rising to the occasion and become so into it, but I am hoping that when it is over, the patriotism and the willingness to be involved will continue.

I have written about it before and will try to dig up the articles to post, but my belief is that we should be called the “Un-United States” for our ability to dichotomize every issue right down to using our red and blue colors to delineate what side we are on. I am saddened at how we can’t agree on core issues and would love to be able to help our Country on a larger scale.

Im sure that my dyslexic mind precludes me from seeing the way others see. Most of the time, I struggle with learning and need to unravel things to understand them. In the long run, however, this has helped me to see what may not be there. For instance, I don’t see the healthcare crises as an issue. I see the condition of our bodies and our attitudes about health as the crises. Maybe my construction background has contributed to my views. After all, if I were to fix a ceiling that had water damage, I wouldn’t just spackle and paint without figuring out why it was damaged in the first place. The mentality that we are in a “healthcare crises” is crazy to me, considering the fact that we are one of the unhealthiest and obese nations in the World. It is no wonder why the healthcare system can’t handle it. But the question is, why aren’t we talking about creating more wellness instead of just reforming the way we pay for doctor and hospital visits?

So I am just a citizen and have no history or knowledge of government. I more or less understand the system, but still don’t know how to get anything done because of the political machine that is in place and the attitude that we should keep fighting instead of finding something to agree on. I am not complaining about it though. Instead, I chose to put my energy into educating you, the people of this great country in hopes that we can join forces against the real enemy; namely tolerance. As long as we tolerate what is happening to us, to our bodies, our surroundings, our money, our food, we will never create change.

What I really want is for everyone to get a little anxious, a little fearful, maybe even a little angry so we can all get up and do something about our situation. Instead of fighting about what side you are on, just do one thing, anything to change what you don’t like about your life. Believe you have the ability to create change and if you don’t know how, write me and I will help you find ways!

“Whatever” happens this election, we still have to do our part. We still have to stop fighting amongst ourselves, and we still need to bring wellness to our homes, neighborhoods, businesses, and schools. If each of us took responsibility for our own lives and that of our families, we wouldn’t be in crises, we would be in control. I hope this note doesn’t sound harsh, because there is no judgment. There is only passion and the need to rally for all of us and our kids. In the end, they will be made responsible for healing what we have been creating. Love to you and yours, D.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

The healthcare crisis is an issue. Many of the people involved in this crisis do not have the advantage of some and must purchase foods that can stretch for more than one meal. These same people cannot afford the insurance that many of us enjoy. As a RN I see this on a daily basis. Insurance is so expensive and many ordinary people don't expect an accident or sudden illness to deplete their savings. Most people have to work and can't afford to donate their time. If you boast about your income of $50,000, $75,000 or $100,000 + salaries that's fine and well but at some point I believe even you must have had to purchase health insurance and I'm sure that you too had to shop for the best premium. Eating healthy foods and exercise is a suggestion and I try to implement that daily but not everyone can afford those nutritional foods. There are many that must take medication that they cannot afford and that is where the "crisis" occurs. I try to incorporate a healthy menu to all patients but once they return home that becomes a problem. The number one problem in this world is the healthcare system and that should never be argued. If this was a perfect world then everyone could eat healthy but until then I would suggest you contribute to your local soup kitchen. Wellness is a huge issue which I deal with daily. My education and years of service enable me to help those in need.
Taylor

Donna said...

Hello Taylor,
You seem angry at me for my suggestions or the fact that I can afford to buy food and insurance.

I don't consider the cost of health care as the healthcare crises for many reasons, but let me just remind everyone; if you are poor, you can have free insurance. I have to struggle to pay $700 per month for my daughter and myself. I am healthy, but I pay much more than I have to because many people do not take care of themselves and need to utilize the insurance more than necessary. People who eat poorly when they are diabetic, people who smoke, drink more than they should, don't exercise regularly, etc.

If we all took responsibility for our own bodies and that of our children, we would be healthier and we wouldn't need as many doctor visits, medicine and surgeries.

As an RN, you might not have been specifically trained in nutrition, but you are well aware of how food affects the body. Most people don't realize, however, that it also affects moods, attitude, and energy levels.

If people ate better, they would work better, think better and enjoy their life much more. IT IS WORTH every penny it costs to eat healthy.

As a wellness advocate, I teach people of all ages how to shop and cook healthy. It doesn't have to cost more. It is about choices and learning how to live without junk food, cigarettes, wine, candy, cakes, pastas, juices, sodas, etc. When you take all of this out of your diet, you are healthy and have more money in your pocket.

Please understand that I know there are people who fall through the cracks. I hold the hand of many cancer patients, elderly, diabetics and many others who are struggling to stay healthy. But considering ourselves victims to a system just makes things worse. We need to feel strong and convicted about our own health and our ability to change it from poor to incredible.

Just eating less is better than eating badly! Did you know that in times of famine, there has been less disease? Not to say that we should ever starve ourselves, but it has been proven that fasting (water only) for even one day a month holds many benefits for a healthy person.

I commend your profession and for taking the time to write. I just hope you don't want to undermine my attempt at empowering America and helping them to eat healthier. D.