Last week we had some pretty memorable moments in class and the reading was epic, though interesting. One thing that I really enjoyed (I know, not another video commentary!) was the video on reversing diabetes naturally. Yet one more affirmation that solutions can be simple and rather inexpensive in the grand scheme of things. To watch those people change physically, mentally, and emotionally as a result of a complete diet overhaul was pretty amazing, and something I have been researching this week for my presentation this Thursday. Don't want to spoil too much! But perhaps solutions to our biggest problems can be really simple. It's changing the way we look at our challenges and obstacles that is the most immense hurdle.
We talked about strategies of focus to eliminate infectious diseases versus non-communicable diseases and what is most important, and I believe the answer is that is it all equally important because it is all part of a precarious balance we have to achieve. That is what nature does, when one thing gets out of control another comes to balance it out, moving in a continuous cycle. Our checks and balances system has been thrown way off. In any case, in response to Payam's comments about letting the private sector take care of the things we can easily change by shifting lifestyle patterns, I agree however the public sector has to be involved in steering the ideas and the monetary resources in the right direction. We need to create interest for investment, people need to have a personal connection with a given situation in order to want to be involved. During class I kept thinking about Google and how they have little perks at work to make being there less stressful and more enjoyable. They get a better product from their employees and they are extremely successful. So why can't other systems large and small do that as well? They can, they just need to know the why and how. When we can finally shift away from the non-communicable disease trend into healthier ways of living, people will be happier, more productive, and able to contribute something instead of sucking the system dry. There are other assets we have lost as a result of this trend aside from money.
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6 comments:
Robyn, I agree... why not start with something simple, make people happier, and let everyone benefit from it. Good insights.
Robyn, you're right there is a role for the public sector, and just as you say it's to facilitate leading the private sector to make the right decisions. Good insight.
hi robyn, i agree too. it seems so intuitive yet for some reason people are amazingly unwilling to invest in intangible things like worker satisfaction and health...they're only noticed when we don't have them. i guess since we're just humans, it requires a leap of faith--believing that investing in true solutions will yield true results.
I definitely think that ethical treatment of employees can allow companies to thrive. I was listening to NPR not too long ago and it was arguing just that. They were comparing Wal-mart and Costco. Walmart (as we all know) basically treats its employees like crap. Whereas costco offer them decent pay, medical benefits, and chances to move up. Last year Costco ended up have higher profit gains that Walmart. Like we've been saying in many classes, an investment in the health and well being of the people (in this cas employee) benefits the business economically in the long run.
Robyn,
Now I'm pretty conservative but I do believe that people should be accountable for their own health. Now, there is an exception, and that is for the individual who can't eat healthy because of various constraints. But in the United States, at least compared to other countries who lack all resources, most people should be able to take care of themselves. I believe that the private sector can help shift more health responsibility on the consumer, but the public sector may need to help in this effort.
Robyn, I think what makes companies unique
is the way they are designed and how different their cohesiveness’ are.
I agree that businesses should adapt the successful method of other organizations. This will create a shift toward more productive system in the nation and I believe the involvement, collaboration of private and public sector can help a better health outcomes from consumer.
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