As a baby-boomer, having worked in Health Care for more than twenty-years, in both the U.S. and Canada,  I feel there are many reasons (immediate urgency) to work together, internationally, to solve what are truly global issues. There have been many reasons why I have read for-casts (such as Boom, Bust and Echo) to align myself with viewing today’s reality as merely the spring-board to become prepared for the future. While there is much rhetoric now, to “live in the moment”, we would be making a mistake, (or destined to have “History repeat itself”) if we do not make projections and postulations about what should we change in terms of our direction or destiny. It is a very complex world now, not so predictable, short of we are heading for disaster on a global scale without leadership in transformative change. Should we all not participate in the visioning necessary to plan and create needed transformation. Much of the consequences felt, in terms of maintaining the status quo, has to do with the health and wellness, of an aging population, advances in consumerism and apathy toward global impacts,…and a fragile ecosystem and conflict with internal/external and built/natural environments.

From a public Health Perspective, a pandemic would certainly collapse many an economy, inclusive of the United States and would be felt by every nation, world-wide. This is not another Y2K speculation, there are many facts that tally up to suggest a “perfect storm” is now on the horizon. In my life-time, I will see massive transformation one way or another. I choose to be a voice for good, and for those that do not have a voice. Women and children are and will remain extremely vulnerable, when they should be cherished and protected. The transformation needs to begin there.

Education, literacy and competence with emerging technologies is the number one target solution that needs to be enhanced and accelerated,…before the “perfect storm” devastates economies. There-in lies my greatest commitment, the empowerment of the disadvantaged and vulnerable.

So, in short, here is the proposed “number one” strategy to improve outcomes of the new economy. Protect the children and vulnerable mothers of the children, (our future) through initiatives targeting education, health and social and emotional well-being. In providing IT kiosks, which would include a computer terminal that has capacity to play audio downloads, video clips and instructional media, much like we are now seeing in career and success coaching web portals. The kioks would also be set up to monitor blood pressure, blood glucose, temperature, and even an EKG… if that individual mom were to have the health condition to warrant it.

On-line education can be enhanced through the latest developments in IT, such as You-tube video applications and through wiki’s and blogs. The open source information can be screened by editors in each of the specialty fields presented. This stream-lining of the education system from grade eight through to Graduate Education may need to happen anyway to make up for the acute shortage of educators in all sectors. There are many possibilities, such as recruiting recently retired educators, writers and journalists to help facilitate the editing process. Many life-skills do not require formal education by traditional educators, but rather those that had done the task in their lived experiences.

I make an excellent example of one who can tutor on a number of topics outside of health care as well as the areas in which I could be considered an expert, such as heart health, stoke, rehab and weight management. As we face a crisis in Health Care and many millions who will be jobless and struggle with coping and potentially struggling for survival itself, it is important that I become engaged in “training the trainer”. If you are one who is now reading this, you too have potential to contribute…most of what you need is the ability to capture the vision, use the technology and share what you know best.

The future begins today, simply share your story ( to some degree) as a comment or blog and I can help you capture that vision,…online with a posted blog that will help others to actually see first hand, what I have been suggesting. Have a recipe to share, click here,…living with diabetes, click here….see how easy this “new schooling” can be.

Take care….BE well,

Dave

May 29th entry

Ecology Advocacy: While I could profess to be a naturalist, environmentalist…or conservationist at heart…I wish not to present a attitude that would be defined as an “activist”. I think much good work are being done by activists groups…while the word has been corrupted to depict those that refuse to obey laws, or who may use violent or abusive/distructive means in which to send messages of support for their cause. There have been historical defamation of issues…and not positive press…by some actions by some under and “activist” banner. So please be open minded and sense the intent here…before forming the opinion, that I am “just another Tree-hugger”.

The Environment,…is now destined to capture many a headline…and front many a Politcal Platform…for years to come. We need to tease out though what is just “the latest Buzz word” versus what is really in the Best Interest of the Planet…and those that will be living here for decades in the future. There is a “Climate Change reality” to face….as well as Population and Poverty issues to contend with as well. One such topic that needs careful consideration is the topic of “Bio-Fuels”…I am with the many who sees the folly of ill-laid plans to “grow” more fuel replacement that is so called…cleaner…or better for the environment. What is not discussed is the energy intensity of production of Bio-Fuel…while discussions of land dedicated to fuel is land lost to food for the hungry…and those that can’t afford for even an percentage increase in cost of agricutlural foods…the healthiest of choices….fruits and vegetables.

The dialogue needs to begin now, as the actions to be taken to resolve our ecological footprints, needed to happen many years ago. I do trust you will comment, contribute and as benefit is envisioned…contact me for consultation and collaboration…The present may be ours to live…but we are threatening the future…of all.

BE wise,…BE well,

Dave