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D eath and taxes, the only two things that are certain. Although we may fear one, or both, the fact is that our fear is limited, in both cases, by the fact that both are certain events.
But what about illness? Illness is, by no means, a certain event. And although we all expect to be sick from time to time with colds, the flu, ... and have learned to live with that fact, most of us still reject the idea of being seriously ill (cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's,...) and live in fear of contracting illnesses such as these.
Let's face it, the thought of falling seriously ill is, for most people, tremendously fear provoking. First, there's the uncertainty of the event (not like death and taxes!). Then, there's choice We all want more choice except when it comes to illness. Let me see... Would I rather get cancer or diabetes or Alzheimer's? Choice is not a good thing when it comes to illness. And yet the selection is staggering, which only serves to increase the odds!
And then, there's the fact that illness is everywhere we go. Turn on the radio, the television, open the newspaper and illness greets you with open arms. The latest numbers... who's got what and what are the odds of you getting that illness. The latest research... what researchers are finding and how it may already be too late for you. Illness is everywhere we go, everywhere we look, in every conversation, exchange and interaction...
We now know more about the power of the mind and the power of positive thinking than any generation before us. We know that what we think is the foundation upon which our individual realities are built. This being the case, we should know and understand that just thinking about getting ill is counterproductive. Yet, more then ever before, the thought of serious illness lurks in the backs of our minds causing fear and havoc. Literally every minute of every day everything around us makes us think about the impending disaster! As one statistician put it: ...the number of people with cancer is steadily increasing by a certain percentage every year, call it x %. At that rate, within a few years, everyone will will have cancer. True or not, what a devastating thought! Few will refute the idea that positive thoughts help us live richer, fuller lives. Negative thoughts such as these can only provoke the opposite result.
So, what does any of this have to do with Medicare?
If everything you hear, read or see around you suggests that chances are you're going to fall victim to some serious illness, sooner or later... and that in and of itself is tremendously fear inspiring and almost enough to paralyze you psychologically. Now, if on top of that, you're told that the necessary treatment, whatever it may be will ... not be available when you need it, or will cost you enormous amounts of money (your life savings?), or potentially force you to declare bankruptcy or, worse still, will not be available to you because you don't have enough $$$ to pay for treatment, then
Is it possible for you to have the necessary peace of mind that you need to live productively?
Medicare, in theory at least, partially solves the problem. Medicare gives all Canadians, regardless of their age, sex, religion, race and especially financial condition the peace of mind that they need to be able to get up in the morning, go to work or do whatever it is that they have to do, go out into the world and make their contribution without being paralyzed by the fear that when any one of literally countless diseases hits them, as everyone is telling them it will, they will not suffer personal ruin, bring ruin upon their loved ones or even, heaven forbid, be unable to afford the life saving medication and treatment that they so desperately need.
Some say that more privatization is what's needed. If privatization can solve our systemic woes without this devastating "nothing to fear but fear itself" side effect then let's take a closer look. But, if privatization means, as is the case in the US, that some of our citizens (the number doesn't really matter) will not be able to afford treatment then maybe we need to develop a whole new model, possibly not entirely public or private, but one which is "right for the times".
The world in which the public and private healthcare systems were developed has changed dramatically. Is it possible that neither model is actually able to satisfy the needs of this new millenium? Could it be that a complete redesign is in order? Could it be that minor tinkering is not be enough to solve our healthcare woes? Whatever the case, maybe it's time that, as Dr. Michael Rachlis puts it so well, we roll up our sleeves and get started on fixing our Medicare system's problems, which are only too obviousl. Alternatively, we can wait until the problems get worse still... but who will argue that procrastination is a viable solution?
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