Health Matters

My second daughter would like to become a doctor. She works two jobs, goes to college and supports herself as much as she can on a small income as a student. One of her jobs involves working in an emergency room at a local hospital.

She works as a medical scribe. She has a great interest in her pediatric patients. To date she has directly helped at least two patients with diagnosis that saved their lives. Ironically, she did not plan it at the time. She has been told she has talent in that area, too.

Of course I am a proud parent, but the reason I bring up my daughter is that there exists tremendous pressure on young people and on society in general in the work world. It can and does take a toll on people’s health, more than we realize.

People aren't machines and working long hours, eating on the run, lots of pressure and little free time to sleep or rest can wear out even the best and the brightest people.

With all the socioeconomic pressure to perform and out do everyone in the market for first place, I think most young people wonder if they will burn out. As adults who have been in the workforce a long time, we see the effects of this work stress on ourselves and our families.

Remember to thank your medical professionals for the long hours they put into training and working, just like we do in the workforce at our jobs. If we lack young people who long to take care of the poor, indigent and uninsured because it’s too hard or it doesn't pay, we weaken our society and ourselves. 

All the money in the world, all the power or strength as a nation begins with each one's health. There is no other package, packing, or container more important than one's body so take care of you!  And please encourage people like my daughter who would like to go into public health as a profession. Thanks!