I think we should be worried!

There are plenty of opportunities for the media to give us their opinion on where they believe the public should focus their attention.  If that’s the case then I’m worried because I picked up the newest issue of Newsweek magazine and I am starting to see a theme.  Over the course of the past  eight weeks they have had three cover stories that have a theme…”How I live with Cancer”, “The New War on Pain”, and “Caregiving and Alzheimer’s”.

Illness and the fallout from illness seems to be on the mind’s of Newsweek’s editors.  Is that their perception of the world or are these the true concerns we should be focusing on in our lives.  Is health and quality of life the primary place our energy and dollars should be focused on so we get results.

When I see this type of trend I am called to speak.  As pilgrims it’s our duty to share our concerns with decision makers, like the politicians, who really are under our employ.  If Newsweek is simply reflecting the feedback from the community why can’t policy makers see and hear the same feedback.  As someone who supports individuals and families with life-altering health issues I see it all the time and yet there are times I feel like I walk the journey alone.

It is my hope that the trends will change, but that’s not likely any time soon.  That being the case, I hope you take notice of the trends related to health that show up in your mailbox, on your television and radion, in everyday conversation with family and friends and then decide the path you’ll walk.