Want Healthcare Reform? Wash Your Hands.

DJ Smith / Apr 28th / Comments

As the swine flu scare has gripped the US, the CDC issued important information that will aid in stopping the spread of the disease. The preventative list is simple, practical and, frankly, common sense. To protect yourself against the swine flu the CDC suggests you:

1. Avoid close contact.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.
4. Clean your hands.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits.

To better drive home the point that this list should be adhered to, I found a great video from the South Australian government encouraging their citizens to get a flu shot. It shows people sneezing but the camera captured the sneezed at a 1000 frames per second. Here’s the video:

Sneezing In Ultra Slow Motion – Watch more Funny Videos

Now, if that video doesn’t get your attention then I don’t know what will. I’m guessing you have a complex now just thinking about how you look when you sneeze.

What the CDC and the South Australian government are trying to say is that citizens around the world have a responsibility to maintain their own health. In the US there is a big push for healthcare reform, but too many people are looking to the government for that reform. While the government has a responsibility to protect our health and make healthcare available to its citizens, there is an equal responsibility for the citizens to take on responsibility as well.

Using common sense with regards to your own health, such as covering your mouth when you sneeze, washing your hands, exercising, eating a sensible diet, and scheduling annual wellness check-ups, will help in lowering the overall cost of healthcare and reduce the strain on that sector. Healthcare reform can’t be solely realized by government policy making. There is a responsibility of the individual to take ownership of his or her health as well. The age of consumerism in healthcare should equally mean that consumers of healthcare make wise choices on a daily basis to improve their health. Regardless of if your concern is with the swine flu or the idea of universal healthcare, the first place to reform healthcare is staring you in the mirror each morning. Until next time – keep your pulse strong.