In a recent
blog Bridging
the Chasm to Healthy Behaviours I wondered about why the evangelists of digital
technologies keep proclaiming to be the panacea for healthcare reform. ‘Apple
postulates in their recent
campaign, “Will it make life better?” I respond, “No!” Making
life better is the sole responsibility of the individual. Technology can
play a supportive role in the hands of a motivated individual, as a coach,
teacher and guide but technology can’t put the healthy food choices into your
grocery cart or take your evening walk - only you can do that.’
So it was encouraging
to see Tim O’Reilly (@timoreilly) tweet that this article In
20 Years We’re All Going to Realize This Apple Ad is Nuts by Mark Wilson, “may well be the most
important thing you will read all year”.
I couldn't agree more. Technology
can play a role in health improvement but it can also be a barrier, a
distraction from the factors motivating healthy decisions such as fully engaging
with your social network, directing discretionary spending to healthy options
and even taking the time for a walk in the woods.
A friend
gave me a button recently ‘No goat’s
gonna save my ass’ since she knew I wrote under the Fainting Goat pseudonym. When I searched for the origin of the button
I found it was part of a drink responsibly campaign for the Nova Scotia
Department of Health. The Magic Goat video could
just as easily depict consumer’s unrealistic expectations that technology will
be responsible for improving their health.
There are no short cuts to healthy living and reducing your risks for
chronic disease. But there are lots of
distractions and companies willing to sell you a ‘quick fix’. Messages bombard you from everywhere. Your best defense is your own rational
thinking but you have to take time to distance yourself from the noise and
apply it.
There was a
constructive article posted this week How
to be a Proactive Patient and, while I prefer the term consumer (we are not
all patients but we all consume healthcare services), the advice holds strong
for anyone looking for guidance on how to be a more active partner with your
healthcare provider. My top 3 pieces of
advice; don’t be afraid to question your doctor; keep your own medical record;
and talk to other patients who share your diagnosis. The article ends with ‘Remember, your body is
your business’ - words to hold onto.
This is not
rocket science. Exercise daily, eat
fresh (and local) whenever possible and avoid the junk (we all know what it
is). Take time for family, friends and
social supports, if you smoke cut down or quit and if you drink do so in
moderation. Understand the connection
between your family’s health and your own (be it genetic or learned) and if you
have children, acknowledge the role you have in informing their health
behaviours. Don’t blame others for your choices. Laugh often and watch out for signs of stress.
A family member, partner or good friend is going to help you reach your goals much more effectively than a piece of technology. Share your goals and help those you care for reach theirs.
A family member, partner or good friend is going to help you reach your goals much more effectively than a piece of technology. Share your goals and help those you care for reach theirs.
Now, this Goat is going to abandon the computer and go for a hike.
It’s your
health. It’s your health
information. Manage it well.