No Goat's Gonna Save Your Ass

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. 

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.