Well, the outcome is finally known: Barack Obama will be the 44^th President of the United States. He has a big job to do. The presidential debates and campaigns that have hounded us for the last 2 years, repeatedly spotlighted health care / health insurance as one of the most important topics of interest for the American public.  We have heard only a few of the many stories about people consumed with medical bills that left them penniless and forced them to file bankruptcy.  Those stories certainly stimulate our empathy and concern.  Last night when I heard Barack Obama and the crowd in Chicago repeating the campaign slogan, “Yes, we can!”, it was moving - inspiring. The intent of that slogan was to unify us in a hope that we can change the direction of our economy and address the big issues like war and energy.  

Then it hit me - Why not approach the issue of “healthcare” of Americans with the same hope and positivity?  Interestingly, the issue or topic is always referred to as, “health care” or “health insurance”.   All about payment for expensive health care including medications that are too expensive to pay for personally. I think maybe at this juncture, we should all stop and question what we have previously held to be true. 

I feel strongly believe that my health is not the responsibility of government – it is my responsibility.  My body was intended and created to be healthy.  My body is capable of healing itself in many situations.  If my expectation is for health rather than sickness, then it is unnecessary for me to fear illness and obsess about “insurance” and the need to amass a small fortune dedicated to health care just to live out my life in peace and comfort.  The relationship between mind, body and spirit is obvious to me and I know that I can “think my way to wellness”.  I know that infections can be prevented if I pay attention to simple healthy behaviors like handwashing and immunization.  If I eat real raw food and get adequate sleep, I can support this magnificent body and enjoy personal health as I live out my mission as a “health professional” to help others to achieve optimum health.  We have accumulated a lot of scientific evidence to prove the relationship of mind, body and spirit and the power of prayer to heal bodies and the power of thinking “wellness”. 

I may sound like Pollyanna to you, but I think it is time for change.  So, join me in my campaign: health for all.  Our slogans will be:

Yes, I can… expect health.  Yes, I can…..prevent infection.  Yes, I can….think healthy thoughts.  Yes, I can….take good care of this magnificent body I have been given.  Yes, I can…….be healthy!

I got my flu shot today!  In 10-14 days I will be ready for “the season”.  How about you?  Got yours yet?  If not, put it on your list of election day activities.   Have you heard of the “Vote and Vax” initiative?  On election day 2008 and even at the early voting sites, you can take care of 2 important duties at the same place – voting and getting a flu shot.  Check out the website: www.voteandvax.com/  to see if your polling place is also offering flu shots. The shots are provided in a safe and convenient environment at the polling place and the fee is generally about $25.   

If you don’t have the opportunity to vote and vax together at the election polls tomorrow, create the dual experience yourself.  If your employer offers free (or low cost) flu shots, get in line.  Or make an appointment with your doctor or call your local health department and get a listing of vaccination sites and get it done.  I recommend you get your flu shot by Thanksgiving.  When families and friends come together to share Thanksgiving dinner, they often end up sharing some viruses too.  Even if you haven’t scheduled your flu shot by Thanksgiving, you can still get benefit by immunizing through March.  Each year influenza makes up to 1 in 5 Americans sick and contributes to 35,000 early deaths.  There are 2 reasons to vaccinate for flu.  #1 is to protect yourself from influenza infection which can range from an annoying illness and absence from work or school for 2-5 days to a serious life-threatening episode of illness requiring hospitalization.  #2 is to protect others in your home/school/workplace who have chronic illness or a weakened immune system.   

VOTE and VAX – Just do it!