2012 was a year like any other. For this writer, it represented the
twenty-second year of public health practice and thirty-first year as a health
professional. Oh the stories that could
be told.
The outbreaks that in the early days were a challenge to
identify they even happened, and then minimal interest in detailed
investigation or control. Diseases that today are
rare and emergencies, were just one of several foci of routine attention. The immunization schedule has grown from a paltry
handful of vaccines to the robust fourteen and a half antigens that are
routinely included in immunization schedules (HPV getting a ½ vote for its
gender specificity).
It is time to review the year and look forward to lucky
13.
One hundred and forty-eight
posts. Such is the pace of public health
and the morphing of issues. Expect a few
less this upcoming year, twice a week will be the goal. DrPHealth set out to score 10,000 views, and
wound up just over 11,000. Perhaps a
lofty target at the onset.
The pattern of readership continues to change with more
followers and those that receive by email which are harder to track and not
counted in the views. Previously it was clear that viewership was
highest during Canadian work hours. Sixty per
cent of total readership remains Canadian, but lately, the majority have been readers from Russia and the United States, skewed perhaps by two
postings; More
health care doesn't mean better health and Taxation
and the fiscal cliff.
The single heaviest visited site posting being on The
Obscenity of fracking, followed by interest in Telehealth, electronic health
records, and Cost
of Poverty. Single issue odd postings get spikes in traffic such as Fracking,
Hookah
pipes , and Smart
meters. Many of the core Canadian
public health issues get relatively scant traffic.
Last year DrPHealth posted a list of resolutions for public health
workers – they are worth repeating: First
to assess how well did you do in 2012, Second to ask you how well did DrPHealth
do? and third to reaffirm their value for 2013:
1.
Advocate for policies that specifically reduce income disparities as it
is the major modifiable driving force for poorer health.
2.
Ask frequently the question, how will this service/policy/action improve
the health of our children and future generation?
3.
View the world that our grandchildren will inherit and the threats
caused by Climate Change, Contamination, Consumption of non-renewable resources
and Consumerism.
4.
Be a constant reminder of the prosperity we enjoy and the challenge so
many others of our global neighbours face in accessing the minimum
prerequisites for health of peace, shelter, education, food, income, stable
eco-system, sustainable resources, social justice and equity.
5.
Support the adoption of healthier lifestyles in at least the major risk
behaviours of tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poorer nutrition and sedentary
lifestyle.
6.
Recognize the value of our current health care system, and constantly
ask what is the added value to the health of the population of the resources we
are about to expend.
7.
Encourage frequently that the solution to sustainability of our health
system, is to prevent the need to utilize the health care services in the first
place.
8.
Put safety and injury reduction on the agendas of those that can make
safer choices
9.
Argue for incorporation of culturally appropriate approaches to improve
health and reduce the existing disparity.
10.
Ensure sexism, ageism, racism, or other non-modifiable characteristics
are exorcised from the places we live, work and play.
11.
Promote tolerance of the diversity of individuals in our society
including those with addictions, mental health disorders, disabilities and
living street oriented lifestyles and others
12.
Support the adoption of services that reduce harm for those who engage
in unhealthy practices.
May 2013 bring health, peace and happiness to your home, office and places you play.
Good reminder of your excellent summary of how we can work better. Thanks Dr. P.
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