Quality of Life Forum: Health Part 2

Here is the feedback we received from the forum on “health”.

1. What do you hope happens with health in the next 20 years?

• There's a strong desire for universal healthcare, emphasizing that it should be a basic human right.

• The focus is also on preventative measures and programs, which suggests an interest in addressing health issues before they become serious.

• Open sourcing of information to lower market costs reflects a wish for transparency and affordability in healthcare.

• Concerns about the costs of medicine indicate a need for solutions that balance affordability with quality care.

2. What variables could impact the future of health?

• Rising life expectancy and AI technology are seen as significant factors that could shape health outcomes.

• Access to resources, financial and market changes, and potential new viruses are also highlighted as key variables.

• The role of healthcare workers, pollution, climate change, and politics are recognized as influencing factors.

3. What is not being discussed regarding the future of health?

• Serving the underserved and addressing tech-related issues are areas that participants feel are overlooked.

• There's a call to action, suggesting that more needs to be done beyond just talking about health issues.

• The importance of dental care for the elderly and the distinction between access to healthcare and actual healthcare are noted.

• The role of friendships and the impact of corruption on health are also mentioned as under-discussed topics.

4. What opportunities do you see regarding the future of health?

• Opportunities for physical activity, such as biking and walking, are seen as positive developments.

• The singularity and rising costs are mentioned, possibly indicating a need for innovative solutions to manage healthcare expenses.

• Education, lifestyle choices, and whole community health are identified as areas with potential for improvement.

• The role of technology, telemedicine, and a universal single-payer system are also seen as opportunities.

5. What hurdles do you see regarding the future of health?

• The economic incentives associated with ill health are seen as a significant hurdle.

• The cost of healthcare and the insurance system are major concerns.

• There's a recognition of the challenge in getting people to follow good health practices.

• Access to affordable healthcare and overcoming issues with reproductive healthcare access are also highlighted as hurdles.

Here are the notes from the breakout sessions.

1. Gardening as a means to health breakout:

• Emphasizes the importance of community gardens and involving various stakeholders, including schools, city officials, arts organizations, and churches.

• Suggests hosting a garden week, getting downtown residents involved in gardening, and showcasing different levels of gardening expertise.

• Proposes a centralized crew to assist one neighborhood per day and a garden forum to facilitate knowledge sharing.

• Recommends focusing on gardening for production and laying the groundwork for successful initiatives.

• Suggests organizing neighborhood events to kick off gardening seasons and celebrating with a harvest week in the fall.

2. Universal healthcare breakout:

• Acknowledges that universal healthcare is not a local issue and therefore requires solutions beyond the local level.

• Highlights the impact of healthcare on taxes and insurance premiums and the general dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency in tax benefits.

• Emphasizes the need for a community-oriented approach where everyone takes care of each other.

• Suggests an incremental transition to universal healthcare to ensure success.

• Notes that businesses often use healthcare as a means to retain workers.

3. Community connection breakout:

• Focuses on fellowship and breaking down barriers between neighbors, emphasizing that this doesn't have to be religious in nature.

• Discusses the importance of engaging and entertaining community members and finding natural ways to welcome newcomers.

• Highlights the need for consistency in reaching out to each other and addressing the breakdown in communication exacerbated by COVID-19.

• Stresses the importance of moving away from internet-based interactions and fostering hands-on communication, starting with the youth.

• Encourages building a community base by giving and receiving help, creating a snowball effect of service.

4. Basic self-care breakout:

• Points out that many people lack knowledge about basic self-care, including recognizing signs and symptoms of health issues.

• Discusses the impact of genetics and lifestyle factors on health and the need for opportunities to ask questions.

• Suggests organizing health conversations for new mothers and supporting community healthcare clinics.

• Mentions the Union Gospel Mission (UGM) as making important steps in this area, along with other resources like bus trips to state offices and helpline centers.

• Raises concerns about accessibility for individuals with disabilities (ADA concerns).