Windows on WESTMOUNT Web ...Prof. G. Ratzer on Information Technology jobs & Medicare

I am just back from a week in the UK - including Cambridge University, London and Scotland, during the run up to their general election.

Two topics high of the list there, and should also be high on the Westmount agenda, are Education and Health.

I would like to suggest a couple of topics:-

1. What are the government doing to directly help fill the 15,000 Information Technology jobs in Canada that are going unfilled at present? This when the unemployment rate is over 9%.
2. I believe that with a proper education program to the public at large it would be possible to make a major reduction in Medicare and Health expenses in a matter of a few years.

The Background

Most people view Medicare as a service to "fix you up" once you are ill. If people took the other view that one is ultimately responsible for ones own health and well being, and Medicare is primarily a preventative information service to improve people's quality and length of life, then a major change of focus and reduction of cost would be possible.

A couple of cases will make the point. The primary cause of death in Canada (and most developed countries) is heart disease (including strokes). In canada the rate for IHD (Ischemic Heart Disease) is FIVE times the rate in the Mediterranean countries and Japan. IHD is essentially preventable, with a simple a change in life style (a better diet and more exercise).

The second major cause of death is cancer in all its forms and lung cancer in particular. This is entirely preventable. As I have said before, tabacco products should be treated as a drug, and the nicotine level of cigarettes reduced to zero. Progress towards this goal was made by the USA last week, with the FDA. Many cancers are caused by tabacco and other environmental pollution, and these can be controlled, with long term reduction in health costs, and a great improvement in quality of life for all concerned.

New Policy?

I would suggest a new policy where a certain percentage (increasing each year?) of the Medicare budget is moved from expensive cure and care procedures to education and PREVENTION. In the long run this could pay big dividends.

David, - if either or both of topics could be raised on Wednesday, I would be happy to address them.
See you then,
Gerald.

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