Stuff That’s Turned Upside Down

Back in February, I wrote several posts about the appointment of a well known antivaxer to head up the US Health and Human Services agency. At the time, I was utterly gobsmacked that a once rational country could even consider such a thing, yet the head of state nominated him, and then he was passed … Continue reading Stuff That’s Turned Upside Down

How You Feel When You Work In Health, And You See Your Friends Post Derogatory Memes About Mainstream Healthcare

One of the things that happens when you work in healthcare, is that you meet a lot of people. When you also work in small towns with transient populations, you meet even more. That means, that when you've been around for a while, many of the people that you know come from very different ideological … Continue reading How You Feel When You Work In Health, And You See Your Friends Post Derogatory Memes About Mainstream Healthcare

They Actually Did It – Still Gobsmacked

In case you've been living under a rock, let me clarify what I mean. The US government has now put the nation's health into the hands of a well known anti-vaccinator. And why am I - in Australia - so concerned? Well, the US has funded a lot of medical research, and its opinions matter … Continue reading They Actually Did It – Still Gobsmacked

Too Much Time to Watch the News

With my foot elevated a lot of the time to reduce swelling, I've had a lot of time to watch/red/doomscroll the news. What bothers me most, is the idea that a renowned anti vaxer might shortly be in charge of all Health in the US. Unfortunately, as the US has a large population, and is … Continue reading Too Much Time to Watch the News

Cognitive Dissonance

I'm laid up a bit at the moment, having had both foot and knee surgery last week, so I've been stuck on the couch doing not a lot, and having overly much time to review the news, and the internet. Add a few pain relieving drugs, and you can imagine that I've been a bit … Continue reading Cognitive Dissonance

What We Take For Granted

About a month ago, my sister and I sent our Mother's ashes to join our Father's in the Indian Ocean. It's been just over a year since she passed away at the age of 95. it was a bittersweet moment, tinged with both sadness and peace, knowing that both Mum and Dad had a strong … Continue reading What We Take For Granted

Just Get On With It

On the 30th of March 2021, I had my first COVID vaccine. It was the Astra Zeneca. My next one is scheduled for the 23rd of June. I was actually incredibly excited. As someone who works in health, it felt like a turning point in the pandemic here in Australia. Since then there have been … Continue reading Just Get On With It

Random Thoughts on Things

It's been a year like no other so far. From drought, to fires and extreme heat, to a global pandemic, it feels sometimes like Australia is working its way through the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Slowly Australia is reducing restrictions due to COVID-19, but for some it's too slow, and some it's too fast. … Continue reading Random Thoughts on Things

How to Respond?

A few months ago, Australia was burning. We saw incredible scenes, from dramatic escapes and heroic actions by firefighters and other emergency services personnel to walls of flame moving faster than anyone could ever believe. We also saw incredible generosity - of finances, goods, and more than anything else, of spirit. We banded together as … Continue reading How to Respond?

Learning to Think Through Health Claims

A friend posted this link on Facebook recently. It's entitled 'Our world is awash in bullshit (sorry about the language) health claims. These scientists want to train kids to spot them.' As someone who works part time in health, and has done for thirty years (doesn't that sound a dreadfully long time!) now, it's something I'm … Continue reading Learning to Think Through Health Claims