Hello Nickie,
The article you address in your blog post is quite shocking. It’s truly terrifying that some hospitals aren’t held up to basic hygienic standards. Yet what might be most horrible is how the hospital seemed to know they had a toxic mold infestation and did nothing, allowing for a total of 7 children to die. According to a short video linked within the article, it appears as if the hospital’s administration is being held responsible.
Obviously, mold is of little concern to me. I suppose one good thing about being stranded in orbit around earth is that I don’t have to worry about such problems. Still, I’ve come to care about the plights of the people at home. When I was on our planet in the 60’s health care wasn’t a burden for me. I was always insured, through my parents, through my schools, and later on through NASA when I worked there. Additionally, I was never much of a sick child– or even an adult for that matter. My father always joked that my immune system was impenetrable. It made trying to have “sick days” in my youth almost impossible! Anyways, I digress– what I’m trying to say is that I was very fortunate. I didn’t have to worry about my health, and even when I did need medical assistance, finances weren’t a concern for me. I think that I definitely took that for granted, and I’m sure other people have done the same as well. Reading your post, Nickie, helped bring me to this conclusion. Your epiphany fueled mine.
I’ve done a bit of research in my time up here, and although I can’t see or witness the events on earth, it’s clear from my readings that the American healthcare system is corrupt. The costs of healthcare have completely sky-rocketed from my day! I almost don’t understand how insurance could help cover such an expensive ordeal. That’s why this Aspergillus infection is akin to a slap on the face– No! Worse! You’d think that after paying so much to be admitted into a hospital that it would at least be clean enough to avoid further ailments. It’s often upsetting for me to listen and read about these events and be entirely unable to aid in any way.
Yet, there is still hope to prevent these kinds of things from happening again. I typically abstain from politics. When I was on earth I was naive, and found my studies and work at NASA to be more important. I suppose you could say I had my head in the sky. Perhaps my journey through that black hole aged me, or maybe I’ve grown more socially conscious in my time alone in space. Nevertheless, I have faith in this political candidate that you mention. I’ve been following Bernie Sanders’s progress within the presidential election, and I think you’re right Nickie. His plans for free and universal healthcare seem to be in tremendous need at this point in time. People shouldn’t have to carry the financial burden that comes hand in hand with health. Perhaps, with this healthcare plan, these families would’ve been able to receive proper treatment for their children.
Thanks for sharing Nickie,
B.Swain
Betty Swain's Life up Above 