SOC 490, Week 4

            The health care in America is the opposite of Canada’s.  Instead of having Universal Health Care like Canada, America relies on private health insurance.  As always, this is a topic that is debated upon throughout the world.  While there are many positive aspects to have Universal Health Care, there are always many negative aspects of having it.  Since the United States and Canada are so similar to one another, it is easy to compare the pros and cons of this debate.

            Have you ever felt rushed while you were at a doctor’s appointment?  As an American citizen, I know I have.  That is a great thing about having Universal Health Care.  Doctors feel less rushed and actually take their time with patients.  Although it is wonderful that all of the citizens of Canada have basic health care, it also causes issues with their medical care.  Instead of having the luxury to make a medical appointment within a few weeks, Canadians expect to wait a few months.  This is a huge problem when it comes to people that need immediate attention.    

            The Romans may not have the best health care system or hospitals in the world; however, they are definitely healthier than Americans and there are a few things that we can learn from learn.  For starters, we can simply work on becoming healthier.  Here in Rome, you see Italians walking everywhere.  Sure you see cars driving crazily throughout the streets and/or sidewalks, but it is clear that most people travel to their daily activities by foot.  Also, everything in Italy tastes healthier.  Compared to the United States, sweets are not sweets.  Italians would have a sugar rush if they ate a single Hershey kiss.  Regardless of what Americans say, they are lazy.  These tasks are so similar to take part in and are easy to control.  If people focused on becoming healthier, they could do it.

            Last week we had visited the Museum of the Mind.  It was very eye-opening to me because I knew the things I had seen happen on a daily basis; however, actually seeing everything made me have a realization that it truly is part of the real world.  Also, this past Monday, we went to the Museum of Medical Arts.  Although it confirmed my instincts to not fulfill a career that deals with any sort of medical issues, it was very interesting.   After seeing all of today’s technologies at the Cleveland Clinic, where my family doctor is located, it is amazing to me how people could survive off of such simple items.  If anything it makes me appreciate today’s medical advances rather than take them for granted.