Ostomy | Athlete going to Ottawa?

Happy New Year to you all.

I am back at school after four months of working a research job, having spent far too much time in front of a computer at a desk. Not that my time in front of a computer will change much, but at least now I can take my laptop to the coffee shop instead of tying myself to a desk. Sometimes a change of scenery is all one needs for a renewed sense of excitement.

It has been raining here in Victoria now for 18 days straight: saw it on the news tonight and didn't believe it. But its true. And I have been spending a lot of time on the bike trainer so I know the news can't be wrong. If you are in Canada, and have watched the news lately, you'll know we are in the midst of an election campaign. I am a political science junkie, so I am immersed in the campaign coverage.

I don't want to use this blog for partisan purposes: also I don't belong to a party, never have, probably never will, so I don't know which party you could accuse me of being partisan of. But I do want to air out some of my thoughts on politics and elections.

The major issues for me are not the one's that politicians speak of very often. I think the most important issue in our democracy is declining voter turnout. Especially in young people. It is a complicated situation that doesn't have any clear answers, but I have yet to hear a good reason for NOT voting, so I would challenge you to give me one.

One of the most prevelant thoughts on the issue, is that politicians have lost touch with the realities of daily life for us ordinary citizens. I would say this: if you are reading this blog, you are not ordinary. You probably have an ostomy or are an athlete. In either case, you are part of a very select few with very special interests. I encourage you to explore who is running in your riding and find out his or her positions on issues that are key to having an ostomy or participating in sport, or both.

I know that I am going to explore the various positions on medical issues. I don't believe that there are black and white solutions to solve hospital wait times; but I do know that the costs associated with having an ostomy are leading people to choose less active lifestyles - and therefore a lesser quality of life - for increased product wear time. I see a connection there and believe that people who lead more active, healthy lifestyles spend less time in the hospital; so it makes sense that in an effort to make our health care systems more efficient and provide better service, we should explore the idea of providing more funding for ostomy products and encourage more participation in sport and recreation and other health choices.

Before January 23rd, I will go to an all candidates meeting at the University here, and I will ask my question. My guess is that when I say ostomy, most of the candidates will look at me with confusion on their faces. So I guess I might be doing them a service by introducing them to an issue that is near to me. When I tell them I'm an athlete too, I will be introducing them to an issue that is dear to me. If I can demonstrate the connection between the two, my objective will be acheived. The Federal government in Canada doesn't fund ostomy supplies because they don't make any direct decisions on medicare, or pharmacare. But I know that whoever ends up as Member of Parliament here may play a role in discussions at some point that could lead to direction on policy at some other point: it is amazing how small and interconnected the groups are in provincial and federal political circles.

I guess my point is this: no effort, no matter how small, is wasted. Only opportunities are wasted. Big things have always started small. I encourage you to participate in your democracy in any way you feel comfortable. I'll let you know how my participation goes in a later entry...