At 7:46am today, the 300 millionth American was "born." And, depending upon whether you view life’s cup as being half-full or half-empty, the tiny tot will surely be growing up in interesting times.
On the upside of things, he/she will benefit from breathtaking advances in technology, healthcare,
nutrition and other fields that will enrich communications while prolonging the quantity and quality of life. And, being born in the greatest country on earth, he/she will be able to go as far as his/her entrepreneurial drive, energy and creativity will permit.
On the flip side of things, there’s the "unpleasant truth" of global warming, mixed in with the death and destruction that is splashed across our TV sets and desktop monitors every day. And, while the optimist in me keeps thinking that things will get better, the realist in me says maybe not.
Looking at things from an image and reputation standpoint, today’s tiny tot will be growing up in a country that is simultaneously envied, mistrusted and even hated by much of the world, not to mention being a pre-eminent terrorist target. And, yet, despite all this, many, many Americans continue to roll up their sleeves and volunteer their services to help the poor and needy around the world. It’s a dichotomy to be sure.
So, here’s hoping for a long, happy and healthy life for the 300 millionth American. And, here’s also hoping that when the 400 millionth American is born, "Baby 300" will be writing a welcoming blog in a country that has re-established its place among the most admired, respected and safest nations in the world.
Consider an operation that costs thousands of dollars just to extend a loved one’s life a couple of months or years…this will continue to be a huge burden on our health care system.
It’s tough to place an “economic value” on life, isn’t it?
Excellent points, Gene (and Rob). As I said, one’s perspective on the 300 millionth American’s future health and well-being is definitely a subjective one (i.e. “Is the glass half-full or half-empty?”)
Will the 300th million American really live a healthier life? It’s a good bet the newbie will live longer (although maybe not as long, on average, as newborns reared in some European and Asian countries). But healthier?
It would be redundant to comment further on America’s obesity/nutrition problem, because poster Rob Longert has already staked out a passionate position on that crisis.
What also intrigues — and disturbs — me is the health scenario for the elderly/very elderly: Longer lives aren’t necessarily better lives.
Many elderly people who’ve passed the average U.S. lifespan (about 78, with women pulling up the average) live with severe pain and sharply reduced mental and physical capabilities. Depression is also a problem among this group, even among those seniors who hadn’t experienced depression in the prior decades of their lives.
There’s no real medical evidence or research that even hints at solutions for these issues. Preventive medicine and/or surgery extend lifespans, often without increasing one’s capacity to enjoy life. To a certain extent, this is a function of the marketplace: The biggest dollars are not to be made in geriatric medicine/mental health.
But maybe it’s also just a fact: Maybe humans aren’t supposed to routinely live into triple digits.
Our 300th baby’s grandkids could be a very miserable lot indeed in their old age.
While the 300 millionth american is born, someone else in the United States is dying. We may have a huge population, but we also have a huge crisis on our hands. The healthcare industry has been turned into a short term fix for people’s problems by using drugs and surgery a a crutch.
When people have heart problems, they have heart surgery, but then they may continue to live the same lifestyle they always lived – eating greasy foods, not exercising, drinking excessively. Then they go in for thier second and third triple bypass and still continue their unhealthy lifestyle.
There needs to be a shift to long term preventative care, so that the country as a whole can become more healthy. The 300 millionth American should theoretically be healthy for his/her whole life, and live past 100, because of the knowlege we have and the technological advances there are to come.
Two years ago, Denmark took a stand against fatty foods, going as far as giving fines and prison time for selling french fries that contain trans fat, among other foods.
What would happen if we did this in New York or a small town in America? Riots? Revolts? Complete insanity?
We need to think about some preventative measures to help our society and help that 300 millionth american stay alive for as long as they can, and not be sucked into the bad health habits of more than 50 percent of the “U S and A” as Borat would say.
This country needs a serious diet and work out regimen.
Good Morning America!
At 7:46 on Tuesday morning, about the time I was sluggishly passing through the FastLane on the Massachusetts Turnpike, a milestone was reached. Nope, it wasnt the first day that I failed to spill coffee on my lap during the stop-and-go commute…
Take it easy, Francis.
Let’s be honest here. The 300 millionth American wasn’t “born” today. He’s a 30-something illegal immigrant who casually crossed our joke of a border. And you’re right, he will benefit from advances in technology, healthcare, and nutrition — all while mapping out how to take our country down with the push of a button.