Total Failure

A quotation commonly attributed to Albert Einstein defines insanity as repeating the same thing multiple times while expecting a different outcome. Milton Friedman observed that, every so often, we should examine the results of policies, regardless of the good...

Outcome vs Intention

There is a great quote by the late economist Milton Freriedman. In fact, quite a lot of good quotes from him. I think the man was a um, a genius. But that's beside the point. One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than...

Money Talks

A wise senior colleague told me in the 1990s, when I was involved in some medical committees, “Never stand between your colleagues and a barrel of money.” Maybe that’s a little harsh. I think Paul Keating, when he was Prime Minister, made similar observations about...
Reigning in the Medical Industrial Complex

Reigning in the Medical Industrial Complex

That medical science has advanced over the last century and that it has provided benefits for many is a statement of fact and the obvious. It is also possible to have too much of a good thing. More to the point, as with most industries, and yes healthcare is an...

Moving On Whilst Learning

Moving On Whilst Learning

Pandemic recovery has led the vast majority of people to move on from Covid and resume their lives. This is evidenced by data on travel, the low uptake of additional boosters, and the fact that masks are now a rare sight. Some have chosen not to move on, and they are...

Hitting 100

Hitting 100

There is a lot of doom and gloom in health. Whilst the media report on the occasional “breakthrough” or “game changer” medication, which usually isn’t, most of the commentary is downcast. We have epidemics of everything from viruses to obesity to vaping. Each of these...

Who Will Think Of The Children?

Who Will Think Of The Children?

All actions have consequences. Sometimes these are immediate and sometimes the effects are not seen for a period of time. For example, you can plant an apple seed today and it will take years before there are apples on the tree that you can eat. Similarly, childcare...

An Unnecessary Lose-Lose

An Unnecessary Lose-Lose

It is the nature of life that mistakes happen. Smart teachers in life will frame error as inevitable and a valuable learning experience. Others can become so fearful of 'getting it wrong' that they get almost paralyzed by indecision. This principle also applies in...

Purpose – The Eighth Pillar of Health

Purpose – The Eighth Pillar of Health

Human behavior and society have evolved significantly over the last 2000 years, yet it is interesting to reflect on how little humans have actually changed. On the surface, we have modern accommodation, transport, and communication technology far beyond what could...

The Lion Is Out And About

The Lion Is Out And About

The truth about COVID-19 origins remains a topic of intense discussion and debate. Augustine of Hippo, who lived in the 4th century, said, “The truth is like a lion; you don't have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself.” Recent events show that nearly 1700...

Is It Really About Health Of The Public?

Is It Really About Health Of The Public?

The truth about low-fat diets becomes evident when looking at the striking differences in society from the 1970s to today. Those old enough to remember that era will recall how people looked different, and those too young can see the changes in pictures of groups from...

The Year Closes

The Year Closes

The impact of Covid 19 has made it hard to believe that another year is about to end. Those who lived through the past few years can reflect on how drastically life changed. Almost everyone you talk to, regardless of age, seems to wonder where the time has gone. Aside...

The Question

The Question

The term gaslighting is a colloquialism, loosely defined as manipulating someone to make them question their own reality. The term apparently derives from the title of the 1944 film Gaslight, though the term did not gain popular currency in English until the...

The Power Is In Our Hands

The Power Is In Our Hands

The pillars of health—genetics, lifestyle choices, and overall well-being—are often key to longevity. Last month saw the passing of Queen Elizabeth II at age 96. For many (myself included), she was on the throne before we were born and is the only British monarch we...

Human Connection

Human Connection

Human connection is at the heart of this experience, where voices unite in harmony, transforming a simple breakfast into a moment of shared joy and celebration. Imagine sitting at a table where there is a breakfast buffet. It is already a pleasant and relaxed...