It’s trite but true, what they say about how much can change in a single day of politics, and none more so when the day in question is an election one.
The complete reversal in political fortunes witnessed last Saturday was wondrous to behold and certainly held the country in its thrall for a good part of the week, but I already find my thoughts turning to more mundane issues such as organising work parties, Christmas dinner and planning the holiday break.
Certainly the appointment of a new cabinet and the rapid dismantling and reassembling of the Liberal party in opposition added a good dollop of fuel to the quickly dissipating fire but overall it seems to me the electorate is already well over it and quickly moving its attention to matters less political.
So what can we all expect in 2008?
Each successive year the ‘naughties’ have surprised me; starting with the now much discredited Y2K bug in 2000 quickly followed by the September 11 World Trade attack in 2001 and the subsequent War on Terrorism, not to mention the on-going Iraq situation and tsunamis in our own backyard. In fact a pattern has now been firmly established that emphasises that the 21st century is a completely different animal from what we had become accustomed to and will definitely not just be a continuation of the latter half of the 20th century.
I believe most baby boomers, like myself, have reached the stage in life where ‘more of the same’ sounds surprisingly attractive, however for younger readers the prospect of continuing change holds the promise of dramatic improvement particularly with the addressing of major environmental concerns such as climate change.
For me the most gratifying aspect of the election was the Australian people’s innate good sense to resist the blandishments of a tired government desperate to hold office and to not to let their concerns about rising interest rates over ride their genuine desire to embrace a party which promises to not only wind back the more draconian aspects of Work Choices but also to assume a more principled approach to the many social challenges facing the country.
I know I personally don’t mind being tempted, but excessive offers to vote a particular way turn me right off, and when the ‘bribe’ is over $40 billion – well, I think it speaks volumes about the average voters’ usually much maligned judgment.
Your Opinion Counts. CLICK HERE >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
How important is your health?
In the past year I have lost a younger work colleague and the chronically overworked son of close friends died in a Hong Kong hospital aged only 32 years.
Both of these tragedies were linked to long term health and work issues and have made me start to examine my own Type A workaholic tendencies.
The fact is: if you do not look after your own health there is a very good chance that you will not only reduce your life expectancy but also lower the quality of life that you do have. It’s that important.
Anecdotal evidence strongly suggests men are particularly bad when it comes to the matter of personal health since many are inclined to grin and bear relatively minor complaints which would have the fairer sex rushing down to the medical centre or local GP for a check up.
Paradoxically, whilst many women have to endure major physical challenges giving birth and also suffer related complications later in life they in fact, on average, live 5 years longer (83 versus 78) than the so-called stronger sex. This can only be a function of how men treat their own personal health issues.
Given that I personally did not contemplate life after 30 (when I was 20) and simply could not relate to the lyrics of Paul McCartney’s song till I was staring 64 in the face … it’s definitely time to get real.
And, as they say, actions speak louder than words.
I’ve just this minute completed a health survey targeted at 10 per cent of all people in NSW aged
over 45-years, it’s called The 45 and Up Study, and 250,000 people have been contacted at random and asked to participate.
Apparently 37,000 have already agreed, so I’ll be the 37,001st and happy to do so.
The purpose of the research is to establish a better understanding of what determines healthy ageing and how individuals and health services can act to prevent ill-health and improve the quality of life of current and future generations.
To find out more about the Study visit www.45andUp.org.au or call the Helpline 1300 45 11 45.
Your Opinion Counts. CLICK HERE >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Andrew Connery is the publisher of WollongongOnline and (anyone will tell you) loves to share his views on the world in general and Wollongong in particular. Email Andrew on info@empoweraustralia.com - he'd love to hear your views on anything raised in this column.
| 
