Your Medical & Motivation Account in the “Care vs. Cure” Debate

2015-03-08 Posted By Jenna

I was lucky enough to watch a great short video detailing both sides of the "Care vs. Cure” debate, and whether money is best spent on the care needs of people with health challenges, or on finding a cure.

You may have a preference for one versus the other. I, on the other hand, don’t think there’s generally a right answer. But that’s just me.

For me (I’m going to be blunt), I became resentful pretty early on of people bringing up the potential for a “cure” for my Spina Bifida (which also causes some confusion because Spina Bifida is a birth defect, not a disease) - a lot of people held out hope: from strangers on the street to family members. My family - I could understand that - they wanted me to have every opportunity, and as little suffering as possible. I didn’t disagree with them - it sounded like a delightful little life! However, it didn’t take me long to realize that a “cure” didn’t have to be the pot of gold at the end of my rainbow. I thought that if a cure was the true goal, did nothing I accomplish in the meantime matter? I struggled with why people wouldn’t see that I knew I could create a successful and fulfilling life WITH Spina Bifida…(even if that wasn’t their intention, it felt like it); maybe I’m over-simplifying it.

Please keep in mind, though, this is coming from me, a person with a congenital condition; while some of you may have an acquired injury and/or degenerative condition, and might disagree. Maybe you know that the grass is greener on the other side (or maybe you appreciate the different shade of green you see now). Heck, maybe even the people with congenital conditions, like Spina Bifida, who are reading this disagree with me. That’s ok! We’re all entitled to our own opinions, and I think the best thing we can do for ourselves is our best to achieve what happiness looks like to each of us.

But what does this have to do with the topic of this blog?!

Well, I learned a lot from that video by Bucky! Among other things, whether you believe money should be spent on care or a cure (in most cases), the cure’s not here yet and you need to take care of your body (if you want to be the best candidate for that cure when it comes)! Taking care of yourself (physically, emotionally, mentally & psychologically) can help you get ready for a potential cure (if that’s your goal). Taking care of yourself and staying on top of your health can also increase your quality of life.

Do you know what generally happens with a better quality of life - you’re more confident in yourself, you can accept where your strengths are and where you need support, AND you just might be willing to socialize a tad more ;) Getting out and about (for you American readers, yes, I said “out and about” with a “Canadian” accent as I typed it), feeling confident, can also do wonders for de-stigmatizing disabilities - having the world see you in your element!

And last, but not least, I truly do believe that empowering people with all sorts of challenges can motivate them to get out and spread the word about their experiences. What impact can that have? I’ve seen it lead to their experiences (which they thought were specific to their condition) actually helping to promote INNOVATION that can affect people with OTHER conditions, too! (Innovation is going to play a massive role this month for Phoenix Attitude).

You know what seems to fit the bill to help you with this whole care process? Your Medical & Motivation account! It’s always been a priority at Phoenix Attitude to support us all - mind, body & spirit. It’s so hard to reach your happy place if one of these elements isn’t being tended to! There are so many reasons to take control of, and stay on top of, your health - socially, physically, mentally, emotionally, psychologically etc. Yes, it takes work, HOWEVER, you have no idea how many doors will open for you if you do! (Ya, I know, my parents told me that too, but think about doing it anyway!)