At the risk of diminishing my reputation for cynicism modulated only by profound pessimism, I feel compelled to recommend to clinicians, patients, and families and friends of patients Never Give Up! Don’t Let Statistics Rob Your Hope And Joy, a thoughtful and exuberant (adjectives altogether too rarely found in tandem) post found at Jay’s Family Health Neighborhood.
The tactic recommended, in oversimplified form, is reframing the statistical correlation between treatment adherence and clinical outcome from an obligation backed up by the threat of physical deterioration and shortened life span into an opportunity associated with realistic rewards.
That tactic is impressively clever, but, even more significantly, it is incredibly empathic.
An excerpt follows, but I urge viewers to read the entire piece.
With many medical conditions, there is a strong correlation between good self-care and longevity. Parents can use statistics to inspire hope and spark an “I can beat this” attitude. Parents who give off positive, “we can beat this” vibes generally raise kids with the same determined spirit. We have met many CF parents and their children who demonstrate this indomitable and inspiring attitude.
In summary, wise parents handle statistics and medical predictions by:
• Emphasizing that significant medical progress is being made in almost all areas, and that health and longevity are increasing for almost all illnesses.• Realizing that for all individuals, the future is unknown. Many lives are shortened by unexpected illness and traumatic events.
• Encouraging their children to believe that they have every chance of being one of those children “who fall on the high side of the bell curve because you take such good care of yourself.”• Understanding that the quality of a life is measured not by its length, but by the amount of love, accomplishment, and giving that fills it.
• Understanding that worrying about the future and chewing on the mistakes of yesterday rob both today and tomorrow. The resulting hopelessness, negativity, and worry can shorten lives and certainly diminish the quality of life.
• Believing that those who bravely face life’s obstacles build a character that not only leads them to be more capable people and leaders, but sets an example that enhances the lives of all with whom they come in contact.
The more characteristically sardonic tone I’ve established for this blog over the past couple of years will return with the publication of the next post.