Dr. Rob’s Perspectives: Happy New Year 2024?

“Beyond individual preparedness, community awareness is crucial. Can you be a source of strength for yourself and others? Let’s explore the power of resilience in building stronger, healthier communities together.”Robert Gillio MD

Hello, everyone! Dr. Robert Gillio here, wishing you a Happy New Year filled with joy and good health. As I record this on January 3rd, I can’t help but reflect on the stark reality that not everyone may be experiencing a happy start to the year.

There’s a lot happening in the world, and it’s crucial to address it. Recently, we witnessed a devastating earthquake in Japan, a force more than ten times stronger than the one that shook Anchorage, Alaska, back in 1964. The destruction, suffering, and loss were significant, prompting a collective effort to provide aid and support. Many went into search and rescue mode for their neighbors. Some died bringing relief supplies.

However, as I tuned into the news, I stumbled upon an awe-inspiring incident—a plane crash captured on YouTube. This massive jet, defying all odds, survived a collision with another aircraft. It burst into flames as it careened down the runway. The astonishing part? The people on board demonstrated remarkable resilience, evacuating the aircraft in under 90 seconds. Amidst tragedy, their ability to overcome and survive became a story of its own. Total strangers, randomly arranged, acted as a well rehearsed community to adapt, stay calm, and evacuate rapidly. One or two self centered or panicked bad actors reaching for their suitcase would have lead to the deaths of those behind them.

As we embark on this new year with expectations, resolutions, and plans, it’s essential to acknowledge that life is unpredictable. Things can and will go wrong—illness, disasters, conflicts. The key, I believe, is resilience. In my perspective as a population health doctor, I urge you to think deeply about resilience. Can you equip yourself with the knowledge to handle emergencies, comfort those in distress, and deescalate conflicts? Can you be a source of strength for yourself and others? Beyond individual preparedness, community awareness is crucial. Knowing your community enables you to be a valuable resource—referring others for help, volunteering, and contributing to the well-being of those around you.

Gratitude plays a significant role in resilience. I express gratitude for the engineers who designed that resilient plane, the material scientists who created fire-resistant fabrics, and the flight attendants who transformed a routine job into a life-saving mission.

I am grateful that in this world their are heroes that are a force for health for others who kept their heads and looked at their situations and did what it took for more people to survive, not just themselves.

As we navigate the challenges of this new year, let’s actively seek opportunities to be forces for health. Embrace kindness, resilience, preparation, and the ability to assist others. Each action, no matter how small, contributes to the well-being of our communities. In closing, I challenge you to be prepared, be resilient, and be a force for health. Let’s face the uncertainties of the new year with open hearts, kindness, and a commitment to helping those in need. Wishing you all a truly happy and healthy new year!