Like our CEO Chris Thomas this is my first attempt delving into the blogosphere. Well sure, I’ve read some friend’s blogs but never posted anything. As it says in my intro, I am a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator. I spend a good part of my professional life talking about food and its relationship to our health. As I pondered a topic for my first posting, I could not take my mind far from the tragedy in Haiti.

If we read the paper, go online, or watch the television news we are inundated with mind boggling statistics of death, destruction, and rampant human suffering. Local people, as well of the rest of the country have responded with great empathy and efforts to help the people of this impoverished island nation. The politics and history of Haiti’s existence is best left for others to discuss, however there are a few thoughts I’d like to share.

It’s said that two-thirds of Haiti’s population lives on less than 1 U.S. dollar per day. As I went through the cafeteria line here today and electronically charged my $6 meal to a payroll deduction, I thought to myself, “Wow, I am lucky!” Now I know that on-site cafeteria with payroll deduction may in itself seem like extra luxury, but the truth is for most of us, we live in a world of relative abundance in terms of food. Food advertisements often tout a value or savings menu of items for a mere $1. In Haiti, that’s a day’s work. My lunch today - 6 days work. I truly am blessed.

If we got up today brushed our teeth, took a shower and flushed the toilet we used more fresh water than a typical Haitian has access to on a normal day, pre-earthquake. With the current catastrophe it is known that thousands more will parish due to lack of access to drinking water or from diseases associated with contaminated water. Going to bed hungry is one thing, but going for days completely without water is unimaginable. As the United States and much of the world airlifts water and food to the people of Haiti, again I am reminded of my good fortune as I fill my water bottle daily.

Some things we say become cliché because they are, for the most part, true. Working in healthcare, we need not look far to find others less fortunate. I think most would agree that despite all the negatives in our lives, the truth is we have it pretty good. One thing we must never take for granted is our health. Please join me in recognizing our own personal good fortune, and if you’re so inclined, say a prayer for people suffering throughout our country and throughout the world; and especially the people of Haiti.

Be well, Ray