EXCITING FIFA

FIFA or the World Cup is usually held in the summer.  But due to the location of the event - this year in Qatar - it was moved to December. Qatar is on the south side of the Persian Gulf and the northeast side of the Arabian Peninsula where it is known as ‘God’s Anvil,’ as was said in the movie: Lawrence of Arabia.  The formidable winds from North Africa, further heat up as they cross this scorching barren land.  Even though FIFA is being held in December, the games are played after sunset, to protect the players from heatstroke.
 
The games have been a good distraction from an otherwise very difficult year. Like millions of people around the world, I’ve been glued to the TV for the past weeks. Yesterday’s match between France and Morocco was a nail biter. Even though France won, Morocco sure gave them a run. The first African nation to make it to the semi-final and play so well. The final game between Argentina and France will be on Sunday (Dec. 18) 8 AM mountain time. It will be another exciting game.
 
How I wish we could get this excited about our healthcare. Even a little excitement would add to the well-being of us all, and with all the technology available to us, it would be at a fraction of the cost of establishing, providing and participating in these international pastimes. Of course, I realize that it is the teamwork and competitiveness of sports that make them so exciting and healthcare is not a competitive sport. But it does require and demand teamwork. That teamwork could be built upon. As healthcare providers, we can assure that the service we provide is to the best of our ability. And showing a little enthusiasm in providing it, well, could be contagious.
 
Let us hope and pray for a better year full of contagious enthusiasm ahead.