dimanche 13 octobre 2024

FEAR MONGERING JOURNALISM IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE SCARED AMERICANS

People in the United States, regardless of what you call them, live in a perpetual state of fear about their health. One week they’re avoiding one thing, and the next week it's something else. Journalists and doctors—modern-day troubadours of tragedy—bring scientific research to light, but often focus on correlations rather than causations. Unfortunately, the average American isn't educated enough to grasp the difference.



Meanwhile, all the pollution caused by companies, businesses, and corporations—impacting the environment, changing the climate, generating mountains of garbage, and consuming vast amounts of energy—goes largely unmentioned. Instead, fear is stirred up by targeting popular, enjoyable aspects of life, linking them to poor health or death.


Take, for example, an article I read today in The New York Times—a publication I respect greatly. The headline: "Deep Links Between Alcohol and Cancer Are Described in New Report." Scientists are now reconsidering the long-held belief that moderate drinking offers health benefits.


This made me wonder: why is there no mention of the social factors that drive people to drink? Instead, the focus is solely on alcohol itself. For instance, drinking wine with meals has been shown to mitigate some negative effects of alcohol. And as a francophone, I can’t help but ask: do the French—who drink daily—die in droves before their time? Hardly. But then again, Americans can only dream of eating as well as the French.


Fear-mongering journalism, scientific facts taken out of context, and the neglect of social factors—these are the hallmarks of health information in the United States.

mardi 27 août 2024

GRAN HOTEL, THE OLDEST HOTEL STILL FUNCTIONING IN MERIDA MEXICO

Opened in 1901, the Gran Hotel in Mérida is the city's oldest hotel, showcasing French neo-Classical architecture that has attracted numerous movie producers and photographers. Its guestbook includes names such as Fidel Castro, Charles Lindbergh, Douglas Fairbanks, and César Augusto Sandino. With its majestic building, constructed in 1900, the Gran Hotel has remained a landmark in the heart of Mérida for over 90 years. This elegant and iconic downtown structure evokes the Belle Époque of Mexico. It has long been a gathering place for artists, writers, models, and a central location for filmmakers. Restored in 1987 to its original French neo-Classical style, the Gran Hotel offers one of the richest experiences in comfort and hospitality in southeastern Mexico. As the saying goes, "The Gran Hotel is Mérida. If you haven’t been to the Gran, you haven’t been to Mérida."

My love affair with the Gran Hotel coincided with my growing affection for the city of Mérida. At the time, I was a visiting student at the School of Medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Back then, there were multiple daily flights between Miami and Mérida; now, there's only one.

Roberto, a wellspring of Mérida's history, has worked at the Gran Hotel since 1978, yet remains tight-lipped about its past. Remarkably, in its 123-year history, the hotel has been owned by just two local families.

Tonight, I’m staying in the very room where a prominent American icon from the 1930s stayed back in 1934.




















dimanche 25 août 2024

HOW TO PROLONG YOUR LIFE BY TRAVEL

One of the advantages of basing your travels out of Miami is the quick access to many destinations in Central and South America, as well as the nearby islands. Even if you’re only taking a weekend or a few days off, staying in town doesn’t fully allow you to escape the atmosphere. You can garden, go out for drinks, or visit the beach, but everything is still framed by your present circumstances. It’s not just the job you need to step away from emotionally, but your physical presence in that geographical location.


I recently spent a lovely few days with the indigenous people of Florida, but even then, I felt the need to extend my life by removing myself from their environment and the city of Miami, where I stay when I visit them.


For many years, I would have returned to my home in Cuba, but I’ve lost that privilege recently. As Bob Marley once sang, "When one door is closed, another is open." Now, I’m exploring Mexico—and what a pleasure it is. It’s an old love affair rekindled with that country.


Once I check in and clear security, I enter a liminal space where hundreds of people, who I may never see again, rush past me. What they don’t realize is that, with their movements and urgency, they create magic for me. I am no longer "here," yet not quite "there." In this in-between space, I can be whoever I want to be. I head to the Flagship Lounge and greet my friends. It’s incredible how, perhaps because I always acknowledge them, the workers—mostly migrants from Latin American countries—are equally friendly to me. They prepare an omelet or pour me a glass of champagne with warmth and ease.


In a short time, I find myself in another country, surrounded by a different language and cuisine far superior to what is easily available in Miami or even the U.S. I meet a double-amputee singer and busker who asks for a drink, and I lend him a small amount of money. He promises me discounts on guayaberas when I want to buy them!


Within a few hours, Miami and all its concerns feel distant. I’m no longer emotionally, physically, or spiritually tied to it. These brief escapes—filled with warm greetings, nice dinners, and cozy coffee shops—add days to my life. My joy continues, uninterrupted.
















dimanche 18 août 2024

A NOTE TO THE MIGRANTS. WHICH ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRY IS THE HEALTHIEST ?




A Note to Migrants: Which English-Speaking Country is the Healthiest?


When considering migrating to another country, especially as a healthcare professional, one crucial aspect to examine is the health and well-being of the population in the destination country. The environment you choose to live and work in can have a significant impact not only on your career but also on your overall quality of life and longevity.


This perspective is not just theoretical for me; it stems from personal experience. I once delivered a lecture at an International Conference in Cochin, Kerala, India, where I addressed an audience of hundreds of specialist doctors. My message was stark and clear: if you choose to migrate to the USA, you could expect to lose about 15 years of your life compared to staying in other countries. This statement was not made lightly, nor was it merely an opinion; it was backed by substantial research and evidence that reflects the challenging health landscape in the United States.


To further illustrate this point, let me share some insights from a recent study that compared the health status of six English-speaking, developed, and wealthy nations. These countries, despite their affluence and advanced healthcare systems, exhibit significant disparities in the health and longevity of their residents. The study, conducted by researchers from Penn State University, provides a sobering comparison of mortality rates from 1990 to 2019 across six nations: the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.


One of the most striking findings of the study is the considerable difference in life expectancy between Americans and their counterparts in these other countries. In the U.S., the average life expectancy for men is 76.5 years, while for women, it’s about 81.5 years. In contrast, women in Australia live nearly four years longer, and men live five years longer than their American peers. These differences are not trivial; they translate into tens of millions of lost years for the American population as a whole.


The authors of the study attribute these discrepancies to a combination of factors, with some of the most significant being higher rates of preventable deaths among young Americans. This includes deaths from drug overdoses, homicide, and car accidents—tragedies that are less common in the other five countries studied. Additionally, middle-aged Americans have higher death rates from cardiovascular diseases, a category that includes heart attacks and strokes. These conditions are often preventable through a combination of lifestyle changes and timely medical intervention, yet they remain a leading cause of death in the United States.


One might ask why the U.S., a country with immense wealth and technological advancement, struggles so much with these health issues. The answer is complex, but some clear contributing factors set the U.S. apart from its peers. First and foremost is the issue of gun violence. Unlike the U.S., the other English-speaking countries have strict gun laws, which correlate with significantly lower rates of firearm-related deaths. This difference alone has a profound impact on the overall life expectancy in these countries.


Moreover, the U.S. has higher rates of smoking and obesity compared to countries like Australia and the U.K., which also contribute to the higher incidence of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Smoking, in particular, remains a significant public health issue in the U.S., despite decades of anti-smoking campaigns. In contrast, countries like Australia have implemented more aggressive tobacco control measures, resulting in lower smoking rates and, consequently, fewer smoking-related deaths.


Another critical factor is healthcare access. The U.S. is unique among developed nations in that it does not have a universal healthcare system. Instead, healthcare is largely tied to employment, and many Americans remain uninsured or underinsured. This results in delayed care, less preventive care, and higher rates of untreated or poorly managed chronic conditions. The other countries in the study, including Australia, Canada, and the U.K., all have some form of universal healthcare, which ensures that all residents have access to necessary medical services regardless of their income or employment status.


As an Australian, I’m pleased to hear that my home country fares better in these comparisons. I’m familiar with the healthcare systems in several countries, having lived and worked in different parts of the world. From my experience, the U.S. ranks the worst among them in terms of health outcomes and access to care. While the U.K. has its strengths, particularly with its National Health Service (NHS), it still faces significant challenges, especially in terms of wait times and resource allocation. Meanwhile, Australia stands out as a champion in healthcare, not only in terms of physical health but also mental health.


One of the areas where Australia truly excels is in its approach to mental health care, particularly for young people. About 20 years ago, Australia implemented an innovative national network for youth mental health care. This network, which includes services like Headspace, provides early intervention and support for young people facing mental health challenges. This proactive approach has been shown to improve long-term outcomes and reduce the burden of mental illness on the healthcare system.


In addition to mental health care, Australia also excels in preventive health measures, particularly in cancer screening. The country has established comprehensive screening programs for preventable cancers such as colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer. These programs have led to early detection and treatment, which significantly improves survival rates. Australia’s success in this area is a model for other countries to follow.


While Australia’s healthcare system is undoubtedly one of the best among English-speaking nations, it’s important to recognize that no system is perfect. Australia still faces challenges, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to healthcare can be limited. However, the country’s commitment to improving health outcomes and reducing disparities is evident in its policies and programs.


If I were to offer advice to anyone considering migration, particularly healthcare professionals, I would say this: Choose your destination carefully, considering not only your career prospects but also your long-term health and well-being. If you’re looking for a country with excellent healthcare and a high quality of life, Australia should be at the top of your list. However, if you’re drawn to Europe, consider France, which in my opinion, offers the best healthcare delivery system in the world.


France is often celebrated for its high-quality healthcare, which provides excellent access to care and has fewer disparities than many other countries. The French healthcare system is a mix of public and private providers, with the government covering the majority of healthcare costs. This ensures that all residents have access to necessary medical services, regardless of their income. The system also emphasizes preventive care and early intervention, which helps to reduce the overall burden of disease and improve outcomes.


One of the aspects I particularly admire about the French system is its focus on patient-centered care. The French healthcare system prioritizes the needs and preferences of patients, ensuring that they receive the right care at the right time. This approach not only improves patient satisfaction but also leads to better health outcomes.


Another advantage of the French healthcare system is its emphasis on medical research and innovation. France is home to some of the world’s leading medical research institutions, and the country has made significant contributions to the field of medicine. This commitment to research and innovation ensures that patients in France have access to the latest treatments and technologies.


Moreover, France offers a high standard of living, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance. The country’s culture encourages a healthy lifestyle, with access to fresh, healthy food and opportunities for physical activity. This, combined with a robust healthcare system, contributes to the overall health and well-being of the population.


In conclusion, when considering migration, particularly as a healthcare professional, it’s essential to look beyond career opportunities and consider the health and well-being of the population in your destination country. While the U.S. offers lucrative job opportunities, it’s important to weigh these against the potential health risks associated with living in a country with significant disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Countries like Australia and France offer not only excellent career prospects but also a higher quality of life and better health outcomes.


As someone who has lived and worked in several countries, my advice is simple: Choose your parents carefully, grow up in Australia, travel through Europe when you’re young, study medicine in the U.K. as an undergraduate, pursue postgraduate studies in the U.S., and then return home to Australia (or France, if you’re lucky). Each of these countries has its strengths and offers unique opportunities, but when it comes to health and longevity, Australia and France stand out as the healthiest choices.


Remember, the country you choose to live and work in can have a profound impact on your health and well-being. Choose wisely, and you’ll not only enjoy a fulfilling career but also a long and healthy life











GOODBYE CUBA AND THE MEMORIES

 In English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Farsi 



Adiós, Cuba y los Recuerdos


Aunque soy australiano, hubo un momento en mi vida en que me sentí profundamente conectado con Cuba. Tenía un apartamento, mucha comida y aún más amigos—amigos cubanos que dejaron una marca permanente en mi corazón, como un tatuaje, como me dijo una vez un artista.


Para vivir cómodamente en Cuba, un estado totalitario, la dividí en tres partes distintas. Estaba la Cuba política, que evitaba por completo; la Cuba económica, un desastre que requería traer el dinero necesario para vivir bien; y la Cuba social, donde el país realmente sobresalía. Las amistades eran ricas, las conversaciones largas, y el tiempo que pasábamos juntos estaba lleno de música, charlas, abrazos y besos. Para mí, La Habana era un festín móvil, como París lo fue para Hemingway.


Pero todo comenzó a desvanecerse con la llegada de la pandemia. La vida social se deterioró y, a medida que la economía empeoraba, la gente perdió la fe en un futuro que sabía que nunca llegaría. Comenzaron a abandonar el país en masa. En poco más de un año, casi 400,000 cubanos llegaron ilegalmente a la frontera de los EE. UU., casi el 4% de la población. Los que se fueron eran a menudo los educados, no ideólogos ni los de mente estrecha que se beneficiaban del aislamiento continuo del gobierno. La mayoría de mis amigos cercanos empacaron y se fueron a México, España, EE. UU. y otros lugares.


Si volviera a La Habana ahora, me sentiría como un fantasma visitando el lugar de un desastre emocional. Mi ropa, mis libros y mis copas de vino siguen allí, pero el espíritu que una vez se aferró al aire de esa ciudad junto al mar se ha ido con los miles que emigraron legal o ilegalmente.


Hoy, mi smartphone me recordó lo que estaba haciendo en La Habana en esta fecha hace seis años. Al mirar las fotos, solo puedo decir: San Cristóbal de La Habana, gracias por la Era Dorada de mi vida dentro de tus confines.

Goodbye Cuba and the Memories




Though I am Australian, there was a time in my life when I felt deeply connected to Cuba. I had a flat, plenty of food, and even more friends—Cuban friends who left a permanent mark on my heart, much like a tattoo, as an artist once told me.


To navigate life comfortably in Cuba, a totalitarian state, I divided it into three distinct parts. There was the political Cuba, which I avoided completely; the economic Cuba, a disaster that required bringing in the necessary money to live well; and the social Cuba, where the country truly excelled. The friendships were rich, the conversations long, and the time spent together was full of music, chats, hugs, and kisses. For me, Havana was a moveable feast, much like Paris was for Hemingway.


But it all began to fade with the onset of the pandemic. Social life deteriorated, and as the economy worsened, people lost faith in a future they knew would never come. They began leaving the country in droves. In just over a year, nearly 400,000 Cubans arrived illegally at the U.S. border—almost 4% of the population. Those who left were often the educated, not ideologues or the narrow-minded who stood to gain from the government’s continued isolation. Most of my close friends packed up and left for Mexico, Spain, the U.S., and elsewhere.


If I were to return to Havana now, I would feel like a ghost visiting the site of an emotional disaster. My clothes, books, and wineglasses are all still there, but the spirit that once clung to the air of that city by the sea has left with the thousands who emigrated legally or illegally.


Today, my smartphone reminded me of what I was doing in Havana on this date six years ago. Looking at the pictures, I can only say: San Cristobal de La Habana, thank you for the Golden Era of my life within your confines.




Adieu, Cuba et les Souvenirs


Bien que je sois australien, il fut un temps où je me sentais profondément lié à Cuba. J'avais un appartement, beaucoup de nourriture, et encore plus d'amis—des amis cubains qui ont laissé une marque indélébile sur mon cœur, comme un tatouage, comme me l'avait dit un artiste.


Pour vivre confortablement à Cuba, un État totalitaire, je l'avais divisé en trois parties distinctes. Il y avait Cuba politique, que j'évitais complètement ; Cuba économique, un désastre qui nécessitait d'apporter l'argent nécessaire pour bien vivre ; et Cuba sociale, où le pays excelle vraiment. Les amitiés étaient riches, les conversations longues, et le temps passé ensemble était rempli de musique, de discussions, de câlins et de baisers. Pour moi, La Havane était une fête mobile, comme Paris l'était pour Hemingway.


Mais tout a commencé à s'estomper avec l'arrivée de la pandémie. La vie sociale s'est détériorée et, à mesure que l'économie se dégradait, les gens ont perdu foi en un avenir qu'ils savaient ne jamais voir arriver. Ils ont commencé à quitter le pays en masse. En un peu plus d'un an, près de 400 000 Cubains sont arrivés illégalement à la frontière des États-Unis, soit près de 4 % de la population. Ceux qui sont partis étaient souvent les personnes éduquées, et non les idéologues ou les esprits étroits qui profitaient de l'isolement continu du gouvernement. La plupart de mes amis proches ont fait leurs valises et sont partis pour le Mexique, l'Espagne, les États-Unis et d'autres endroits.


Si je retournais à La Havane maintenant, je me sentirais comme un fantôme visitant le site d'un désastre émotionnel. Mes vêtements, mes livres, mes verres à vin sont tous encore là, mais l'esprit qui autrefois s'accrochait à l'air de cette ville au bord de la mer est parti avec les milliers de personnes qui ont émigré légalement ou illégalement.


Aujourd'hui, mon smartphone m'a rappelé ce que je faisais à La Havane à cette date il y a six ans. En regardant les photos, je ne peux que dire : San Cristóbal de La Habana, merci pour l'Âge d'Or de ma vie dans tes confins.



two recent medical graduates from Moa visiting me in havana

Adeus, Cuba e as Memórias


Embora eu seja australiano, houve um tempo na minha vida em que me senti profundamente conectado a Cuba. Eu tinha um apartamento, muita comida e ainda mais amigos—amigos cubanos que deixaram uma marca permanente no meu coração, como uma tatuagem, como me disse uma vez um artista.


Para viver confortavelmente em Cuba, um estado totalitário, eu a dividi em três partes distintas. Havia a Cuba política, que eu evitava completamente; a Cuba econômica, um desastre que exigia trazer o dinheiro necessário para viver bem; e a Cuba social, onde o país realmente se destacava. As amizades eram ricas, as conversas longas, e o tempo passado juntos era cheio de música, conversas, abraços e beijos. Para mim, Havana era uma festa móvel, como Paris foi para Hemingway.


Mas tudo começou a desvanecer com a chegada da pandemia. A vida social se deteriorou e, à medida que a economia piorava, as pessoas perderam a fé em um futuro que sabiam que nunca chegaria. Começaram a deixar o país em massa. Em pouco mais de um ano, quase 400.000 cubanos chegaram ilegalmente à fronteira dos EUA, quase 4% da população. Aqueles que partiram eram frequentemente os mais educados, não os ideólogos ou os de mente estreita que se beneficiavam do isolamento contínuo do governo. A maioria dos meus amigos próximos fez as malas e foi para o México, Espanha, EUA e outros lugares.


Se eu voltasse a Havana agora, me sentiria como um fantasma visitando o local de um desastre emocional. Minhas roupas, meus livros e minhas taças de vinho ainda estão lá, mas o espírito que uma vez se apegou ao ar dessa cidade à beira-mar se foi com os milhares que emigraram legal ou ilegalmente.


Hoje, meu smartphone me lembrou do que eu estava fazendo em Havana nesta data, há seis anos. Ao olhar as fotos, só posso dizer: San Cristóbal de La Habana, obrigado pela Era de Ouro da minha vida dentro dos teus limites.



my colleagues from the national institute of endocrinology, havana

خداحافظ کوبا و خاطرات


اگرچه من یک استرالیایی هستم، اما زمانی در زندگیام بود که احساس کردم عمیقاً به کوبا وابسته شدهام. من یک آپارتمان داشتم، غذای فراوان و حتی دوستان بیشتری—دوستان کوبایی که مانند یک خالکوبی، جای خود را بر قلب من گذاشتند، همانطور که یک هنرمند به من گفته بود.


برای زندگی راحت در کوبا، یک دولت تمامیتخواه، آن را به سه بخش مجزا تقسیم کرده بودم. یک کوبای سیاسی که کاملاً از آن اجتناب میکردم؛ یک کوبای اقتصادی که یک فاجعه بود و نیاز به آوردن پول لازم برای زندگی راحت داشت؛ و یک کوبای اجتماعی که در آن کشور واقعاً ممتاز بود. دوستیها غنی بودند، مکالمات طولانی، و زمان گذراندهشده با هم پر از موسیقی، صحبتها، بغلها و بوسهها بود. برای من، هاوانا مانند یک جشن سیار بود، همانطور که پاریس برای همینگوی بود.


اما همه چیز با شیوع همهگیری شروع به محو شدن کرد. زندگی اجتماعی بدتر شد و با بدتر شدن اقتصاد، مردم ایمان خود را به آیندهای که میدانستند هرگز نخواهد آمد، از دست دادند. آنها به طور دستهجمعی شروع به ترک کشور کردند. در کمتر از یک سال، نزدیک به ۴۰۰،۰۰۰ کوبایی به طور غیرقانونی به مرز ایالات متحده رسیدند—تقریباً ۴٪ از جمعیت. کسانی که رفتند اغلب افراد تحصیلکرده بودند، نه ایدئولوگها و نه ذهنهای تنگنظر که از انزوای مستمر دولت بهرهمند میشدند. بیشتر دوستان نزدیک من چمدانهای خود را بستند و به مکزیک، اسپانیا، ایالات متحده و جاهای دیگر رفتند.


اگر اکنون به هاوانا بازگردم، احساس میکنم که مانند یک شبح به محل یک فاجعه احساسی آمدهام. لباسها، کتابها و لیوانهای شراب من هنوز هم آنجا هستند، اما روحی که زمانی به هوای آن شهر کنار دریا چسبیده بود، با هزارانی که به طور قانونی یا غیرقانونی مهاجرت کردهاند، ترک کرده است.


امروز، تلفن هوشمند من به من یادآوری کرد که شش سال پیش در این تاریخ در هاوانا چه کار میکردم. با نگاه کردن به عکسها، فقط میتوانم بگویم: سن کریستوبال د لا هاوانا، متشکرم برای عصر طلایی زندگیام در محدودههایت.


my cuban mother in la habana 

dimanche 11 août 2024

IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH PARIS

 FIRST IN PORTUGUES AND THEN ENGLISH

Demorei um pouco para me apaixonar por Paris. Quando a visitei pela primeira vez enquanto estudava medicina em Londres, não senti nenhuma atração especial. Mas tudo começou a mudar à medida que comecei a viajar para Paris, a cidade da luz e do amor, com mais frequência. Foi só depois de muitas visitas que eu finalmente pude dizer: "Eu te amo, Paris."

Assistindo às cerimônias de abertura e encerramento dos Jogos Olímpicos de Paris 2024, senti uma conexão profunda—uma emoção especial reservada em meu coração para certos lugares deste planeta.

Anos atrás, conheci um estudante que queria discutir a filosofia de Gilles Deleuze e o conceito do grotesco em Pantagruel, de Rabelais. Fiquei fascinado! Já visitei a França três vezes em 2024 e fiz questão de sair antes que a loucura olímpica começasse.

Não assisti a nenhum esporte durante as Olimpíadas, apenas as cerimônias de abertura e encerramento. Foi maravilhoso ver as ruas de Paris, que conheço tão bem, se desenrolando diante de mim na tela.

Sempre estarei esperando por você em Paris:

  • Pont Neuf
  • Pont des Amants
  • La Closerie des Lilas

Claro, eu convidaria meu querido amigo Carlos, com seu terno de linho, óculos Ray-Ban, chapéu Panamá e sua "moça brasileira."

Lembre-se, nós sempre teremos Paris.


It took me a while to fall in love with Paris. When I first visited while studying medicine in London, I didn’t feel any special attraction. But everything began to change as I started traveling to Paris, the city of light and love, more regularly. It was only after many visits that I could finally say, "I love you, Paris."


Watching the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2024 Paris Olympics, I felt a deep connection—a special emotion reserved in my heart for certain places on this planet.


Years ago, I met a student who wanted to discuss Gilles Deleuze's philosophy and the concept of the grotesque in Rabelais’ Pantagruel. I was hooked! I’ve already visited France three times in 2024 and made sure to leave before the Olympic frenzy began.


I didn’t watch any sports during the Olympics, only the opening and closing ceremonies. It was wonderful to see the streets of Paris, which I know so well, unfolding before me on the screen.


I will always be waiting for you in Paris:


Pont Neuf

Pont des Amants

La Closerie des Lilas

Of course, I’d invite my dear friend Carlos with his linen suit, Ray-Ban sunglasses, Panama hat, and his "moça brasileira."


Remember, we will always have Paris.













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