The important ideas that stick out to me so far are: the current state of the United States health care system is inefficient (Sicko), we put the ill and the dying into hospitals to remove/sterilize the experience (Beth), "Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live" (Tuesdays With Morrie), and doctors use family input to make decisions (Near Death).
Listening to Beth's first-hand encounter with her husband's death was the most thought provoking source of information for me this unit. I think this was the most helpful experience because it was very personal, intimate if you will. When you're face to face with a person, it's easier to read emotions. Her situation was real, and we knew that what she was saying was what she truly felt. I'm not saying that the people that were interviewed in Sicko had no emotion, but Sicko was cut, edited, reviewed, cut, edited, over and over again. Every single part of someone's story is important and when its cut down to size, the audience can miss certain emotions and ideas. Beth's story, while maybe she didn't cover every single detail of Erik's death, was powerful and real. But, with that said, Beth's talk wasn't the most factual/informational source of information. I'd have to say that Sicko was one of the few "factual" sources we've gone over so far. I've learned a lot though from talking to my parents and doing quick research for some of the homework assignments.
When we return from break, I think it would be beneficial to explore more reliable numerical information, whether in class, or online.
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