For the first time since the 1920's, life expectancy in the U.S. has decreased from 79 years in 2019 to 76 in 2021. In 1980, life expectancy was just under 74 years and had steadily been increasing over the next 4 decades. It's likely not a coincidence that this drop occurred over the course of a worldwide pandemic. However, there are many reasons why this downward trend could have occurred, nonetheless. Exponential increases in chronic disease as well as the cost of managing them are two significant ones.
The need for healthcare workers is not a secret. The U.S. is currently in the middle of a healthcare worker shortage due to less matriculation, worker burnout and financial stress. There has been a projected 200,000 decrease in nurses and 124,000 physicians by the 2030's. If this is not corrected, there will undoubtedly be an explosion of opportunities for ancillary workers such as home health aides, personal care attendants and occupational therapists. Clinical dietitians have always been in high demand as they play a crucial role in the rehabilitative process.
"A Heart for Health" is a deep dive into some of the reasons why entering the field of health can be an enriching experience despite its challenges. Written from the perspective of a clinical dietitian, this non-fictional account of several patient stories will allow you to appreciate the human aspect of healthcare as opposed to viewing it as burdensome. These accounts also provide guidance and best practices for a range of medical issues. Nurses, dietitians, social workers, physical therapists, and medical doctors all can glean nuggets of wisdom to utilize when approaching just about any patient encounter.
