Healing the Sick? Easing Suffering? Let's get to the root of the problem.

With all the change that has been happening, there is a lot of discussion in changing how we as a nation approach health and health care issues. There's whispers of the Obama presidency using their initial political capital to try to move toward a model for universal health care within the first 100 days. With Sen Tom Daschle at the helm of the Department of Health and Human Services, Rahm Emanuel calling for sweeping health care reforms, we may possibly get closer to ensuring that all americans can access health care.

But beyond health care, can we be a nation that promotes health? Not just waiting for diseases and treating them, but keeping people healthy.

The CDC and a number of other national organizations are leading an initiative to improve the health of our country -- the Alliance for the Healthiest Nation. As an epidemiologist, my job was to measure disease and the burden of disease in our country. I would love to see us as a country
move away from looking at diseases but getting to a point where we can prevent diseases. This is something I'm personally excited about and will be working on!

If you're interested in learning more, check out the website, or come talk to me. Let's change the way we build our communities, educate our children, protect immigrants and marginalized populations to keep everyone healthy, not just those who can afford to be.

Namesake

The namesake of this blog, Circus Animals, was those wonderful crispy iced cookies made by Mother's Cookies.



Yesterday, it was announced that Mother's Cookies has crumbled and will be shutting down effective Monday.

They were a huge bay area institution and for many of us, a big part of our childhoods. This is just a sad little cry for the end of an era. I'm going to go drown my sorrows about the dow falling 5 billion points in two days in a bag of circus animals that Jason bought for me. Yes, I'm hoarding them. Watch me get fat.

What was your favorite Mother's cookie? Or favorite non-existent brand of anything from your childhood?

Don't Vote.

Deadline to register to vote is October 17 in California.

Whatever you believe, whereever you sit on the political spectrum of ours, exercise your right to vote. People before you have fought long and hard to create a system (as sometimes dysfunctional as it is) that we would have a say in government.

So here's a multi-pronged strategy depending on the type of learner you are:
1) Star studded multi-media




2) Step-by-step instructions
If you've moved since the last time you voted, you need to re-register
a) You can pick up a voter registration card at the library, sometimes at post offices, county offices, city halls. You can also download it here.

b) Make sure it's post-marked by October 17. Easy as pie.

c) Go vote on November 4. Work even gives you time off to go vote.



After you're registered to vote, talk about. Talk about it with your friends with your neighbors. Take media election coverage with a grain of salt. Learn about the issues. You're never going to feel fully informed, but if you take an hour or two to read through your voter materials, you can make a difference.

Not only is there an important Presidential election, but there are lots of other local, state, and federal elections that are also important. And in California, we have our lovely referendum system, so you'll be voting on: gay marriage, the humane treatment of chickens that provide eggs in California, and electric utilities.

Ok, I'm going to get off my soapbox now and go read up on California chickens!

Devastation

Sadly, we had to give up Beaker this morning. The short of it, is that from whatever his past trauma that he suffered before we adopted him, he has significant emotional and behavioral needs that we can't help him with. He's a perfect dog when we're around. Well mannered, playful, house trained, crate trained, and affectionate. However, when we're not around, he's a terror and becomes a danger to himself and his environment. So, sadly, Beaker is now at a shelter looking for a new home - hopefully a wonderful family that will have someone home most of the day to work with him on his anxiety. The Humane Society said that they don't doubt he'll find a good home very quickly. We hope so too.

We'll miss you, Beaks! Be a good dog and learn to trust that your new owners will always come home. Keep being your playful, wonderful self.

And.....makes 3!

Meet the newest member of our family! Introducing Beaker!

A little bit about Beaker...he's a one-year-old Border Terrier (we think mix). He was found wandering the streets of San Jose a couple weeks ago. He loves his chew toys and can chew through anything stuffed. He's a little nervous about being left alone, but loves company and attention!

Feel free to come by and if you have a dog, once he's a little bit more settled, he'd love to have a playdate!

Photos removed because they make me sad.