Hi Charles,

In my opinion, a large part of medicine in the future is going to be "preventative" medicine. Just like the issue of peak oil, where we see the majority take a reactive approach to the problem, today's medicine is still largely 'reactive' to problems that occur, rather than preventative. Focus should be placed on those fundamental tenets of health - good food and good water. After that, every person should be trained in First Aid, as good First Aid can mitigate the effects of trauma in the event that no other health care is available. The collection of blood and plasma should remain a priority, as these play a fundamental role in health care provision.

Because it is likely that more people will walk, take bicycles, etc., and that the processed food industry will either decline or become more expensive, obesity/diabetes will probably become less of a healthcare issue during the Right Side of Hubbert's Curve.

We will probably have to wait longer for surgical procedures...if these are available at all. Early detection of problems can mitigate the problem posed by longer wait times for surgery.

Everybody will have to become more responsible for their own health. As such, we should be encouraged to keep track of health issues, problems, treatments, allergies, etc. Information and patient history is key when medical diagnosis and prognostication is made.

Libraries should be planned in advance, that reflect a continuing focus on health. This should include information about identification and use of local plants; about things like small-scale water treatment; about application of first aid; maintenance and overhaul of bicycles; non-refrigerated preservation of foods to prevent food-borne illness such as botulism.

Information should be sought about what kinds of health problems are likely to pop up in the future. If more people are going to partake in small-scale agriculture, the possibility of musculoskeletal injury is likely to increase, as are soil fauna related infections, and sunburn. A variety of prevention mechanisms should be in place, including the availability of personal protective clothing such as hard-hats, a wide variety of gloves, footwear including steel caps; eye, ear, and lung protection. If suncreen becomes unavailable, appropriate clothing and headwear should be available. Introduction of a 2-hour 'siesta' at the height of the day's sun should be considered for all who work outdoors continuously.

We should also be looking now at the types of diseases that arise when food and water sanitation is below-par, things like diarrhea, malaria, dysentery, amongst many others, and what can be done about this.

There are many other things as well, but this should provide some food for thought.

Cheers,

Clive.
"We borrow the earth from our grandchildren. We do not inherit it from our grandparents."