60 Minutes

Last night on 60 Minutes, Steve Kroft did a fabulous piece on the Quaid family who had their babies given an accidental overdose of blood thinner, nearly killing them by a hospital.

There was also some news I heard recently where the FAA is investigating whether a crew was asleep during a flight where it flew over an airport.

Lesley Stahl also did a fabulous piece last night on the dangers of the lack of sleep, sleep deprivation.

I think this is a clear epidemic that is vastly understood and vastly under-reported. Research is beginning to show that sleep deprivation causes an increase in appetite, lower metabolism, and the body not being able to physically break down excess fast and sugars.

I think industries like the medical field and the airline field (air traffic controllers as well) are suffering greatly from these issues. And the problem is there's virtually no way to fix the problem without some serious cash. Who would want to be a doctor or a nurse these days? Not just because of the insane amount of schoolwork that right should go into the profession, but the required working hours (especially for nurses) are ridiculous!!! It's no wonder these men and women make mistakes, they are half asleep!!

Airline pilots have also reportedly been tired beyond belief. It's clear that the companies drive for profits is hurting their willingness to not just pay people a decent wage, but also give them reasonable hours to work.

It won't be until the body politic comes along and smacks a few MASSIVE punitive judgments in several court cases that these industries will get it. More nurses will come if you pay them a decent wage for the hellish work they often do, and treat them like humans by giving them reasonable shifts. Pay well, allow reasonable work hours, and yes, people will flock to such a rewarding field.

It's also partly why teachers are in dire need. There is a massive glut of old teachers that are starting to retire, and when they all go, look out...there may be some holes to fill.