Women’s World Cup 2019
This week marks the opening of the 8th FIFA Women’s World Cup which is taking place in France. For those of you who might not be familiar with the World Cup, it is the Olympics of the soccer world, and like the Olympics, it only comes around every four years. National teams from all over the world have been playing in matches all over the globe in order to qualify for this prestigious tournament. Why is this a big deal you might ask? The U.S. Women’s National Team has won this tournament 3 out of 7 times and are a strong favorite to win it again. Even if you are not a soccer fan and don’t know a touch from a save or a yellow card from a lineup card, one can’t help but feel the excitement as the women representing our country take to the field.
You might be asking yourself how this relates to healthcare here in Indiana? There are many primary and secondary roads that connect the world cup and our health. Beyond the obvious of getting outside and participating in an active sport where one runs (or walks) up and down the soccer field and the health benefits associated with exercise. The Women’s World Cup is a focus upon women and their athletic prowess, their confidence, and the showcasing of their ability to perform at an incredibly high level. There is an emotional health component to the benefits of watching these incredible athletes perform that can not be underestimated. For a young girl or young woman to see others accomplish their goals and to see others live out their dreams can give a young person the boost of confidence that they might feel is lacking in their own life. Not everyone can be a super model or a movie star, but we can all strap on our cleats and hit the playing field no matter what level player we are. Athletics gives confidence and it helps to keep us healthy.
Many people might remember the recent news of the U.S. Women’s National Team standing up for better pay. The women’s team, which has had incredible success over the past 30 years continue to be paid significantly less than what members of the men’s national team are being paid. The popularity of the women’s team from their success on the field has given them considerable power to negotiate for better pay not just for themselves but to raise the issue with all working women and the fact that there is still a pay gap between women and men for the same work. Despite the new collective bargaining agreement in 2017, the USWNT (United Stated Women’s National Team) is still paid less than the men despite their long-term success and prestige. The USWNT has become the face for all women in the struggle for equality and acceptance in all areas of life…when those women stride onto a field, they not only carry the weight of national pride on their back, but they also carry the cause for women everywhere.
Imagine a world where women were truly equal to men in pay, in respect, and in acceptance. Imagine a world where little girls could grow up in a safe place feeling full of confidence and secure in her own abilities. Imagine a place where women are truly equal in every aspect of life…sounds like a pretty cool world to me. If you’re a seasoned fan or are watching for the first time, the USWNT kicks off play today at 3:00 against Thailand. Go U.S.A.! thanks for reading and as I always prompt, take care of yourself and each other, remember, we’re all in this together.
Wm Reid
Best Home Care Services
325 N Eastern Ave
Connersville, IN 47331
765-827-9833
wmreid@bhcshealth.com