James, a first-year university student, juggles part-time work, classes, and a social life. He knows he’s at risk for diabetes due to his family history, but managing a healthy lifestyle feels impossible. His busy schedule leads to irregular meals and little time for exercise, and his healthcare provider only gives general advice that doesn’t fit his lifestyle. Without personalized support or a plan tailored to his hectic routine, James feels disconnected from the idea of preventative care, increasing his risk for chronic health issues.

The future of healthcare is personalized. What would it look like if you could create a technology that customizes healthy living plans to fit each person’s lifestyle? How could it change the lives of people at risk for chronic diseases, while balancing innovation with privacy and accessibility?

Inspired by the secondary student-led Thrive Health Initiative.

In a small town, Maria, a single mother of two, struggles to provide healthy meals for her family. Living in a food desert, the nearest grocery store is miles away, and without reliable transportation, she relies on the local convenience store. The options are limited to processed foods, high sugar content, and unhealthy additives. Over time, Maria notices her children becoming less active and frequently ill, while she develops chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Despite her best efforts, Maria can't afford the medications she needs, and her health worsens.

Food insecurity is a serious public health problem that leads to poor nutrition and worsens many health issues, from diabetes to mental health problems. What can make accessing nutritious food easier, even if they live far from grocery stores? How can these changes improve health and reduce healthcare costs in the future?

In 2008, Brian Sinclair, an Indigenous man, died after waiting 34 hours in a Winnipeg emergency room without being seen. Because of his race, health-care workers assumed he was intoxicated or homeless, failing to assess his medical condition. His death, which could have been prevented, highlights how stereotypes and biases can influence patient care and worsen health outcomes. (Ignored to death: Brian Sinclair's death caused by racism, inquest inadequate, group says)

Consider the potential impact of stereotypes and assumptions in patient care, especially during critical stages like triage. How do such biases, as seen in the Brian Sinclair case, affect the treatment of marginalized groups? What changes could be implemented to ensure healthcare systems meet the full spectrum of patient needs, regardless of background or identity?