The debate over health insurance rages on, amped up in this election year. And yet the public remains essentially naive and duped. What is erroneously labeled health insurance should instead be called illness management insurance, as that is, in fact, what it is.
There's a going belief that increased, affordable access to doctors, clinics and hospitals will somehow ensure better health. Health insurance isn't a commodity that can be bought, nor will anyone's health substantially improve with the policies of any president, Congress or court.
To assure health, or at least put the odds in our favor, we must, on occasion, get up from our TVs and computer screens, pull out our ear buds and have a walk around. Let's smell the roses or at least take some moments to notice and engage our surroundings. Optimally, we should enjoy some aerobic exercise several times a week. We can eat less and eat well. Prevention of most illnesses is boosted by eating fruits, grains, vegetables and plant-based protein, that is, by choosing a predominantly plant-based diet.
Health statistics look increasingly ominous, with epidemics of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer, as well as anxiety, insomnia, autism and depression. It's time to just say no to the insidious dumbing-down of our common sense that today's sophisticated advertising promotes.
Today's normal, a sedentary lifestyle and meat-and-dairy based diet, is a formula for declining health, guaranteed. The best alternative is to consciously take charge and boldly embrace wellness.
Dr. Barry Sultanoff
Haiku
