In a recent visit to my primary care physician for a yearly something or other, I was waiting in one exam room reading when I found that I could overhear part of the conversation going on in the next room between the doctor and one of his patients.
Now, don’t get worried…the reason I could hear it was because the doctor was getting quite animated while discussing this person’s health with them and was getting exasperated by this person’s stubborn refusal to truly hear what he was saying: “The nerves are DYING-that is why your hands and feet are NUMB-you NEED to get your sugar under control!” I love this doctor. I love his passionate committment to his patients. He resisted the urge to be polite. He embraced his role as a person who is partially responsible for this public’s health. I wish every person would care this much.
Our healthcare system is a shambles. We’re sicker than ever. We take the most drugs. We die from medical intervention and negligence so frequently that it is now close to the number 1 killer of people in the country. People are going bankrupt individually at a very high rate while trying to pay for medical care and it is clear that our country’s healthcare system may be doing the same. Individually we ignore the fundamental needs of our bodies to eat properly, exercise and manage stress and then expect the insurance companies and government to pay 100% for our neglect. Medicine performs unnecessary surgeries to the tune of billions of dollars per year. Drug companies make insane profits, but neglect true health.
Here’s an idea. Today, do something that you know will be healthier. Sign up for a free yoga class or mindfulness class. Partake in the multitude of wellness classes offered by CDPHP or the YMCA or senior centers. Get your spine checked for subluxation. If action is too much, omit something. One less diet Pepsi. One less teaspoon of sugar in your coffee. One less minute sitting in an unnatural posture on the computer!
We all need to partake in healthcare reform. The Green movement has been so successful in helping us realize our impact on the earth. Let today be the day you realize that no person, no organization, business or government is more responsible for your health than you!