Dear Editor:
The healthcare debate is focused on health insurance and its availability. Despite the availability of health insurance (along with the availability of government health insurance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid) and despite our advanced medical system, chronic diseases afflict tens of millions of people. These chronic diseases are at epidemic levels. These diseases include cancer, heart disease, type 2- diabetes and depression and anxiety among others. People with these chronic diseases live on expensive pharmaceutical drugs, but, generally speaking, they do not get healed. While the drugs and medical treatment they get for these diseases are expensive, they only help manage these diseases and alleviate symptoms. For the most part, they do not prevent or heal these diseases. The way to get healthcare costs down is for government to take action to improve the health of the population. The way to do that is (i) by government action to reduce toxins in our air, food and water and (ii) through wellness programs, education and reimbursement by health insurance companies for alternative therapies. The main causes of chronic diseases (that are now at epidemic levels) are poor diet, lack of adequate exercise, obesity, poor nutrition and stress and negativity along with toxins in our air, food and water. These things cumulatively damage our immune system, drain our energy and make our bodies vulnerable to disease. Smoking, alcohol and drug abuse also hurt our health.
So, to reduce healthcare costs, our focus must be on prevention and wellness. We must address the root causes of disease with education, wellness programs, alternative therapies and a system that rewards people who take care of themselves. W eight reduction and exercise programs are important. Nutritionists and nutrition counseling along with gym membership and physical training are important. Smoke cessation and alcohol and addiction programs important. With respect to diet, only fresh, whole vegetables and fruit (organic and raw is the best) provide the vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants needed for good health. At least 70 to 80% of a healthy diet should consist of fresh, whole vegetables and fruits. Starches should consist of whole grains, yams and sweet potatoes. We need to avoid (or at least greatly reduce) processed and junk foods because they contain toxins, refined sugar, trans-fats and high fructose corn syrup that hurt health. In any event, these foods do not contain adequate vitamins or minerals.
We need to take vitamins, trace minerals, anti-oxidants (such as co q 10) and anti- inflammation supplements (such as fish oil and flaxseed oil). This will help end vitamin and mineral deficiencies, a leading cause of disease. This will also address oxidation and inflammation, the basis of all disease. We need to turn more to natural remedies such as herbal supplements. Herbal supplements help prevent and heal disease. The cost of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, anti –inflammation and herbal supplements should all be reimbursed by health insurance, as part of a good wellness program.
People need to be taught how to reduce stress (including financial and relationship stress). They should be taught techniques for positive thinking and how to achieve and maintain a state of happiness, balance, inner peace, peace of mind and optimism. Yoga, meditation, acupuncture and Reiki (energy healing) and hypnosis are all important to address these issues. These alternative techniques should be made widely available and their costs should be reimbursed by health insurance. Daily exercise is important. It can be as little as walking a few miles a day, and lifting light weights. People need to drink a lot of filtered water, at least 8 glasses a day, work with chiropractors for good posture (for energy flow) and yoga instructors for stretching (for better flow of energy) and deep breathing techniques (for more oxygen). For the most part, alternative therapies are not reimbursed by health insurance. They should because natural therapies will drive down the costs of healthcare and the direct and indirect costs of chronic diseases.
Best Regards,
Michael E. Goldberg Author The Road to Healing, Good Health and Wellness, available at amazon.com, kindle and barnes and noble.com
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