The State of America's Health as Obama Takes Office

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Tjlfjabq of WV 1:00AM July 15, 2009

In September, 2007 I was diagnosed with diabetes (age 46). I was overweight, lived a sedentary lifestyle and didn't eat right, even though I knew better. Now diabetes affects my daily life and future. I made everything else but my health a priority and it's too late now for a "do over." It's been 18 months and I've made some observations. Our health care system is reactionary, not focused on prevention as much as it could be. Drugs are a major industry, given after you get in trouble. The side effects and potential risks are ridiculous. After my diagnosis I worked with a nutritionist and did my own research. I lost 80 pounds in 5 months by learning how, what and when to eat and I worked out. I got my sugar under control and without the drugs my doctor wanted me on. Everyone knows someone with diabetes and our children are getting it in record numbers, along with other health conditions that used to be seen only in older people. Obesity and improper nutrition are major risk factors. I try now to work with my kids and talk with people to share what I know. It's hard to make time to shop and prepare healthy foods. When we're on the go, we have limited healthy choices and we've developed a taste for high-fat, high-sugar foods. I've found when you get off sugar you don't crave it. I've learned good health starts on a cellular level. Feed your cells right and they can do their job. Fruits and vegetables are huge -- study after study shows the link to disease prevention. We need 5-9 a day -- but who does that? I do now but I couldn't get my kids or husband to. I happened to find a nutritional beverage that provides the equivalent of 13 servings of fruits and vegetables. You drink a few ounces a day, so it’s convenient and is absorbed quickly. I started drinking it too because I wasn't getting the variety of fruits I needed. The old "apples, bananas and oranges" routine isn't good enough. I saw my blood sugar numbers drop even more -- to normal. I was thrilled and told my doctor about it so he could tell his other diabetic patients. He said he couldn't recommend nutritional products because it crossed a line for him. But his office was filled with pens, calendars, tissue boxes, charts, brochures, soap dispensers, and other promo items from drug companies. Prevention or reactionary? What do we really want? We can't wait for the government, doctors, schools or health insurance companies to find our magic bullet. Read, learn. We can make choices that make all the difference. What I drink is Monavie (check out wwww.thegreatproduct.com/seewhy). I became a distributor (it's a network marketing company) so I could drink it at wholesale cost. It works for me. I'm not here to post an ad but tell people what I've learned the hard way. My point is whatever you choose to do, CHOOSE to do SOMETHING. Don't wait until you get diabetes, have the heart attack, get a stroke. You'll be amazed how good nutrition affects your energy, mood, sleep, productivity...life!

Denise Wahl of MI 4:51PM March 08, 2009

Although we're living in an unprecedented time of affluence, technology, and even longevity, Michelle Andrews aptly points out that we are not well in this great nation. We have neglected the most fundamental habits of sound nutrition and consistent physical activity and in so doing, we are tragically and inconceivably sick! The human body is designed to be in motion and to consume a diet rich in plant based foods. We have been deluded into thinking that we can somehow bypass this eloquent design. We sow a lifestyle of absolute devotion to packaged, calorie dense, fake-food substances and wonder why we are reaping ever increasing rates of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia, to name a few. Can we violate the principle of gravity and avoid going splat?! Can we violate the same laws of nature in our body and enjoy health and longevity? I think not. What is even more inane is that our government is literally using our tax dollars to support the very industries that promulgate these unhealthy choices! Indeed we are a foolish nation and leaving a terrible legacy to our children and grandchildren. May God have mercy on us!!!

F. Matt Brown, Jr, MD- Nutri-Doc of NC 11:25AM February 27, 2009

The saying "you reap what you sow" comes to mind. americans are fat because we are lazy. i admit i could lose a few pounds myself. Take a look at other countries. Food is not nearly as processed as it is here in america. We are tought to eat healthy and exercise but how are we supposed to be healthy when most of our food is all processed garbage with more additives and chemicals than you can find at Home Depot. Who cares who smokes or who doesn't. Its a personal choice to smoke. Smokers are WELL AWARE of the risks they impose on themselves and their families by smoking. In a quest to make food cheaper our food companies have used additives and flavorings to suplement real flavors and nutrients. When was the last time you saw a food that contained REAL SUGAR and not this HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP crud? the foods that contain real ingredients are organic or all natural. i agree they taste better, but who is willing to shell out 1 to 2 more dollars for a product that is all natural and better for you when the economy is the way it is. Another thing is doctors and pharmacutical companies making up "excuse drugs". I agree that there are inherited diseases and traits that are not good for your health but i HONESTLY believe that obesity is NOT a disease. people get that way on their own. Do these shows like the biggest loser show you one of these obese people on a daily basis from morning to night. what they eat each day etc. Pharmacutical companies make me sick, they are out for cash. Do you ever see so many medicine advertisements on TV in europe? i cant watch tv anymore without getting sickened by all these adds for weight loss, ED, high blood pressure or diabetes meds. the article says over diagnosing etc but what about over medicating? This country needs to reevaluate its healthcare systems and hopefully the new president will do something useful.

of NJ 3:06PM January 21, 2009