We are in a Health Crisis. True or False?

Well, friends. The data is in and we are in fact right smack in the middle of a health crisis. And it’s not pretty.

 

At the time of this writing, it is estimated that 93.2% of Americans are “metabolically unhealthy”. That means most of us are passengers on a one-way train headed straight towards illness and chronic disease, if not there already. The increase of heart disease, strokes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, dementia, type 2 diabetes, ADHD, autism, PCOS, and obesity in the last 50 years is not only alarming but mind-blowing. This is serious and unacceptable. But…there is still hope.

 

At this point, we have two choices. We can:

1. 1. Do nothing, change nothing, and stay on track to becoming sicker and sicker. I can’t help but think of the story about the frog sitting in a pot of water, enjoying his swim, completely unaware that the heat was being turned up ever so slowly. He was completely oblivious as to what was actually happening. Before he realized it, the water began to boil, and the damage was done. Sadly, for the frog, it was too late, and he paid the ultimate price. Are we going to wait until it is too late for us?
   2. We can jump out of the pot and start fighting for our lives. We still have time to learn what is actually causing this health crisis and commit to doing the things that will turn this around. Will it be easy? Absolutely not. But is living with a chronic disease easy? Absolutely not. This fight to take back our health will require us to take an honest look at our lifestyle choices, make some uncomfortable changes, and rethink the standards of conventional medicine. I believe we are worth it. And I know, for a fact, that our children are worth it. Let’s choose this option.

Just so you know, I’m not usually one to start a ruckus, but this whole thing has my blood boiling. The more I dive into it and the more I learn, the madder I get and the more driven I am to spread the word and be a part of the solution.

 

Maybe these facts will get you fired up too:

1. 1. It is now estimated that 1 in 2 adult Americans and 1 in 4 teenagers are either pre-diabetic or have full-blown type 2 diabetes. Children as young as 3 years old are now being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Let’s be clear, type 2 diabetes significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease, vision loss, nerve and circulatory disorders, and an impaired immune system, just to name a few. For the first time in recent history, we are living shorter and more chronically ill lives than did our parents and grandparents. Children are suffering from diseases that just a few decades ago were only diagnosed in much older adults.
   2. We have been led to believe that chronic disease is contained within a specific area or organ in the body. The reality is our body is made up of many complex systems which are all interconnected. The function or dysfunction of one system impacts all the other systems. Conventional medicine addresses disease as isolated issues, using prescription drugs, medical procedures, and surgery to target a symptom. However, by looking for root causes (the reasons for the symptoms), in addition to addressing lifestyle, we can begin to truly heal the body and even reverse disease. This holistic approach looks at the body as a whole, incorporating conventional medical practices when necessary.
   3. The so-called “food” industry employs food scientists to design “food” (and I use the term “food” very loosely), to reach what is called a bliss point. Their number one goal is to make us addicted to their products. And not addicted to the healthy stuff, but very unhealthy and toxic ingredients that are cheap, taste delicious, and keep us coming back for more. Yes, folks, we have become active users in a “drug” war which is resulting in devastating consequences to our health.

THIS. IS. NOT. OK!

 

Unlike the clueless little frog that met his untimely demise, we still have time to act. If we are not motivated to correct this crisis for our own health, we must do so for our children.

 

Given the 93.2% statistic, chances are either you or a loved one has already been diagnosed with a concerning or serious health condition. I know from personal experience how scary, frustrating, and heartbreaking this is. But remember, knowledge is power and action produces change. And so, my friend, if we are going to lower that 93.2%,  if we are going to improve our health and quality of life, we are going to have to start by educating ourselves and committing to making some hardcore changes. Again, if not for ourselves, then for our children.

 

Let’s pause for a minute. I realize that some of us are battling eating disorders, food addictions, depression, trauma, and other life circumstances that have a significant impact on our health and our motivation to get better. These are tough demons to fight alone and should be monitored by trusted healthcare professionals. With that said, I believe with all my heart, that with the proper information, encouragement, and support, each one of us can improve our health and wellbeing, no matter our circumstances.

 

What can we do to turn this health crisis around?

1. 1. We must learn how to prevent and reverse disease rather than depend solely on the “treat-once-diseased” approach.
   2. We must take an honest look at our lifestyle (diet, exercise, stress level, quality of sleep, mindset, and relationships) and commit to making the necessary changes.
   3. We must realize that Big Food and Big Pharma are focused on making money, not on helping us reach optimal health. If we become healthy, they lose money – lots and lots of money. Just think about that. 

I realize that this undertaking can seem overwhelming and maybe even unattainable. However, I am living proof that this journey can be empowering, exciting, and full of hope.

 

We can turn this around, friends. We have the ability to cancel our membership to the 93.2% Metabolically Unhealthy Club and take back our health. Unlike the poor frog, we still have time and the power to do so.

 

Are you ready to learn, commit, and take action? Are you ready to join the 6.8% Metabolically Healthy Club? If so, welcome aboard! I promise to do my very best to make this ride an eye-opening, life-changing, and exciting journey.

 

Here’s to learning, committing, and acting together!

 

God bless,

Debbie

 

Note: My articles are based on my personal journey to find renewed hope, seek better health, and rediscover my purpose in life. My hope is that you find my content valuable, encouraging, and inspiring. Any health information I share is based on research and practices from some of the top experts in the field of integrative and preventative medicine as well as the personal development space. Always consult with a professional medical practitioner for medical advice. Wishing you well on your journey, my friend. Let’s enjoy the ride!