The Fire in my Belly

I went with dad to the doctor yesterday and while waiting (and waiting, and waiting) I read an article in a recent edition of Time magazine that talked about the shameful lack of knowledge that medical doctors have about preventive health practices.  I won’t go into the politics of the “why,” (because evidently they don’t get PAID to talk about how to prevent illness and disease) but I can’t resist a comment or two about their solution.  Get this.  Harvard College of Medicine no less has finally added a course (as in, ONE) on nutrition and wellness.  Only it’s not offered in the regular medical school curriculum...it’s offered as continuing education for doctors already out here.  Doctors already practicing.  Who don’t know about health and wellness through nutrition.  Does that strike any of you as odd?  And somewhat creepy?

Folks...I’m sorry, but this needs to be said.  “Follow the money trail.”  The insurance companies, who rule the universe, have finally decided to pay for ONE health and wellness session a year.  (Maybe.  This might go into effect in 2014.)  One.  So, because they can now get PAID to offer this session, doctors are looking for a way to impart this information.

Hello?  

I hate to say it, docs, but don’t bother.  Don’t give one perfunctory lecture on eating less, exercising more, and cutting out tobacco and alcohol.  That’s not a bad message, but America has had that generic message crammed down our throats for years.  Yet...we’ve continued to ignore it.   What’s keeping us from putting our considerable talent and intelligence behind getting healthy through nutrition?  What?  (This is not a quiz...I don’t know the answer)

I just know this.  There are proven causes and effects between what we eat and how we feel.  We can prevent disease through our food.  We can lessen the odds of family genetics getting us by reducing or eliminating harmful foods proven to lead to undesired illness.  My sweet mom has had not one but TWO cancers that are familial.  My odds of getting colon and breast cancer are higher than yours.  You better BELIEVE I’ve read up on foods I should incorporate into my diet to prevent those two killers.  I may get one or the other anyway, but it certainly won’t be because I pulled that russian roulette trigger by eating harmful junk.

I feel so passionate about this that it BAFFLES me that others don’t.  I can’t relate on any level to someone who doesn’t care about her health.  Never mind the outward appearance, although naturally, when you take care of the inside, the outside usually matches, doesn’t it? 

What’s your opinion?  What are your thoughts?  Did your eyes glaze over or did I start a fire in your belly?  If you glazed over, please share why...If you’ve changed even ONE thing in the name of better health, pat yourself on the back and share that too.  

And Morgan, here’s a link to the article you want about why you shouldn’t be drinking diet cokes.  Thanks to the lovely JC for the info!    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41479869/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/