It’s 2013…woooo! If you’re one of the 50% of Americans who resolve annually to improve their health, I hope you have more than a wish to do so! Because it’s not looking good for the good ole’ U.S. of A.
A new 378-page report from the National Research Council shows that among the 17-richest nations, America is last in many health categories. In case you didn’t know, the U.S. spends $2.6 trillion each year on our health care system, which is by far the world’s most expensive. Not really the return on investment that we hoped for…
Not only do we have lower life expectancy and higher infant mortality than most high-income countries, Americans are also less healthy across their entire life spanscompared to the other 16 nations.
To the surprise of most, even Americans who are white, insured, college-educated, and upper-income are worse off than the same group around the world. It doesn’t appear to be a socioeconomic problem alone.
So where are we going wrong?
- Eating – We are the most overfed and undernourished population on the planet. We consume sugary drinks, processed foods, and artificial ingredients at an alarming rate. Our rates of diabetes, obesity, cancer, heart disease, and chronic disability are the results of the way we eat! Eat natural foods (fruits, veggies, nuts, etc.) and avoid artificial and processed foods.
- Moving – Physical inactivity has become a way of life. We raise our children using video games and television as a permanent babysitter. We drive everywhere. Depressed? Exercise! It works better than medication!
- Thinking – Whether it’s family, work, school or something else, emotional stress affects us all. Finding constructive ways to adapt to the emotional stress of daily life is essential. Adopt an attitude of gratitude, do yoga or meditation, and take control of your life!
- Neglect – We get our teeth checked, eyes checked, and even our cars checked – but few people routinely get their spine and nervous system checked. News flash: You can live without cars, teeth, or even eyes – you can’t live without your spine or nervous system. Find a chiropractor (“Hi, I’m Dr. Ian“) and bring your whole family. You can’t afford not to!
This year you have the opportunity to improve the health of yourself and your family. Make this year more than a resolution, make it reality, and let us help!
Recent Comments