Lifestyle Changes that Prolong Your Life
Don't Depend on a Physician to Keep You Healthy
Americans have fallen into the habit of relying on physicians to guarantee their health. Considering the fact that doctors aren’t trained to keep people healthy, it’s probably a risky habit.
Western medicine is the exclusive purview of the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. In a 2005 expose´, USA Today revealed the scope of the pharmaceutical industry’s influence over health care policy in the US:
“They are one of the strongest, most well-connected and most effective lobbies in Washington,” said Amy Allina of the National Women's Health Network. “Going up against them is more often than not a losing battle.”
This influence not only dictates policy on Capital Hill; it extends into physicians’ offices across the country, and it even permeates the classrooms and teaching wards of medical schools. Such a force is bound to skew a doctor’s perspective on what is best for patients.
Given big business’ interest in maintaining a hierarchy that generates maximum profits, Americans are likely being denied access to many modalities that might contribute to their well-being. Simply put, if a new instrumentation or medication isn’t developed and patented by a pharmaceutical or biomedical company, it probably isn’t going to be marketed to mainstream America.
Western medicine—mostly for the reasons mentioned above—is designed primarily to deal with the acutely ill or injured. We have developed a form of “battlefield medicine” that is unsurpassed. However, as a means for helping individuals to attain long-term optimal health, our system of health care consistently falls short.
So, how can the average American citizen—that underinsured, overworked and overextended commodity—circumvent a medical paradigm that isn’t designed to ensure good health? In his book Overdosed America, John Abramson, MD, discusses behavioral changes that all Americans can adopt, and that have repeatedly been shown to contribute to longevity and a better quality of life. Studies consistently reveal the benefits of these lifestyle changes:
- Attain (and maintain) ideal body weight. The connection between obesity and diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers (breast, uterine, colon, stomach and kidney) is well established. A BMI (body mass index) between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy (A note of caution: While BMI correlates well with body fat stores in most individuals, it is far less accurate in conditioned athletes and in elderly or sedentary individuals).
- Stop smoking. The relationship between smoking and early death from cancer and emphysema is indisputable.
- Exercise. While some occupations demand more physical activity than others, the most effective form of exercise is that which is deliberate. At least 30 minutes (preferably 45 to 60 minutes) of moderate to vigorous exercise on at least five days of the week are necessary to achieve maximal benefit. Research shows that individuals who participate in regular exercise significantly reduce their risk of stroke, heart attack, and various cancers.
- Consume a healthy diet. Eat five or more servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. Use whole grains instead of processed or refined grains and flours. Limit consumption of red or processed meats. The typical American diet has been implicated in higher rates of cancer, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Limit consumption of alcohol. More than two drinks daily for men (one drink daily for women) increases the risks for liver damage and cancers of the liver, breast, stomach, esophagus, kidney, and head and neck.
Americans have choices. They can continue to depend on a health care system that is seriously flawed, or they can become more self-reliant and take control of their own vitality and longevity. With determination, anyone can embrace those habits that will increase their healthy life expectancy.
