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Invest in Your Health

A recent radio newscaster used the word, “capitulation,” when describing today’s investor in the stock market. Capitulation, in the stock market, is when the investor gives up and pulls out entirely. He or she does not ride out the economic waves, but is gun-shy about investing further in a volatile instrument. My first reaction to this news spot was, “What better time but to invest in yourself?” When everything else feels like it is failing you, you have the most control over your body and mind. Make it as healthy and sharp as possible.

In thinking about the theme of this article, an old cartoon popped in my head. In this cartoon, an out of shape and not so healthy looking individual sits on an examination table, while the physician stands directly across from and converses with this patient. The physician says, “You can consult with a registered dietitian and learn about nutrition and weight loss to help your condition, but this is most-likely not covered by your insurance.” The physician continues to tell the patient, “Or, you can undergo radical surgery, and that is most-likely covered completely by your insurance.” The patient quickly responds, “I’ll take the surgery.”

Funny as it sounds, it is pretty sad. Our politicians have plenty of ideas for fixing our healthcare system, but no one has ever entertained a tax or penalty for those who do not take care of their mental or physical health. Even “preventive” health plans give very little incentive for undergoing nutritional care and mental health services as a means to avoiding unnecessary visits to the doctor, expensive medications and radical surgeries.

Dr. Dean Ornish pioneered the heart reversal diet, low in fat and low on the food chain. Heart Reversal programs began to pop up around the country, costing a few thousand dollars in exchange for longevity. Initially, his approach was criticized and labeled as “radical” by other healthcare providers and the media. Dr. Ornish regularly posed the question, in his presentations, “What is more radical: drugs and surgery or eating healthy?”

For more than 40 years, T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. has been at the forefront of nutrition research. His legacy, the China Study, is the most comprehensive study of health and nutrition ever conducted. In The China Study, Dr. Campbell outlines the connection between nutrition and heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and also its ability to reduce or reverse the risk or effects of these deadly illnesses. The study was the culmination of a 20-year partnership of Cornell University, Oxford University and the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine.

The findings of this study showed that individuals who ate the most animal-based foods developed the most chronic disease. Individuals who ate the most plant-based foods were the healthiest and tended to avoid chronic disease. The problem that most people find in eating healthy is the increase in their grocery bills. What if you looked at your increase in grocery bills as saving money later on your bill of health?

Some corporations, such as Johnson and Johnson, have developed incentive based health plans, where employees get certain bonuses for regular check ups, and penalties for ignoring their health. Other employer groups have carved out nutrition and exercise coverage in their health plans.

On the other hand, we spend thousands of dollars on education and activities for our children, but ignore the necessity of addressing prevention and treatment of destructive behaviors. In my eating disorder practice, I see bright individuals who have achieved academic honors, but yet will never be able to function on a job unless they take their recovery seriously. And then there are those families who choose to brush these illnesses under the carpet, ignoring the value of addressing one’s mental health.

So, if you are thinking about a special gift this holiday season, for you or someone you love, spend it on the gift of health. If you are looking to make a serious renovation to your house, renovate your inner house. Happy holidays!