Anyone who knows me will tell you that I’m not an “R” guy or a “D” guy. I’m a truth guy. And I’m relieved that a political candidate (now former candidate) started a conversation about public health and made it a core issue of his platform.
I haven’t heard either of the two most prominent candidates discuss chronic illness, obesity, or nutrition in speeches, interviews, or debates. But Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. continues to make public health a primary focus.
I can already see the eye rolls and hear the sighs. I ask you to put aside politics. Forget about any other positions he may have taken. Forget the messenger and focus on the message.
He talks about the “tragic epidemic of chronic disease” and its impact on the financial health of our country compared to when his uncle was president.
He talks about the childhood obesity rate in America compared to Japan and other countries.
He talks about the prevalence of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
He talks about the state of neurological diseases in children compared to just 20 years ago.
He talks about how many women are on antidepressant medication and how many children are on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depression and other mental health conditions.
He talks about the high percentage of ultra-processed food in the diet of American children.
He talks about healthy lunches in schools.
He talks about the toxic chemicals in our food supply, medicine, and environment.
He talks about how lobbyists for big food and big pharma influence our “health agencies.”
He talks about how much we invest in prescription medication rather than educating people about health and lifestyle choices that help us restore and maintain our health.
His solution to these problems, at a high level, is relatively simple. End corruption in our health agencies, change incentives in our healthcare system, and inspire Americans, especially kids, to get healthy.
When was the last time you heard a presidential candidate discuss these issues and call out the people and organizations at fault?
Again, put political affiliations aside for a minute and, ideally, for much longer.
I’m not endorsing a candidate here. I’m advocating for public health.
I’m asking you to make this issue a priority while I recognize and respect that other issues are important to you as well, and rightfully so. However, the ongoing chronic illness epidemic will continue to take a toll on our country long after any of today’s elected officials have left office.
Let’s bring the conversation back to your community, your home, and your dinner table. Think about the reward of local farming, shopping and cooking for yourself, having dinner with family, and reducing your family’s stress loads.
This is the conversation I’ve been having with patients and families in clinical practice for 30 years, and with more than 30,000 people who have attended my free health education programs. This is the message I’ve conveyed through hundreds of articles and videos. This has been a driving force behind everything I’ve done throughout my adult life.
Health literacy is the key to longevity, which is why a conversation about chronic illness, obesity, and nutrition in the final months of an election season is long overdue. Now, it’s time for this conversation to spark meaningful action.
Finally.