Column #101

The most memorable sentence in the Declaration of Independence is: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Natural rights aren’t granted by governments. The reason for government is to protect our natural rights from infringement by aliens, other citizens, or government agencies. Within this structure, Americans enter this world as equals, but their outcomes are based on their upbringing and their own decisions and passions over time.

Today, few events drive emotions more than the healthcare struggle. The topic is toxic and, with no easy answers, the divide between “yeas” and “nays” makes the Grand Canyon look puny. But we’re going to pay for it no matter what. So the questions are: “If government controls the agenda, will I lose some rights? Will costs continue to skyrocket as people abuse a subsidized service? What are my alternatives? What can I do to help my situation and that of others?”

My father liked to tell this tale. “A bunch of ants are on a chip of wood floating swiftly downstream. The ant on the leading edge of the chip is looking forward and yelling back to the others, ‘I’ve got it. I’ve got it.’” That’s right–the lead ant has the same control over his comrade’s outcomes as do the politicians in Washington have over ours. So it’s up to us to determine our fate.

Where the healthcare fiasco ends up is anyone’s guess. Currently it costs 18% of our nation’s GNP and is growing faster than the GNP. This means it’s consuming the nation’s treasure while sickness drains the vitality of the people. This is not sustainable and in time subsidized healthcare will hit an unforgiving wall.

The solution will inevitably occur as economic realities overwhelm emotions. Here are examples of some struggles. The British agonized over baby Charlie Gard’s fate. Recently legislators have wondered how many times first responders should revive “victims” of repetitive drug overdoses. Most doctors refuse to subject themselves to the same end-of-life treatments they regularly recommend to their patients.

The only practical way to reduce healthcare costs is by encouraging self responsibility. Not all injuries are caused by accidents. Many occur because of showboating, carelessness, drunkenness, and excessive risk taking. Even avoidance and prevention regarding bacteria and viruses can be improved. Worst of all are the chronic diseases, mostly caused by improper diets, which account for 85% of the healthcare tab.

There has been steady improvement in safety and in prevention of contagious diseases over the years. On the other hand, scientific information about the best foods to eat for optimal health has hardly scratched the surface. The medical community is reluctant to recognize the many nutritional studies and anecdotal reports regarding cures through food. It’s certainly not in their self-interest financially to recommend low glycemic, nutrient dense and diverse foods that have balanced essential fatty acids.

So, if healthcare is an economic issue that could swallow us alive, it’s time for those of us who are self reliant to be proactive. We frequently hear about social media posts going viral. They’re usually stupid stunts, jokes, scary events, and cutesy stuff. But isn’t it time to get serious? I know only too well how difficult diet is as a topic. But unless those of us in the know get out there and promote the fundamentals of self responsibility regarding food’s impact on health and disease, we’ll end as victims of never-ending mass ignorance and bad leadership.

Individually we may lead long, healthy lives free of medical bills, but if the entire country gets sicker and more healthcare dependent, we’ll pay the same monetary price everyone else does without ever utilizing the services. So it’s time to pass the word. Be a teacher and a leader. If we don’t work together on this, our rights to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness are in jeopardy.

To your health.

Ted Slanker

Ted Slanker has been reporting on the fundamentals of nutritional research in publications, television and radio appearances, and at conferences since 1999. He condenses complex studies into the basics required for health and well-being. His eBook, The Real Diet of Man, is available online.

Don't miss these links for additional reading:

America's Founding Documents

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness contributor Kevin DeYoung

What Is Leadership?

Self-Responsibility: The Key to Sustained Productivity by Ramon G. Corrales

Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Health and Disease and Growth and Development by Artemis Simopoulos, MD