Health Care Reform Begins in the Kitchen
By Pamela Wake, M.S.

The whole country is looking at the subject of health care reform with skepticism and the underlying hope that the quality of health care currently available will improve and not only be affordable, but will show some personal concern for the individual and their unique health needs.  The reality is we have to start looking at preventive health instead of putting a bandaid on symptoms and acting only when a crisis occurs.  It’s not only poor health care, but it’s financially draining on both sides and leaving people disenchanted, disappointed and grappling for answers.

As I watched President Obama talk about health care reform at one of his town hall visits, I was pleasantly surprised to hear him emphasize that our health care system is really a “disease care system.”  He used an example about a diabetic who, had he been given a proper diet plan to manage his condition at the onset, wouldn’t be coming in with gangrene and need his foot amputated years later.

We are talking about making enormous changes in not only how doctors and health care workers are trained, but implementing nationwide insurance mandates and putting new systems into place in the midst of one of the worst financial times in recent history. Whether or not this issue begins to be addressed any time soon, we need to look within our own means to manage our health.  We play a role in this dysfunctional system in choosing to participate in a health care model that doesn’t work.  So, I suggest taking control and making the choice to seek alternatives.  

On a fundamental level, what’s really missing in evaluating a person’s health is looking at each individual as a unique entity.  Each person has a unique physiology and reacts to stress, food, relationships and life in general in an individual way.  We cannot say across the board that if everyone eats XYZ from each of the four food groups that this will assure good health.  We cannot say that one pill designed for millions of people is appropriate for everyone.  This is antiquated thinking that has proven useless with the high numbers of people diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension and heart disease in this country.  What’s even worse is that diseases that used to affect older generations are now showing up in our children.

Studies and stories have been released that reveal the quality of health in towns and cultures around the world; some very remote, and most rooted in thousands of years of history.  What is defining about most of these communities is the absence of fast food, medication, and a reliance on doctors and hospitals.  What’s embedded in these groups of people is a lifestyle rooted in a connection with the earth, whole foods, and self education about how to use specific foods and herbs to heal and maintain health.

Hundreds of thousands of years ago we survived on wild meat, fruit and vegetables. Only following World War II when mass refrigeration occurred did the human diet drastically change.  Preservatives, additives, and pesticides became commonplace.  We now look for what is most convenient, pleasing to taste and easy to obtain.  We are looking for quick fixes and still not looking at the real issue.  Consuming wheat can mean stomach pain and suffering for some; nuts can mean death for others.  What else are we missing?  

With thousands of food products available to eat, there have to be hundreds of other foods that are not appropriate for certain individuals.  Why isn’t the dietary therapy prescribed to cancer patients scrutinized and applied to preventing cancer in the first place?  Why did my daughter’s pediatrician scoff at me when I suggested eliminating milk from her diet to alleviate the phlegm in her nose and lungs (which resolved when I did it anyway)?  Instead of trying to concoct a new pill or product, what about going back to basics and studying what has worked for thousands of years?  

Food can be used to treat a wide variety of common health issues including fatigue, digestive disorders and high cholesterol.  It nourishes the whole body and when applied correctly, heals and maintains health.  As unique individuals we owe it to ourselves to look for alternatives to managing our health in a way that is best for us.  Taking a closer look at how our diet and lifestyle affects us is the first step.

For more information about dietary therapy and a free phone consultation contact Pam at 760.715.5301 or visit www.sdhealthandwellness.com.