President Obama: Is the “Change” For Real?

by Vin Miller

Barack Obama’s campaign was all about “change you can believe in.” I don’t have much trust in politicians, but I have to admit, Obama had me feeling hopeful. Now that he’s extended an offer to Dr. Sanjay Gupta to be our next Surgeon General, I’m not so sure the “change” is something I can believe in.

Anyone who is well informed about good health knows that our medical system is seriously lacking in it’s focus on prevention. Most doctors are great at alleviating symptoms, but they can’t help you correct the root problem that’s causing them. In most cases, they don’t even try. You can read the article I wrote about chasing symptoms for a deeper explanation.

What is Prevention?

In terms of our health and our medical system, prevention can be interpreted several ways. I consider it to mean the avoidance of disease through a healthy lifestyle. The problem is that most people just don’t know what a healthy lifestyle truly is, even if they think they do. They get their information primarily from the media, but the media is heavily influenced by food and drug manufacturers that don’t always have our best interests at heart.

A Need For Change

We all know that corruption exists within the government because we hear about it all the time. In regards to our health, we’re the victims of large food and drug corporations using their deep political connections to lobby for legislation that benefits them. As a result, we’re more likely to be exposed to harmful foods or drugs, and even worse, these foods and drugs may even be marketed to us as being healthy and necessary.

During his campaign, Barack Obama spoke about bringing more of a prevention based focus to the health care system. Because of my interest in natural and holistic health, I remember this clearly. He also spoke quite a bit about the corruption that exists within government and his intention to fight it. This had me hopeful for the possibility of a medical system that would begin to prioritize optimal health above hiding symptoms, even if it was to the dismay of the drug and food industries.

A Disappointing Choice

When I read the news that Barack Obama selected Dr. Sanjay Gupta as his top choice for Surgeon General, it left me feeling a bit deflated. After the strong Obama campaign that left many people inspired, many were also skeptical and could only hope that he’ll actually follow through. For me, this news further justifies the skepticism.

I don’t know a great deal about Dr. Gupta, but I do know that he’s deeply rooted in the same type of symptom chasing conventional medicine that has failed a staggering number of unhealthy Americans. I’m also aware that he has ties to the drug industry that make him a poor candidate to fight the heavy lobbying influences that food and drug corporations have on government policy.

What Does This Mean?

In my opinion, it means more of the same. In addition, the changes our medical system is in desperate need of are enormous and aren’t going to happen overnight. Even if Obama does live up to his campaign, changes are likely to be slow and gradual. So what does this mean?

Regardless of what happens with the medical system or the Obama administration, there is one thing that will never change. Nobody is more responsible for your health than yourself. If you want to feel your best and be disease free, you absolutely have to take full responsibility. Good health doesn’t come from the prescription you bring home from a doctor’s visit. It comes from the lifestyle choices you make every day, week, month, and year prior to that visit.

What are your thoughts on the prospect of Dr. Gupta being our Surgeon General? Do you think he’ll help make America a healthier country?

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