For the first time in my memory, public policy out of Washington, DC is focusing on the root causes of poor health, health expenses, chronic diseases, and longevity. It appears that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr will lead this important effort under the heading of MAHA or Make America Healthy Again (#MAHA).
What does Robert F. Kennedy, Jr say about chronic diseases on his website?
“An epidemic of chronic diseases is engulfing our nation. Obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, autism, cancer, and mental illness are at record levels, especially among young people. These diseases cause untold misery and drain the vitality of our nation’s economy. Chronic diseases cost the economy over $4 trillion a year, and dwarfs even defense as the big drain on the federal budget.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. knows how to turn it around, and he will bring that knowledge to the Trump administration. With President Trump’s backing, he will reorient federal health agencies toward chronic diseases and rid them of Big Pharma’s influence.
He will ban the hundreds of food additives and chemicals that other countries have already prohibited. He will change regulations, research topics, and subsidies to reduce the dominance of ultra-processed food. He will clean up toxic chemicals from our air, water, and soil. He will ensure that research into pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides, additives, and environmental chemicals is scientifically unbiased.
Just two generations ago, America was the healthiest country in the world. It can be that way again. We can Make America Healthy Again.”
WHAT MIGHT WE EXPECT FROM #MAHA
A popular meme that is circulating on the Internet indicates that on January 20, 2025, there may be executive orders to abolish all vaccine mandates, repealing of the 1986 vaccine immunity law, bans on fluoride in the water system, reorganization of the FDA, FTC and CDC, banning toxic ingredients in food, recognition of vaccine injury and death, banning GMO foods and toxic pesticides, and allowing natural remedies to flourish.
HOW BIG IS THE CHRONIC DISEASES PROBLEMS?
What can we think about all of this? There is no doubt that American health is suffering. Some statistics on chronic diseases that might shock you include that 74% of Americans are dealing with overweight and obesity, 40% of children are dealing with the same, 52% of American adults suffer from prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, 30% of teens have prediabetes, 1 in 36 children have autism, 34% of young adults have mental or behavioral disorders.
Early onset cancers have increased by 79%, 1 in 2 Americans are predicted to get cancer, autoimmune diseases are rapidly rising, 18% of teens have fatty liver disease, 20-25% of women are on anti-depressant medications, early onset dementia has tripled since 2013, American girls are starting puberty years earlier, infertility is rising rapidly, the highest infant mortality rate for a high-income country, life expectancy on a decline, and, finally, 77% of young Americans are not able to qualify for military service. Are those enough alarming statistics on chronic diseases?
CONCLUSIONS
It is clear that the status quo is not acceptable in the American health system.
In my opinion, while the RFKJr agenda is hopeful, it is missing components for the early detection of chronic diseases including access to free or low-cost coronary artery calcium CT scoring at age 45 to detect heart disease decades before clinical tragedies strike, and, perhaps, access to full body non-contrast MRI and “blood biopsy” lab testing that both can detect cancer at an early stage.
Finally, massive re-education of medical students, residents, fellows, and practicing doctors, dentists, dieticians, and the food industry on the critical importance of whole food diets, largely or exclusively plant-based, at as early an age as possible, coupled with fitness, sleep advice, and stress management skills, for prevention of chronic diseases at their root causes.
Go #MAHA, an important movement forward for health.
About the author: Dr. Joel Kahn is one of the world’s top cardiologists and he is passionate about scientifically showing the body’s ability to heal itself through proper nutrition. He is on a mission to try to prevent all future heart attacks by educating and inspiring people to follow an active and holistic lifestyle by applying cutting-edge science to their lives.
At his core, Dr. Joel Kahn believes that plant-based nutrition is the most powerful source of preventative medicine on the planet. Having practiced traditional cardiology since 1983, it was only after his own commitment to a plant-based vegan diet that Dr. Kahn truly began to delve into the realm of non-traditional diagnostic tools, prevention tactics, and nutrition-based recovery protocols.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.kahnlongevitycenter.com/blog/what-are-chronic-diseases-and-can-maha-help
https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/about/index.html
https://worldhealth.net/news/vicious-twins-hypertension-and-obesity-america/
https://worldhealth.net/news/in-a-decade-type-2-diabetes-has-increased-by-almost-20-in-america/
https://worldhealth.net/news/younger-generations-have-a-higher-risk-of-developing-cancer/
https://worldhealth.net/news/early-onset-dementia-more-common-previously-reported-seems-be-rise/
https://worldhealth.net/news/girls-are-getting-their-first-periods-earlier/
https://worldhealth.net/news/americans-pay-most-for-worst-health-outcomes/
https://worldhealth.net/news/doctors-are-not-taught-enough-about-nutrition-medical-school/
