Contemporary Roadblocks to Achieving Optimal Health
There are several enormous roadblocks in current U.S. society standing between the general population and their achievement of optimal health. Though they overlap considerably, this article will list them individually.
First is a lack of knowledge. Surely there is much information on the Internet about medical conditions and their treatment, much about both traditional and alternative/natural approaches. Yet many do not know or understand how important it is to take charge of one’s own health with reading, researching doctors and treatments and especially being open to approaches not always in the mainstream. What is shared on the mass media is quite limited; commercials suggesting new pharmaceutical products are the predominant source of media information for TV viewers. There is an enormous world of knowledge outside of the traditional medical doctor’s office, but it must be accessed by and accessible to the public via mass media.
Another is time. Good or great health takes lots of time. Time to read, to investigate, but more than anything, time to implement good practices. Buying and taking supplements, preparing fresh food, exercise, adequate sleep, prayer and meditation, family, and connecting with community. In a Burger King-TikTok world, time is something many are unwilling to devote to wellness practices. Yet, there exists no quick fix in a pill that can begin to substitute for putting significant time into staying healthy and aging well.
Of course, money is a huge player. Insurance and government do not support proactive health measures and functional medicine tests as they do traditional medicine drugs, vaccines, and surgeries. Not in today’s world. But that is the “world” where great health lies. Many truly cannot AFFORD great health. They end up eating nutrient-poor, filling food, can’t afford supplementation or important uncovered treatments such as nutritional IV’s’, chelation, acupuncture or massage. These are not experimental treatments. Yet they are rarely COVERED by insurance. Remember! The cost of maintaining wellness and preventing illness is ALWAYS far less than the cost of living with chronic or life-threatening disease.
Another roadblock: restriction. In recent times, so many important treatments and medications used in the field of integrative medicine have been restricted or removed from accessibility. Certain medications are restricted or outright forbidden by insurance companies. Reimbursement can be used as an instrument to guide a physician’s medical advice. Physician’s best intentions are often blocked. Multiple tests and consistently lengthy visits are deeply frowned upon and disallowed for insurance- supported doctors on network panels.
And an insidious roadblock: fear. Fear that if one should venture outside the traditional mold in the search for real health, this may lead to dire consequences. This in itself could be the topic of a lengthy article or even a book, well beyond the scope of this article. Media, government, and big pharma have joined to create an atmosphere where fear is a major player for many in driving their medical choices.
So, short of mass education and healthcare reform, the solution, at least for now: Making sure to approach health with an open, curious mind, educating yourself, investing the time and money that your health warrants to the extent possible, and working with medical professionals and government officials who are committed to helping you preserve your freedom to achieve and maintain the health you desire and most importantly, that you deserve.
Robin Ellen Leder, M.D., has been providing functional/holistic medical care at her Hackensack office since being mentored by Dr. Robert Atkins. She has guided thousands of patients to optimal health and a healthier lifestyle, focusing on diet, better health habits, and natural supplementation with minimal use of pharmaceuticals. Based on history and innovative testing, each individual is listened to carefully and placed on a program unique to their chemistry and needs.
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