The Make America Healthy Again Commission has recently released a groundbreaking report, shining a much-needed spotlight on the chronic disease epidemic plaguing America’s children. It’s refreshing, albeit a bit late, that someone has finally yelled “stop the presses” and taken a look at what truly ails our nation’s youth. Chronic diseases in children are soaring, and it’s time to reexamine where our priorities have been misaligned in the health care system.
Dr. Marty Makary from the FDA has been vocal about the urgent reforms required to steer the country away from a pure treatment-focused approach. Instead of reveling in billings and coding, Makary suggests a shift towards proactive healthcare. His approach, which involves reforming school lunch programs, emphasizes health education with cooking classes and a focus on nutrition over medication. What a concept! This might be revolutionizing to some, but others might find it common sense disguised as innovation. Are we finally looking to solve issues instead of treating symptoms? Unbelievable, but hopeful.
The report highlights alarming statistics and facts about the state of health in America, pointing fingers at ultra-processed diets and environmental toxins lurking behind everyday choices—effects more devastating than one might guess. With a focus on the microbiome and gut health, Dr. Makary’s approach reminds us of the importance of what we consume. For too long, policymakers have been caught in a web spun by powerful lobbyists, preserving the status quo to keep the big food industry happy and wealthy. Disrupting this narrative requires bravery and conviction, and thankfully, the commission appears ready to challenge these sacred cows.
On the vaccine front, a new revelation regarding COVID-19 vaccination underscores the need for transparency. It seems some officials were less than forthcoming about potential risks, an oversight that Dr. Makary suggests must end immediately. It’s apparent that a rubber-stamp approach to healthcare decisions is no longer acceptable. The public’s trust has waned, and it’s high time the FDA adopted an evidence-based approach that incorporates common sense, rather than mindlessly approving every new booster without significant data.
Turning toward prescription drug pricing, the president’s executive order aiming to cut down Americans’ financial burden in buying medication is notable. The fact that Americans are paying three to ten times more than counterparts in other countries has finally raised enough eyebrows to provoke action. The pharmaceutical industry offers a loophole-laden landscape where vast amounts are spent on marketing rather than innovation. Perhaps this is one area where “America First” might genuinely find some footing—if the government prioritizes the American people’s financial health over pharmaceutical profits. Let’s hope this new order results in more than just a sales pitch.
