I agree with Dr. Hyman that the system is screwed up. I believe the biggest problem is the pharmaceutical companies. They are all a bunch of crooks, making billions off the people, while their drugs are only killing us instead of helping us. For example look at Purdue Pharma that was recently ordered to pay 694 million in fines for misrepresenting the painkiller oxycontin. Look how many lives have been lost or destroyed by this drug. I personally refuse to even take aspirin and I have been healthier then I've ever been. I eat organic whole foods and now when I get a headache, (which is very rare now),I drink more water or try to just relax and it seems to work better then in the old days when I would take a bottle of exedrin in a months time. I watch my 88 year old mother take so many pills every day I don't know how she keeps track of them all. She is so unhealthy, and I truly believe all this medication does more harm to her then good.

I agree that today's health system needs to be put out of its misery. Unfortunately, its not just the pharmaceutical and insurance industries, but our food manufacturers as well. This country is spending billions on obesity and weight loss products, yet the food industry continues to kill us by adding high fructose corn syrup to virtually all their products...and our government regulators are just as complicit. They've duped us into believing that its all about the fat....when in reality its all about the added sugar!! Wake up America.

Dr. Hyman's been on the right track since I read his first book, but unfortunately it is going to be a long process to change much with the current system. These corporations we talk about own this country because they have all the money. They can control us through advertising and much more. So what to do? Exactly what most people on this website are doing. Lead by example and eat foods that come from organic stores, local stores, and local farmers markets and stop buying from the large corporate franchises. Our health will come automatically, we will take less drugs and hopefully others will see that and say, man those are healthy people, what are they doing that I'm not? This will shift some of the momentum away from large powerhouse corporations to better more healthy local stores. Problem is a lot of people just don't have the access or education to see our health problem. So don't miss any chance to try to explain to someone the benefits of a food lifestyle change no matter how hard it may be, it's very difficult I've tried and failed before. Volunteer to speak at a school about Dr. Hyman's ideas, and the ideas of many others that are similar. If we can get the children of the next generation to eat well it will change everything, but they need better education. They're still taught the food pyramid! I was and it's wrong, there's much more going on that they need to know about. So all you educators and educators friends, spread the word!

Joe

I think you are getting at the crux of the problem, and sending this to all of our elected officials is imperative. This is like trying to turn a 6000 pound elephant, of course, and will take time. But informed voices, such as yours, must be heard.

I think the system is broken, even for those who have really good insurance. I think you'd have to be living in a really deep cave to think that our health care system is what it should be.

And no, Dr. Hyman, I don't think you should stick to medicine and stay out of the policy issues; you have a lot to offer to the dialogue on potential solutions. However, I think that any helpful participant in this dialogue must be careful to avoid the blame game, which you have played once or twice, or anyone who participates in the blame game.

That said, I think you should sever your business arrangement with LifeExtension magazine. (I got a free trial subscription with the UltraSimple Diet books I ordered.)It may be that they have good health advice, I'm not qualified to judge. But as a former journalist, I am qualified to say that their reporting is unethical and inaccurate.

Last issue, they were up in arms about some drug the FDA rejected -- and never once asked for the FDA's reasons! There /are/ reasons, and they are a matter of public record. Refute them, but don't ignore them.

In this issue, they slam the FDA for rejecting or being slow to approve several cancer drugs. I'm no fan of the FDA and have no problem believing that a government bureaucracy has screwed up somewhere, but it was never once mentioned that hasty approval can also cause deaths, and the FDA has to walk a fine line without benefit of omniscience. In a sidebar on drug trials, they stated that new cancer drugs are tested against placebo, leaving some cancer patients facing a "death sentence." You and I both know that is not true; critically ill patients assigned to the control group of a drug trial are given the current standard therapy, and the new drug has to prove it's better than the standard.

I don't think your association with LifeExtension magazine is beneficial to your effort to improve health care. People who think like the editors of LE magazine talk -- inaccurately and inflammatorily -- are the ones getting in the way of finding solutions.

I think that your core message -- that health care in this country needs to change at a very basic level, and beyond the "health care industry" itself -- is invaluable. I also think that you are going to have an uphill battle with it, more than you might think from reading posts like this one. We here in your blogosphere are all willing to take responsibility for our own health. But most people are not; I don't have a single friend who has expressed an interest in trying the USD even though I've recommended to so many people I've lost count.

However, you might find more allies than you would think in the for-profit sector. Doctors, insurance agents, even drug-company executives and FDA authorities, are mostly well-meaning people who are stuck in a system that directs their efforts in unproductive and even harmful ways. You seem like a personable guy, and you could build relationships with key people in these areas, maybe just by asking for some time so you can understand the whole situation better. You seem like the kind of person who could build crucial bridges between the people whom America desperately needs to have working together to solve this problem and save lives.

I would also suggest, if you are interested in a "functional medicine" approach to curing the health care system, that you listen carefully to what economists are saying. Economists are like functional medicine practitioners, in that they look at the whole system to understand how it works. The Economist weekly magazine has had several insightful articles about this topic in the last couple of months; it would be worth the price of a subscription to get access to their online archives.

Best of luck to you!

I love your concept of elimating toxins from our systems. However after reading your book, I have found that there is too much over selling. If your program is as great as you say, lighten up on the propaganda.I found myself flipping through half the book to get to the actual program. Also the daily program is great, however the morning routine does not take in consideration that for some people to get up as early as necessary to follow your program that would mean that they are getting up at 3:00am and have no other responsibilies. And I ask you how healthy is that? Good luck, I'm out!

I love your concept of elimating toxins from our systems. However after reading your book, I have found that there is too much over selling. If your program is as great as you say, lighten up on the propaganda.I found myself flipping through half the book to get to the actual program. Also the daily program is great, however the morning routine does not take in consideration that for some people to get up as early as necessary to follow your program that would mean that they are getting up at 3:00am and have no other responsibilies. And I ask you how healthy is that? Good luck, I'm out!

I think you hit the problem right on the nail and please continue with what you are doing.

My husband is trying to get his health under control and neither one of us want to rely on pills, we would rather get to the root of the problem and resolve it. Also my daughter who is 24 who works in an industry that does not offer health care needs to go to the doctor for regular follow up on the female side and has put this off because of no insurance. I called the doctors office to ask if they would give a discount if cash is paid and they said they could not legally do this. I'm confused, the insurance companies do not give them the entire amount they charge so why can't a person who is paying cash not be able to get a discount? I am just so frustrated with the bull.

Yes our healthcare system is broken. I do not want anything for free I just want it to be fair across the board and where anyone can have good health care and not pill pushers.

Ultimately the governmnet will have to step in, there are too many people in this world that just can't seem to do for themselves what needs to be done.

Do you believe that these changes can occur?
If people would get themselves out of the way (egos) and care about what's best for others and the all mighty $$dollar$$ isn't put first, then yes I think it could.

Dr. Hyman,

You have described the healthcare situation very clearly in the space of 8 minutes. Your commentary is very worthwhile and necessary, particularly since I believe most people feel that the system is broken and driven by an industry whose interests and values are not in sync with the rest of us. Anyone who does not see this is either got blinders on and/or is a brainwashed part of the industry. I base that on the fact that I don't know of anyone without a fair share of problems and negative stories to tell about their healthcare; and by the popularity of the movie "Sicko" by Michael Moore. Your background and ability to articulate this complex problem make you an extremely valuable advocate for every citizen. - Thank you
Tom Perez

Liz, I am so sorry you are out. This program, while it seemed a little intimidating at first, is nothing like some of the others on the market, that cost a lot of money to obtain, and by disclosing up front the reasons for his conclusions (propaganda)Dr. Hyman has set us up for success in giving us hope that we might improve our health and live healthy lives.

At the first of the year I heard on the radio about a woman who had lost 200 lbs. and raved about this program. So I ordered it and spent a great deal of money on it. When it came, I realized the incredible amount of work required, and the astounding amount of fish I would have to eat, (I do not, have not ever, and doubt I will ever like fish) I did everything the program told me to do (including eat fish for at least two meals or snacks a day) for 10 days. I lost weight, but was never satisfied, as it was a low fat diet. I sent it back and got a refund. Many of the principles in that program were similar to this program; eating every three hours, whole foods, mixing proteins with whole grains or other complex carbs, exercise, etc. While I thought it would be healthy, (before I read Dr. Hyman's book) I couldn't make it work for my lifestyle.

When I got the Ultra-Metabolism book and read it, I realized it would take work and extra money, but I also realized this is a very honest and real approach to dealing with a lot of my health issues. Within a week of being on the program, I had significantly less joint pain, which was something I had been plagued with constantly for months. After three and a half weeks, I have lost 13 lbs. and have more energy, less "brain fog" and *no* joint pain!

I also realized that if my body was ever going to get healthy, it would require that I make adjustments to my current lifestyle. I had to adjust some of the program to fit in with my schedule, but with just a little extra effort (the biggest was the first few trips to the grocery store trying to read all the labels and find the food!) I was able to fit this in and make it workable. The quick lunches and breakfasts make doing the program fit into a working person's schedule, and by preparing extra amounts of some of the foods and freezing them, I am able to keep up without spending my whole life in the kitchen.

After sharing this concept with a number of people, I have discovered a few things; first, insanity is doing the same things repeatedly and expecting different results. Second, people will do what they want, no matter how convincing the argument is that they should do something different. I have a diabetic friend who is battling cancer, yet she refuses to give up her Splenda and other processed and fat free foods, continues to microwave in plastic wrap, etc. even though her doctor has told her not to do those things. Finally, when you find a plan that works for you, that you will be able to stick with for life, that is the one you want to embrace as a lifestyle and leave the rest behind, no matter what the cost is. I have found that plan in the Ultra-metabolism book.

I have purged my house of all the foods I no longer want to put in my body, am in the process of changing over to all glass storage, and no longer crave all the foods that were killing me. And, I am not looking back.

Dr. Hyman, I completely agree with you, and I wish all medical professionals would join you in your quest to cure the causes of disease rather than just prescribe pharmaceutical drugs for symptoms. It is discusting how our government and pharmaceutical companies are profiting from keeping people sick with all the medications they take, my parents included. They innocently belive what their "almighty" doctors tell them to do, and that's to take more medicines. God bless you and your methods of treating sickness, disease, health and wellness, and hopefully you will be the catalyst that changes our health care system and practices.

I think we need serious changes to our health care from top to bottom. It is ashame because more people need to speak up, let our gov. know we are not happy with how things are. Put some of that energy the people put into stopping others from being able to smoke in public and put it into making our gov. do something. BEtween health care and homeowners insurance (I am from New Orleans) my monthly cost is way over what it should be. And that is just about money. I havent' touched the other aspects of the problems with our health care system. The bottom line, we need to ban together, many of us, to let our gov know WE ARE NOT HAPPY WITH HOW THINGS ARE! Then just maybe, maybe, something may be done.
Gina

This is what I mean. More blah blah blah. The Doctor must have a great press staff but some of us see what is going on. This is not a new concept it was called "Fit For Life" written in the 1980's.

Not quite. I did Fit for Life. Much more vegetarian than this program, not nearly as workable. Also, not as succinctly stated from the medical perspective, if I recall. Of course I was much younger then and could be I just wasn't ready.

Sorry to have bored you with my tale. If you are so unhappy with this plan, why are you still here? One of the aspects of the program you clearly missed was that of a positive attitude being beneficial for good health. Grump!

If you save your insightful and thought provoking commentary, you deprive subscribers and the country of your brilliant mind which would be a shame. Keep commenting and perhaps you'll make a dent in the insulated profit based thinking that drives our present system and be a co-creator of a truly compassionate healthcare system that puts the interests of the patient before pharmaceutical profits. How refreshing that would be!

We are dealing with a sick healthcare system and there are always two approaches-fix the old or create the new. To believe vested interests driven by greed and profit will change is a long shot.

However to co-create the new system is a far easier task and its time to do just that. There are amazing minds, hearts and souls just waiting for the opportunity to share their intelligence and creativity and place them in the service of a new paradigm health care system. That system is already being birthed and simply needs to be organized.
The parts are all in play this minute.

What is needed is a call to action to create the new rather than fighting the old. An electrical engineer once told me there are two kinds of people in the world-conductors and resistors. It is time to stop fighting the resistors and work together with the conductors of a new way of delivering healthcare. The seeds are there already in integrative clinics around the US that deal with the whole person. By drawing on these visionary examples, it should be possible to energize the field and begin the process of creating the architecture of the new system.

There is in government the Office of Complimentary Medicine I believe its called which may be the leading edge in government health care. It's director must be invited to the table.

We simply need to make patient centered health care the norm rather than the exception. The Canadian health care system's overhead cost figure of 1% is astonishing and a great selling point.

So my suggestion is for you Mark to convene a Co-creating a New Paradigm Health Care System (one possible name) conference and have it sponsored by some of the many doctors, complimentary heal providers, clinics, hospitals, insurers, patients and others who represent the components of the new system.

Joel Barker who years ago wrote a book on paradigms and has been working within the healthcare system for years might be a wonderful speaker as would George Land who wrote Grow or Die and I imagine you know many other visionaries from many disciplines who could contribute. A multi-disiciplinary and inclusive conference could be webcast and/or satellite linked to sites around the world for this is not just a United States problem but a global one.

I believe a compelling vision can be co-created with practical applications that inspire action. You probably know that few ideas come from systems that have a built in survival mechanism but rather from outside the system and then integrated back in.

It's time to do what needs to be done and trying to convince people in Washington who have largely sold out to the big pharma lobbies and believing that things will be different may be counterproductive. I believe it is possible and mandatory to design a viaionary healthcare system that the people are literally dying for and that the funding for such a system perhaps privatized can be funded by interested socially responsible venture capitalists, doctors, insurance companies, manufacturers of alternative medicines and the people who will benefit from such a system.

Of course this system needs to be non-toxic and green in every aspect. The waste stream from medical waste is seeping into our water and we need to end this practice as soon as possible. Bill McDonough and his partner are helping companies to address these issues and write about this sea change in The Next Industrial Revolution. Bill would be another great speaker for the conference.

And let me say that this is but one discipline and that the same attention needs to be paid to every discipline including energy in assembling best practices and merging them together to create a future that works for all of us, not the few at the expense of the many.

The dysfunctional administration we presently live under is anything but visionary and has proven its allegiance to vested interests that defend the status quo at all costs. They are the catalysts for a visionary sustainable and positive future that cares for life itself.

You Mark are one of its leading proponents within healh care and I encourage you to help organize the conference that just might help create the alternative to an outworn fear based system to one based simply on love.

Dr. Hyman,
I have with interest your comments vis a vis the Moore movie and his so called plan to reform our national health system. While I can agree that serious changes are necessary, I can share with you my own experience which I am confident will soon change the direction of my life.
For almost 20 years I have been left virtualy without energy; motivation and with deep depression. My weight increased until I opted for a gastric by pass operation, thinking that the operation would alleviate all of these conditions. But it didn't; my overall health only worsened. I suffered from psoriasis that was spreading from my arms to my legs. I started loosing more weight and the food that I ate tasted worse and worse and my appetite worsened. I have seen a variety of conventional doctors over the years who have medicated me; given my expensive perscriptions; advised mental therapy; suggested surgeries, etc. etc. Nothing worked and I began to feel my life slipping away. It is ironic how one's body can virtually tell when it is slowly dying. This was the case with me.
My husband, in turn, became interested in your books from seeing you on a TV show. Along with purchasing the books, he subscribed to your emails which he starting sharing with me. But it was one day that I will never forget; the day that he came home and told me "I think I have found a way to change your life from this day on". What he did was research doctors in the San Diego area who practiced Natural Medicine and he even set up my first appointment with one. My first visit was a dedicated two hour meeting with the doctor who covered every single aspect of my medical history and current status. This was followed by some intense sampling/ testing of my body fluids and stool, which amazed even the doctor. My body was literally ravaged with yeast and parasites, both of which was destroying me from the inside, and ironically both of which could be present in many individuals experiencing the same symptoms as me. The tests even showed the past presence of a deadly virus called the Hantavirus that one can contract from rodent droppings. A few years ago, I was assisting a elderly friend clean her garage which hadn't been entered for at least 20 years. I recall the rodent dust everywhere and not realizing the danger, I am convinced that I was subjected to the virus at that point.
My doctor (N.D.) is certain that the parasites are "dead" and will be eliminated by my body. I am now taking regular colonic treatments that rid the body of dangerous parasites, yeast and other harmful substances. What is being discharged from me could be the subject of a movie. Neither the doctor nor I can believe what the discharge reveals. My psoriasis is beginning to disappear; my energy level is slowly increasing and my outlook for a long and quality life is becoming evident, more each day. After 20 years of traditional medicine, countless drugs and opinions, I have finally come to the root of my problem; through Natural Medicine.
The bottom line regarding our health system in America is that not one nickle of this was covered by insurance, whereas all of the conventional doctors visits; perscriptions, etc. were covered. What does that tell you?
Linda

I just want to add that it has been one of my pet peeves for years now... that so much money is going into research and the fat pay cheques of upper management..! I totally agree with you, Dr. Hyman.. you are on the right track! I don't believe for one moment that they haven't found cures for most diseases.. after years of research and billions of dollars! And yes, why not pour that money into wellness medicine.. into living and eating well, so they won't need so many doctors and hospitals and drugstore.. well, ooops! There is the answer! Too many will be out of jobs and money making industries, will disappear!.. Duh!

I read Ultrametabolism, because even though I had drastically changed my diet, had exercised like a fiend, and had gone to doctors to check my thyroid, I still was obese and could not lose weight.

I was also in the hospital at least once a year for kidney stones- unbelievable because I am a vegetarian and don't eat the known triggers for kidney stones. The "specialists" wanted to put me on Colchicine for the rest of my life (I am allergic to Allopurinal). Colchicine over long term destroys the liver. I have two kidneys and only one liver. In my mind this was not a good trade-off.

Still, other than that, the doctors said I was "normal". Nothing further could be done for me even though I consistently felt horrible, had no energy, severe mood and hormone swings, and on and on...

I read Dr. Hyman's book and knew I had found the answer. Though Dr. Hyman was willing to take me on as a patient, he suggested I find someone a little closer, if possible (I live in western Canada). I found an integrative medical clinic about 10 hours drive from my home. A group of doctors and alternative practitioners working together to help me help myself.

They found that my thyroid is basically not functioning, my liver is having some severe issues and I'm extremely toxic. I also have very low stomach acid, but my body is acidic (I think of it as being inside out). And this, the "tradition" medical profession calls normal? After talking to a lot of people... I found they are right. It IS normal. It's just not healthy.

If the medical profession had taken me seriously 20 years ago when I told them something was wrong with my thyroid and treated me with health care and an eye on prevention, I would have saved the health care system hundreds of thousands of dollars (because I live in Canada, I haven't had to pay directly for my health care). The surgeries and hospital stays and medications were totally unnecessary. All that was needed was to help my liver and my thyroid back then, some basic nutritional and stress information, and I would never have ended up costing them all that money.

Now every two months I travel 10+ hours one way to see my health care professionals. This is not covered by any medical plans, but it is something I must do for my quality of life. I am a part of their study group too, so that the information and progress can be used to help change our disease care system to a REAL health care one.

I strongly urge everyone to find and support these types of centres. There is absolutely nothing like having your MD telling you that your first phase of treatment will involve a detoxification, and if medication is necessary it will be at the lowest doses for the shortest time and be replaced by natural treatments as soon as possible.

Also, I have the peace of mind knowing that if I do end up needing medical intervention my doctor will work closely with my naturopathic doctor to make sure any side effects of only necessary medication will be treated alternatively. Wow... working together for MY better health not their status in the medical community or their pocket books. What if ALL health care was like this?

I don't like Moore and I haven't watched Sicko nor do I intend to. I think this movie has done nothing but muddy the waters. And a single payer system? Give me a break! Just ask anyone using part D how they like government solutions.
Besides why would anyone want easier access to sickness care?
The real problem I think is an unhealthy gut and too much sugar is the main culprit.

Mark, asking you to stick only to your medical practice is tantamount to asking George Washington to stick to farming. We need you Mark. Please do not be dismayed by the small-minded of the world. Unhappy children sometimes grow up to become unhappy adults. I am a health nut, like you. I read your books and follow your recommendations. You are the man of the hour. You are the Joan of Arc of our day. You inspire the daylights out of multitudes and we are much better off for it. Thank you for being in the world with us. High-five to you!
Good luck, good skill, and Godspeed

Do you think I should save the commentary and
stick to practicing medicine?
HELL NO! Your "commentaries" ARE the practice of medicine.

Do you have any personal stories of how our
healthcare system is broken? Yup, but won't relate it here.

Do you think that our healthcare system is
broken?
Absolutely.

What ideas do you have for fixing it?
The single most important thing in the short term is to foil the plot of the FDA to put requirements on supplement manufacturers that are designed to drive them out of business. In the long term the solution is the establishment of a completely separate health-care system in the country. I think it has to start with an insurance company that works only with wholistic doctors and has much lower premiums and much healthier people. If this company can show a profit the free-market system (or what remains of it) will do the rest.

BRAVO!!!!!!! SOMEBODY FINALLY TELLING IT LIKE IT IS!!!

As a nurse for 38 years I have seen a dramatic change in the healthcare setting. Our downfall started with managed care. This put a whole new spin on how healthcare professionals deal with the sick. We don't look at the whole person anymore, just the current complaint.
Doesn't anyone realize that when Michael Moore said lets go to Cuba, the Cuban officials said "let them see how health care really is here." No they did like everyone else who is having company...the bring out the best. Socialized medicine will never work because there will always be the haves and the havenots. There will always be those that can afford better care and will pay for it. Why do you think that Canadians come to the US for health care. They are put on a waiting list for procedures. They just do have a problem that gets immediate attention.
We are a society that just does not really care about healthcare issues. If we did, then maybe we would take better physical care of ourselves like we take care of our cars. We are the only culture that warehouses our elderly. We put them in nursing homes to be left to die. I speak from this first hand. My family has chosen to keep my 83yr olf father who has multiple medical problems and severe frontal/temporal dementia. This is not easy,and it requires perseverance, but we have many funny evenings with him. I'm sure that if he was placed in a nursing home as everyone suggested, he would not be alive today.
Answers, I don't have one but I think that we can do better. A Hillary Clinton solution is not the answer.

I agree with your assessment of the us problems with health care. Michael Moore got the debate started. What do you suppose the response would be if he advocated all the changes you propose as well as the other public health care? Yeah, right. So..... Keep the debate going. I have a suggestion. Allow all licensed doctors in other countries to get first in line for a visa (I know). Allow them to practice whatever kind of medicine they practice. Let them set up their own type care centers. (We are big on competition in every other endeavor) TRACK ALL RESULTS AGAINST TREATMENT. Create massive data base for efficacy. Allow all doctors and patients access to this data base from their computers with passwords. Now you have something that tells the tale. And, watch the costs come down. The other guys, the alopaths, can continue with their main business of selling dangerous drugs. Everybody wins, nobody looses. (Probably needs a little fluffing out) But, I know how to do the data base. Brooke Asbury

I feel that all hospitals and all insurance companies should be non-profit. The doctors should be the ones to decide what care is necessary and everyone should have coverage. This country is being run on greed, "I've got mine, it's up to you to get yours!"

I had a heart attack and stent (MLAD) in mid-May, at the age of 54. I am doing well, thank God. It seems that heredity more than anything else was the major reason for the h/a. Some stress, too, plus living at a high altitude. I am grateful that i am doing ok, and wondering what else to do besides what I have been doing for years - no smoking, exercising every day, very little alcohol, no sodas at all, no dressings, no fast or junk foods, and I watch what i eat - always have. I am also grateful that our extremely expensive health insurance, which the people we work for pay for us - $22000+ per year, and that is not a typo! - covers my meds, except for the inevitable high copays. Better than nothing. Several people in my cardiac rehab cannot afford their meds. And my own parents have help from all of us kids in order to pay their copays, deductibles etc. I am NOT a fan of the one payor system, and I wonder how that CEO of an ins co with the mind-boggling salary can sleep at night, but something must be done. You are so right - we have a house built on sand. On the one hand, no one lives forever. On the other - look at the rise in diabetes, for example - I think this is mainly because of diet. And corn syrup on a daily basis, in most everything out there, is definitely NOT good for anyone. I see that people want to do anything they want - smoke, eat way too much, be couch potatoes, swill soda, be sexually irresponsible, do drugs - then they want a pill to make them all better. Where is the sense of personal responsibility? I also see that the ins companies, such as ours, refuse to cover a nutritionist or dietician - when one could really help someone with concerns over what they should be doing. The ins also will not help with exercise therapy - when it would be way cheaper for someone to take an exercise class, rather than take pills for blood pressure. The time to change people's behavior is BEFORE they get sick. Also, from my experience, I see plenty of doctors pushing statins, for example, not caring about the short- OR long-term effects of these drugs. I had severe reactions, yet my dr told me it was all in my head. Really. The other concern I have - even the dietician the cardic rehab provides, while a very nice young woman, has admitted she does not cook, so all she has done is shown people how to read lablels. What about people like me? We use almost no canned foods, or frozen things, very little meat, and I need help in making sure that i am eating the correct diet to work with my issues and meds. So far, i have not gotten this help. Very frustrating. And, while I would love to purchase your meals - what an awesome idea! - we cannot afford it. We are still paying for the deductibles for my hospital stay and stent and rehab and meds - you get the picture.

I had a heart attack and stent (MLAD) in mid-May, at the age of 54. I am doing well, thank God. It seems that heredity more than anything else was the major reason for the h/a. I am also grateful that our extremely expensive health insurance, which the people we work for pay for us - $22000+ per year, and that is not a typo! - covers my meds, except for the inevitable high copays. Better than nothing. Several people in my cardiac rehab cannot afford their meds. I am NOT a fan of the one payor system, and I wonder how that CEO of an ins co with the mind-boggling salary can sleep at night, but something must be done. You are so right - we have a house built on sand. look at the rise in diabetes, for example - I think this is mainly because of diet. I see that people want to do anything they want - smoke, eat way too much, be couch potatoes, swill soda, be sexually irresponsible, do drugs - then they want a pill to make them all better. Where is the sense of personal responsibility? The time to change people's behavior is BEFORE they get sick. And, while I would love to purchase your meals - what an awesome idea! - we cannot afford it. We are still paying for the deductibles for my hospital stay and stent and rehab and meds - you get the picture.

I think you cover allmost all areas, but let me tell you my opinion, in my expierency like allways is to have a right contact with your family (with your kids! and husband or whenever you want!), communication is allways the best thing in this world, pls, do communicate with your partner!!!!!, or with your neirborhod.
Excuse me for the mistakes!
Miguel Carillo

Thank you, Dr. Hyman, for your provocative comments. I actually never took your original comments as personal criticism of Michael Moore. The subject is so complex that we need to have an open and respectful dialogue if there is to be any positive movement in the area of health care in the United States of America. Michael Moore's opinions are important and yours are, too.

I absolutely agree that individuals should be empowered by educational means to take responsibility for their health. And a holistic approach is necessary which includes the areas of spirituality, physical exercise, meditation, the importance of whole foods in one's diet, and stress reduction (among others elements).

Maybe we should be having a national "town meeting" and brainstorm ideas. Sub groups could be formed to further explore some of the ideas and come up with specific suggestions. Youtube is a growing tool of democracy at this moment in time. Could a "town meeting" be held on it?

These are scary and exciting times that we are living in. Best wishes as you walk down the path of pushing buttons on health care.

Jeanne

Thank you, Dr. Hyman, for your provocative comments. I actually never took your original comments as personal criticism of Michael Moore. The subject is so complex that we need to have an open and respectful dialogue if there is to be any positive movement in the area of health care in the United States of America. Michael Moore's opinions are important and yours are, too.

I absolutely agree that individuals should be empowered by educational means to take responsibility for their health. And a holistic approach is necessary which includes the areas of spirituality, physical exercise, meditation, the importance of whole foods in one's diet, and stress reduction (among others elements).

Maybe we should be having a national "town meeting" and brainstorm ideas. Sub groups could be formed to further explore some of the ideas and come up with specific suggestions. Youtube is a growing tool of democracy at this moment in time. Could a "town meeting" be held on it?

These are scary and exciting times that we are living in. Best wishes as you walk down the path of pushing buttons on health care.

Jeanne

Moore may just be the ultimate hypocrite. Perhaps his supporters follow at a close second. This due to the fact that most are not capable nor interested in doing their own research on the "Moore issues" or on "Moore the person." Don't apologize for telling the truth Doc. I have read your book and followed your leads and you obviously have done extensive long term research and are spot on. I have also researched Moore himself. You deserve much more credibility than Moore and his following of hate mailers.

Great discussion. Since the world Health Organization rates us 23rd of the top 24 industrial countries, I think the whole planet agrees this system is broken. Because of the amount of money involved I think market forces are the only way to modify our system. I am in a Health Savings Plan, I think this is a good start. One major problem is Statin drugs are covered and not DHA and EPA

Need I say it again ? AMEN

of course you should continue your commentary. Anyone who says you shouldn't doesn't recognize intelligence when they're reading it or hearing it. You were quite conciliatory to Moore. Your personal experience and knowledge of the Canadian healthcare system was shockingly direct (less people died when doctors went on strike) so I can imagine those in favor of a nationalized healthcare became unglued at a few such facts that you mentioned. At least you offer solutions WITH your commentary. It is never the critic who counts and Moore is a rather large windbag. Whoever made him the authority on healthcare anyway? He’s a poster boy for diabetes and arthrosclerosis. I was in Denmark recently and stopped by a drug store to find some Neosporin. They told me to go to a doctor and get a prescription first. Nationalized medicine? You’ve gotta be kidding.

What a difficult problem!
We have more information than ever before, much of it suppressed in favor of more profitable solutions. It isn't entirely the fault of doctors (educated in large part by the parmaceutical companies). Doctors receive visits, sales calls from drug companies encouraging the sale of their products. Perhaps if there was a profit for health, doctors could be swayed toward a better system. But, you have to wonder if the government isn't as trapped in the system as everybody else... I mean, every social program that exists contains so much red tape that the base program is corrupt (take Social Security as an example, I fully expect it will not be there or retirement age will be pushed back to 100 by the time I get there). The trouble is, no one wants to be the bad guy. If you mention changing Medicare for example, you are robbing the elderly of their health care.
It would be helpful if alternative medicine received insurance coverage, but the system is already taxed to its limits. Malpractice causes doctors to raise their rates, causing the insurance companies to raise theirs and the sum total of it is that we pay more than ever every time we need medical care. The doctors do care, but with limited information, they make their decisions concerning the lives of their patients.
Real reform would do at least two things:
Reform medical malpractice to make healthcare affordable and accessible.
Make choices available to healthcare practioners and their patients.
If there was something else, it would be to change the entire system. If Americans didn't have to work so many hours a week in order to survive, they might have time to address the deficiencies of diet and exercise. Americans work more hours with lower productivity than many other places because we are so stressed out, we eat on the run, and we barely exercise. Americans have a higher obesity rate as a result. Our fathers worked, our mothers raised the children. Mom used to cook healthy meals, garden and raise animals. Now she works two jobs, takes care of kids and drives through McDs. Dad tries to help, but it is too much. Many families split because there is too much pressure and materialism, to boot. It isn't just our medical system, it is our whole way of life that has been sent into this spiral towards bad health and living.

I'm stunned over the $22,000.00 annual premium your company pays. And you say that doesn't cover copays? I don't know what co-pay limits are in the US. But I do know that if companies here in Canada had to pay that kind of premium for their employees - most would have to close their doors!
I also cannot understand why you wouldn't be a fan of a one payor system. Imagine having an annual premium of $1,000 (think the average is around $500.00) to be totally covered. That by the way is a very high estimate - to cover ones personal medicare premium in Canada and that would only be charged if you were working. Imagine if that was the case, your employer could well afford to give you a substantial raise - and you could also afford to eat all the healthy foods you want!
I'm having a really hard time understanding why so many of you are against a universal health care system. Again, as mentioned in a previous post; it would be a start - to insure everyone has access to health care. With that load taken off ones shoulders, perhaps then people would could direct their time and energy into insisting the appropriate government agencies FDA etc...; the food companies; drug companies etc... immediately remove all foodstuff from the shelves that contain toxic ingredients!
If one considers all the changes that have to be made, getting started can be overwhelming. But if one starts with one step at a time - it's not impossible.

When I have a cut that needs a stitch, need a periodic medical exam, have a sinus infection, etc. I go see my GP, pay my $15 copay, and see the him for five minutes.

For all other healthcare needs I go see a Naturopathic physician. This isn't covered by insurance and cost me $100, but I see the doctor for an hour. He treats me as a whole person, not a symptom. We talk about my diet, exercise, nutritional supplementation, stress level, spiritual fulfillment, emotional health, etc. He then recommends treatment options that work to cure the underlying problems, not just mask the symptoms.

He can afford to pay attention to me because he doesn't have to pay four nurses and two fulltime insurance processors and jam 80 patients a day through his office just to make ends meet.

This is the healthcare we need. A holistic approach that blends alternative and conventinal medicines and therapies. We need a system that realizes health is a journey that takes time. Five minutes and a perscription will not do the job.

Dr Hyman,

Thank you for coming back to this subject and clarifying your thoughts on "Sicko". One question, have you reached out to Michael Moore yet? After we put a president in the White House that believes in Science, the country may be very ready for change. It's a perfect moment for you and Mr. Moore to lead the charge for real change. Perhaps you can assemble a group focused on this initiative and provide sound advice to our new president and Congress.

Thank you for your passion and for taking the time to communicate with us.

Let me start by saying that I live in Canada, i.e. I have no personal experience with the U.S. health care system, and that I haven’t seen Sicko. I simply want to respond to Dr. Hyman’s comments on the film.

Dr. Hyman asks why we would create a new way of paying for healthcare, when the very healthcare we are paying for is the wrong type of care.

The answer is that many people would still get seriously ill even if the right type of healthcare were available. And if they did, their healthcare coverage, or lack thereof, would still bankrupt them.

If the market could provide the solution to healthcare funding, shouldn’t this have come about by now? After all, sickness has been around for some time, and so has capitalism. But we already know the capitalist solution to healthcare funding – it’s the current mess.

Since reliance on the market doesn’t seem to work, what other alternative do you see aside from public funding?

It is broken, but it can be fixed one by one.I choose not to participate in the mainstream and educate myself via the web for natural cures.Perhaps a law requiring M.D.'s to give you a natural cure option to your medical problem instead of the prescription they normally would write.TOOO much money involved to make it mainstream.Belivers in natural cures and wellness , I believe, will have to inch their way in.My recommendation-TRY IT ! It Works.

I heartily agree! Don't start with the doctor's office, start with prenatal care. We need a complete overhaul, not this patch, patch, patch. Let's start by eliminating all soda pop from the vending machines. No, eliminate the demand for soda pop and it would disappear of its own accord. People like you, Mark, give us a voice of reason and common sense.
Keep up the good work.

I applaud Dr. Hyman for having the courage to say what needs to be said regarding the health and healthcare issues in our country. For years, we have been misled and allowed to eat non-food (disguised and touted as food), which has greatly contibuted to our high levels of obesity, heart disease