Reflections on the Medical System

A few years back, I went through a severe accident that left me with significant injuries. My recovery—thanks to surgery and medication—was something I truly appreciated. After enduring eight broken ribs, five fractured collarbones, and a collapsed lung, I managed to return to work just a few months later, which I think would have seemed miraculous just a generation ago.

The healing process heavily relied on various medications that aided my recovery. With nearly two decades as a chiropractor, I’ve witnessed the impressive benefits of drugs and treatments, particularly after events like accidents, surgeries, or childbirth. However, I’ve also seen the dark side of Big Pharma. Many patients arrive with long-term issues that are often overlooked, buried beneath marketing that presents pills as simple solutions.

Big Pharma’s approach frequently involves “addressing” problems with more drugs.

Take, for example, the push to prescribe GLP-1 medications to children as young as 13. Many are advised that they’ll need to utilize these weight loss drugs for life. It raises a question: why focus on exercise and healthy eating when you can simply take Wegovy every month? Perhaps this is a model that really appeals to shareholders, but for those who care about nationwide health, it’s alarming.

My wife and I founded our chiropractic practice based on the philosophies of Eric Plasker’s 100-year lifestyle concept. We soon realized that living a fulfilling life for over a century is nearly impossible without addressing issues like overmedication, a sedentary lifestyle, and a lack of genuine happiness.

Every day in my practice, I witness the effects of contemporary lifestyle choices. Patients come in with various pains, exacerbated by poor diet, medications, inactivity, and mental stress. Understanding the body as an interconnected system, I employ chiropractic adjustments to help improve communication between the brain and the body, alleviating pain and enhancing overall well-being.

I always remind my patients that preventive measures are preferable to treatment whenever possible. Certainly, there are steps we can all take to promote better health and potentially minimize reliance on medication. Eating well and staying active can significantly change outcomes.

If someone is battling a major illness or recovering from a severe incident, it’s wise to utilize the best medical options at their disposal. Yet, too many people lean on drugs as the answer—not just for significant ailments but often for minor issues, using them as a substitute for exercise, nutritious meals, and a positive mindset.

As a society, it seems we’ve forgotten how to pay attention to our bodies. We’ve swapped out physical activity for screen time, filled our bodies with overly processed, sugary foods, and allowed electronic connections to replace real-life interactions. Stress has become overwhelming, leaving many in a toxic state, and then we’re surprised to see reports labeling us as the sickest country in the world.

Standard medical practice typically assumes that medications can fix bodily issues. However, drugs can often create a two-fold negative impact: they mask symptoms your body is signaling and introduce unwanted side effects.

Of course, Big Pharma suggests that the solution lies in simply prescribing more medications. This cycle seems never-ending.

Currently, Americans spend about three times as much on drugs as individuals elsewhere. These costs consume roughly three-quarters of the pharmaceutical sector’s profits. Modern medicine does have its miracles, but for too many families, these escalating costs become a burden, forcing them to choose between medicine and basic necessities.

Instead of relying on costly medications or spending years on treatment, my patients often find that trusting their bodies to heal naturally can be effective. Everyone desires to live to 100, yet there aren’t any pills or shots that can help achieve that goal. Genuine health and longevity might truly rely on rejecting Big Pharma’s influence and regaining control over our own well-being.