It's not just them

ignorance is america's worst problem. or maybe it's arrogance. or maybe it's both. on my most recent visit to a cardiac specialist, i saw perhaps the most disturbing sight i've ever seen in a doctor's office: kids younger than me receiving ekgs and other heart-related testing.

i was patiently waiting in the lobby for my name to be called, i noticed a kid, maybe 17, enter a patient room with his parents. i could see through the open doors that the nurse practioner had wheeled in an ekg machine. though HIPPA prohibits me from knowing the exact reason for the kid's visit, it did get me thinking....

americans must be the dumbest people on earth. or the most arrogant. or the most ignorant. pick your word that ends in "ant," and we're probably that. for a country's citizenry to be so proud of all its scientific, business, and educational advancements over the past 200+ years, and to still be completely in the dark about how to simply take care of themselves is utterly inexcusable.

we all take it for granted that old people are the ones that will experience health problems, given the body's propensity to break down over the years. but what does it say about us when a 26 year old like me, or a 17 year old like the kid in the office today either have a heart attack or need to see a doctor to prevent a potential one? simply means that we don't get it.

we work longer than everyone else. we sleep less. we consume more goods, especially food, than everyone else on the planet. yet, we're continuously surprised at the increasing number of health problems plaguing us as a society.

we need to be re-educated. ideally, such information should be demonstrated from an early age while kids are in school. they should learn how to eat properly, exercise, and how to take care of themselves. it's such a simple concept. the government went through such trouble, maybe an entire day, to put together the food pyramid (which, mind you, has recently been updated). the least we could do is use it. nah.

most people visit their doctors once a year at the max. can we really depend on them to fully educated us about what is going on with our bodies, with our lives? their advice helps, but in the end the answer is a resounding "no."

how 'bout morgan spurlock, mr. "super-size me?" well, his efforts were wrought with good intentions. but alas, he's not my pal, so his words mean very little to me.

ultimately, you are responsible for you. no one else will take care of you the way you can. or should. it's up to each of us to find the information we need to make better choices concerning our health. surely there are people willing to help, but how much legwork do you think they'll put in?

i was told recently by a friend of mine that my ordeal has made him rethink his lifestyle. he's since made significant changes and even picks my brain from time to time about what i'm eating, how much, etc. he gets it. i get it. now it's your turn to get it while you're still young and able to comprehend it. health problems aren't just for old people anymore.