TMHS 797: Why Drug Companies Are Controlling the US Healthcare System & Policies for Real Change – with Calley Means
2Digest
This episode of The Model Health Show delves into the alarming state of health in the United States, revealing a system deeply flawed by economic incentives that prioritize profit over well-being. Sean Stevenson and his guest, Kali Means, a co-author of the #1 best-selling book "Good Energy," expose the hidden forces behind the current healthcare model, which often prioritizes pharmaceutical interventions over preventative measures. They discuss the siloed nature of medicine, where diseases are treated in isolation, ignoring the interconnectedness of the body and the root causes of chronic conditions. Means, a former consultant for food and pharmaceutical companies, shares his firsthand experience with the industry's practices and the systemic corruption that has led to a nation grappling with an epidemic of chronic diseases. The episode highlights the importance of empowering patients to take control of their health through informed choices, emphasizing the need for a shift in the standard of care towards preventative measures, lifestyle interventions, and personalized approaches. Means advocates for policy changes, including ending pharmaceutical advertising on television, reforming the SNAP program to incentivize healthy food choices, and empowering patients with greater control over their healthcare spending through HSAs. The episode concludes with a message of optimism, emphasizing the potential for a revolution in healthcare through a combination of top-down policy changes and bottom-up individual action.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the topic of the episode, which is the current state of health in the United States and the systemic issues that are contributing to the rise of chronic diseases. Sean Stevenson, the host of The Model Health Show, introduces his guest, Kali Means, a co-author of the #1 best-selling book "Good Energy." They discuss the alarming statistics regarding the health of Americans, particularly the fact that only 6.8% of Americans have optimal cardiometabolic health.
The Dysfunctional Healthcare System
This Chapter delves into the current healthcare model, highlighting its focus on pharmacology and its failure to address the root causes of chronic diseases. Sean and Kali discuss the alarming trends in childhood health, including rising rates of obesity, fatty liver disease, and mental health disorders. They argue that these issues are not simply a matter of personal responsibility but rather a consequence of a system that incentivizes interventions over prevention. They also discuss the siloed nature of medicine, where diseases are treated in isolation, ignoring the interconnectedness of the body and the root causes of chronic conditions.
The Profit-Driven System
This Chapter explores the economic incentives that drive the current healthcare system, highlighting the dependence on chronic disease for profit. Sean and Kali discuss how pharmaceutical companies have a vested interest in keeping people sick, as they fund medical education, research, and regulatory agencies. They also discuss the role of advertising in perpetuating the belief that drugs are the only solution to chronic conditions. They argue that the system is designed to treat symptoms rather than address root causes, creating a cycle of dependence on medications and interventions.
Policy Changes for a Healthier Future
This Chapter focuses on practical policy changes that could create a healthier environment for Americans. Sean and Kali discuss the need to end pharmaceutical advertising on television, reform the SNAP program to incentivize healthy food choices, and empower patients with greater control over their healthcare spending through HSAs. They also emphasize the importance of following science-based recommendations for nutrition and health, advocating for a shift in the USDA's guidelines to prioritize preventative measures.
Empowering Patients with Choice
This Chapter explores the importance of empowering patients to make informed choices about their health and healthcare spending. Sean and Kali discuss the limitations of the current one-size-fits-all system and the need for personalized approaches that address the root causes of chronic conditions. They advocate for greater access to information about lifestyle interventions and the use of HSAs to fund preventative measures, such as exercise, sleep optimization, and nutritional supplements.
A Message of Optimism
This Chapter concludes the episode with a message of optimism, emphasizing the potential for a revolution in healthcare through a combination of top-down policy changes and bottom-up individual action. Sean and Kali discuss the importance of taking personal responsibility for our health, making small changes in our lifestyle, and embracing a holistic approach to well-being. They encourage listeners to become informed about the interconnectedness of the body and to trust their own intuition when it comes to making health decisions.
Keywords
Good Energy
Good Energy is a #1 best-selling book co-authored by Kali Means and his sister, Casey Means, a Stanford-trained physician. The book exposes the systemic issues within the healthcare system that incentivize chronic disease and advocates for a paradigm shift towards preventative care and empowering patients to take control of their health.
Metabolic Health
Metabolic health refers to the overall efficiency of the body's metabolic processes, including how it uses and stores energy. It encompasses factors such as blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol levels, and body fat percentage. Optimal metabolic health is essential for preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer.
Chronic Disease
Chronic diseases are long-term conditions that typically last for three months or more and often require ongoing medical attention. They are a major public health concern, accounting for a significant portion of healthcare costs and mortality rates. Common chronic diseases include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis.
Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical industry is a global industry that researches, develops, manufactures, and markets drugs and other medical products. It plays a significant role in healthcare, but it has also been criticized for its influence on medical research, regulation, and public health policy.
Preventative Care
Preventative care refers to measures taken to prevent illness and disease before they occur. It includes practices such as regular checkups, vaccinations, healthy lifestyle choices, and early detection screenings. Preventative care is essential for maintaining good health and reducing the risk of developing chronic conditions.
HSA (Health Savings Account)
An HSA is a tax-advantaged savings account that allows individuals to save money for healthcare expenses. It is available to those who have a high-deductible health insurance plan. HSAs offer flexibility in how the funds can be used, allowing individuals to pay for a wide range of healthcare expenses, including preventative care, supplements, and alternative therapies.
Flexner Report
The Flexner Report, published in 1910, was a landmark study that significantly shaped the development of modern medical education in the United States. It criticized the low standards of many medical schools at the time and recommended a standardized curriculum focused on scientific research and clinical practice. The report's influence led to the closure of many medical schools and the establishment of a more rigorous system of medical education.
John D. Rockefeller
John D. Rockefeller was an American industrialist and philanthropist who founded the Standard Oil Company, which became one of the largest and most powerful corporations in the world. He was a major benefactor of medical education and research, funding the establishment of several prominent medical schools, including Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Food Desert
A food desert is an area with limited access to affordable and nutritious food. It is often characterized by a lack of grocery stores, farmers markets, and other sources of fresh produce. Food deserts are a major public health concern, as they contribute to poor nutrition, obesity, and other health problems.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. It is the largest federal nutrition program in the United States, providing benefits to millions of Americans each year. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a wide range of food items, but they are not allowed to be used for non-food items, such as alcohol, tobacco, or pet food.
Q&A
What are some of the key systemic issues that contribute to the poor state of health in the United States?
The healthcare system is heavily reliant on pharmaceutical interventions, often neglecting preventative measures and lifestyle changes. The siloed nature of medicine, where diseases are treated in isolation, ignores the interconnectedness of the body and the root causes of chronic conditions. Additionally, the pharmaceutical industry has a significant influence on medical education, research, and regulation, creating a system that prioritizes profit over well-being.
How does the pharmaceutical industry influence the healthcare system?
Pharmaceutical companies fund medical education, research, and regulatory agencies, creating a system that is heavily reliant on their products. They also engage in extensive advertising campaigns that promote the belief that drugs are the only solution to chronic conditions, often neglecting the importance of lifestyle interventions.
What are some practical policy changes that could improve the health of Americans?
Ending pharmaceutical advertising on television, reforming the SNAP program to incentivize healthy food choices, and empowering patients with greater control over their healthcare spending through HSAs are all potential policy changes that could create a healthier environment for Americans. Additionally, following science-based recommendations for nutrition and health, advocating for a shift in the USDA's guidelines to prioritize preventative measures, and eliminating conflicts of interest in nutrition research are crucial steps towards a healthier future.
How can individuals empower themselves to take control of their health?
Individuals can empower themselves by becoming informed about the interconnectedness of the body, trusting their own intuition when it comes to making health decisions, and prioritizing preventative measures such as exercise, sleep optimization, and a healthy diet. They can also advocate for policy changes that support a healthier environment and seek out healthcare providers who prioritize a holistic approach to well-being.
What is the importance of HSAs in empowering patients?
HSAs allow individuals to save money for healthcare expenses and have greater control over how those funds are used. This empowers patients to invest in preventative care, lifestyle interventions, and alternative therapies that may not be covered by traditional insurance plans. By giving patients more choice in their healthcare spending, HSAs can encourage a shift towards a more proactive and personalized approach to health.
What is the message of optimism that the episode conveys?
Despite the systemic challenges facing the healthcare system, the episode conveys a message of optimism, emphasizing the potential for a revolution in healthcare through a combination of top-down policy changes and bottom-up individual action. By taking personal responsibility for our health, making small changes in our lifestyle, and embracing a holistic approach to well-being, we can create a healthier future for ourselves and our communities.
Show Notes
In the United States, our healthcare system is based on treatment, not prevention. And a large reason why is because the pharmaceutical companies have created incentives that profit off sickness, disease, and comorbidities. But what if our healthcare industry could promote true health? Today you’re going to learn about the steps that are necessary for real change in the US healthcare system.
Our guest today is Calley Means. Calley is a former consultant for food and pharmaceutical companies, the co-founder of TrueMed, and the co-author of the #1 bestselling book, Good Energy. Calley is passionate about changing our healthcare system, and today he’s sharing his incredible viewpoints on what we can do as a country to incite real change.
In this episode, you’re going to learn about how the American healthcare system works, including how government programs are hurting people (especially children!), how doctors are trained to focus on short-term solutions, and the major problems with the pharmaceutical industry. Plus, Calley is getting specific and sharing real world policies we can implement to transform the health of our country. This is a powerful conversation and Calley’s passion is contagious. Enjoy!
In this episode you’ll discover:
- What percentage of Americans have optimal cardiometabolic health.
- Why a siloed healthcare system is ineffective.
- The sad truth about the health of children and teens in the US.
- How all chronic diseases are connected to metabolic health.
- The most profitable innovation in American capitalism.
- Why the pandemic was a missed opportunity for better metabolic health.
- The critical role of empowerment in healthcare.
- How the US measures up against other countries in terms of health outcomes.
- What role economic incentives play in our healthcare system.
- The convoluted relationship between pharmaceutical companies and food research.
- Why chronic diseases are a powerful profit-maximizing engine.
- The sad truth about diabetes in children and young adults.
- What percentage of tv news spending comes from the pharmaceutical industry.
- The major problems with the SNAP program, and how we can repair it.
- What the USDA should do with sugar guidelines.
- Why focusing on specific issues can affect widespread change.
- How to use pretax dollars on real healthcare and root-cause solutions.
- The link between insulin resistance and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
- Why optimism is a key ingredient to changing our health.
Items mentioned in this episode include:
- Ketone.com/model - Save 30% on your first subscription order of Ketone-IQ!
- Organifi.com/Model - Use the coupon code MODEL for 20% off + free shipping!
- Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means & Calley Means - Order your copy today!
- TrueMed - Use pretax dollars on healthy interventions
- Connect with Calley Means Website / X / Instagram
Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation
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This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Ketone-IQ and Organifi.
Ketone-IQ is my favorite high-performance energy in a bottle. Save 30% on your first subscription at ketone.com/model.
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