Exercise is great, (and actually reduces appetite in most people), but the most recent medical data shows that diet is a much more important component when it comes to reducing death rates from the 10 most common diseases in this country. Check out Dr. Michael Greger's Daily Dozen list for a good start.
The elephant in the room is AI As it replaces a multitude of jobs, the stats for SS get even worse. Argument in favor of things like tax reform become moot in the jobs environment that is around the corner, even if Congress could act.
You are correct, we are the only country that screens low risk patients with colonoscopy, which is a mini-industry of its own. We have a relatively high rate of colon cancer due to our poor diet, specifically too little fiber and too much animal protein.
I have two personal examples to share with you: My mother had a surgical gauze sponge left behind an abdominal surgery. When she went back to her surgeon and said that 'My son (I am a veterinarian) thinks there's a foreign body reaction at the surgical site', he laughed. It took a second doctor to make an accurate diagnosis and correct the problem. Second, my father's diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the ampulla (near the pancreas) was misdiagnosed as gall bladder disease, and by the time it was accurately diagnosed it had spread to local lymph nodes. I believe the root cause of this problem is the insurance industry along with supporting roles by Medicare and Medicaid. Doctors are incentivized to 'do something', even if doing less or nothing is better for the patient. Until the economic incentives are changed to a system that rewards patient outcomes vs. surgeries/tests/procedures/scans performed, this situation will not change. With respect to your first example, prostate cancer, the vast majority of doctors are now screening to pick up only aggressive tumors, having learned that most men over 75 die with prostate cancer, but not from prostate cancer.
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Exercise is great, (and actually reduces appetite in most people), but the most recent medical data shows that diet is a much more important component when it comes to reducing death rates from the 10 most common diseases in this country. Check out Dr. Michael Greger's Daily Dozen list for a good start.
Post: Beyond the Balance Sheet: Investing in Yourself
Link to comment from June 28, 2025
The elephant in the room is AI As it replaces a multitude of jobs, the stats for SS get even worse. Argument in favor of things like tax reform become moot in the jobs environment that is around the corner, even if Congress could act.
Post: Talking Trillions
Link to comment from June 14, 2025
That 'someday' is probably sooner than you think...
Post: Ignore Valuations? By Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from May 24, 2025
You are correct, we are the only country that screens low risk patients with colonoscopy, which is a mini-industry of its own. We have a relatively high rate of colon cancer due to our poor diet, specifically too little fiber and too much animal protein.
Post: Screw politics, let’s talk health. Are all surgeries necessary or have we become the college tuition bank for the doctor’s children?
Link to comment from April 19, 2025
Statistically, doctors use the health care system less than the average person...reminds me of insider trading.
Post: Screw politics, let’s talk health. Are all surgeries necessary or have we become the college tuition bank for the doctor’s children?
Link to comment from April 19, 2025
Deleted, Mike Haynes beat me to it!
Post: Screw politics, let’s talk health. Are all surgeries necessary or have we become the college tuition bank for the doctor’s children?
Link to comment from April 19, 2025
I have two personal examples to share with you: My mother had a surgical gauze sponge left behind an abdominal surgery. When she went back to her surgeon and said that 'My son (I am a veterinarian) thinks there's a foreign body reaction at the surgical site', he laughed. It took a second doctor to make an accurate diagnosis and correct the problem. Second, my father's diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the ampulla (near the pancreas) was misdiagnosed as gall bladder disease, and by the time it was accurately diagnosed it had spread to local lymph nodes. I believe the root cause of this problem is the insurance industry along with supporting roles by Medicare and Medicaid. Doctors are incentivized to 'do something', even if doing less or nothing is better for the patient. Until the economic incentives are changed to a system that rewards patient outcomes vs. surgeries/tests/procedures/scans performed, this situation will not change. With respect to your first example, prostate cancer, the vast majority of doctors are now screening to pick up only aggressive tumors, having learned that most men over 75 die with prostate cancer, but not from prostate cancer.
Post: Screw politics, let’s talk health. Are all surgeries necessary or have we become the college tuition bank for the doctor’s children?
Link to comment from April 19, 2025
I group these advisors pushing actively managed funds in the same category as used car salespersons...steer clear!
Post: Active vs. Passive Funds in 2024: It’s Deja Vu (All Over Again) by Steve Abramowitz
Link to comment from March 15, 2025
Looks like you've saved the best for last. Wishing you peace and comfort going forward...
Post: Four Thoughts
Link to comment from March 1, 2025
Many dentists seem to be competing with used car salespersons for the top spot in 'untrustworthiness'.
Post: Hole Truth
Link to comment from March 1, 2025