ABSOLUTELY SAD STATE OF AFFAIRS. NO EXCUSE.

Armand Dorian, MD, MMM, FACEP @paola

Today, I gave a mindset talk about famous people and how they have influenced the world. Among the incredible individuals was a very young girl, Malala Yousafzai, who became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate at 17. She was shot in the head at 15 by the Pakistani Taliban because she was advocating for girls' education.

It’s a mind-numbing fact that, in this day and age, millions of people are still deprived of basic human rights, such as the right to education and freedom of expression. Particularly abhorrent is the fact that these limitations are often directed at girls and women. We read about these issues, but we soon return to our daily lives, facing our own trials and tribulations, and accept, sadly, that this is the way things are. Many of us are taught to mind our own business and focus on our lives or are told there’s nothing we can do to change such situations.

What is truly remarkable is that, in a populous country like Pakistan—where injustice and violence against women are often overlooked—the plight of Malala made international headlines. This put pressure on the government, where over 2 million people signed a right-to-education petition. As a result, the National Assembly ratified Pakistan's first Right to Free and Compulsory Education Bill.

The point of writing this newsletter is to bring light to some facts that made me reflect on the absurd situations that impact our society. I used Malala Yousafzai as a dramatic example to show that no matter how hopeless a situation seems, change is possible, no matter how long it takes.

I have the privilege of being an American with freedom of expression and the unlimited possibility of making a difference in issues I believe need attention.

I am an advocate of preventive health, and thanks to my education, I have opted for healthy lifestyle choices. I understand that in the long run, being healthy is far cheaper than the alternative. In my opinion, there is a misconception that adopting a healthy lifestyle is expensive. We are led to believe that fast food is cheaper and better for us. For example, an average hamburger costs between $2.50 and $3.00. The bread content gives a feeling of satiety for a short period until it converts to sugar, which leads to more cravings for carbs. In contrast, the average cost of an apple is $0.39 to $1.50.

Eating an apple a day provides a range of health benefits, including promoting heart health by lowering cholesterol, aiding digestion with its high fiber content, potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers, helping manage blood sugar levels, boosting brain health with antioxidants, and potentially supporting weight loss by promoting satiety. Essentially, apples are a nutrient-rich fruit with compounds that may help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. (source Search Labs | AI Overview)

Why make this comparison? The 10 worst states in the U.S. for children's health face challenges such as higher rates of obesity, chronic diseases, poverty, limited access to healthcare, and poor environmental conditions. Health issues in these states are influenced by socioeconomic factors, public health policies, and access to medical care. Here are the common health issues faced by children in the 10 worst states:

1. Mississippi Health Issues: High rates of childhood obesity, asthma, and dental decay, exacerbated by poverty and limited healthcare access.
2. Louisiana Health Issues: High rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, and asthma. Poor access to healthcare and high levels of food insecurity lead to chronic health conditions.
3. West Virginia Health Issues: High rates of obesity, mental health issues, and respiratory problems like asthma. High poverty impacts access to healthcare and proper nutrition.
4. Alabama Health Issues: Obesity, asthma, and food insecurity. Many children lack adequate health insurance, limiting access to care.
5. Arkansas Health Issues: Obesity, diabetes, and dental problems. Food insecurity and lack of preventive healthcare contribute to chronic health problems.
6. Oklahoma Health Issues: High rates of asthma, obesity, and mental health issues. Poverty and food insecurity worsen health outcomes.
7. Kentucky Health Issues: Obesity, asthma, and mental health challenges. High tobacco use contributes to respiratory problems in children.
8. South Carolina Health Issues: Obesity, asthma, and food insecurity. Lack of access to quality healthcare, especially in rural areas, exacerbates these issues.
9. Tennessee Health Issues: Obesity, asthma, and dental health problems. Food insecurity and limited access to healthcare worsen outcomes for children.
10. Georgia Health Issues: Obesity, asthma, and mental health problems. Disparities in healthcare access, especially in rural areas, impact children's health.

These states share common challenges such as poverty, limited healthcare access, and poor public health infrastructure, contributing to widespread health issues among children.

By contrast, here are 10 states where children tend to be the healthiest, based on access to healthcare, nutrition, physical activity, and overall well-being:

1. Massachusetts Why it’s healthy: High healthcare access, the highest percentage of insured children, and emphasis on preventive care and mental health services.
2. Vermont Why it’s healthy: Excellent healthcare access and public health programs that promote physical activity and healthy eating among children.
3. Hawaii Why it’s healthy: Low childhood obesity rates, high rates of insured children, and an outdoor lifestyle that promotes physical activity.
4. Minnesota Why it’s healthy: Strong healthcare coverage, low childhood obesity rates, and community health initiatives promoting wellness from an early age.
5. Connecticut Why it’s healthy: High levels of healthcare access, low child poverty rates, and a focus on education and nutrition.
6. New Hampshire Why it’s healthy: Low child poverty rates, strong healthcare access, and a focus on preventive care.
7. New Jersey Why it’s healthy: Strong healthcare access, preventive services, and relatively low rates of obesity and chronic illnesses.
8. Utah Why it’s healthy: Low childhood obesity rates and an outdoor lifestyle that promotes physical activity.
9. Rhode Island Why it’s healthy: High pediatric care access, low uninsured rates, and a strong focus on early childhood education and nutrition.
10. Washington Why it’s healthy: Strong healthcare access, promotion of physical activity, and a focus on mental health services for young people.

Statistics: In 2009-2010, $1.1 billion was spent on lobbying in Washington, D.C. The average cost for healthcare in the U.S. is $8,000 per year, compared to $3,000 in the rest of the world.

In 2007, GM and Ford spent $1,500 per vehicle on healthcare for every car they made, compared to $450 for BMW and $150 for Honda. (Source: Century Foundation - EscapeFire.com )

We have a very very serious healthcrisis in the US, especially with the younger generation growing up in poorer areas where in my opinion EDUCATION about health should be paramount. I have not mentioned MENTAL HEALTH which is becoming an even bigger problem with the younger generation.

Common sense, which apparently is the least common of the senses is urgently needed to avoid not only bankrupting the healthcare system, but also avoiding very serious mental and physical consequences.

WHERE ARE THE LEADERS? ARE THERE ANY WHO WOULD RISE TO THE TASK?