Introducing My New Newsletter on Chronic Disease
Dear Reader,
Thank you for subscribing to Public Health Without Politics and supporting my work. Today, I’m thrilled to launch a new newsletter dedicated to America’s chronic disease crisis. Chronic diseases diminish quality of life, limit personal and professional goals, and place a significant economic burden on our healthcare system. Almost 200 million Americans have at least one chronic disease—if you’re not one of them, it’s highly likely that you know someone who is.
This newsletter will empower you to:
Take personal steps to improve your health and tackle chronic disease.
Understand the policies that could make America healthier.
About Me:
I’ve spent nearly 30 years at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have dedicated my 45-year career to public health. Through this newsletter, I’ll share what I’ve learned to help you take control of your health and advocate for systemic change. Together, we can reverse the tide of chronic disease and the widespread suffering it causes.
But first…What is Chronic Disease?
Chronic disease is a long-term illness that requires ongoing medical attention. Examples of chronic disease include:
Obesity
Diabetes
Cancer
Heart Disease
Arthritis
Six in 10 Americans have a chronic disease, which often progress slowly and can usually be controlled but not cured.
RFK Jr.’s recent “Make America Healthy Again” campaign has put chronic disease at the spotlight of public health.
The Latest on Chronic Disease in America
Weight loss drugs can make you lose your desire to drink alcohol.
Adjusting your workout routine has huge physical and mental benefits.
A new study finds babies and toddlers who are exposed to little sugar in their first 1,000 days can lower their chronic disease risk.
A recent New York Times article highlights the financial strain on people with chronic diseases due to rising medication costs.
How YOU Can Fight Chronic Disease
Focus on Nutrition. Maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is one of the best things you can do to lower your risk of developing chronic disease. But there’s plenty of conflicting information so don’t just get on the latest bandwagon.
For example, there is a huge push to avoid seed oils—like corn oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, and others. The charge is that the omega 6 fatty acids in them are related to chronic disease like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Omega 3 fatty acids, on the other hand are good for you. You will see associations like the one below:
Remember, association is not, repeat, not causation. Like this association:
It’s a contest to see which group you should avoid, saturated fats versus seed oils. Remember, we jumped on animal fats and replaced them with trans fatty acids without the science being ready and then, later, found out that trans were much worse.
Wait for the science—it will eventually be at least partially settled.
Another Way to Fight Chronic Disease: Move. Exercise is different, it is the best medical deal you can get. Even if it’s just going for a walk. Walking boosts heart and lung fitness, reduces risks of heart disease and stroke, aids in managing hypertension and diabetes, strengthens bones and muscles, improves balance, and even lowers body fat.
Set a daily step goal: Walking just 30 minutes a day can significantly reduce your risk of chronic diseases. If you are trying to lose weight, go longer and walk a little faster.
Policy Spotlight: The Latest from…
FDA
President-elect Trump picked Marty Makary to lead FDA. As he steps into this critical role, he should consider how FDA regulations delay innovations that could combat chronic diseases.
The FDA recalled broccoli, carrots, and other vegetables due to E.Coli contamination. There’s also a cucumber recall in 26 states after a salmonella outbreak, and puppy food in seven states.
The US Supreme Court is reviewing FDA’s block of flavored vapes. Are they considering what might replace them?
CDC
Dr. Dave Weldon is Trump’s CDC pick.
CDC just announced the McDonald’s E.Coli outbreak is over.
Walking pneumonia is on the rise.
NIH
Trump nominated Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the NIH.
The National Institutes of Health just released a study that demonstrates long-term benefits of weight-loss surgery in young people.
Innovation Spotlight: New Calorie Tracker Revolutionizing Nutrition Tracking
Cal AI is an AI-powered calorie tracking application that allows users to snap photos of their meals. The AI provides nutritional breakdowns, including calorie counts and macronutrient information. It’s also the fastest growing health and fitness app on the app store.
Book of the Week
Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health by Casey and Calley Means. The book has promising ideas around chronic inflammation and health monitoring, but I’m cautious about implementing policy based on some of the book’s claims. Read my full review here.
Inspirational Quote
"The greatest wealth is health."—Virgil
Have a great week,
—Richard
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