Disclaimer: Opinion Piece by Jenny Haiar
The content of this blog represents the personal opinions and experiences of Jenny Haiar and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding your health and wellness. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of iv&co or its affiliates. Any references to studies, books, or organizations are provided for context and should not be construed as endorsements. Always seek professional guidance before making changes to your healthcare routine.
The Broken Healthcare System: A Nurse-to-CEO Perspective on Fearmongering and Missed Priorities
We’ve all heard for years that our healthcare system has serious flaws. This unfortunately has become common knowledge, but the problem seems so big and vast, it’s hard to know where to start. In the last 20 years in the healthcare field, I have worked from a nurse’s aid, all the way up to a CEO – with a lot of experience on the side of patient care vs. the side of corporate thinking/planning. I kept hearing horror stories from patients and colleagues about the relentless fearmongering that seems to control healthcare, as well as the barrage of unnecessary tests and procedures. Anyone in the thick of patient care knows too well that many tests, procedures, medication, etc are done to simply “cover everyone’s ass” and to play the ICD-10 billing insurance game.
We pour money into treating symptoms with drugs, tests, and procedures but as a prior cancer patient myself, we rarely address the root cause of what’s making people sick. Despite spending more than any other country on healthcare, our health outcomes aren’t great. The U.S. allocates at least 18% of its GDP—over $3 trillion—to healthcare, and if we keep on this path, it’s estimated that Medicare and Medicaid alone will consume 20% of the GDP by 2050, with chronic diseases continuing to rise. (1)
Why Patients Fear Healthcare: A Broken System Fueled by Profits and Poor Priorities
Is it big pharma wanting to keep us chronically sick? Is it big health systems wanting to keep the patient and their families in the cycle? Is our food industry packed with processed foods? Is it the agriculture system wanting a chunk of the profits and trying to keep up with America’s gluttony?
Quite possibly, it’s all the above, and more….
Patients tell me they’re scared to go to the hospital, and I can’t blame them. Physical exams and personal history are often sidelined for endless scans and tests. Why wouldn’t they be afraid?
I think they are scared because 1) most people know they are unhealthy and 2) it’s going to cost them a shit ton of money if the providers don’t “code” procedures right and insurance doesn’t cover it.
We claim to promote prevention, but it’s often just lip service. Medical schools don’t prioritize lifestyle and preventative care; it’s still dismissed as unconventional. Not to pick on Physicians and nurses, but I feel pretty confident saying medical and nursing school doesn’t teach true preventative care, alternative therapy and nutrition, hormones, peptides, etc – because I am a Registered Nurse, and have worked with physicians for 20 years, AND was married to a Physician for 7 years –
But here’s the reality: we can help patients lead healthier lives if we focus on the basics. We need to not make the journey a mountain to climb – we need to make it a step-by-step, day-by-day, easy, palatable course to tackle.
Most Americans do the following:
- We frequently drink alcohol.
- Don’t stay clinically hydrated
- Eat processed food >50% of the time, which fuels inflammation and chronic illness.
- Are inactive, spending hours in front of screens and computers – sometimes not moving their bodies for 8 hours at a time.
- Don’t get enough sleep, despite knowing it’s essential for recovery and healing.
- Fail to understand the value of managing stress, though it directly impacts their immune health.
- Will spend more money on instant gratification instead of their long-term health. But COVID proved to the world that money can’t buy health. If you get terminal pancreatic cancer – your fucked, and no $10K exosome infusion is going to save you (I know thats harsh, but I have had cancer – it doesn’t give a shit)
- People keep pushing themselves to the edge without pause, leading to more tests, procedures, and medications that don’t prevent disease, just further complicate things.
The Power of Preventative Care: Extending Healthspan and Reversing Chronic Disease
So, what is preventative and lifestyle care, and why does it matter? This approach focuses on stopping illness before it starts, extending healthspan, not just lifespan. Preventative care, grounded in whole-food diets, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management, avoiding harmful substances, and fostering social connections, can change lives. It’s proven to reduce healthcare costs by preventing serious conditions from escalating.
Studies show that lifestyle interventions can even reverse chronic diseases, dramatically cutting costs, as highlighted by research from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
Seeking further education in lifestyle and preventative care is crucial. The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), founded in 1992, has led this mission, offering education to create practitioners who address the full person, not just symptoms. Thousands of clinicians worldwide have embraced A4M’s tools for combating chronic disease and enhancing healthspan.
Building a Better Future: Embracing Preventative Care for Lifelong Wellness
The lessons of the past few years have shown us the urgent need for a shift in how we approach healthcare. We’ve seen firsthand the limits of a system focused solely on treating illness after it appears. But a preventative care model—one that encourages healthy habits, addresses root causes, and empowers patients—can lead us toward a future with better health outcomes for everyone.
At iv&co, we’re committed to being part of this change. Through lifestyle medicine, ongoing education, and a deep-seated passion for wellness, we strive to support our patients in creating healthier lives. We believe that true health isn’t just about avoiding disease; it’s about embracing habits that enhance every aspect of well-being.
Imagine a healthcare system that doesn’t just react to illness but actively supports each individual’s journey to wellness. That’s the vision we’re working toward, and we’re thrilled to walk this path alongside our community. With preventative care, we can build a healthcare model that serves patients not just today, but for a lifetime.