A report by the World Economic Forum and the Harvard School of Public Health called, “The Global Economic Burden of Non-communicable Diseases“, was released this month (September 2011). The report states that:
“…with respect to cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, cancer, diabetes and mental health, the macroeconomic simulations suggest a cumulative output loss of US$ 47 trillion over the next two decades”
Now I am normally a happy guy. I love looking at the positive side of things. But I have to say, way too many people in my life in the last 30-60 days have been affected by chronic disease (cancer, diabetes, heart disease). Granted, I am getting older, so I do understand that I will be attending fewer bachelor parties and more funerals. But being personally touched by so many with these problem and then to have this report run across my desk this morning. It almost makes me want to cry, because I am beginning to realize just how serious this is getting.
I am no mathematician (oh wait actually I am, but that is another story), but last time I checked, $47 trillion dollars is a lot of money! Now if you are a pharmaceutical company you are peeing your pants reading this report, because a huge chunk of that money is going directly into your pockets (wet as they may be). You see there is no better disease for drug companies than chronic diseases – ones in which you have to take drugs that never actually cure you, but just cover symptoms, that is a brilliant business model!
My whole argument is simple. You do not have to play in this game and be a part of this statistic. The solution is cheap, it’s easy, it’s simple,…it’s your food! We would not have to spend even a fraction of this $47 trillon dollars if everyone took responsibility for what they put into their mouth. The problem is that most people just don’t know, don’t know how or don’t care (because it’s not an issue today). My biggest concern for people is if they wait too long, it may be too late for them.
You do not have to eat like a rabbit or a bird. Just making very small changes over time and being aware of what you are eating will do the trick. The only way this will get fixed, is if each and everyone of us takes some responsibility for ourselves and our families. Please help me spread this message by sharing this with a friend, a family member or someone you care about. Together we can make a difference!
