The Paradox of Progress in the Health Industry

Advancements in the western medical health & diet industries are at an all time high. We have the latest in technology in diagnostics, medications, treatments, & weight loss products. Yet - the rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes & inflammatory disease keep rising. Let's delve into a couple (possible) explanations I have here.

The Paradox of Progress

The theory of the paradox of progress is simple. The more we progress, the more problems we appear to have. With the plethora of diet pills, appetite suppressants, shit-yourself-skinny teatoxes, MLM products and other services out there - it's easy for one to get caught in the lust of the commodities of new products. It becomes rather difficult to make a commitment to a single lifestyle regiment. You hear the marketing, "lose 'x' pounds in 'x' time" or "it's easy" - which brings me to my next point.

If it Seems Too Easy - Knock it

Here's the #1 red flag to watch for in a health product / service: If you encounter anything with a fixed timeline, quick results, minimal required effort (mentally / physically), and little client / patient education or explanation pertaining to the healthful life you seek to build sustainably - run the other direction. While many health interventions can be beneficial for the right people, you need to remember - this is a multi-billion dollar industry. It really is about the money for the companies selling a product instead of an individualized program custom made for an individual human (with a unique health history, physiology, hormone profile, and metabolic makeup).

Taking Things to the Extreme

As a health professional, working in both western medicine and as a wellness coach, I have worked with clients hard core into western medicine solving all their problems. "Coach, I have 'x' symptom, I think I'll go see my doctor for a prescription". I have also worked with clients in the opposite camp - where they don't want to touch Western Medicine with a 10 foot pole - no matter how severe the circumstances. This unfortunately serves as a bottleneck to long term progress for those with a complex health history.

All Things Come in the Right Doses

In some cases, symptom management (working with a medical professional) may be needed in UNISON with holistic health & lifestyle interventions (until one no longer needs symptom management should the root cause be addressed).

When in Doubt... Always Go Back to the Basics (Stop Going for the Short Cuts)

Fast solution - based marketing deters people from the inclination to take a look in the mirror at their day to day habits. Remove quick solution marketing from your feeds, let the dust settle, then have an honest conversation with yourself. "How often do I get outside?" "How often do I move my body?" "When was the last time I made a meal at home with single food ingredients?" "When was the last time I had my bloodwork drawn?" "Do I have a reliable doctor, mental health professional, and wellness professional to turn to?" "How well do I manage my stress?"

Go for the basics. Cross them one bridge at a time. Seek the respective professional when needed.

Simplicity may not seem like a sexy solution - but it sure as shit works. Want to learn more about getting back to the basics?

Check out my Back to Basics Guide Below!

The Big Rocks of Health (2).pdf

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