Inexpensive idea for health care reform

We can do something about the high cost of health care and prescription drugs, regardless of what Congress decides for us.

Since 1997 when pharmaceutical companies were allowed to directly advertise to consumers, health care costs have risen. One study from York University estimated the U.S. pharmaceutical industry spends almost twice as much on promotion as it does on research and development, contrary to the industry's claim.

The consumer buys into those ads by demanding their doctor give them drugs.

Clinical research studies are funded by drug companies, so how unbiased is the research? Who, therefore, is determining your health care? It's not just the insurance companies but also the drug companies.

With all of our surgeries, prescription drugs and vaccinations, Americans should be the healthiest people on the planet, but we are not. Maybe our illnesses are due to something very simple like the food we eat.

Advertisements tell us to eat more dairy, meat, and processed foods. We overeat and yet are malnourished. Heart disease, diabetes, and cancer rates are increasing, even among children.

It's time we fight back and put ourselves in control of our health. We were put on this earth with a supply of food and medicine found mainly in plants. Instead we boast about our abundance of cheap food, mostly processed and packaged nutrient-void.

As Michael Pollan said, "eat real food, not too much, and mostly plants." Another quote to remember is "the role of the doctor is to comfort the patient until the body heals itself." You can lower your health care cost and your pain by eating more vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains. Try it. The only side effects are improved health, less weight, and more energy. And if you have an hour, watch the DVD "Money Talks: Profits before Patient Safety."

Diane Crawford

Arlington Heights