Americans love their cheese. As consumption has grown over the years, obesity and a host of other health problems have grown with it. Can we blame the dairy council? Sure, why not? We like to blame everyone for our problems. Blame the Chinese for lead in our toys, even though we wanted them impossibly cheap. Blame the Obama administration, even though his predecessor watched as trillions were looted from our country. Blame Toyota, even though they are probably the highest quality car, and the car company with the most honor. We don’t like to take responsibility.

But the truth is, it’s not just cheese that’s killing our babies (SIDS), taking the limbs off our teenagers (Sepsis), ruining our complexion, and destroying our cardio-vascular system. It’s the complete lack of common sense, to see what’s happening and connect the dots. High fructose corn syrup is just as important a destroyer to our culture, although corn does not suffer as much as cows do. Overconsumption of beer and wine is also ruining our health, taking lives on the highway, and leading to record divorce and crime statistics in these stressful times. We cannot blame another for these problems, and we cannot blame the government, for its lack of standards, weak leaders, and flip-flopping laws. It’s all on us.

Here’s the cure. Bury it so we don’t have to look at it, and do the work. But in 50 years, uncover it and know that there were a few people who saw what was going on.

Recipe for Better Health, Cleaner Environment, Happier People, and Peace

1. Add mandatory classes in healthy cooking and healthy relationships in middle school and high school
2. Understand that nature is better. There is a dear price for inactivity, high cell phone usage, violence on TV, and chemicalized food, water, clothing and cleaners
3. Know we are all connected. Treat yourself better, and treat others better, through meditation, yoga, Buddhist teachings, and eating less animal foods
4. Welcome change, in the seasons, in your life, and in the differences between people
5. Appreciate what you have, instead of focusing on what you don’t have. Be skeptical of those trying to sell you something based on fear. Happiness is a choice.

David L. Kagan, B.S, M.B.A., Health Educator
www.KaganMedia.net