Advocacy

We are getting sicker, fatter, more depressed and more infertile in America while our healthcare system profits – it is a daunting challenge and the most important bi-partisan issues of our time.

I think one of the biggest lies, however, is that solutions to reverse this trend are difficult and complicated. Five bi-partisan policies that can be implemented tomorrow are below.

I have been working to advocate for these existential common-sense policies on Capital Hill – and I’m proud the work has impacted the creation of several federal bills and a planned Congressional investigation in 2024.

We are on the right side of this issue and I am passionate about pushing this narrative forward. If there’s a way we can partner on this, let me know.

5 Simple Policies to Transform American Health

(1) Ban TV Pharma Ads

  • The US and New Zealand are the only countries in the world that allow pharma ads.
  • Pharma money is 55% of TV news spending. The reason pharma spends is not to influence consumers – it is to influence the news itself.
  • The President can instruct the FDA Office of Prescription Drug Promotion to ban pharma ads tomorrow.

(2) No soda on SNAP (food stamps)

  • It is criminal that 10% of all SNAP funding goes to sugary drinks – which are leading to one-third of teens to have pre-diabetes.
  • Using existing drug policy, the President can issue an executive order tomorrow that government money should not subsidize an addictive, toxic substance for kids.

(3) Fire the Corrupt USDA Nutrition Panel

  • 95% of the USDA panel that makes nutrition policy is paid for by food companies.
  • This panel recommends 10% of a 2-year-old’s diet can be added sugar.
  • The President can fire this panel tomorrow and insist on unbiased guidelines.

(4) No conflicts of interest among NIH researchers.

  • This sounds like a no-brainer, but it is a radical suggestion.
  • Currently, there are no conflict-of-interest bans at the NIH and 8,000 researchers have “major” conflicts.
  • This Is why 40x more money is spent on ways to “manage” cancer than to prevent it — prevention doesn’t make money for pharma.
  • This can be changed tomorrow.

(5) Reform Insane Ag Subsidies

  • Today, the federal government subsidizes tobacco more than vegetables.
  • 90% of agriculture subsidies go the components of ultra-processed food (corn, soy, wheat) – distorting incentives for farmers
  • These subsidies are Implemented by the Ag Department.