Voter Apathy

The next General Election in the UK is scheduled for May 2015 and already there are reports of declining numbers of the electorate wanting to vote. This is particularly prevalent amongst young voters who will be able to vote for the first time. Multiple reasons are given but an oft repeated charge is that politicians are not trustworthy. They say one thing and do another and they fiddle expenses. Famously the UK coalition government raised University Tuition Fees despite an election promise by the Liberal Democrats that this would not happen. Also, in the US, during his election campaign President Barack Obama promised to introduce labelling on GM foods. Now that he’s in office his pledge has been forgotten. The major corporations that bankroll political campaigns in America have bought another election and the status quo is maintained. In what way does this encourage democracy? What affects will this have on society when young people become disenfranchised and yet we become more heavily dependent on their tax payments to maintain systems and policies that are not relevant to them? The societal level dangers brought to mind the development of Insulin Resistance (IR) in the human body. A relationship of trust has been broken. The expectation that foods will be ingested that allow for health and growth is disregarded when we load up on refined carbohydrates and junk food. The result is that cells become resistant to circulating insulin so that the pancreas attempts to produce more – to force through its plans for energy supply. Why should cells respond as intended when the body is deprived of basic fuels and instead assaulted by a torrent of abusive substances? The development of insulin resistance is the precursor to diabetes and heart disease. We can manage the symptoms for a while with Metformin and a host of other medications but the end result is reduced quality of life and premature death. So how can this be avoided? Let’s get back to basics. Let’s give the body what it really wants - good wholesome food, unprocessed vegetables, grass fed beef, raw milk, eggs and fruit in season – hunter gather fare! It’s a bit like running petrol cars on petrol and diesel cars on diesel. Why do we take better care of our cars than we do of our bodies? Which is more important? In a very short time of eating properly the body ‘does a Voltaire’. Voltaire famously said – “The physician’s job is to keep the patient amused while the body heals itself”. Moreover, when we achieve optimal health we are better able to think and collaborate. Healthy people make for healthy families, communities and societies. Our brains executive is attending to the needs of the body that supports it and in reply the body rewards it with robust good health. Hormones like Insulin and Leptin are listened to and are willing and able to control our health perfectly. So too when our young people see that their contribution is genuinely valued and their concerns listened to they are more likely to participate in the democratic system and happily shoulder the yoke of societal responsibility. Instead of apathy leading to resentment and even insurrection our society could treat everyone with respect, win collaboration amongst its citizens and become healthy and vibrant. At whatever level of the ‘Russian Doll’ concept of healthy living – be it microcellular, personal or societal, we will thrive when instead of just issuing orders and imposing enforcement we actually listen to and supply what is needed. My healthy body wants a healthy society to live in. What does health mean to you?