subject: Health Insurance Companies And Fast Food Chains [print this page] Generally speaking, when one thinks of health insurance, fast food does not readily come to mind. It would seem that these two industries would be somewhat competitive, one encouraging healthy eating habits, and the other discouraging them by offering bigger and bigger portion sizes of fatty, greasy foods. In reality, however, this is not at all the case.
If everyone was healthy all the time, exercising regularly, eating healthfully, and getting the right amount of rest, health insurance would not be needed. Insurance companies want to ensure that this will never be the case by quietly partnering with fast food chains to decrease the health of the American and Canadian populations.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health reveals that the top health insurance companies in the United States and Canada own almost two billion dollars worth of stock in some of the most familiar fast food chains such as Burger King, Taco Bell, KFC, McDonald's, and more.
In addition, pharmaceutical companies are getting in on the deception as well, all in search of the almighty dollar. Many of America's top pharmaceutical companies own major shares in some of the most popular vitamin companies. While this may seem like an innocent endeavor, think again.
Pharmaceutical companies make their money by selling medicine to sick people. Investing in something that has the potential to help keep the population healthy, such as vitamins and minerals, would seem to be counter-intuitive on the surface. However, it is what is beneath the surface that matters in this case.
Investors with major stock in any company have a say as to the direction products may or may not go. With no regulation from the FDA on vitamins and minerals, it is really anyone's guess as to what is actually in the tablets you purchase from retailers. While there is no valid assertion that there is any poisoning going on, it would certainly behoove the pharmaceutical companies to ensure that these tablets are in reality useless to health.
These two examples show that the medical industry as a whole, including health insurance companies, is not driven by quality patient care and well-being, but rather by profit margins. This finding is undoubtedly disturbing, but there are some steps you can take to ensure that you are not a victim of these underhanded profiteering schemes.
Purchase health insurance. While this may initially seem counter-intuitive based on the previous information, you are protecting your financial future by insuring your health. Many people have faced financial ruin as a result of an unexpected illness or surgery that came about while they were not insured.
Do everything you can to be as healthy as possible. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, practice stress control methods, and get enough sleep to function at your peak. See your physician regularly for check-ups to catch any potential problems early. And perhaps most importantly, stay informed of both current events and recent medical research.
by: Casey Trillbar
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