WASHINGTON—Nearly half of Americans (44 percent) want to be healthier and they have good intentions, but they may not know where to start, according to a recent study by the “Life…supplemented” consumer wellness initiative. In the survey, these Americans are “WannabeWELLs,” which is the second tier of health. The four levels are AlphaWELLS, WELLS, WannabeWELLS and OhWELLS.
The 2009 "Life...supplemented" My Wellness Scorecard National Study was conducted Oct. 2 through Oct. 9, 2009 by Ipsos Public Affairs. The survey was conducted online and included a national sample of 1,172 adults aged 18 and older.
Two licensed naturopathic doctors—Douglas MacKay, N.D., vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs, Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN); and Mitchell Stargrove, N.D., L.Ac, practicing naturopathic doctor—have teamed up to try and help Americans become more educated health consumers. “As a former practicing licensed naturopathic doctor, I have always found that an educated individual is a healthier individual,” said Dr. MacKay. “I believe it is part of a physician’s role to educate and encourage the patient to take responsibility for his or her health. After all, it’s the patient, not the doctor, who ultimately creates and accomplishes change and healing in the patient’s lifestyle.”
Dr. MacKay noted women of childbearing age may not realize that folic acid and iodine are instrumental in helping prevent birth defects in babies.
Dr. Stargrove said other things that individuals may need to think about are drug-induced nutrient depletions, which are nutrient depletions that are caused by prescription drugs. “It is widely known that statin medications, often prescribed for high-cholesterol levels, deplete Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) from the body, which helps transform energy into activity,” said Dr. Stargrove. “Healthcare professionals should discuss these potential depletions with their patients and discuss how patients can avoid these depletions so that they can be as healthy as possible.”