It’s time to sound the alarm about the Health Crisis that’s not Covid

Last week I went to the doctor because I was having some digestive issues. I had my first “As we get older” conversation with my doctor about changes to my nutrition because it was causing acid reflux and heartburn.

“I haven’t even been 40 for a month and we’re already going down this road,” I thought to myself.

The doctor went on to tell me that they are seeing a lot of patients with acid reflux these days. As you may be aware, stress is a major cause of acid reflux and everybody is feeling some type of stress these days. Stress combined with a more sedentary lifestyle brought on by the pandemic is a recipe for disaster.

Studies are beginning to show that Covid wasn’t the only great risk to our health in 2020. In the pursuit to contain Covid, I’m concerned that other elements of health are falling by the wayside. Obesity rates in children increased, older adults are more at risk of falls, and we’re missing important cancer screenings and surgeries.

We must be concerned about all aspects of our health and not allow Covid monomania cause us to ignore this health crisis that’s unfolding right in front of us.

There has been a striking increase in childhood obesity due to school and playground closures, loss of extracurricular…