http://www.hhs.gov/asl/testify/t040302.html

“Because of the increasing rates of obesity, unhealthy eating habits, and physical inactivity, we may see the first generation that will be less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.”

Now, I don’t actually believe that, but last week, I just diagnosed an 11 year old boy with type 2 diabetes. Just please eat healthier and exercise, everyone.

My problem, in summary, is this: That public understanding of medicine, and especially of medical risks, has been grossly distorted by the way they are presented by spokespeople like the doctor in question. First, in the profession’s undeserved claim that they know what they’re doing and why. Second, in the profession’s tendency to respond strongest and loudest to the most recent results and findings, and ignore historical conditions and long-term changes. And third, the tacit hubris that implies that life expectancy is, in and of itself, desirable.

Yes, to live a long and happy life you have to first live a long one. But I am not convinced, by my immediate experience, that active life is on their minds. I have a strong sense that decrease in mortality—without considering trade-offs such as cost, comfort, self-sufficiency, or pain—is much more on the collective medical mind.

But obviously that’s not what she’s saying. She’s saying that the dramatic rise in life expectancy that the U.S. (and it’s fair to guess she’s just talking about the U.S., or maybe even Michigan — see, e.g., http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr53/nvsr53_06.pdf) may be coming to an end.

She may be wrong, but I don’t know a physician who isn’t worried about the amazing increase in what was once called “adult onset diabetes.”

Perhaps medical miracles will save the day, but I’m skeptical that they will amount to more than a drop in the bucket when compared with some really disturbing lifestyle trends.

That said, I really don’t know what you’re complaining about, although you do seem to have a problem with modern medicine.

Or something.

I refuse!

Laziness is just my huge intellect telling me there is a shorter way from A to B. And even if you don’t believe that, it is still my number 1 favourite vice. They’ll have to pry my laziness from my cold, dead hands. Not that I’ll bother defending it.