Sign of the Times of Healthcare

For the past few months, a common theme of these blogs has been “control the controllable.” Be intentional about your lifestyle factors, and you set the stage for your body to thank you. That way, you can stand on your own two feet with your health, independent of pandemics, political landscapes, or any other outside influences.

Well, here’s a story that shows exactly the complete opposite of that approach. Earlier this week, a Louisiana McDonald’s gave free coupons for people who went and got tested for COVID. I wish I could make this stuff up.

I think it’s an interesting commentary on where we are as a culture. Of all the fast food shops, McDonalds is probably the epitome of “this is unhealthy for you.” This incentive program is basically bribing people to address a short-term health crisis, in a way that adds fuel to the fire in setting up a long-term health crisis down the road.

In Stephen Covey’s book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, he lists out the top traits that cause people to win at anything they focus on in their life. The number one trait he outlined was being proactive. Be proactive in your health. Take control of what you can influence. Treat your body well, and it will treat you just the same. And for the love of all things good, don’t chase after free McDonalds coupons in order to get a COVID test.

- Dr. Scott Minton