Conflicts of Interest

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When I practiced as a CPA and a CFP, a first step in any engagement was determining if there were any conflicts of interest. It is a rule that made sense if you are going to attest to the authenticity of financial records, or give financial advice about implementing a financial plan with specific investments. Now, as I learn more about the importance of nutrition and health, nearing my ninth decade, I am inclined to verify that there are no conflicts of interest with the products and services that I consume, hearing how the product or service is better than sliced bread. Makes sense to me. Especially with my current level of cynicism with talking heads, politicians, and Big Brother.

The Food and Drug industry is a good example. All involved in making money directly or with lobbying efforts for a drug or food, are in question, with clear conflicts of interest. For example, obesity in America, and all related diseases is shockingly high. Pharmaceutical and large food companies want you to be addicted to their products and services. Accordingly, obesity has been on the rise for many years. There are product pushers for addicting sugar, processed food and alcohol products. These desirable products are becoming more known for their bad health impact, but are hard to resist with all the hype about them. Truth in consumption affects is needed, as well as awareness of conflicts of interest by promoters.

Medicine and related care providers deserve accolades for keeping people alive longer and longer. Unfortunately, there are conflicts of interests to treat the symptoms with more and more products and services, while patients deal with more and more pain and health problems. Living long is no good if the quality is shitty.

Like the leaves that fall to the ground, we are recycled somehow, someway. May life be long, and healthy, with intended natural foods and movement. And, may we live with love, not fear, knowing that spirits live on.

Fallen and I can’t get up