InHealth: What the “Tiger King” Taught Me about Health in America

by Jill Morris, D.M.D

I have reflected much during the coronavirus government-mandated shut down of my thirty-three-year-old dental practice. Never in my wildest dreams did I think someone or something would force me to close my doors.

It has given me time to reflect on human nature and the workings of the mind. My emotional scale went from shock, to fear, then apathy, to anger and finally to determination. I have always been an out-of-the-box health thinker. I introduced ozone into my dental practice 13 years ago. Over 25 years ago, I stopped placing mercury fillings. I have done my best to educate my patients and many like-minded thinkers find me.

I also know that most disease is preventable. In my opinion, obesity-related health problems like diabetes and heart disease are the reason that the United States was most vulnerable to the coronavirus. Obesity is preventable. We live in a nation with an abundance of healthy foods, but instead many choose to eat poorly and eat way too much food. We would rather have the doctor fix us by prescribing a drug than go into the gym, work out, and eat healthy whole foods. Unfortunately for many, it’s just give me a pill.

Did you know that gum disease is a pandemic in America? Eighty percent of Americans have it. I have found many of my patients understand the link between gum disease and a plethora of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, yet they would rather have gum disease and lose their teeth than clean their teeth properly once a day to remove the bacteria. They are willing to pay to have the treatment, but are unwilling to do the proper home care on a daily basis. Then they wonder why the problem comes back. There is no pill to fix gum disease.

One million dental implants are lost every year in America. It is an epidemic. One reason is the poor health of the recipient.

Alcoholism is increasing, especially among women who are usually high functioning, well-educated professionals. Breast cancer is linked to alcohol consumption and now in the U.S. the fastest growing number of drinkers are females between the age of 24-36 years, the child-bearing years. Let me repeat that. The fastest growing number of drinkers are women during their child-bearing years.

Slick marketing by alcohol, wine and beer companies makes drinking seem sophisticated. The bottom line is alcohol is not good for your health or well-being. There are other ways to cope with stress, anxiety or depression. And just like flossing your teeth or getting into shape, you have to do it yourself. It takes work. 

Go to hypnotherapy, learn to meditate, or find a purpose that excites you. Read Allen Carr’s books. They are excellent and help cure addictions for those without will power.

So, what does the “Tiger King” documentary have to do with health in America? It is rumored to have set a world record as the most watched documentary. I watched it with my grown children—it wasted my valuable time. I used that catchy title only because I knew it would cause people to stop and read this article. Just like a slick marketer. We are a society that has taken the lazy and easy way out. We have given away our power.

I pray that this corona virus pandemic will cause an awakening of humanity, a regaining of individual personal power, and a determination to live our best lives with purpose.  

Jill Morris, D.M.D.
World Class Dentistry
3951 Swift Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231
941.923.6363
sarasotadentist.com