Recently, I attended a meeting hosted by my health insurance company to get updated information about my benefits.
During the session, I struck up a conversation with the person sitting to my left, who shared that she’s currently taking a staggering 22 different prescription medications.
To my right, the woman revealed she’s managing with just five prescriptions. People all around chimed in with how many meds they take on a daily basis.
Surrounded by individuals relying on numerous medications, I found myself in stark contrast, as I don’t take any prescribed medications.
Reflecting on our conversation, I couldn’t help but wonder about the factors that contribute to such vast differences in our healthcare needs. It underscored the diverse and individual nature of healthcare, highlighting that each person’s medical journey is unique and multifaceted.
Out of Control Pharma Costs
About two-thirds of adults in the U.S. use pharmaceuticals, spending an average of $1,200 each year on them. That’s a big chunk of money for most people! And it’s not just individuals who feel the impact; the top ten American drug companies made a whopping $245 billion in just one year.
But what’s really interesting is how these drugs are advertised directly to consumers. You’ve probably seen ads for medications on TV, in magazines, and online, right? Well, in only two countries—United States and New Zealand—is it legal to advertise drugs on TV. It’s a big business, too. In 2021 alone, drug companies spent nearly $7 billion on these ads. That’s a huge amount of money just to get people to buy their products.
Supply Chain Disruption Forces A Reality Check
The Federal Reserve’s recent report highlighted significant supply chain disruptions and labor shortages across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals.
Pharmacies are grappling with a concerning shortage of crucial prescription medications, with the FDA reporting around 111 drugs on backorder. These shortages encompass a spectrum of vital treatments, from heart medications to antibiotics and cancer drugs.
Who is Impacted?
The impact of these shortages reverberates widely, affecting individuals reliant on these medications for managing chronic conditions or battling life-threatening illnesses.
Among the common drugs in short supply are Adderall for ADHD, Albuterol sulfate for lung diseases like asthma, and Amoxicillin for bacterial infections. Additionally, chemotherapy drugs like Cisplatin and carboplatin, along with Semaglutide for diabetes and obesity, are also affected.
This scarcity places immense stress on patients who depend on these drugs for their health and well-being.
Potential Solution
Beyond a complete revamp of the way Big Pharma does business and prices their products, one is left to wonder if there is a solution.
While shortages persist and patients scramble for alternatives, an overlooked solution lies in lifestyle and dietary changes. Research consistently demonstrates the efficacy of a Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) diet in reversing or managing various diseases.
WFPB experts advocate for a dietary approach that focuses on consuming minimally processed plant foods, which has been shown to alleviate symptoms and even reverse chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
One such organization that offers solutions for, and by, members is the National Health Association (NHA). Founded in 1948, the NHA operates as a non-profit organization, committed to advocating for the benefits of a plant-based diet and lifestyle.
Through educational initiatives and advocacy efforts, such as the Health Science podcast hosted by Dr. Frank Sabatino, the Annual Conference, with both in-person and virtual options, and the NHA digital newsletter and print magazine, the NHA empowers individuals to embrace healthful living, recognizing the interconnectedness of personal, environmental, and social factors.
Its mission encompasses promoting the advantages of a plant-based diet, emphasizing the importance of exercise, rest, and psychological well-being. Additionally, the NHA takes a leadership role in advocating for health freedom issues, ensuring individuals have the autonomy to make informed choices regarding their health.
Check out the 2024 Virtual Conference CLICK HERE
WFBP Telehealth doctors
For those seeking a virtual alternative for medical care, telehealth doctors are available. With countless options available, there is one telehealth organization that stands head and shoulders above all others when it comes to providing WFPB solutions.
Love.Life/telehealth is unique in that all the providers listed not only encourage their patients to consider WFBP options, they themselves subscribe to this lifestyle.
Compassionate physicians, certified in Lifestyle and Functional Medicine, guide individuals towards taking control of their health. Love.Life/telehealth offers comprehensive telemedicine that treats the root cause of health issues not just symptoms — all from wherever you are. Learn more at https://love.life/telehealth/
Incredible Opportunity for WFPB Experts
For WFPB nutritionists, coaches, doctors, and medical professionals specializing in Lifestyle Medicine, the current shortage crisis presents an opportunity to offer tangible solutions.
By leveraging both online and offline platforms, these experts can increase visibility and provide valuable guidance to individuals seeking alternatives amidst the medication scarcity.
Rather than solely focusing on promoting services, WFPB experts can prioritize offering high-value no-cost information and support to assist those in need during this challenging period.
Visibility Strategies for WFPB Experts
In order for potential clients and patients for find you, a focus on increasing visibility is essential. Consistency is key to increasing visibility.
However, given the heightened sense of urgency, it’s crucial to address people’s concerns with empathy and understanding.
Providing insights into the benefits of a WFPB lifestyle and how it can complement or replace medication where possible can resonate deeply with individuals seeking alternatives.
7 Proven Visibility Strategies
- Content Creation: Regularly produce high-quality content such as articles, blog posts, videos, and podcasts related to WFPB nutrition, health benefits, and success stories.
- Social Media Engagement: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to share informative posts, engage with followers, and participate in relevant conversations using appropriate hashtags and tags.
- Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with influencers, bloggers, or other professionals in related fields to expand your reach and tap into their audience.
- Guest Blogging and Podcasting: Contribute guest posts to popular blogs or podcasts in the health and wellness niche to reach new audiences and establish credibility.
- Host Webinars or Masterclasses: Organize online events to educate people about WFPB nutrition, cooking tips, meal planning, and health benefits, while also promoting your services or expertise.
- Virtual Summits: Hosting mini virtual summits involves organizing online events where experts in the field of WFPB nutrition and health come together to share insights, tips, and practical advice with participants. By offering mini virtual summits, WFPB experts can connect with a wider audience, provide valuable educational content, and foster a sense of community among participants—all in a convenient and accessible online format.
- Offer Free Resources: Create downloadable guides, meal plans, or e-books on your website that visitors can access for free. These resources not only provide value to your audience but also help attract new followers and potential clients without requiring any financial investment.
Visibility Solutions by Vegans for Vegans
In the vegan and WFPB space, many individuals possessing expertise in this lifestyle often struggle to gain the visibility they deserve. Despite their wealth of knowledge and passion for promoting healthier, sustainable living, they find themselves overshadowed by louder voices or obscured by the vastness of the digital landscape.
Recognizing this challenge, Vegan Visibility Productions is a great option. Through tailored solutions and innovative strategies, we provide a platform for WFPB experts to amplify their voices and reach wider audiences.
Whether through targeted social media campaigns, engaging content creation, or strategic partnerships, we equip these experts with the tools they need to shine brightly amidst the noise of the online world.
At Vegan Visibility Productions, we believe in the power of visibility to inspire positive change and drive the adoption of plant-based lifestyles for a healthier planet and populace.
With extensive, decades-long experience in traditional marketing, sales, crowdfunding, social media, and digital content creation, our true passion lies in serving the vegan and plant-based markets.
Our goal is to help clients achieve their objectives and amplify their impact through tailored consulting solutions designed to meet their specific needs.
One strategy that is incredibly powerful is podcast guesting. With this in mind, we invite you to access our FREE Podcast Guesting Checklist.
The Podcast Guesting Checklist is designed to elevate your podcast guesting game and empower you to effortlessly secure interview bookings, hone your on-air presence, and leave an indelible impact on every podcast. CLICK HERE to access.
Conclusion
As shortages in essential medications persist, it’s imperative to explore alternative approaches to healthcare. WFPB experts are well-positioned to offer valuable solutions that prioritize holistic health and well-being.
By increasing visibility and offering supportive guidance, these experts can empower individuals to embrace dietary changes that not only address current health concerns but also promote long-term vitality and resilience. In times of crisis, the power of food as medicine shines brightly, offering hope and healing to those in need.
If you are a WFPB expert, it’s imperative to do all possible to gain visibility today, tomorrow and every day thereafter.
About the Author
Kathleen Gage is a highly experienced business consultant, keynote speaker, author, and marketing strategist. She’s the founder of Vegan Visibility and co-founder of Vegan Visibility Productions. Kathleen is known for her resilience in navigating economic challenges and her commitment to advocating for a sustainable, compassionate world. She consults with vegan plant-based businesses, hosts popular podcasts, authors books, and organizes the virtual summits, book launches, and digital product launches. Kathleen resides in Central Oregon, where she indulges her passion for outdoor activities and cares for rescued animals on her property.
Learn more about Kathleen and her involvement in the vegan niche and market at www.VeganVisibilityProductions.com
