What’s Wrong with America’s Health in One Picture

I saw this on the internet the other night. It really hit me hard.

In 1990, the dominant industry in America was manufacturing. Although I was in the military at the time, I lived in a country that seemed strong and powerful.

We were about to win the Cold War.

People were proud to be Americans.

Although there was a recession at the beginning of the 90’s, it was overall a great decade. The stock market was up. The economy boomed after the recession. And of course we had the dot com mania. Whether it was the legacy of Reagan, or Bill Clinton’s leadership depends on your politics. Personally I believe it’s the people, not the politicians who should take credit.

From that graphic it looked like our manufacturing sector was cranking.

Not so much anymore. In 2013 the largest industry across the United States looked like was taking care of sick people. By 2024 it was even worse. Seems like the sense of pride we had in our country is much less. We’ve lost a lot of wars since then as well.

The fact we have fought a lot of wars since 1990 is awful as well.

Here are some breakdowns:

1990

• Manufacturing was the largest industry across the United States

• General Motors and Ford (the automotive sector) were the largest companies and employers

• Companies that supported the automotive world such as Exxon were also among the largest

• IBM, General Electric and Mobil rounded out the largest companies

2024

• Health care and medical insurance is the largest industry

• A close second is the hospital industry

• Commercial real estate and commercial banking come in third and fourth

• Then drug, cosmetic and toiletry wholesaling (more healthcare)

• Even public schools have more revenue in the US than manufacturing

I came to assisted living from the manufacturing sector. Having spent 20 years in the manufacturing business, I found it very rewarding to make stuff and ship it to customers. People worked very hard to make the product right.

Maybe the loss of pride has affected our health. When you’re thinking of that pain you have, you tend to lose your motivation to move towards your goals.

And our lifestyles are creating more pain every day.

I’m hoping if you’re reading this newsletter, you’re one of those people who believes in fighting through any aches and pains you may have. In manufacturing there were a lot of set backs.

Suppliers not delivering on time.

Employees out sick.

Government regulations forcing you to change your manufacturing processes.

Irate customers for one reason or another.

Yet the business persevered.

It seems like if health care keeps going on its current trajectory, it will overwhelm the United States. We all need to take charge of our health, not just rely on pills to numb the pain, and start moving towards our goals despite the setbacks.

In my humble opinion, that seems to be what will turn this country around.