This new group of conservative health advocates is shaking up the political landscape in Washington. The Means siblings, Calley and Casey, have emerged as powerful voices in the fight against chronic disease, catching the attention of influential figures on the right.
Their journey to the forefront of conservative health activism began with a personal tragedy: the loss of their mother to stage 4 pancreatic cancer. This heartbreaking experience led them to question the broken health care system and the perverse financial incentives that drive it. Their message resonated with a wide audience, and they quickly gained a following on social media and in niche podcasts.
The Means siblings gained widespread recognition after a two-hour interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, which garnered over 3 million views. Their message, which focuses on the intersection of health care, government, and science, has struck a chord with conservative audiences who are concerned about personal freedoms, family values, and institutional corruption.
Their advocacy has not gone unnoticed in Washington. Calley Means has met with over 100 congressional staffers and members from both sides of the aisle, including Senator Cory Booker and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Despite his conservative leanings, Means insists that the issue of chronic disease is nonpartisan and has engaged with politicians from across the political spectrum.
The siblings’ ideas are not entirely new, but their approach to tackling the chronic disease epidemic has captured the attention of conservatives in a way that previous efforts have not. They advocate for policies that promote healthy living and address the root causes of chronic illness, such as removing sugary drinks from government assistance programs and expanding access to nutrition programs like “food is medicine.”
As they continue to gain momentum, the Means siblings are poised to play a significant role in shaping the health agenda of the Republican Party, with the potential to influence policy decisions and drive change in the American health care system. Their message of “Make America Healthy Again” is resonating with a growing audience, and their influence is only expected to grow in the months and years to come. She pursued a career in health policy, working for some of the top progressive think tanks. Calley followed, leaving a career in biomedical research to work in health technology, where he developed a reputation for being able to build things that worked.
They were pulled back into the spotlight in the wake of the pandemic, when they started their popular podcast, “Means of Production.” They quickly found an audience of people who felt disaffected by the mainstream media’s coverage of the pandemic and other health issues.
Now, with their new focus on chronic diseases and their push for policy changes to address the root causes of these conditions, the Meanses are once again shaking things up. They are challenging long-held beliefs about the role of government, industry, and individuals in promoting health and wellness.
It remains to be seen how successful their efforts will be, but one thing is clear: the Meanses are a force to be reckoned with in the world of health policy and advocacy. Their passion, dedication, and willingness to challenge the status quo are sure to make an impact on the conversation around chronic diseases and how best to address them. Dr. Casey Means and her brother Calley Means are two individuals who have taken very different paths in their careers, but now find themselves united in their mission to revolutionize healthcare. Dr. Casey Means, a functional medicine doctor, was inspired to pursue a holistic approach to care after witnessing a child with sinus inflammation and realizing she was never taught about nutrition as a therapeutic tool. This led her to become an editor of the International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention and eventually start Levels, a company focused on continuous glucose monitoring.
On the other hand, Calley Means, with a background in political science and economics, worked in consulting where he claims to have been involved in influencing food and pharmaceutical companies. He has been vocal about his opposition to what he sees as the overmedication of chronic diseases, particularly in children. He criticizes professional medical associations and agencies that receive industry funding, claiming they cannot be trusted to establish standards of care.
Dr. Means and Calley are advocates for more personalized healthcare, with a focus on biomarkers and continuous monitoring. Levels, the company co-founded by Dr. Means, offers continuous glucose monitoring services to its members, allowing them to track their blood sugar levels in real-time. This type of personalized data is seen as a way for individuals to take control of their health and potentially prevent disease before it occurs.
Their vision for healthcare includes a shift towards more natural interventions like diet and exercise, and away from pharmaceuticals. They advocate for more research into the health effects of ultra-processed foods and environmental toxins, believing that solid answers are needed to make informed decisions about public health.
While their approach may be controversial, Dr. Means and Calley are determined to make a difference in the healthcare industry. They believe that by empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to monitor their own health, they can create a healthier and more sustainable future for all. Mark Hyman, a well-known physician, author, and media personality, has made a name for himself by offering extensive lab tests for $500 through his company, Function Health. These tests provide individuals with valuable insights into their blood work, allowing them to make informed decisions about their health through proper nutrition and exercise.
Enter Calley Means and his company, TrueMed. TrueMed caters to individuals with health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs), offering them the opportunity to report their medical conditions and receive a letter of medical necessity within two business days. With this documentation, patients can use their plans to purchase wellness products and gym memberships, ultimately taking control of their health and well-being.
TrueMed has seen significant success, with a valuation exceeding $40 million last year. The company has also secured $20.5 million in venture capital funding, with key angel investor Mark Hyman backing the venture. This financial support has allowed TrueMed to expand its offerings and reach a wider audience of individuals seeking to improve their health.
Following a high-profile hearing at the Kennedy Room, Calley Means finds himself surrounded by eager supporters and well-wishers, including the CEO of a “food is medicine” startup. As he fields questions and promises to follow up with potential collaborators, Means exudes warmth and enthusiasm for his mission.
After the event, Means sits down for interviews with reporters from national news outlets, eager to share his vision for TrueMed and the impact it is making in the realm of healthcare. As he rushes off to catch a flight to a company retreat in Las Vegas, Means reflects on the lack of mainstream media attention given to events like the one he just attended, highlighting the need for greater awareness and coverage of innovative healthcare solutions.
In conclusion, TrueMed and its founder, Calley Means, are on a mission to revolutionize the way individuals approach their health and wellness. With the support of investors like Mark Hyman and a dedicated team of professionals, TrueMed is poised to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those seeking to take control of their health and live their best lives. Introduction:
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential applications in various industries. One particular area that has garnered significant attention is the use of AI in the healthcare sector. From improving diagnostic accuracy to streamlining administrative tasks, AI has the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which AI is being utilized in healthcare and the potential benefits it can bring to both patients and healthcare providers.
Diagnostic Accuracy:
One of the key areas where AI is making a significant impact in healthcare is in improving diagnostic accuracy. By analyzing vast amounts of data from medical records, lab results, and imaging scans, AI algorithms can help healthcare providers make more accurate diagnoses and develop more effective treatment plans. For example, AI-powered algorithms can analyze medical images such as X-rays and MRIs to detect abnormalities that may be missed by human radiologists. This can help in the early detection of diseases such as cancer and improve patient outcomes.
Personalized Treatment Plans:
Another area where AI is proving to be invaluable is in developing personalized treatment plans for patients. By analyzing a patient’s medical history, genetic makeup, and lifestyle factors, AI algorithms can help healthcare providers tailor treatment plans that are specifically suited to the individual needs of each patient. This can lead to more effective treatments and better outcomes for patients, as well as reduce the risk of adverse reactions to medications.
Administrative Efficiency:
AI is also being used to streamline administrative tasks in healthcare, such as scheduling appointments, processing insurance claims, and managing electronic health records. By automating these routine tasks, AI can help healthcare providers save time and resources, allowing them to focus more on providing quality care to patients. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots are being used to provide patients with instant access to information and assistance, reducing the burden on healthcare staff and improving the overall patient experience.
Challenges and Considerations:
While the potential benefits of AI in healthcare are vast, there are also challenges and considerations that need to be addressed. One of the key concerns is the issue of data privacy and security, as AI algorithms require access to sensitive patient information in order to function effectively. Healthcare providers must ensure that robust data protection measures are in place to safeguard patient data and comply with regulatory requirements.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the use of AI in healthcare has the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered, from improving diagnostic accuracy to streamlining administrative tasks. By harnessing the power of AI algorithms, healthcare providers can develop personalized treatment plans, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the overall patient experience. While there are challenges and considerations that need to be addressed, the benefits of AI in healthcare are undeniable, and it is clear that AI will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery.
