New Surgeon General Pick: Influencer or Expert?

The current president has chosen Dr. Casey Means for the role of surgeon general. This decision comes after he withdrew his initial choice. The president praised Means' credentials, highlighting her work in wellness and her potential to improve public health. This move is not the first time a health-related pick has been pulled from Senate consideration. Means is known for her work in wellness and has a significant online presence. She co-founded a health tech company that helps users track various health metrics. She also promotes dietary supplements and other health products through her social media accounts. Her brother, a former lobbyist, has been a key adviser to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and has appeared on television to promote various health initiatives. Means' views on health are quite broad. She blames a range of factors for the nation's health problems, including food conglomerates and the pharmaceutical industry. She argues that many chronic health issues are due to lifestyle choices and the impact of modern living on our cells. However, some experts disagree with her simplistic view of processed foods. They argue that not all processed foods are equally harmful and that the issue is more complex. Means has been critical of the medical establishment and promotes natural foods and lifestyle changes to combat chronic diseases. If confirmed, she would help promote a health agenda that includes removing additives from foods and incentivizing healthier options in school lunches. This agenda is quite ambitious and would require significant changes to current policies. The previous pick for surgeon general, Janette Nesheiwat, was a medical director and regular contributor on Fox News. She was a vocal supporter of the president and had ties to former national security advisers. However, she faced criticism and controversy, including allegations of misrepresenting her medical education. The role of surgeon general is crucial, as it involves overseeing public health initiatives and issuing advisories on health threats.