In recent months, the line between politics and medicine has become more blurred than ever. One recent example comes from Florida, where the state's General Surgeon released a statement advising against recommending the COVID-19 vaccine. This bold move was met with swift pushback from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who provided a detailed response backed by facts, figures, and data emphasizing the importance of the vaccine for public health and safety. The CDC's message was clear: the vaccine is essential in the fight against COVID-19, especially as cases rise across the country.

Medicine and Politics Don't Mix

As a healthcare professional, I hear firsthand from other doctors and nurses who are on the front lines. They’re seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases and fighting daily to keep their patients healthy. So why would Florida's General Surgeon, a medical professional, make a recommendation that seems to go against the data? The answer, sadly, lies in politics. After digging deeper into this issue, I found political agendas influencing medical decisions—a combination that can be dangerous for public health.

With social media playing such a huge role in how people get their news, the situation becomes even more complex. People turn to sources they trust, and when those sources push conflicting opinions, it leaves many confused. For example, you might see social media influencers pushing a so-called "miracle vitamin" to prevent dementia, but should you trust it? When faced with these kinds of claims, I always ask myself, "What's the motivation behind this advice?"

👀 Be careful what you look for

I tend to rely on established institutions like the Alzheimer’s Association, which has years of research and a commitment to ending dementia. I apply the same logic when it comes to the CDC. For decades, doctors have trusted the CDC to protect the American public, and that trust is built on the CDC's ability to respond quickly and effectively during crises.

[TRUE STORY!] I’ve personally seen the CDC in action. Years ago, I had a patient who had just arrived in the U.S. from overseas and was showing symptoms of a virus that wasn’t common here. Unsure of what to do, I consulted with a colleague, and they recommended I call the CDC immediately. Within minutes, four CDC physicians were on the phone with me, guiding me through the steps I needed to take to protect both the patient and the people around us. That level of responsiveness and expertise is why I trust them completely—they don’t mess around when it comes to public health.

But back to the issue of trust—when it comes to your health, it’s crucial to rely on a trusted expert. Your doctor is that expert. Physicians, including your senior's physician and pharmacist, trust the CDC and other reputable organizations to provide reliable information. But as individuals, we often gravitate toward the advice of one person or organization that we trust the most, and when people around us disagree, it can create confusion and frustration.

I’ve seen this play out many times with caregivers of seniors. One of our members might tell me that their loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition, and despite having access to a world-class treatment center, they refuse to go. No amount of convincing will change their mind because they’ve placed their trust in someone else. Unfortunately, once that trust is established, it’s hard to shift, even if the alternative is better. As much as we want to help, we sometimes have to accept that they’ve made up their mind.

Ultimately, decisions about something like the COVID vaccine should be made between you and your doctor. The same applies to your senior loved one. While it might seem convenient to walk into a pharmacy and get a shot, it’s always safer to consult with a physician first. Pharmacies, after all, are incentivized to give out shots because they get paid by Medicare. So before rushing in, it’s worth taking the time to check with a trusted healthcare professional who knows your senior’s medical history and can give personalized advice on whether the vaccine is right for them.

As a healthcare professional, I’m committed to providing accurate, evidence-based advice to help my patients and caregivers make informed decisions. I’ve spent the last 24 years building a network of trusted professionals who help me sift through the countless studies, articles, and clinical trials that are published every day. This commitment to finding the facts is what drives me to deliver the best care possible, and it’s what I bring to every one of the 10 categories I offer to my members.

In healthcare, one size never fits all.

Every patient is unique, and the best decisions come from relying on experts who know your loved one’s situation inside and out. Whether it’s a doctor, therapist, attorney, or contractor, surround yourself with people who can guide you and your senior through the challenges of aging with confidence.