Hairdos, hangouts, and health fill today’s mailbag…

From John D.: Regarding Tom’s photo in the June 18 Daily: Nice hairdo! It reminds me of Clyde (of Bonnie and Clyde fame). Keep up the great work and continue to celebrate your “unique spirit.”

From Mike W.: I’m curious if you have a forum where one can discuss investing and taxes, etc. with others? Do you recommend any experts in foreign tax issues? (Expat tax, foreign property, foreign income, etc.)

Reeves’ Comment: Mike, we offer our Infinity subscribers an exclusive online meeting place called The Community. It’s a place where our subscribers hold these types of discussions. If you’re interested, we will be reopening Infinity membership to new subscribers soon…

From Leo R.: “I’m not a doctor. I’m not a nutritionist. I can’t claim to be an expert on health in any way,” says Mark Ford. He could not be more correct. He should have just stopped there and wished everyone good health. Instead, he insisted on passing on his own personal recipe for disease and ill health.

He advocates smoking cigars, yet claims to have the lung capacity of a 26-year-old. Would this be a 26-year-old with chronic bronchitis and emphysema?

He then goes on to promote the Atkins diet. When Dr. Atkins’ diet was first published, the president of the American College of Nutrition said, “Of all the bizarre diets that have been proposed in the last 50 years, this is the most dangerous to the public if followed for any length of time.”

Giving bad diet advice is reckless and will do real harm to people. Also, endorphins are not petrochemicals. They are neurotransmitters.

Reeves’ Comment: I’m not so sure Mark was giving advice here, Leo. We published the essay in response to the many inquiries readers had about Mark’s own health regimen. Judging by the pictures below, something seems to be working for him…

From Helga N.: A friend of mine went to Mexico for breast cancer treatment. Better results, lower cost. Same thing for a couple of friends who went to Mexico for dental work. This is a good strategy.

I didn’t have health insurance for 30 years. I saw a chiropractor three times per year, a dentist twice per year, an eye doctor once per year, and a massage therapist once per month. I had a health savings account, so I paid out of pocket.

When I needed surgery for a detached retina, I paid cash and got a 40% discount. Now, I’m on Medicare. I take no meds, and pay for dental work and massages out of pocket. I also see holistic practitioners if needed. It’s a better value.

From Richard M.: Mark forgot to mention pure drinking water. Clean, almost-pure water is just as essential for radiant good health.

Reeves’ Comment: Excellent point, Richard. I use the Propur water filter pitcher. It distills the cleanest, most refreshing water I’ve ever tasted. (The downside is the filter element is so dense, it takes hours to filter a full pitcher… so refill it before bed.)