Life expectancy at birth in the United States has fallen for the third year in a row, signaling a crisis in national health. In addition to the opioid epidemic, researchers note statistically significant increases in deaths from chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and stroke. In response to this situation, however, U.S. health agencies have understated the problem, ignored the causes, and partnered with the opioid manufacturers, soda companies, and private interests directly contributing to the crisis. A tsunami of chronic disease has landed, and CrossFit affiliates are lifeboats offering a chance for individual health where the institutions established to be the guardians of public health have failed.