Be Careful What You Wish For!
By mizrae
@mizrae (587)
United States
February 13, 2008 8:41pm CST
How ironic, in a country that touts democracy, there are some Americans clamoring for socialized medicine. Over 40 million U.S. citizens have NO health insurance nor can they financially afford the astronomical costs associated with the ever increasing diagnoses' of chronic illnesses (like heart disease, strokes, depression, obesity, diabetes, cancer or dental disease) Yet, most of these diseases ARE preventable (according to a report published in 2005 by the World Health Organization); AND that prevention is relatively low cost WITHOUT the necessity of expensive prescription drugs. One only has to "choose" health wellness; alternative natural methods. Choices regarding
1.foods, vitamins and nutrition
2.environmental toxic exposure (over 100,000 man-made chemicals have been introduced to the environment unchecked over the past 50 years including cleaning and personal care products)
3.regular exercise
4.government regulations (truthful product and toxin labeling)
and
5.public awareness
have short-term, long-term and far-reaching consequences. Preventive measures BEFORE one gets sick might be a better alternative rather than asking the government to give everyone FREE medical coverage. Nor is socialized medicine a "healthy" financial investment for the government. How soon do you think the government will start dictating or limiting your health choices as well? Right now, the Food and Drug Administration is trying to mandate vitamin and nutrition limits, classifying vitamins and nutritional supplements as toxic drugs; obtainable only with a doctors prescription. Will the government provide "free" health insurance but only if you "buy" certain drugs/vitamins after you pay for annual doctors' visits? Will this new "socialized medicine" include compulsory "one size fits all" treatments? Who will really end up paying the costs of sky-rocketing medical bills? More importantly, who will benefit? As the old saying goes "be careful what you wish for!"
3 people like this
1 response
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
15 Feb 08
It is much the same here in Australia, although I believe our private health insurance is cheaper than in the US, & our free public health system much better.
Our private health insurance is very expensive. My husband has full cover. I only have extras, for dental, optical & physio. My 14 year old daughter has none.
I was perfectly satisfied in a public ward in a public hospital last year,.
However, I can definitely see your point.
I am not aware of how extensive your free public health system is, but I have certainly come across discussions where someone has no insurance, so therefore is reluctant to visit the Doctor. Not having insurance in Australia wouldn't stop anyone visiting a Doctor, as they can do it for free. On the other hand, not having insurance here would mean a very long wait even for essential surgery.
I may be off the track here.
I agree completely with your idea that people should be looking at prevention rather than cure.
Rather4 than expanding the free public system to cover everything & everyone, the Government would need to PROMOTE preventative measures.
It is not going to happen by itself. The people who most need free health care are not going to be looking at prevention, in many cases.
The Government would need to fund education, resources, personnal,etc to get the message across.
Plus, when alternative treatments are needed, they should fund this, such as iron tablets, etc. Why not make it cheaper for people to purchase fruit, vegetables & recommended supplements? My husband, who has full private health cover & who still looks after himself, has to pay a lot of money for supplements.
Sorry I have raved on.
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
15 Feb 08
To add to your list, I know that with margarine, when it is produced, it is really a black colour, & they add colouring to make it yellow.
How revolting!
