Substitute Insurance

Some have likened the skills of modern medicine to those of the “body & fender” auto-mechanic. They are pretty good at patching up a damaged exterior and making it look good, but are limited in their ability to deal effectively with a malfunctioning “engine.” Following is a brief summary of the problems inherent in the business model of health care that prevails in the United States.

Rejects Wholistic Medicine

Any model of health care that neglects treatment of the “whole body” system is doomed to failure. Such is the case with the American approach to medicine which typically treats a diseased organ in isolation like a “part” that can be repaired or replaced like a damaged crankshaft or brake pad.

By the same token there is an emphasis on relieving symptoms while blissfully ignoring the underlying conditions that led to the symptoms. Wholistic attention to the dynamic interaction of all body systems is generally not a strong consideration.

Embraces Harmful Drug Therapy

Drugs are produced which alleviate or mask symptoms and do not address underlying causes of disease. Drugs promote an acidic condition in the body which leads to retraction of the disease and sets the stage for other problems. A misleading distinction between “good” and “bad” drugs is established in the public mind.

And tragically, in too many cases the side effects are fatal. The Journal of the American Medical Association (July 26, 2000;284(4):483-5) reported that physician induced illness is the third leading cause of death in the United States behind Cancer and heart disease. The article ascribed over 100,000 deaths to the negative effects of doctor administered drugs. Trust in the competency of hospital staff is too often misplaced.

Driven By Profit Motive

A cooperative insurance system subsidizes the above outdated, ineffective, and incredibly expensive treatments. The pressure to be covered by health insurance in event of catastrophic illness forces most people into the conventional model. The eventuality of being stricken by catastrophic illness is almost guaranteed by the model.

The insurance system, which is supposed to protect Americans, instead shields them from the latest in medical innovation and improvement. The system encourages passivity and does little to motivate consumers to take control of their health.

Cost of treatment is driven up by billions spent on marketing the alleged benefits of drugs to the general public, but especially to doctors. The system has a vested interest in stifling leading-edge medical discoveries and maintaining a diseased condition that requires ongoing purchase of expensive drugs.

There are other factors driving costs skyward under the business model, that make health coverage unaffordable for more and more middle-class Americans. The legendary failure of the business model is doubly dangerous. It produces an outcry that invites the intervention of big government. Thus, has arisen one of the great oxy-morons of the modern world: “We’re from the government and we’re here to help.”

This article is first of a three-part series on health care reform, which focus in turn on 1) The Business Model, 2)The Government Model, and 3) The Biblical Model.

The bio energy field and alkaline water represent two of the most dramatic recent developments in bio-chemical research. Oliver Woods is a life extension consultant focusing on these two therapies. Both have received the enthusiastic endorsement of many who have experienced a renewed sense of well-being. For more information dial 218-862-1300 (PIN=886161) at noon or 6pm (PST).