Going to the Doctor Could Be Bad for Your Health
The Journal of the American Medical Association (no less) says that a researcher at the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health has done a study that demonstrates that the U.S. health care system may contribute to poor health.
“ALL THESE ARE DEATHS PER YEAR:
# 12,000 — unnecessary surgery
# 7,000 — medication errors in hospitals
# 20,000 — other errors in hospitals
# 80,000 — infections in hospitals
# 106,000 — non-error, negative effects of drugs
These total to 225,000 deaths per year from iatrogenic causes!! Iatrogenic means induced in a patient by a physician’s activity, manner, or therapy -- especially of a complication of treatment.
This just confirms what I discovered while representing physicians in medical malpractice lawsuits. Doctors are human and are no more virtuous, miraculous, or trustworthy than any other person with an opinion -- which we know every asshole has (isn't that the saying?). You are responsible for your own health. Why do so much of us hand that responsibility over so freely? [Maybe because it is easier. We love easy.]
The Western or allopathic medical system has its place, but only as a heroic measures treatment. If a person is hit by a car and bleeding to death, he should be seen by a medical doctor and not a medicinal herbalist. Acute injury and heroic measures are what the vast majority of an M.D.'s training is in. However, a person with a cold or chronic depression or asthma must explore her options or face the possibility of becoming one of the statistics above. The Western physician's focus is too narrow and his toolbox to sparse to give him complete control of our health.
See, http://www.traditionalnaturopath.com/ for more.
posted by Brandon at 3:01 PM
1 Comments:
Very well stated....except I think your numbers for deaths secondary to drugs is low. I think I have seen much higher stats on that.
I will say that nurses have a broader education in health-defined as a state of wellness in mind, body and spirit. Actually, we have 26 (last time I taught theory, it is probably more now) theories and theorists (assholes with opinions) as to what actually defines a state of health..which of course is on a continuum, not black or white.
We also emphasize prevention and wholism more than docs-even when I went to school in the 70s. However, alliopathic med is alliopathic med (which I may not know how to spell).
One of the frustrations another NP (who is pretty grounded in the alleopathic way of medicine) and I used to discuss or bemoan or whine about, depending on the day, is the apparent resistance of most folks to becoming involved in their own health care. As NPs we are taught to "empower" our clients. How do you empower someone who doesn't seem to want to be empowered? I realize it is conditioning...but,even after developing a relationship and educating you don't know how many times I hear, "whatever you day, doc." When I review the options as I see them to help the patient make a decision about care, I've had folks perceive that as me not knowing what to do!
That's what I liked about the little bit of complementary med I've been able to do on the side-for the most part people who come to see me in that role want to be more involved in their care. However, many of us (that includes me) just don't want to make those hard life style changes and life choices! We're not ready, may never be ready, are in denial about the consequences of our choices or whatever....so, we'd love to find a guru with the answers to take are of the situation for us! Anybody know a good guru????
5:04 PM
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