Our Changing Attitude Toward Health Care

By Keli MacIntosh

When I was younger people's attitudes toward health care were very different from that of today. When you got the flu or a bad cold you stayed in bed and slept. You were given hot tea and juices; and, if you were really lucky, someone would make chicken soup. A fever was considered a sign that your body was busy fighting off invading organisms and was left to do just that. If you were injured someone would apply an ice pack or clean the area with Hydrogen Peroxide and bandage it. The injury was watched closely while it healed.

Years ago, if you had a bad headache you slept in a darkened room until the pain subsided. Trips to the doctor were few and far between; only for required vaccinations or a major illness. You had to be unconscious or bleeding profusely to warrant a trip to the Emergency Room.

But years ago people took more responsibility for their own health. Each family had its favorite remedies that were shared with friends and neighbors. There were herbal teas and poultices, special mixtures like honegar (honey and cider vinegar), and the ever popular hot toddy. A general knowledge of first aid and home treatments was passed from generation to generation. It was not uncommon for people to go years without needing to see a doctor.

When the elderly became very ill the family gathered to be with them as they passed into the life beyond. It was accepted that, once the quality of life was gone, it was best to just let the person die with dignity in a comfortable, familiar surrounding.

What happened?!?!

For some reason people have lost control of their health. They no longer feel comfortable making health related decisions - they don't trust their own judgment. The treasury of family remedies has been replaced by an overabundance of non-prescription medications. Media hype over diseases like West Nile, Mad Cow, even new versions of the flu, has frightened people. Unfortunately the only consistent source of health related information available to the general public is pharmaceutical ads. They promise relief from high cholesterol, diabetes, reflux, and depression - one drug even promises you can lose weight while you sleep! The modern approach to health care is to wait until someone gets sick; then to try to relieve any uncomfortable symptoms with a magic pill. The problem is that no one is concerned with maintaining optimal health.  

Some alarming statistics have surfaced recently that reveal the consequences of this kind of attitude. Despite all the new diagnostic tools, drugs, and medical treatments the average life expectancy for an American is now decreasing each year. Experts say that the present younger generation will be the first NOT to outlive their parents. And the rate of childhood obesity has tripled since 1960.

What we need now is more of the holistic approach to health. We need to strive to support the natural healing ability of our bodies. Most people today have no idea what it feels like to be healthy. Some very simple changes would make a huge difference.

• Support your body with nutrient-dense food. Our traditional American diet offers very little to support health. Make sure you eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables - french fries are not considered a healthy vegetable!!
  
  
• Get more exercise. Very few people have an active enough lifestyle. Walk the dog, go jogging, take dance lessons, or join an aerobics or workout group - DON'T JUST SIT THERE!
  
  
• Find out about the "old-fashioned" remedies. If you don't have a knowledgeable friend or relative, ask at a health food store. Or spend some time at a local bookstore. The interest in alternative/holistic treatment is growing. There is much more information available now. Try going online for facts on specific remedies or techniques that you think might help you.

More traditionally trained physicians are realizing the importance of including the holistic approach in patient care. Gerald M. Lemole, M.D., a cardiovascular surgeon, commented in his book The Healing Diet, "I am absolutely convinced that 'alternative medicine' is medicine , and to ignore its effects is to be blind to an important ally in health care."

Take charge of your physical well being. Learn how your body works, and how to support its natural healing capacities. If you have health challenges, don't be drawn to the quick fix pharmaceutical of the week; don't just cover up your symptoms. Try to discover (with the help of a local holistic practitioner) the causes of your problems and work to support your body in its effort to get rid of them. It may be the old fashioned approach - but, in the long run, you'll enjoy much better health.

May your lifestyle be a healthy one!

Keli MacIntosh has over 35 years of experience in the medical field as a Registered Nurse. She is also a Certified Nutritional Consultant and regional manager of Natural Health Specialists. For a health consultation call Keli at 231.946.3872.