Preventive Medicine is UNDERfunded, why?
Ranked #18,100 in Healthy Living, #273,833 overall
"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." ~ Hippocrates
Frank Gelett Burgess (January 30, 1866 - September 18, 1951) was an American artist, art critic, poet, author, and humorist.
Why did I start this lens with those two quotes? Well, two reasons really: When I typed in (on Google Canada), 'preventative medicine funding,' I couldn't find a Canadian entry within the first twenty results.
This hit me hard, since here in Canada boast about our universal health care system. Why is there no institution with a website devoted to preventative medicine here in Canada, I thought. And if there is, where is it? Perhaps I need to delve a bit further...
Second reason, I am 'stuck in EBM' (evidence-based medicine) and didn't realize it until I started reading the works of Dr. Christopher Day (a UK Veterinarian) who also writes here, on Squidoo.
Intro photo source: ghinson on flickr see here. / Licensed under Creative Commons
This was created on January 15th, 2011. All rights reserved. Copyright 2011 sousababy
Do not 'tag' the work of others. Protected by CopyGator. Do not copy, steal or plagiarize.
Is preventive medicine underfunded?
Have your say...what do you think about it this issue, so far?
"We cannot measure what we prevent."
~ sousababy on Squidoo
Echinacea
aka purple coneflowers . . .
Photo source: SpecialKRB on flickr see here. / Licensed under Creative Commons
Has Mother Nature
"Animals instinctively self-medicate with herbs (zoopharmacognosy) and early man would almost certainly have been just as capable."
~ Dr. Christopher Day.
View his lens titled: Herbal Medicine for Animals - Veterinary Herbs
Why animals are credible
When applying the principles of herbal medicine, I feel (perhaps not everyone) that animals make very reliable subjects. They are not influenced by bias and placebo effect which can occur in human studies. As well, pharmaceuticals used on humans only require a few years of trials to be approved. Long-term studies? Not all that common.
A veterinarian with 38 years experience has (in my humble opinion) a huge body of evidence backing herbal medicine in animals. We would be wise to revisit.
In-depth lenses from Dr. Christopher Day
Veterinary Dean to the Faculty of Homoeopathy and Hon. Secretary of the British Association of Homoeopathic Veterinary Surgeons in the UK . . .
Test your knowledge
Only two questions:
Did the Quiz answers surprise you?
How did you do on the Quiz?
(feel free to comment to further qualify your answer, if you wish)
Jocalyn Clark's article in the BMJ 2003 (British Medical Journal)
Canadian task force on preventive health care under threat
(December 2003) The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (established in 1976) is an international centre that helps doctors put research findings into practice. It was under the threat of closure after 25 years' work.
When I couldn't find it initially, I thought it no longer existed.
Finally I found it, the Canadian Task Force
(A link to their site will follow this preamble).
The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care was established in 1976 and formerly named the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination. It comprises of ONLY 15 primary care experts. A chair and members serve a VOLUNTARY (meaning unpaid) 3-year term. Wow, I thought, this is what we have in Canada and these experts aren't even paid?When I looked up Task Force Members, I saw 12 listed (4 women and 8 men). Their current recommendations for 2010 include screenings for the following 5 conditions/diseases: breast cancer, hypertension (high blood pressure), depression, diabetes and cervical cancer(s). I am very impressed that they are tackling some hard hitting "on-the-rise" conditions/diseases.
In terms of herbal medicine, what I am trying to shine new light on, the Canadian Task Forces' past related topic 'Prevention of Weight Gain and Obesity in Adults: a Systematic Review' was addressed in 2006. There is plenty of (free) information about how to eat healthy (and get regular exercise) available in most communities in Canada (libraries, public health offices, physicians, schools and health clinics). The scary thing is...the amount of harmful and unhealthy information that seems to be 'in our face' when we are simply looking for truthful, credible information.
Is this truly PREVENTIVE?
I looked over the massive list of past and current recommendations that this tiny group of experts devote their time to voluntarily...and I thought:
Wow, they are still playing 'catch-up' here. We are screening once again - NOT necessarily preventing the disease and/or condition in itself.
Have your say . . .
(a comment section follows should you require a third option)
Do you think we need to revisit herbal medicine and promote it within our healthcare system?
Yes, here is why:
goo2eyes says:
pharma companies send their experts to the deep jungle of amazonas to ask the medine men how to cure this and that ailment. in the end, the medicine men get no royalties whatsoever and pharma industries make big bucks. is this fair? to your question, i simply believe that we have to go back to the roots of it all, back to herbal medicine.
wheresthekarma says:
I totally treat Lyme Disease naturally. I use herbs and diet.
sidther says:
I think that (in the US at least) herbal medicines have become so commercialized and are being "made" and sold by people who are unqualified as well as being insanely impure that many doctors will not take it seriously as it is now. We would need to invest time and money and we would need QUALIFIED individuals to come forth and promote it within our healthcare system. Many of the doctors that I have discussed herbal medicines with have even said that they would take it seriously and it has great potential, but currently there are too many myths, unknowns and scammers for them to feel comfortable with recommending it to a patient. Hopefully someday, someone will take on that monumental task because I feel that many of the herbal options (when done right) really can prevent and treat diseases in a way that pharmaceuticals can not.
JoanneOtt says:
Yes, I do, but it needs to be done carefully. As your quiz demonstrated, herbs aren't always 100% safe. I check with my doctor or a pharmacist before taking anything new. But I can say herbs have been very beneficial to me.
sidther says:
Yes and no. I don't know about Canada, but in the US any idiot can crush some leaves, cram the dust in a gel cap and call it an herbal cure. I understand the benefits of REAL herbal medicine... but issues such as regulation should be addressed. I have avoided most herbal medicine solely for this reason for the past few years after a PPH scare resulting from an herbal supplement that also had huge amounts of ephedra (back before it was yanked from the market). Often also, the fresher the herbs, the better so it may be necessary to set up live plant apothecaries where the plants can be utilized at their freshest (of course managed by someone properly educated). But ultimately... YES, if properly regulated, I would love to see herbal medicine reborn!
katforeman says:
Absolutely after a 10 yr Veterinary assistant job. I have done herbal medicine as much as possible for myself, my animals, and my children. I totally know the cost of letting the doctors treat your symptoms. Dangerous, they call it practicing medicine.
SereneSea says:
Very much, potent herbs are very powerful. Ancient Ayurveda had herb concoctions that are rare to find now but were used to treat disease successfully without any side effects which are prevalent in Allopathy stream.
hotbrain says:
Yes. I've found great success with "natural" supplements and herbs. I've made a couple of lenses about the teas and supplements that work for me. I know that they aren't for everyone, but the pharmaceutical companies don't promote them because they can't make money on natural stuff. Instead they like to create new medicines that they can patent. Sometimes these "new" meds were inspired by (or derived from) the natural stuff that has been around for thousands of years.
No, here is why:
We protect our children in so many ways . . .
Are we forgetting the most basic, essential building blocks to maintain life?
My daughter all strapped into her 5-point safety harness car seat. And whew, she's happy.
Dr. Bryce Wylde, Canadian Homeopathic Doctor and Nutritionist
In 2003, I worked the front lines briefly during the SARS outbreak at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. During this time, a patient introduced me to the fine work of Dr. Bryce Wylde, Homeopathic Doctor and Nutritionist. I am happy to see he has his own telecast and has really been promoting healthy, natural living. He would be my top Canadian pick for someone to consult. A link is provided below (big arrow). Even Doctor Oz knows him!
More Reasons to Eat Organic Food . . .
A truly informative and educational lens by SereneSea:
For more about promoting a healthy diet . . .
Photo source: HealthHomeHappy.com on flickr see here. / Licensed under Creative Commons
A book I have finally had the chance to read:
Details 28 commonly used herbal medicines (using credible sources).
List price $129.00 Hardcover or Paperback. Item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping (FREE Two-Day Shipping for Students).
Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology of Herbal Products (Forensic Science and Medicine)
Amazon Price: $47.28 (as of 06/03/2012)
Includes: clinical and pathological findings from clinical trials and case reports of adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, methods of chemical and biofluids analysis. Comprehensive information about the known pharmacologic and toxicologic effects categorized by organ, organ system or therapeutic / toxicologic effect. Suitable for pharmacologists, toxicologists, pathologists, medical examiners and health care providers to reference.
Don't have a Kindle yet? I love my Kindle 3G.
It works globally, with all-new, high-contrast E Ink Pearl technology.
Kindle Keyboard 3G, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 6" E Ink Display
Amazon Price: $189.00 (as of 06/03/2012)
Smaller, Lighter, Faster, 50% Better Contrast
The best price and the most 5-star rated product sold on Amazon.
Available in white or graphite.
Shown next is a comparison to the Kindle 1.
Sideview comparison of Kindle 1 and Kindle 3
Herbal Medicine, seek professional advice first
Certain people should not use some herbs and dosage IS crucial.
Herbal Medicine Books - those top rated:
(as in all of my lenses, in order from lower to higher in price)
Herbal Medicine gadgets and some teas:
A wonderful lens devoted to herbal teas . . .
Thank you so much hotbrain for your contribution and the savings.
For your pets, the best resource books:
(as always, in order from lower to higher in price)
“You are what you eat.”
Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755 - 1826)
(This quote has also been attributed to others as well).
Photo source: circulating on flickr see here. / Licensed under Creative Commons
My dear friend Poutine, 'You are what you eat' is a translation of the French phrase "Dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es." [Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are] - by French doctor Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755 - 1826), in his book titled, "Physiologie du Gout, ou Meditations de Gastronomie Transcendante."
“Let's look at both herbal and evidence-based medicine, with care they complement one another.”
Do I deserve a thumbs up?
Please note: I am not on Twitter as sousababy (someone else is).
This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.
I love to know who dropped by for a visit . . .
(as always, feel free to leave a question or suggestion too):
-
-
goo2eyes
May 5, 2012 @ 5:11 am | delete
- i used natural herbs to lose weight and it was almost fatal. i would rather eat less than take any diet pills or whatever.
-
-
-
dellgirl
Feb 14, 2012 @ 9:31 pm | delete
- I prefer natural remedies over prescription drugs, you never know what you're getting yourself into with drugs (no matter how well-intentioned). Preventive medicine is #1 with me.
-
-
-
sidther
Oct 4, 2011 @ 8:17 am | delete
- mmmm, I am chocolate! I just had to come back now that I can bless this lens!
-
-
-
awakeningwellness
Sep 1, 2011 @ 11:12 am | delete
- I think the natural way is the best way...Mother Nature Knows Best!
-
-
-
JoanneOtt
Mar 16, 2011 @ 10:52 pm | delete
- I'm a big believer in herbal and natural remedies, they have helped me a lot for different conditions. You are so right, though, that people need to use caution, and check with a professional first. What is safe for one person might not be for another.
Your little girl is so cute!
-
-
-
kiwisoutback Feb 6, 2011 @ 5:03 pm | delete
- Thanks for featuring my photos, I appreciate it!
-
-
-
SereneSea Feb 2, 2011 @ 11:29 am | delete
- Returning to lensroll this unique lens to my lenses on-
1. Home Ayurvedic Remedies - The Alternative Medicine Therapy ...........
2. Panic Attacks, Anxiety Disorder and Anxiety Natural Remedies
3. Tired of Colds Remedies........
-
-
-
- Preventive therapy is very essential to sustain the tense and hectic life style of today. Lensrolled to my lenses -
Dry Skin Home Remedy .....
Exercise Natural Remedies, Stress Relieving Yoga......
Heal The Rash on Skin- Allergies ............
-
-
-
raphaelo
Jan 21, 2011 @ 12:45 pm | delete
- Dear, Rose .. I'm just stopping by to see the next LOTD here :)
You've done with a wonderful doing-good thing lens as well. People will find out a lot of information, guide and funds of Canadian preventive medicine through this lens.
Please forgive me if I can't give my any comment about preventive medicine for you because of my nearly zero medical knowledge :) Have a wonderful times .. my dear lovely friendly lady ;)
-
-
-
- Rose,
Such a thought provoking lens - you should have been a journalist, so daring and brave. Love your lenses.
-
-
-
poutine
Jan 20, 2011 @ 11:31 am | delete
- Hi Rose,
I like that French quote, it dates from a long time ago and I thought
that expression was from the "modern time".
Thanks for clearing this up for me.
Very interesting lens.
-
-
-
raphaelo
Jan 19, 2011 @ 1:57 pm | delete
- Sometimes, Google search-records program can't catch up with many keywords, especially about medical. Very glad to see your success here and give you 5 stars including poutine. She always try to do the best for you and be friendly for everyone. Have a wonderful times .. my dear friendly Rose :)
-
-
-
poutine
Jan 19, 2011 @ 11:12 am | delete
- Herbal medicine is not good for ALL though.
In my case, I know that there are plenty of herbs that I can't take.
-
-
-
sousababy
Jan 19, 2011 @ 11:21 am | delete
- Excellent point, yes indeed, herbs can be extremely potent and could really make people ill (even with life-threatening reactions). One wild weed (not exactly an herb, per se), is hogweed - the sap from which could cause temporary blindness). It is a health concern in the area where I reside. I will re-word some of my text based on what you so rightfully pointed out. Thanks Poutine!
Fondly,
Rose
-
-
-
poutine
Jan 19, 2011 @ 12:56 pm | delete
- Glad I could help.
"Is preventative medicine underfunded? " in the poll should be changed also to:
preventive. Just thought you might like to know.
-
About the Author
Rose (aka sousababy)
My 5 most popular lenses . . .
My new line of sousababy products . . .
(with large order discounts and bulk prices from $6.47 each)
My first little wordpress blog, Rose Writes
Making sense of medical and health information
Proud Canadians On Squidoo
I am one . . . of a growing number, eh.
by sousababy
My name is Rose and I am a Canadian freelance medical and health writer. I love to tackle human rights issues and anything related to the betterment of... more »
Explore related pages
- Barb Tarbox kept teens from smoking Barb Tarbox kept teens from smoking
- Brilliant Inventions you need NOW! Brilliant Inventions you need NOW!
- Declumping my Lenses Declumping my Lenses
- For Diabetics For Diabetics
- Doing It Anyway / Bullies at Work Doing It Anyway / Bullies at Work
- Proud Canadians On Squidoo Proud Canadians On Squidoo
Some common beliefs, trends
and habits that downright dangerous:
Who IS sousababy anyways?
Spring break - my best life lesson ever:
Trying to figure out what it takes?
Yes, you deserve to be happy...really!
