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WiFO215
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The following, rather depressing, article from the Economist highlights the growth of alternative medicine currently.
Well, obviously one should try to keep a healthy diet and get regular exercise! I get very frustrated when people take this to the other extreme and say things like "big pharma companies don't want you to know, but homeopathy can cure everything". I know plenty of people who practice this at the cost of forgoing regular medicine altogether because "it has chemicals". There is absolutely no way of getting through to these people. As the article says at the end "Misplaced faith has its costs." Should governments start branding the sale of such medicine illegal? Should medical schools start teaching how to interact with patients (if they don't already do so)?
Supporters of alternative medicine have two additional forces in their favour. Conventional health care has some clear failings. As Dr Weil points out, America’s health-care system excels at treating sick patients but is miserable at keeping them well. The pharmaceutical industry struggles to create good, long-term treatments for pain and other chronic conditions. Many doctors are hurried or come across as unsympathetic. Alternative practitioners spend time with patients, asking about not just their medical histories but their lifestyles. They may emphasise nutrition and exercise. Many such treatments, especially the hands-on ones, are soothing. It is unsurprising if patients feel better.
Well, obviously one should try to keep a healthy diet and get regular exercise! I get very frustrated when people take this to the other extreme and say things like "big pharma companies don't want you to know, but homeopathy can cure everything". I know plenty of people who practice this at the cost of forgoing regular medicine altogether because "it has chemicals". There is absolutely no way of getting through to these people. As the article says at the end "Misplaced faith has its costs." Should governments start branding the sale of such medicine illegal? Should medical schools start teaching how to interact with patients (if they don't already do so)?