Health Care Reform: Why Should Preventive Measures be Included?

It’s a well-known fact that the pharmaceutical companies pretty much run the health care industry in this country. It’s also a shame because the bottom line is money – not improved health – though I’m quite sure these companies would say otherwise.

Taking a pill for every little problem seems to be the way of the world. The problem with that is those pills cost money, a lot of money, and they do not eliminate the cause of the symptom. Watch TV commercials, some of the side effects are actually worse than the problem the drug is to be used for in the first place. There is definitely something wrong with that – why take a drug that has worse side effects than the problem you are already experiencing? Isn’t that just asking for more problems? Or worse, some even state “in rare cases, death”. I don’t know, maybe it’s just me, but I’d rather do something that doesn’t offer DEATH as a side effect. But that’s just my opinion – perhaps I’m being too cautious. No, I don’t think so – life is a precious gift – I’d like to live mine as long as possible.

If the insurance companies would look into the future, the not so distant future, they would see that those pills that are being taken today are only giving short-term relief for what could grow into a larger issue. A lot of people opt for the easy fix while still living their lives in ways that do not promote overall health. Ultimately, that pill they’re taking works for a time, while the real cause of the problem continues to grow. The next thing you know, you’re going in for more tests and procedures and maybe even overnight hospital stays that all cost a whole lot of money. Money that you, the patient, give to the insurance company through those ridiculously high premiums you pay each month.

If alternative therapies were covered by insurance companies: Reiki, Sound Therapy, Acupressure, Acupuncture, Reflexology, Yoga or Pilates Classes, Gym memberships, people would be a lot healthier for a lot longer and they would not need these expensive drugs or tests. Issues they have would either be eliminated or not occur in the first place.

It’s a fact, yoga, Pilates, consistent physical exercise - these preventive measures reduce stress (the biggest cause of ALL diseases), anxiety, blood pressure, cholesterol and weight. All of which is in vital to a healthy body – physically, mentally and emotionally.

We all want to look younger, act younger and feel younger. It is through these measures that this occurs and when we stick to a plan that includes preventive measures, we are indeed much healthier overall.

When individuals do have an issue, sometimes, alternative treatments, that are normally less expensive in the long run, are more effective than that drug that gives immediate relief but doesn’t quite cut it when it comes to really taking care of the problem. Remember, a lot of the drugs cover up the issue by alleviating the symptom only.

Given all the clinical trials and studies that various holistic health therapies have undergone, there is more than a fair amount of proof that alternative therapies not only work but ultimately cost a lot less than many conventional treatments.

Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. Integrative medicine combines conventional and Complementary Alternative Medical (CAM) treatments for which there is evidence of safety and effectiveness.

I would think the fact that there are studies to back up the effectiveness of CAM therapies is enough for this country to get a health care reform bill passed that includes coverage for alternative treatments and preventive measures.

More than 44% of Americans use some form of complementary alternative medicine. That’s a large part of the population and that number is only increasing with each passing year.

If we are truly speaking about health care reform then it is imperative that we look to alternative therapies and preventive measures as part of our health care practices and include them in the health care reform bill so all Americans may have the ability to cost effectively achieve and maintain optimum health, if they so choose.

Copyright 2009. T Love. All Rights Reserved.