Can someone forward this quote on to all of the physicians, politicians, and insurance companies who are trying to figure out the whole health care debacle? What Dr. Furhman says here is so simple, but it really is the answer, at least in large part, to our problems. The answer is us, not them. The answer is the individual, who will take responsability for their own health.
(Note: This book was published in 1995, so I think the statistic he shares regarding medication use has most likely changed. That is, it is currently probably a higher percentage than his 50%)
People often start getting the warning signs of chronic disease when they
are young. Generally, they go to their physicians with frequent infections
as children. As teenagers they develop acne and allergies, and often take
drugs to suppress symptoms. Years later, they gradually become medically
dependent, having to take medications for the rest of their lives. Fifty
percent of our population over the age of 60 take some medication.
If we teach our children from a young age that disease is not inevitable
and not to be expected, and if we build good health into
our lives, we will have a chance have a healthy society.
This book illustrates and emphasizes a powerful philosophy, a revolutionary
way of thinking about health and disease. It is not merely about fasting,
it is about realizing that we have lifetime responsibility to maintain our
health. If we protect our families and our children from the causes of ill
health, we will prevent needless suffering in the future.
(p. 192-193)
I don't believe it is possible to "protect your family from [ALL]the causes of ill health" and thus simply living a more healthy, wholesome and nutrient rich life is not the cure-all and healthcare-debate-ender. Afterall, really healthy people still get chronic illness (not to mention injured), so the need for medical care is still there.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I believe some diseases are preventable, disease (generally) is inevitable. At best, I can lessen the occurence and impact of it, but cannot stop it. (And before I get jumped on about this, I refer to outside influence: people sneezing on us, getting scratched by someone or something, and instances like with the spinach e-coli outbreak a few years ago.)
I agree with Melissa. My mother has done nothing but study and practice health and goods eating habits for decades , and still faces a serious disease. I think we need to be careful not to judge people unfairly. However, I know that eating well ALWAYS helps (my mother would wholeheartedly agree)--no matter if you're faced with fighting off a cold, or battling glaucoma.
ReplyDeleteMelissa & Amara:
ReplyDeletePlease don't misunderstand what I or Dr. Furhman is trying to say.
Is there a need for doctors? YES!
Is there a need for health insurance? YES!
Do we need to take better care of ourselves and thereby saving everyone money? YES!
Are 70% of Americans either overweight/obese which puts them in a high-risk category for largely preventable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes whose treatment costs are high (and ever increasing) and largely ineffective? YES!
I've never suggested that if you and I eat our veggies there will be no more health problems and therefore no more need for doctors or health care.
My main issue/point, whatever you want to call it, is that human beings are not "made"/created to be in a constant state of illness. Whether you believe in evolution or divine creation, our bodies are not faulty creations. If we care for them properly, much of sickness/disease can be averted, and when we do get sick our bodies, if we provide the right environment is better able to self-heal.
There is a great deal of difference between emergency medicine and chronic illness medicine. Don't give me beans and rice if I've broken my arms and legs OR if I've contracted some crazy virus. Give me a good physician, PLEASE!
So while healthy habits (dietary and otherwise) are not a cure-all, 100% protection from all ills, this is not an excuse to not pay attention what you eat/how you live.
On a side note, the subject of food is a very sensitive issue (for myself included, can you tell?), and it's interesting to see how Michelle Obama's campaign to fight obesity has been recieved with a lot of opposition. I'm guessing it might have something to do with the fact that people just don't want to hear it. Nobody wants to hear they should lose weight and that they should eat differently.
And lastly, for anyone who is suffering from any sort of degenerative disease, I have nothing but sympathy and I hope non-judgmement for them. Having had a number of very close relatives go through some pretty horrific health problems, I don't wish these things on anyone, and certainly don't blame them for it.
I think it can never hurt to eat better, but that of course eating healthy won't stop everything bad from happening. :)
ReplyDeleteI've found that trying to express myself these days is difficult... like I have all these thoughts in my head but I can't get them out coherently so I'll just leave it at that.
Thanks for sharing this Vegan Momma I agree with eating healthier and eliminating illness... I still have a ways to go with my diet hmmmm....
ReplyDeleteBecause I work with small children all day, every day, I am used to being sick A LOT. I have to say though, since I've started eating more whole foods, more greens, and overall just being more conscious about what I eat, I have noticed that I haven't been sick as much! Yay!
ReplyDeleteThat said, I have severe seasonal allergies along with a very narrow nasal passage. As much as I want eating healthfully to eliminate these problems, the truth is, unless I take several drugs at different points during the year (and probably for the rest of my life), I will constantly be consumed by swollen eyes, congested sinuses and sore throats.
I love eating healthfully, but I love medicine too! Thank the heavens for nasal steroids and Singulair!
I'm on Dr Fuhrman's website, and you wouldn't believe the many success stories there are from people who have changed their diet. Even in very short times it's amazing the things they are able to reverse.
ReplyDeleteI've seen in my children and myself as well. I know when I can tell people with sick kids to "bring it on" because we've been eating well and just don't catch those things. But it's also obvious when we've been eating junk and get all stuffy.
We are just like plants, if they are healthy and in nourishing soil they are much more resistant to disease and pests.