More from Dr. Frank Lipman (MD)

Written by an MD, this newsletter that I have just subscribed to puts conventional medicine in perspective. This is a cut and paste of the last e-newsletter I received. You can check it out yourself by googling his name and signing up for it yourself. Of course, I'll probably post more from him if it keeps of interest to me.

Changing our Disease care system to a Health care system

Although we call our system a health care system, it is actually a disease care system. Doctors are trained to treat disease, not to keep people healthy. Our two primary tools as Doctors of Modern Western Medicine are drugs and surgery. We have no tools to keep people healthy.

We are not trained in nutrition or other lifestyle modalities that keep people healthy, nor other medical systems that have been helping other cultures for centuries. At medical schools, we doctors are taught to treat the symptoms of disease, rather than how to create health and prevent people from getting sick. For example, in our entire training as doctors, we receive very few lectures on nutrition, even though diet is fundamental to good health.

I am not saying there is no place for this disease care model in the new model of medicine I am proposing. I am the first to acknowledge that Modern Western Medicine and science have made phenomenal advances and alleviate much pain and suffering. Surgery is often lifesaving and many new surgical techniques are quite remarkable. Trauma treatment, burn treatment, emergency room management and the management of acute medical and surgical emergencies are incredible. And certain drugs when used appropriately are life saving. We are blessed to have all this as part of our arsenal and we need Modern Western Medicine for all this. I would not encourage someone to see a herbalist or Acupuncturist for any of the above.

But this medical model is not adequately addressing almost 75% of the problems that most people go to their Doctor for, including most chronic problems. It has failed miserably to address the majority of problems people have today and because of this, many people suffer unnecessarily.

Apart from antibiotics where the drug can kill the bug causing the problem, most drugs treat symptoms, not the cause. Similarly with surgery, it usually addresses the symptoms, not the cause. For instance, bypass surgery, (which can be lifesaving!!!), does not address the underlying reason why your arteries are getting blocked in the first place.

And with both drugs and surgery, there are often side effects, which are then addressed with more drugs. Many patients end up on multiple drugs and often it is only the first 1 or 2 which were given for the original problem. The other 5-10 are dealing with the side effects of the original 2 drugs or the interactions of the other drugs.

The tragedy is that for many of these problems, changing lifestyle, behavior, diet and taking some supplements can often deal with the underlying processes causing the problems and no drugs (and therefore side effects) would be necessary. Unfortunately, it does not suit the drug industry to have patients take a drug which cures or eliminates the problem. It is much more lucrative for them if the drug can manage the symptoms, so you have to stay on them for life (eg statins, anti- hypertensives etc)

Modern Western Medicine is a disease care system, it is not preventive nor does it teach patients how to stay well. In fact what we call Preventive Medicine in Modern Western Medicine…Pap Smears, Breast exams, certain blood tests etc are really early detection medicine. They are not teaching patients how to stay healthy.

So the best medicine is using Modern Western Medicine for what it is good at….crisis care medicine, acute medical and surgical emergencies, when you break a bone, when you are acutely ill etc, and using diet, supplements, exercise, stress management and other benign modalities for prevention and initially for most non acute problems.

In this new model of medicine I am talking about or in a true health care system, we look for the underlying imbalances or dysfunctions and the root causes of the problem (to be discussed in a future “pearl”). We are not content with waiting for disease to occur nor with just suppressing symptoms.

One Love,

Frank

To H1N1 Vaccinate or NOT to H1N1 Vaccinate...that is the question.

This is so well-written, that I suggest you simply click on this site, from MD Frank Lipman: http://franklipman.com/experiences-pediatrician-swine-flu/?blog

Immune boosting food tip of the day

Betcha Bugs Bunny didn't get sick often. Carrots are one of the richest sources of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene converts in the body into vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen cells against viruses.

Beta-carotene also assists in fighting cancer, preventing heart disease, and helping vision. The vitamin K in it is important for healthy blood clotting and the healing of wounds. The chromium in it helps stabilize blood sugar levels. And, the fibre aids digestion and helps lower bad cholesterol.

Since raw carrots can be hard to digest, you can help your body out by grating them or chopping them finely. Juicing is also a wonderful option. Mix carrots with apples and ginger in a juicer for a healthy, easy, and super-nutritious beverage/snack.

And, even more on the HST

Thought I'd post a couple more notes on the HST.
Do you remember when the GST was being implemented, i.e. forced on us? In 1991, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney promised an improvement in the Canadian economy as a hidden Manufacturers' Sales Tax (MST) would be replaced with an upfront Goods and Services Tax. With this, he said, we would be more competitive to export our goods and it would benefit all Canadians as prices would eventually drop for us as it would be a lower tax than the 13.5% MST. Prices did not drop at all in some cases or enough, in other cases, to make up for the new tax.

We're Canadians. We're used to being taxed. We complain about it and then forget about it and pay the higher rates like good Canadians. The government had already tried once before to implement the joint tax with the "Blended Sales Tax" with Prime Minister Jean Chretien. It was nicknamed the "B.S. Tax" and it didn't go through.

Now we're being told that the HST will start in July 2010 and that it too will improve our economy. We're being told that manufacturers will drop their prices and save us money in the long run. We're being told that more jobs will make life for all Canadians better. We're being told that it is not a way for the government to raise money as they are calling it revenue-neutral (same as they told us for the GST). The fact is that it is estimated that it will cost an extra $2000 per year for each family or an extra $1250 per year for each elderly couple.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm working on getting informed and I think it important that all Canadians know what is happening with this too because it will affect each and every one of us.

Some sites (both sides) for information:
Fight the HST - Bill Vanderzalm's very informative site http://fighthst.com/
Yes, this is about the GST, but check out the parallels to the HST http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goods_and_Services_Tax_(Canada)
A smarter way to implement the HST as Atlantic Canada did http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=9f7101af-f05c-40bf-a95e-3fb267fc0667
Check out the comments! 441 of them and the commenting was closed off. People are angry! http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2009/07/23/bc-hst-pst-gst.html
Job losses in the restaurant industry. And, did you know even funerals will be hit by this tax? http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/08/05/bc-hst-restaurant-owners-survey.html
BCBusiness Magazine http://www.bcbusinessonline.ca/bcb/bc-blogs/insider/2009/07/29/hst-high-handed-and-selfish-tax
I could only find one positive site about the HST, and that's the government one http://www.gov.bc.ca/hst/

Things to ponder about the Swine Flu H1N1

Why are we not figuring out the cause of the swine flu so that we don't repeat it? Mad cow disease, avian flu, swine flu. What causes these animal diseases to cross over to humans? We cause it. How? Poor management of our animals. Actually, more truthfully, cruel and disgusting management of the animals we raise for food. An interesting article on pig farming. It started in Mexico, but check out its possible American corporation connection.
http://www.peacepaint.com/category/green/flying-pigs-tamiflu-and-factory-farms/#more-973

And, if you've got time for a longer read, learn more about the pig industry.
http://www.peacepaint.com/category/green/boss-hog/#more-971

If you do eat meat, don't you think it's worth the change to more humane, clean, and healthy meat?

Seven Ways to Reduce Unnecessary Medical Costs

It's an American article, but the statements could also be applied to Canadian, especially since we have a public healthcare system. Perhaps we should be using medicine more wisely, rather than more invasively. Hmmmm...
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/707769?src=mp&spon=17&uac=81951DV

I would like to add 8th and 9th options.

8. Start recommending less invasive and more holistic health options more regularly. Rather than fight disease, let's start promoting wellness.

9. Teach people to be responsible for their own health and give them incentives to eat right, exercise regularly, and make healthy lifestyle choices. Or, and people are going to hate this, tax or charge people more for poor lifestyle choices. Why is junk food so cheap and good food more expensive? Tax junk food at a higher rate and give that money to subsidize real, whole foods and exercise programs.

More on the HST

This is the response sent by email to my letter:
From: "Office of the Premier, Premier@gov.bc.ca"

"Thank you for your email regarding the harmonized sales tax. I
appreciate receiving your concerns.

Since 2001, the government has taken significant steps to improve the
B.C. tax system. We have worked hard to reduce taxes for individuals and
to improve the competitiveness of B.C. business through the reductions
in personal and corporate income taxes and the elimination of corporate
capital taxes.

The HST is the single biggest thing we can do to improve B.C.'s economy.
I believe it is an essential step to make our businesses more
competitive, encourage billions of dollars in new investment, lower
costs on productivity and reduce administrative costs to B.C. taxpayers
and businesses. Most importantly, this will create jobs and generate
long-term economic growth that will in turn generate more revenue to
sustain and improve crucial public services like health care, education
and social services.

With a single HST tax rate, one substantially harmonized tax base, and
one set of administrative rules instead of the duplication that
currently exists with the PST, compliance costs for British Columbia
businesses are expected to fall by about $150 million annually. When
fully phased-in, British Columbia will also save about $30 million
annually in administrative costs due to the fact that the federal
government will administer the HST at no cost to the province. British
Columbia will also receive one-time funding of $1.6 billion from the
federal government which will help maintain vital public services such
as healthcare and education.

We strongly believe that switching to the HST is the most important
change we can make to ensure a strong and growing economy. Although
there will be adjustments required by British Columbians in the short
term, it is a decision which will pay dividends to all British
Columbians over the long term.

If you are interested in more details related to the announcement, you
can find more information at:
http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2009PREM0017-000141.h
tm .. or http://www.gov.bc.ca/hst/ -- on the left side and bottom of
that page, there are separate sections relating to specific groups such
as businesses, individuals, highlighting the benefits of the HST.

If you are interested in knowing more about the Budget that was
presented in the Legislature today, you can find that information at the
following site: http://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/ The Minister's speech
outlines some of the many benefits of the HST as well.

We do appreciate your taking the time to write."

My thoughts in response to that:

I actually did read through most of the HST promo
webpages. All it did was serve to enforce my opinion.
I appreciate that it will save big industry and
government and that that savings is meant to filtre
down to the masses, but I simply don't see that
happening. I don't see this resulting in price
drops that will save the average Canadian.

And, I have already heard from many that they are
planning to cut their spending in areas that will
be increasing in cost by 7%. Just barely out of a
recession, cut spending risks putting us right
back into a bad economic state.

HST

I emailed off the following letter to my MLA and to the premier. I sent it last week and have received no response. Don't actually expect anything useful anyway, but I do feel it's my duty and responsibility to do something. I think if we all do, something may happen. I recognize that the province needs money, but this is just not the way to do it.

I would like to express my extreme displeasure
and disatisfaction with the decision to enact
the HST. This is not a tax that will bring more
money into the province. It will hurt its citizens.
It will hurt small businesses.

I am a registered Dr. of Traditional Chinese
Medicine. I have to charge GST on all of my services
and products for my patients. I will have to charge
an extra 7% with the HST. That is a huge jump that
will make it harder for my patients to continue with
their health care. Our health care system is already
hugely burdoned by chronic illnesses. My patients
often pay out of pocket for their acupuncture treatments
and supplements. Those who do have insurance coverage
through their extended medical plans will be able to
receive either fewer treatments or pay more out of pocket.

It is not only complementary and alternative health care
providers and our patients that will be hurt by this tax.
Can you please tell me how small businesses, including
hairdressers, restaurants, veterinarians, and health stores
will benefit from the HST? Not only will I be paying more
for the services I use, but I may also be receiving a lower
income and I am the main provider for my family.

How do you propose that this "harmonized" sales tax will
bring more harmony into my--and others like me--life?

Am I missing something?
--
Dr. Melissa Carr, B.Sc., Dr.TCM
Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Active TCM -- Helping You Help Yourself
www.activetcm.com

"The World According to Monsanto"--A Horror Movie

The sad thing is that this movie is a documentary. This movie exposes the terrifying manipulative, illegal, and dangerous things that Monsanto is doing. They call themselves "an agricultural company" offering "innovation and technology to help farmers around the world be successful, produce healthier foods, better animal feeds and more fiber, while also reducing agriculture's impact on our environment."

I already knew that Monstanto is in actuality a biotechnology company started by a 30-year veteran of the pharmaceutical industry. The company produces genetically modified organisms (GMO). If you buy soy or corn products that are not organic, you are likely getting GMO foods. It is horrifying to me as we know so little about the future impact that our playing with the genetic makeup of our foods will have.

So far Monsanto has created saccharin, DDT, Agent Orange, aspartame, bovine growth hormone, and PCBs. So, what would ever have us believe that this corporation has our health in mind when they rake in their big bucks?

It angered me to watch how they have made it difficult for farmers around the world to continue their farming practices, especially when Monsanto claims to be trying to help farmers and communities.

Know what you are consuming. Recognize that no product in Canada is going to label that their foods contain GMOs because they legally do not have to. So, make wise food choices to protect your health and hit deceitful companies like Monsanto where they hurt--their pockets.

And, watch the movie "The World According to Monsanto" by Marie-Monique Robin.

Thought this was cool :)

Did you know that yawning may be a way to cool your brain? University of Albany researchers found that our brains work more efficiently when they are cool (like a computer) and that yawning brings in cooler air and increases blood flow to cool the brain and help us to think more effectively.

Recognizing that yawning seems to be contagious, the researchers tested what might prompt a contagious yawn. When test subjects held an ice pack to their head while watching videos of people yawning, they did not yawn as much as when people held a warm pack to their heads. Breathing through the nose rather than the mouth also cools the brain more effectively.

They also proposed that we are biologically hard-wired to yawn to stay alert and protect us from danger. And, when one person yawns, others may feel the need to yawn as well as a way to promote group vigilance in the face of potential danger.

So, if someone yawns when they are talking to you, take it as a compliment because they may just be trying hard to pay more attention to you!

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/15/yawn-brain-head.html