Why Does Healthcare Cost So Much?

The cost of doing business-the healthcare industry.

                             

So many players but pharmaceutical companies 

are the rule-makers and biggest winners of the game! 

A partnership is a relationship between 2 or more persons or entities that work together for a common goal. Some partnerships benefit few people, some benefit many. In the case of healthcare, the major partnership, the ones making all the rules that affect which doctors we see, what medications we can buy, what treatments we can afford, is the one between the government (namely Medicare) and the drug companies. When a you contract the flu and have to pay upwords of $150 for one round of Tamiflu just to keep from feeling like you're dying (which is actually possible to die from the flu), know that this 'partnership' is to blame. What makes it worse is that there are so many people out there facing worse conditions and even terminal illness unable to afford treatment that cost thousands of dollars. It seems that the medications that are needed the most-are the most expensive.

This former pharmaceutical executive tells about his career with a major company in the industry, what he did, what he's seen and reveals many truths about Big Pharm.

So, what's the alternative? Educate yourself on how to treat your body and mind better with less 'processed' foods and treatment and more natural as God intended. The problem is that is has gone on for so long that we all need to re-educated on what is good for us and how make it a lifestyle. 

There is at least one doctor I know, cardiologist James Marcum MD, who is trying to make this re-learning process a bit easier and shows how pharmaceutical companies have taught us not to trust natural as having all our bodies need and that "whole foods" really aren't whole anymore-perpetuating the misconception that "More is Better" and "Big Brother Knows Best". He has written a book on the subject  titled The Ultimate Prescription, which is very ensightful and an easy read-relating it to Biblical description of eating to truly nourish our bodies.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Ultimate-Prescription-Medical-Profession/dp/1414368178

He is also the author of several others to include

• Medicines that Kill
• Heartwise
• Heartbeat

He is also speaker and director of Heartwise Ministries that is dedicated to truth about medicine, health and wellness and 'natural' vs 'pharmacology'. 

View it here at http://www.heartwiseministries.org/

Speak Up! For Your Health!

Communication is key to better health!


http://cancerkn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/doctor-talking-to-patient.jpg

Gone are the days of "Don't question the doctor because the doctor knows best!" Yet, some patients are still stuck in that mind set. It's true that doctors are much more educated than the average person but there is a reason the term "practicing medicine" has been used for so long. Healthcare and medicine are subjects that always keep us learning. There is NO WAY anyone can know it all. Also, what works for one person may not work for another. Medications can affect people in different ways too!

You, the patient, know your body and your symptoms better than anyone and you can explain them better. For your healthcare provider to be able to give you the best care possible he/she must be well informed-not just about the latest technology and drugs but about what's going on with you. Make note of changes you experience, when they started, how long they last, things you may be doing differently from your normal routine and even changes in your environment and lifestyle. All these things, no matter how insignificant they may seem, can be a factor in your current medical situation. By relaying this information to your provider you are allowing for a more thorough assessment of your condition and more options for treatment. Research shows that patients who have good communication with their doctor and take an active role do better, heal quicker and usually stay healthier.

Don't be afraid of 'offending' your provider by asking questions! They are there to take care of you and by a positive interchange of information he/she can do that job much better and your satisfaction will be much higher. If a test is recommended, ask why you need it and what may happen if you don't do it; same with medications. You should ALWAYS know what drug you are taking, why, what it treats, what it is supposed to do and what the side effects and adverse reactions are. If your doctor acts defensive from your questions, tell him/her that you want to be active in your own care and want to understand your treatment. If they still are less than amicable with your shown interest, find another provider that is willing to participate in a 2 way communication with you. Your health is worth it!

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/be-your-own-health-advocate