|
List of
Articles
Alternative Health Care - The Paradigm Shift Grows
There is a new level of public demand for a health care system where there is access to and funding for both medical and alternative care. Society's attitude about health is shifting away from the pharmaceutically based "crisis" approach, which is really is "sick patient" care. Well patient care and health promotion is where society's focus on health is going.
As John Robbins says in his influential new book Reclaiming Our Health: Exploding the Medical Myth and Embracing the Source of True Healing, "There is growing awareness in patients, that they are responsible for their own health, that they need the assistance of different kinds of health care professionals for different health needs, and that they should seek out doctors, chiropractors and others who are willing to work together."
The pubic is demanding their health care professional provide them with information and strategies to enhance their current health status, not wait for sickness to arise.
Recent developments reveal whom the people have entrusted this task to:
- In New Zealand the September 1997 issue of Consumer magazine reported a survey on use of alternative therapies by 8007 Consumer members. Half (51%) had tried at least one. With Chiropractic being most popular, having the highest satisfaction rating (74%), and being the most regulated
- In Canada an August 1997 nationwide poll of 1200 adults, by
CTV/Angus Reid, reported that almost half (42%) of Canadian adults use alternative care, and that amongst them chiropractic is by far the most commonly used (59%). There has been a 146% growth rate in the use of alternative care by young adults (age 18 -34) in the past 5 years. 70% of Canadians feel that government plans should cover the cost of alternative care.
- In Europe an August 1997 issue of the British Medical Journal reported, "The demarcation lines between medicine and its partners in alternative medicine are rapidly changing with the public's increasing attachment to alternative medicine.
- In Israel strong public demand for alternative care has led to the rapid integration of chiropractic services into the primary health care system during the past few years. The health maintenance organizations (HMOs) pay approximately 70% of the cost of chiropractic services.
The traditional health care system is truly a crisis or emergency care system where a person must be sick before gaining its benefits. The chiropractic health care philosophy promotes wellness and disease prevention, making it beneficial and accessible to everyone.
|
