I heard a report on NPR that nearly half of all Americans are on some sort of prescription drug. While the story tried to convince us that it’s a good thing because it means that we have had major advancements in medical technology and science, I tend to think that it has more to do with pharmaceutical companies making billions of dollars on health care that many Americans have to pay for out of their own pocket. I highly doubt that so many Americans would be on so many drugs if the government was footing the bill.
Our health care system has become a money making industry and has strayed so far from its original intent that I wonder if doctors have forgotten the “do no harm” part of their oath. Easy health care doesn’t mean it’s good health care. Prescribing a pill instead of diet and exercise doesn’t do anyone any good, especially since we’re in this particular health care nightmare of rampant diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure because of what we eat and our propensity to sit on the couch rather than go for a walk.
I think it’s less a conspiracy and more the laziness of Americans. Why eat healthy and exercise if all we have to do feel better is to take a pill. Or twenty. It’s absurd behavior, and part of our national decline - no one is interested in taking the hard road. To anything.
I don’t necessarily think it’s a conspiracy, but I think the drug companies are making money off of the laziness of the American people and make more drugs available to cater to that particular trait.
methinks you got a nest of jokers
This goes both ways though.
Americans like a quick fix. “Screw working out for an hour a day. That’s too haaard. I’d rather take my drugs to keep my blood pressure down.”
Yes, that’s true, but isn’t it partially up to the medical professionals not to allow us to use quick fixes. DO NO HARM. What long-term effects are these drugs having on our bodies? We already know they’re seeping into the water system. What long-term effects are these drugs having on the plants, fish, and animals that also use that water?
I do think the medical profession, and the insurance industry, and the big pharma are corrupt. They feed off each other and are rolling in the big money. Meanwhile, most people in this country get substandard medical care.
I think we’re all a little late to the game on this one. My medical coverage only pays 80% of maternity costs, mamograms, ect…, and only after the deductable has been paid. Prostate exams are covered in full. I think there’s a double standerd, that we’re all receiving sub-standard care, and that people are dying because of it.