RE: Healthcare economics, reform.
Healthcare in my country (Australia) gets stuffed up by bad management. Government hospitals and clinics in particular are very poorly run. A common argument is that they don't have enough money. I don't believe it is the amount of money but how that money is being used.
I see three critical areas are:
- treatment
- cure
- prevention
Most of the focus is on treatment, some focus on cure, and almost no attention to prevention. Forking out a ton of money on treatment is a massive drain. Lots and lots of sick people. These people require more staff, larger facilities, more drugs, etc, etc...
A far less expensive approach is to focus on prevention. Healthy living, eating healthy, exercising regularly, and natural remedies (lemons are good for lots of things). Parents should consider starting their children out the right way. Let them know that healthy food can taste better than the stuff demented clowns give out (no offense Ronald).
To sum it up. Improve healthcare by preventing people from getting sick in the first place.
P.S. Are you still a smoker?
It all comes down to the massive degree of consumer fraud being committed which characterizes the perception of inefficiency of the health care system. Prevention is the least of anyones concern because nobody getting sick means a whole sector becomes more or less redundant.
I am of the belief that diseases such as Cancer , HIV already have cures, but how would the big drug companies make money if not presented with a constant supply of incurable patients?
I am a social smoker and proud. Moderation is key.
Totally agree with you @honeybee. There is no money in prevention. We owe it to ourselves to stay healthy and have greater awareness.
In regards to cancer, I think there are many forms of alternative medicine that is quite effective but do not see the light because they will hurt the profits of big pharma. In regards to HIV, I'm not buying the whole monkey story. There a lot of nasty games going on behind the scenes.
I have no problem with your smoking. We are all free to make our own decisions. I think in your case, it is definitely an informed decision. I worry more about those with addictions and dependencies on drugs, alcohol etc. If you like an occasional relaxing smoke with a brandy or enjoy a few puffs after a great orgasm just for that icing on the cake, go for it.