Though many in the Western world put their utmost trust in our modern medical system, is their health truly protected?
Medical Errors
In the spring of 2016, the BMJ published a report conducted by patient-safety researchers revealing that medical errors rank No. 3 among leading causes of mortality in the U.S. These mistakes, made by doctors and nurses in hospitals and healthcare centers, are responsible for the death of 251,000 individuals each year, reported The Washington Post. Second to only cardiovascular disease and cancer, medical errors are more likely to take the life of a patient than the disease itself, lead researcher and professor of surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Martin Makary told the source.
Though startling, this finding is nothing new and even dates back as far as the biblical days, explained Vice President of Health at Hallelujah Acres Olin Idol, referring to Luke 8:43 KJV:
"And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any."
Again and again we see how modern medicine has continuously failed to effectively repair the health of humans, Idol explained.
"God created and entrusted to each of us a body with remarkable ability to maintain health when we provide the conditions conducive to health," he said. "Traditional medicine has never recognized that the only true healing is done from within by the body. We cannot cut, burn and drug a body into health. This approach always weakens the immune system and leads to other problems."
As Makary and co-author Michael Daniel told The Washington Post, most leaders in the medical community do not like talking about the issue. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has no mandate that hospitals or healthcare facilities must report medical errors that lead to death in the information the center collects for billing purposes. As such, there is a lack of transparency for the public when it comes to these figures.
Reversing the Status Quo
In today's western world of modern medical care, it is customary for people to rely on drugs, treatments and therapies to cure their sicknesses. They live a lifestyle that involves the Standard American Diet and then question how their "healthy" eating patterns led them to chronic disease. Often times however, they trust in modern medicine to make them well again. As Idol explained, instead of fueling the body with what it needs to thrive from the beginning, the culture we live in looks to treat symptoms once they arise.
"Doctors are trained to treat symptoms," he said. "They are not taught the principles of innate self-healing. We have to take responsibility for our health and not give our bodies over to the disease care system we have in this country."
"There is often too much trust in modern medicine for chronic disease."
Dr. Greger's Medical Nutrition Blog explained that more often than not, modern medicine will not be able to provide much benefit for the majority of today's chronic diseases. Though it is beneficial for smaller burdens such as a broken bone, modern medicine may in fact cause even more risk or complication for those living with chronic illness.
"We must recognize that God gave us the foundation principles for nourishing the body in Genesis 1:29," explained Idol. "When we supply the body the nutrition it needs by way of a whole food, plant based diet and we remove the obstacles to healing, the body is well able to heal itself of most chronic diseases and to maintain health."
Moreover, in our world filled with thousands of environmental toxins, it is crucial that the food consumed is organic, whole and nutrient rich, explained Idol. Just as important is supplementation, as it is not always possible to get the full nutrient count from the produce grown today.
Navigating the Risk of Medical Mistakes
Given the above insight on the lack of clarity in deaths caused by medical errors, should patients be afraid to visit the doctor? According to Idol, the answer is circumstantial and the reality is that most healthcare visits are not necessary.
"When one chooses to see a doctor, they must realize they are in charge of their body and not just ignorantly surrendering their care to a doctor," he explained. "They must be prepared to actively participate in their treatment protocols."
Before making a visit, doing the research to find an adequate doctor will help the individual be equipped to be a part of the decision-making process. In searching for a medical provider willing to consider your point of view, Idol recommended a few key tips:
- Do your research so that you can make informed decisions.
- Find a healthcare facility that has high approval and trust ratings.
- Find a doctor that will work with you rather than just administer treatment.
- Understand the side effects of potential treatments or medicine so that you can have a voice.
By taking each of these pointers into consideration, you can be better informed and prepared to be a part of the medical process at your next visit.
