It seems the news these days is full of reports about the infighting around healthcare reform. We've gone from heathcare reform being an issue of national and individual security, to our country moving down the path to socialism, to there being nothing wrong with our system so why change it?
It's a confusing issue, to be sure, and competing forces seem to be working to make the issue even more challenging to all of us. So let's be clear about at least one thing - our system of healthcare is unsustainable in its present form. It is far too expensive (with costs growing significantly every year), does not compare favorably with other healthcare systems around the world in many ways, and focuses almost exclusively on treating illness rather than preventing it in the first place.
I had the good fortune to read my mentor Dr. Andrew Weil's new book, "Why Our Health Matters" in May and have been waiting for the right opportunity to mention it here. At the time it seemed healthcare refrom was well on its way to becoming a reality. It has since gotten bogged down, and I believe this book can help provide a blueprint for a bold transformation of our once good healthcare system into a newly great healthcare system.
To be sure, I'm biased. I studied directly under Dr. Weil and am pleased to call him my friend, but that's not why I bring this book to your attention. Dr. Weil brings to light the major issues that afflict our syetm of healthcare, but he also promotes a new way of thinking about the future, and he doesn't stop there. He goes on to detail how the changes he proposes might come about. In short, not content to simply point out problems, he provides reasonable solutions, and a road map to get us where we need to be.
When the books comes out next month I hope you will read it. We all need to be engaged in the discussion on healthcare reform, but same-thinking won't get us where we need to be. It will take inventiveness, creativity, compassion, and a sense of fiscal responsibility. You will find all of this and more in "Why Our Health Matters."
Be well.
Dr. Russ
** Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment. **