While many are debating systems of health care, I find it necessary to first consider “What is health?” Throughout history people have approached imbalances of mind, body and spirit with various means in order to promote health. The types of care grew out of the land that surrounded them. Consumption of herbs, plants, water, and foods as well as community and family life were all considered in restoring the balance of health.
The rise of the industrial revolution brought the advent of new diseases. Many were triggered by people living in poverty and aggravated by harsh working conditions. This gave way to what is known as modern or heroic medicine. And thereafter came the rise of advocates for heroic medicine, such as the American Medical Association and health related insurance.
It is interesting to note that heroic medicine was named due to its focus on relieving symptoms of illness and injury, not on maintaining health.
Today we have an inherited system of heroic medicine that serves health care providers, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and, of course, insurance. Traditional medicines have only re-emerged as alternative care to heroic medicine over the past 30-40 years. They have fought back from near extinction due to the lobbying power of organizations such as the AMA.
The call for the return of preventative measures to maintain health has only recently resurfaced in our national conversation. It is imperative that we have this conversation. Clean water, air and food are essential to our health. And health is our right.
Representative Pramila Jayapal and 106 cosigners have introduced a Medicare for All bill which addresses health care as a right. It seeks to provide the tens of millions of uninsured and underinsured a glimmer of hope. Let it also encourage the return of preventative medicine which has always been and always will be our best insurance.
You can follow the progress of the H. R. 1384 Medicare for All bill here.
The photo is from this article on Seattle becoming the first city to accept Medicare for All.
Thanks to WDRT for airing Consider this each Thursday evening, 5:30 CST.
let kindness win 