bellboy wrote:If only i had realised this. Instead of asking my Doctor last week if i had skin cancer i should have just asked him if he knew "There once was a man from Nantucket". Next time you or your missus needs a doctor dont forget to impart your wisdom on the subject of Poetics V Medicine
Sure.
No one laments the wonderful advances in medicine.
There are many diseases that are no fault of anyone.
That doctors have found out how to prevent or cure them is amazing.
On the other hand, sorry to think so, but these days the _vast_ majority of patients that doctors see have just made themselves sick, willfully, by frustrating/avoiding/denying their most basic human needs--a lot of physical exericise, a stable family life, satisfying work, good friends, a workable marriage, a robust local culture, engaging artistic pursuits, intellectual stimulation, good sleep, a healthy diet, peace of mind, relaxation, sunlight, water, etc.
Sorry to say so, but most of the folk in western culture are physically ill, psychologically disturbed, socially frustrated, personally violated/abused/neglected/isolated, vocationally unsatisfied, etc.
And that is the major reason why hospiitals and doctors have become so important these days.
The hospital here at the University of Michigan sees a _million_ patients a year.
Everyone is sick.
Everyone.
Bizarre.
This is a humanistic failure, not a medical triumph.
"Health care" these days doesn't have much at all to do with health.
It is _sick_ care.
In one way or another, we have all made ourselves sick.
If you want another view of 'heath care," you might read my father's work--and example.
I guess I have had a hard time not being influenced by it.
Almost single-handedly, he confronted the medical profession on these issues.
And with a half a century of teaching, advising, mentoring, and scientific publication, won the argument--hands down.
My father's students are now all over the place in med schools and hospitals--everywhere.
My profession is something else entire, but I will always practice what my father preached, nonetheless.
He was right; the doctors were/are wrong.
ranger
Rich Cureton M 72 5'11" 165 lbs. 2K pbs: 6:27.5 (hwt), 6:28 (lwt)