Most Americans are not happy with the U.S. healthcare system; indeed, 82 percent think it needs radical reform, according to a new survey.
The survey, commissioned by the Commonwealth Fund (a private foundation that aims to improve healthcare, especially for the poor), questioned 1,004 adults on their views of the U.S. healthcare system.
Roughly 90 percent of people surveyed responded that the presidential candidates should propose reforms that would improve the quality of healthcare and ensure that all Americans can afford it. In addition, 73 percent noted that they had difficulty getting a doctor appointment, phone advice, or after-hours care without going to the emergency department.
In my view, this is clear evidence that our current healthcare system is headed for collapse. We spend twice per capita what other developed nations spend on medical care, yet we have the shortest healthy lifespan (that is, lifespan minus years of serious illness) of nearly any other developed nation. I am now working on a book that I hope will outline how to wrest control of American healthcare from profit-driven drug companies. We need to emphasize low-cost, highly effective lifestyle interventions based on nutrition, exercise, stress reduction and botanical medicines if we are ever to make this nation healthy again.
Be Your Own Healthcare Provider
Preventive health measures - such as getting regular exercise and eating an anti-inflammatory diet - are simple steps to a healthy lifestyle. Start your free trial of Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging today for more information and access to an exclusive version of Dr. Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid!
Olive Leaf Extract for High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol
Olive leaf extract (Olea europa), a bitter compound removed from olives during processing, worked well to lower both elevated blood pressure and cholesterol in a recent European study. Swiss and German researchers recruited 20 sets of identical twins with borderline high blood pressure - working with twins can eliminate some of the confounders that crop up in clinical trials when the study group and control group are not evenly matched. The twins all took capsules containing 500 mg or 1,000 mg of olive leaf extract or a placebo for eight weeks. Results showed that the 1000 mg capsules had substantial antihypertensive effects, and that total cholesterol levels declined in all participants, but reductions were greatest in patients who received the olive oil extract. The specific extract used in this study is called EFLA®943. The findings were published in the August 27, 2008 online edition of Phytotherapy Research. Evidence from earlier studies suggests that olive oil extract can suppress both cold and flu bugs, and the Swiss and German researchers noted that the extracts have been used for centuries to treat wounds, fever, diabetes, gout, and hypertension. Results of previous trials examining these effects have been inconsistent.
Worried About High Blood Pressure?
The Cholesterol Support Formula available through Dr. Weil’s Vitamin Advisor is recommended for people with high cholesterol levels. Find out of it is recommended for you - place your first order today and get free shipping!
Acupuncture for Headaches
In the largest study to date, acupuncture reduced chronic migraines and tension headaches by almost half. German researchers followed more than 15,000 headache patients, with participants reporting having at least two headaches a month for a year or more. Of these, nearly 3,200 agreed to be randomly assigned to have 15 acupuncture sessions added to their usual care for three months, or to stick with their usual care alone. When the study ended, the acupuncture patients reported that their headache days, which had averaged 8.4 over the three months prior to the study, had dropped to 4.7. Of those who continued with their usual care, the number of headache days was virtually unchanged, 8.1 before the study and 7.5 afterward. Earlier studies have yielded conflicting results - some even found that “sham” acupuncture (in which the needles don’t actually pierce the skin) worked as well as the real thing. The new study was published in the September, 2008, issue of Cephalgia. Read more articles on headaches.
Health for the Mind, Body and Spirit
That is the focus of Dr. Weil’s My Optimum Health Plan. Learn more about mind-body techniques such as acupuncture - take a tour today and get a free recipe!
Banana Bread
Native to the Caribbean and Central America, bananas are one of America's favorite fruits. They are rich in potassium - one banana contains 450 mg of potassium, one-fifth of the adult daily requirement - and offer a fair share of magnesium (33 mg), too. In addition, bananas help to strengthen the stomach lining and are good for soothing indigestion. Most banana bread recipes are saturated with butter and sugar. This one uses a small amount of canola oil instead - which is much better for your heart - and honey, which of course means lots of flavor. Don't use regular whole-wheat flour. It is too heavy for this recipe. Look for whole-wheat pastry flour instead.
View Recipe
Healthy Aging Tip
Courtesy of Dr.Weil on Healthy Aging
Eating for a Healthy Brain: Increase your intake of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help counter oxidative stress, a process which can damage cells and may accelerate aging. Fresh, organic vegetables and are the best dietary sources of antioxidants.
Featured Discussion
“I need help with a skin problem,” says LaSol
What can I do about warts on my face?
Sponsor
RESPeRATE
Try RESPeRATE - the world's first and only NON-DRUG medical device clinically proven to lower your blood pressure. Best of all = No side effects.
What’s New
Senior Health Care and Wellness Forum
September 29, 2008, Tucson, Arizona
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, in partnership with PCOA, is sponsoring a special half-day forum on how to improve individual healthy aging. Special luncheon speaker will be Dr. Andrew Weil. The forum will also feature presentations by leading local experts on exercise & nutrition, and PCOA will present ways older adults can take responsibility for their own health. Cost is $25 per person. Seating is limited to 250 people. Reserve your seat today by registering online or RSVP by September 19 to PCOA at (520) 790-0504. YWCA, 525 N. Bonita Ave., Tucson Ariz.
Healthy Aging Workshop with Andrew Weil, M.D.
October 26 - 29, 2008, Tucson, Arizona
During this three-day workshop you'll learn techniques that will help you thrive in every stage of your life. Join Dr. Weil and his personally selected group of experts from various fields (nutrition, fitness, movement and more) pertaining to healthy aging. There are a limited number of openings for this extraordinary opportunity to meet and learn from Dr. Weil himself, the founder of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. For more information, or to register visit Miraval's Web site.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Login |
Not a member yet? Sign up now!
