Dr. Andrew Weil spoke to a class of 1,500 students (me being one of them!!) at The Institute of Integrative Nutrition at the Beacon Theater in NYC, May 16th, 2009. He began by addressing the state of America's health care system. He described it as being a DISEASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM rather than a health care system. A profound but sadly true thought. He provoked our thoughts by questioning the assumption that the only way to treat disease is by giving drugs. Nutrition is rarely ever looked upon as "medicine." Over 40% of hospitals in this country have fast food restaurants on their premises!! Astounding!! Diabetes in young men ages 20's-30's within 10-15 years will have a dramatic rise of epidemic proportions of cardiac disease.
Integrative medicine is different than alternative medicine. It aims at restoring the focus of medicine on health and healing the body to repair itself. It insists on looking at human beings as whole persons. It takes into account all elements of lifestyle. It protects the physician patient relationship which in itself can initiate a healing response.
Dr. Weil is inspirational and brilliant in teaching us about Healthy Aging!!! Look for his new book "Healthy Aging."
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