The Growing Epidemic of Disease
Dr.David Homer N.D., C.N.C
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The World Health Organization
We can see from the definition above, that health is not the absence of symptoms, but the presence of vibrant energy and optimum well-being. The presence of the balanced wholeness of our being. It is a state of wellness far beyond being free of symptoms. How many of us can truly say we have this level of health, and more importantly, how many of us know how to achieve such an optimum level of health?
Over the last century, modern medicine has made remarkable advancements and truly amazing achievements. Digital and fiber optic technology now allow doctors to see into the human body, often eliminating the need to surgically explore. Drugs that, once administered early enough, can dramatically reverse the damage of strokes and heart attacks. Gene research is beginning to unlock the secrets of genetic disorders and one day, we may well be able to insert the correct DNA into the patients cells. Indeed, orthodox medicine has made giant strides. With this better understanding of the human anatomy, of sickness and disease, having more hospitals, and a high doctor to patient ratio, why are we not any healthier today than we were a century ago?
A century ago, infectious and contagious diseases were a constant threat to humanity and an ongoing medical battle. Before the 19th century, statistics revealed that only 3 out of 10 infants survived beyond the age of 25. With the advent of antibiotics, as well as enhanced public health measures such as improved handling of sewage and garbage disposal, safer drinking water supplies, and the pasteurization of cow's milk, childhood mortality have plummeted way down. However, while overall life expectancy has improved, the life expectance of adults has not changed much in this century. In 1900, a 55-year-old male could expect to live to age 72. In 1990, a 55-year-old male could expect to live to age 75.
As you can see according to statistics, instead of falling victim to childhood infections as our forefathers did, we are living slightly longer, but dying from different diseases at a later point in life. Chronic degenerative (lifestyle) diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, stroke, arthritis, mental illness, and obesity to name a few, are reaching epidemic proportions. While death from infectious disease had dramatically decreased, mortality from chronic lifestyle conditions has increased more than 300% since 1900. Modern medicine with all its marvelous accomplishments, seem powerless to manage these chronic conditions as they did the infectious ones.
What is behind this dramatic increase in chronic degenerative disease, and why is modern medicine so powerless to control this escalating situation? The answer to the first part of this question can be summarized into two areas: DIET & LIFESTYLE. The answer to the second part of the question lies in the fragmented approach modern medicine has adopted in the treatment of chronic lifestyle conditions.