"A Little Sickness Goes Along Ways"

Thursday December 13th, 2007
12:34 PM
"A Little Sickness Goes Along Ways"

Being sick in the village is no fun. Often young healthy americans take feeling well for granted. In America, it is in vogue to complain about the healthcare system. I can tell you for sure that compared to most other parts of the world, the american healthcare system is the gold standard. Having pharmacies, Seven-11s and even liquor stores around the corner that carry a large number of basic medicines is such a luxury.

I remember at Berkeley the University Health Center or the Tang Center was always considered to be a bit of a joke. The story would always go- you're sick and you go there- they tell you to drink Gatorade and drink some tea & oh yeah take a nap. I always thought this was alittle funny- I always had this question in the back of my mind when I was there- "Are they so tight with medicines because they are trying to save money/ budget constraints? -or- Are students there part of a large long term study on the effects of how prescribing less medicine effects public health?"

It is a good question to ask: "How much medicine do young healthy adults need to cure the common cold?" The answer probably isn't that hard to guess. myself being being a guinea pig yesterday- The Tang Center prescription probably pretty close. Young healthy adults need little medicines for the common cold- they just need to rest, hydrate and stop freaking out- ok maybe some Acetaminophen and pseudoephedrine.

Another question is: "Would taking less prescription medications make people healthier in general?" Perhaps making the body fight some of its own battles might make the immune system stronger. Why call in the big prescription guns each time? The body needs to have a chance to defend itself without too much hand holding.

Culturally I don't know if Americans would be willing to follow the medicine light prescription. Taking the day off from work to rest to get better? Hell might as well pop the pills and not fear losing your job- right?