Our Failing Medical System

#voxpopuli #jeancarper #america #jamesgordon #naturalmedicine #UNCC

According to the CDC, about 69,029 Americans died from overdose in 2019. Substance abuse has been sweeping the nation. Although the death toll has been declining over the years, people have been misusing prescription drugs and OTC medicine. People taking pain killers for an injury become addicted. Individuals taking medicine to ease their depression become addicted. Even though doctors are prescribing these drugs to help people, they are actually harming them. However, there is a solution that most Americans are skeptical of. That is alternative medicine.

Lack of Side Effects

Due to its health benefits, alternative medicine is far safer than mainstream medication. In essence, benzodiazepines are highly addictive drugs used to treat anxiety. If one becomes addicted, the neurochemistry in the brain may be altered. On the other hand, lavender is a non-addictive herb that helps with anxiety. Lavender does not change your brain's chemical make up thus making it a healthier alternative. Moreover, alternative medicine gives individuals more freedom in terms of health. Alternatives summon less side effects compared to mainstream drugs. Additionally, some medications may advise you to not mix substances as it may cause harm. According to a survey of 100 people completed by UNC Charlotte, 34% of people who took OTC drugs experienced lethargy. Meanwhile, 4% experienced gas, 5% suffered from headaches, 3% from dizziness and 6% experienced abdominal pain. As an opposition, if you do experience side effects, combining various alternatives can help you combat with them.

Cost Effective

Another main point as to why alternative medicine is a better solution is cost. Nowadays, goods cost a fortune. As a former Walgreens CSA I have heard numerous customers complain about the cost of medication. Quite frankly, I agree with them. Standing there scanning merchandise I am astonished at how much of a hit medications take to one's wallet. I cannot even tell you how many customers have simply stated, "I cannot afford this," and just walked out of the store leaving their much needed medication behind.

To give an instance, my mother took ibuprofen and Tylenol for neck pain. While a bottle of Advil Ibuprofen Pain Reliever costs $20.99 at Walgreens, Tylenol costs $10.49. Because she was complaining about the ineffectiveness of both products, I suggested rosemary oil ($6.99 depending on the brand). Within minutes of massaging rosemary oil on her neck she was pain-free. Not only is alternative medicine more effective, but it is cost-effective as well.

James Gordon

A quote by James Gordon from Jean Carper's Miracle Cures suggests:

"One reason people turn to 'alternative medicine' is that our mainstream medical system is failing. The fact is, we are in the midst of an epidemic of inadequately treated chronic illness. Sixty million Americans have hypertension, 40 million suffer from arthritis, and 23 million of us have migraine headaches. A million Americans each year are being diagnosed with cancer, and close to 40 percent of us will, at one point or another, have this terrifying and often disease.

The prevalence of asthma, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, immune deficiency syndrome, HIV, and a host of other debilitating conditions is increasing. Conventional biomedicine - so strikingly successful in the treatment of overwhelming infections, surgical and medical emergencies, and congenital defects, has been unable to stem the tide of these conditions," (Carper).

Dead Sea Collection: Body Oil & Body Scrub

#deadsea #scrub #coconut #beauty #selfcare #skincare #moisturizing #healthyskin #dryskin #minerals

A significant product line that enchants skin care with body oils, salt scrubs, body wash, hand wash, bubble bath and bath salts.

About Dead Sea Collection

"The Dead Sea, due its unique and concentrated minerals content, make a huge improvement to skin's condition."

Established in 1991, the Dead Sea Collection uses minerals, salts and mud from the Dead Sea to integrate into a variety of skin care products from body oils to bath salts to hand wash.

Ingredients

Magnesium: Boosts metabolism

Bromide: Natural antiseptic and smoothes skin

Sodium: Balances water levels

Chlorine: Provides cell mineral balance

Potassium: Enhances energy flow

From soothing and softening to detoxifying and purifying, each type has a distinct purpose to enhance your skin as it becomes health and youthful.

My Personal Experience

I stumble upon this line of products in Ocean State Job Lot. They have a variety of fragrances such as tea tree, argon, vanilla and almond, lavender, coconut (my personal fav), and others. To be honest, I was extremely overwhelmed because I could not decide which products or fragrances to get. Since I expected these products to be somewhat expensive, I was pleased to find out they were only $3.99/each.

Coconut is one of my favorite scents in the world! Eagerly, I purchased coconut body oil, coconut salt scrub and lavender salt scrub. All of the scrubs had a layer of oil on top which I figured would make my skin look extra oily. The first time I used the coconut scrub on my legs because they are the driest part of my body. I noticed significant use after two uses. My legs were as soft as baby's skin! The morning after the second use there were no rough patches on my skin whatsoever. I highly recommend the coconut salt scrub. Not only does it some amazingly good, but it relieves dry skin in a jiffy.

Designed for delicate skin, the coconut body oil moisturizes and nourishes the skin just as the label says. Following the utilization of the coconut salt scrub, I use the body oil as an after-shower moisturizer. After one use I noticed incredible results! I have tried a variety of moisturizers and creams for dry skin on my neck and chest. In essence, I have attempted results with Cetaphil, Vanicream, Gloves in a Bottle, Aruba Aloe and Silkskin Care. Contrastingly, The Dead Sea coconut body oil tops all of the big brands in terms of retaining moisture. If you suffer from irritable dry skin, this body oil is a must-have in your skin care routine.

Although the oily sensation of the body oil seeps into your skin after a few minutes, I do not recommend using it on your face as the oil may clog your pores causing your skin to look greasy.

Upcoming

Stay tuned for a new article in my Recipes & Remedies section regarding homemade tea with Navita Matcha Powder!

Top 5 Reasons Why Kale Should Be in Your Diet

#kale #superfood #nutrition #health #healthy #lifestyle #delicious #diet #drmichaelmurray

As it has numerous vitamins, this delicious superfood can be eaten in a variety of ways!

1. Kale supplements nutritional health with copper, calcium and magnesium as well as vitamins A, C, K and B6.

As stated in The Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, "A person cannot make up for poor dietary habits...by taking pills-whether the pills are drugs or nutritional supplements...for the long term it is absolutely essential that individuals devote attention to...a healthful diet," (Murray 9).

2. Kale is a diabetes/weight friendly vegetable.

Because one cup of kale has only 7g of carbohydrates and 33 calories, it acts as a healthful option for diabetics and those who are dieting.

3. Kale can help the prevention of prostate, lung, breast and colorectal cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, some case-control studies conducted by numerous countries found results in which people had a high intake of cruciferous vegetables (kale included) appeared to have a lower risk of certain types of cancer than those who did not have a high intake. Additionally, cruciferous vegetables can reduce the risk of cancer by:

~Reducing DNA damage

~Inactivating carcinogens

~Providing antibacterial/antiviral effects

~Containing anti-inflammatory effects

~Inducing cell death

~Inhibiting tumor blood vessel formation/tumor cell migration

4. Kale is a hard plant that is easy to grow.

In most northern states, kale grows January through June as well as October through December. Moreover, kale is a cool-weather plant that can withstand frost.

5. Kale can be consumed in a variety of ways.

Salads, soups, smoothies, chips, pesto and more! Any way you eat it you are reaping all the healthful benefits. Check out my kale smoothie recipes on instagram (@the_pharmlife).

References:

“Cruciferous Vegetables and Cancer Prevention.” National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/cruciferous-vegetables-fact-sheet.

“The Many Types and Health Benefits of Kale.” The Many Types, Health Benefits of Kale - Mayo Clinic Health System, www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/the-many-types-and-health-benefits-of-kale.

Murray, Michael T. The Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Prima, 2002.