Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Why do you have to take pills if you feel good? Feeling being pushed?
James Le Fanu accuses pharmaceutical companies of fuelling the demand for 'lifestyle’ drugs .
The therapeutic revolution of the post-war years ranks amongst the most impressive of all human achievements. So dramatically successful has been the assault on disease that it is almost impossible to imagine what life was like back in 1945, when there were no drugs for tuberculosis or schizophrenia or rheumatoid arthritis, or indeed for virtually any illness that a doctor encountered; a time before open heart surgery, transplantation and cures for cancer. These and a multitude of similar developments have been of immeasurable benefit in freeing people from the fear of illness and untimely death.
Yet, as Professor Joan Busfield from Exeter University argues – in a paper, “A Pill for Every Ill”, in the Journal of Social Science and Medicine this month – there is something very peculiar going on to account for why, over the past two decades, the Health Service’s drugs bill should have exploded, with little evidence of any measurable improvement in the nation’s heath.
From £4billion a year in the early 1990s, the cost of NHS prescriptions had topped £10billion by 2006, is now in the region of £18billion, and is expected to soar to £24billion by the middle of this decade. During this time, Professor Busfield points out, the average number of prescriptions issued per head of population has doubled to 16 per year. Millions of the healthy young and middle aged seldom see a doctor, so this can only mean that many, especially in the older age group, must currently be taking a fistful of drugs every day.
Read the rest at Telegraph's
The therapeutic revolution of the post-war years ranks amongst the most impressive of all human achievements. So dramatically successful has been the assault on disease that it is almost impossible to imagine what life was like back in 1945, when there were no drugs for tuberculosis or schizophrenia or rheumatoid arthritis, or indeed for virtually any illness that a doctor encountered; a time before open heart surgery, transplantation and cures for cancer. These and a multitude of similar developments have been of immeasurable benefit in freeing people from the fear of illness and untimely death.
Yet, as Professor Joan Busfield from Exeter University argues – in a paper, “A Pill for Every Ill”, in the Journal of Social Science and Medicine this month – there is something very peculiar going on to account for why, over the past two decades, the Health Service’s drugs bill should have exploded, with little evidence of any measurable improvement in the nation’s heath.
From £4billion a year in the early 1990s, the cost of NHS prescriptions had topped £10billion by 2006, is now in the region of £18billion, and is expected to soar to £24billion by the middle of this decade. During this time, Professor Busfield points out, the average number of prescriptions issued per head of population has doubled to 16 per year. Millions of the healthy young and middle aged seldom see a doctor, so this can only mean that many, especially in the older age group, must currently be taking a fistful of drugs every day.
Read the rest at Telegraph's
Food Revolution: Jamie Oliver's presentation on child obesity and diet-related health problems
He's not just a good-looking guy sometimes appearing naked in kitchen, he's just a great guy who's terrified by the same things as I do.
Most people whom I met in US were puzzled why would I cook at home. Sometimes they would every try to turn me into a total 'call-this-guy-he-brings-you-food' person. No, hell no. I don't mind food delivery, but I'm very picky.
But most of all I love my Mom's cooking.
I wish him all the best in his efforts and here in my blog I'm going to post updates about his activity from time to time.
Most people whom I met in US were puzzled why would I cook at home. Sometimes they would every try to turn me into a total 'call-this-guy-he-brings-you-food' person. No, hell no. I don't mind food delivery, but I'm very picky.
But most of all I love my Mom's cooking.
I wish him all the best in his efforts and here in my blog I'm going to post updates about his activity from time to time.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Can't help spreading this presentation around - Social Media Is Dead
I've seen a lot of slideshows and presentations on social media and this particular one is really good. Crystal clear.
I do feel enjoyment and gratitude when I realize people saved my time by doing such a great job.
Enjoy!
Author: David Armano
I do feel enjoyment and gratitude when I realize people saved my time by doing such a great job.
Enjoy!
Social Media Is Dead: Long Live Common Sense.
View more presentations from David Armano.
Author: David Armano
Friday, March 26, 2010
#hcsmeu
Another Friday and it's very hard not to mention #hcsmeu - a highly educative source for people involved in social media for health care or wanting to be involved.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
#39 Y in Periodic Table of Science Bloggers
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome #39 in Periodic Table of Science Bloggers of David Bradley - Your Daily Pill blog!
http://www.sciencebase.com/periodic-table-of-david-bradley.html
Raising the bar for the content quality, I believe!
http://www.sciencebase.com/periodic-table-of-david-bradley.html
Raising the bar for the content quality, I believe!
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