Is a New Health Care Paradigm Needed?

It may be time to move away from the traditional health care model that some describe as sick-care. In the old model's place, a new model would emerge. One based on wellness. Individuals would take responsibility for their own health care decisions. In this new paradigm, the Internet would play an important role in providing needed information.

Modern medical science has provided us with unprecedented opportunities for prolonging life, but it is a sad observation these extended years have too often come with little consideration for quality of life or cost. Too often, there has been no emphasis on wellness. There is reason for people to be concerned about health. This concern is for both longevity and quality of life.

It has also become ever apparent to a growing number of observant people that the cost of health care in the United States has reached unprecedented levels. This ever increasing economic burden threatens to destroy the health care system that has long been the envy of the world. It is not clear how long the current health care system can survive. More than a few experts are suggesting changes and believe that significant changes must occur. These experts tell us that health care will soon be unaffordable and already is for many. Such experts suggest a new health paradigm is required, but what should this new paradigm be?

Certainly, a significant part of any necessary change is to move away from a health care model almost completely structured around sick-care to a new model that places the primary emphasis on wellness (prevention). It seems intuitive that it should cost less to prevent a major disease, like cancer, than to treat it. If we foster wellness (prevent sickness and disease), then, quality-of-life should follow.

Such a new paradigm requires individuals to take charge of their own health. Are you ready to move to a new wellness paradigm, take charge of your health and not leave it entirely to the "health professionals"? Are you ready to form a partnership with your physician and other health care providers? There is an increasing number of people who would say, "Yes." This sounds well and good; however, there is a "catch." The adoption of this new paradigm requires individuals to be more informed than ever about their bodily functions. They must also have access to information that may have historically been uninteresting.

As people begin to adopt this new health paradigm, how do they begin to answer all the questions? Where do they find information that will be useful in sustaining their part of the new health partnership? Information about natural supplements that are known for their anti-aging properties, may be helpful. These anti-aging natural supplements may add years to one's life, but their real value may be in their ability to add to your quality-of-life. Perhaps added years will be an extra bonus! How does one go about finding such articles?

The new wellness paradigm requires access to information about body function, nutrition, minerals, enzymes, other anti-aging natural supplements, disease and similar topics. The Internet can play a significant role in filling this need. Web sites dedicated to relevant wellness information can be a valuable health information resource for those willing to embrace the new health paradigm.