They are listening
Last year I heard a commencement speaker tell the graduates not to be afraid to ask the stupid question. He then shared how a reporter, by asking that stupid question, won a Pulitzer Prize for an article inspired by the answer to that question.
Many times I have felt that to question why alternative healthcare options are not more available is perceived as stupid, and also tends to isolate me from those with differing views. Based upon recent information about healthcare procedures and practices by the health professionals, maybe my concerns are not stupid. Several new studies and findings are reporting that others are asking this same question. The results are heartening:
According to David G. Myers, Professor of Psychology at Hope College, 101 out of 135 universities with a medical school are offering courses about alternatives as part of their curriculum (Koenig, 2001, Puchalski, 2005).
In another study, “National Trends in Prayer Use as a Coping Mechanism for Health Concerns: Changes From 2002 to 2007” (www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/rel-3-2-67.pdf) by Amy Wachholtz and Usha Sambamoorthi, it says more of the American public are using prayer as an alternative. The authors found that in 1999 13.7% of the people surveyed used prayer, while by 2007 the percentage had risen to 49%.
I find it most encouraging that individuals as well as those involved professionally are all beginning to look at a wide array of options.
Informed patient choice continues to be explored by people who are looking for effective and inexpensive health alternatives, which look beyond conventional drug-based medicine.
In my experience, and I’m not alone, prayer, meditation, or other non-material means lead to a healthier state of mind, which can lead to a healthier body.
Perhaps some individuals think the use of alternatives is a stupid question. But answers found in studies like these may open this conversation to a wider audience, and create a positive environment, which empowers people to gain access to health care that meets their needs.
Donald W. Ingwerson
Media and Government Relations
for Christian Science
in Southern California
