The American Cancer Society reported that U.S. deaths from cancer dropped by 2.2% in 2018, for their largest single-year decline ever seen. Much of the decline came from reduced rates of lung cancer, since fewer Americans are now smoking. But the National Health Institute’s arm on alcohol abuse and alcoholism reported that deaths from alcohol and related diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver have doubled over the period from 1999 through 2017, rising from about 36,000 to 73,000. Alcohol and opioids together are killing almost 10,000 Americans each month.
TAKEAWAY: Have a serious discussion about alcohol & vaping with your child. If you are engaged in such activities, consider quitting.
By training, I am a American Board Certified Pediatrician. But in my younger years I grew up with natural alternatives. As a mom I have tried to incorporate both for my kids and it has worked wonders. And finally, as I am studying natural & alternative medicines, I realize the beauty and wisdom of living closer to earth. Hence in my practice I integrate both...for acute ailments I follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation but for simple and/or chronic conditions I prefer natural alternatives.
In western training we were raised to think that "health is the absence of symptoms and problems". But eastern sensibilities has educated me that "Health is state that allows one to use the full capabilities of their body, mind and intellect. Therefore, healthy living is a balanced state of well being: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually." This implies that healing is not a "one-pill-fits-all", but a personalized experience.
