On Postman and Medical Technology

What a scary chapter, but at the same time it is a bit comforting. It's hard not to be worried about cancer, health problems, etc. when they are so prevalent in society. I've had family members who have died from cancer and I have a member with cancer at the current time and it's a lot to go through.

I think technology in healthcare is good when it is used appropriately. Catching conditions early can save lives. Where it gets scary is when you read about x-ray radiation and unnecessary surgeries performed. The evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria because doctors over prescribe antibiotics is unsettling. Today there's a pill for everything. I can only hope for more holistic doctors in the future because I honestly believe in the effectiveness of natural remedies.

I do think there is too much reliance on technology when it comes to the medical field, but Postman made some good points. People expect certain treatment options. People want to feel safe and in control of their health. They want to make sure everything is okay. Honestly, I think the Internet has turned a lot of people into hypochondriacs because if you put your symptoms into Google or WebMD, a multitude of conditions come up (and there almost always are serious ones).

I think annual check-ups and blood tests are great to have. One thing I like about my doctor is that she is very thorough and schedules appointments far enough apart so she can spend a good 15-20 minutes talking to you about life, any health problems, etc. She stays up to date on research and is very passionate about actually practicing medicine instead of walking around with an iPad and chatting for 5 minutes before leaving the room.

I can't say I've had a lot of bad experiences with technology in the healthcare field. I mean, I've had a few surgeries and gotten a few x-rays, but nothing major. When I was having sleep trouble I first had to keep a sleep diary for a few weeks before going in for an actual study. Again, I think technology can be useful when it is absolutely needed for practicing medicine, but it shouldn't rule doctors. I think doctors should rely on instinct and experience, but thankfully the ones I've had have seemed to do just that.

I think holistic doctors and healers are going to increasingly become more valuable...well, for skeptics like me, at least. I think meditation, yoga, and other forms of exercise can help balance the mind. I think a good diet and certain remedies can help with certain conditions. I still don't think a lot of doctors really know how much of certain conditions are genetic and how much are based on the environment. Perhaps they never will.