Need Blood? Consider the Source....

[lucy]

In the beginning, it was really limited to gay men. There are theories about this, the most widespread theory is that gay men contracted HIV/AIDS through Hepatitis Vaccination Trials....

In time, the disease became more widespread among drug users.

Still, that was then and this is a current issue, to be sure. The bottom line is whether or not the blood can be 1) rendered safe and 2)tested thoroughly to eliminate the potential harm.

imo/

[lucy]

What about your healthcare bills should you contract a life-threatening disease from tainted blood?

This is a responsibility on the part of the medical establishment.

[makesenseplease]

In the beginning, it was really limited to gay men. There are theories about this, the most widespread theory is that gay men contracted HIV/AIDS through Hepatitis Vaccination Trials....

In time, the disease became more widespread among drug users.

Still, that was then and this is a current issue, to be sure. The bottom line is whether or not the blood can be 1) rendered safe and 2)tested thoroughly to eliminate the potential harm.

imo/

http://www.who.int/bloodsafety/testing_processing/donation_testing/en/index.html

 

[johnhp]

Lucy,

i am not the one opposing comprehensive medical reform.

With regard to responsibility, feel free to explain to them when you go in for a transfusion that they have the responsibility to assure the blood supply.  They will say that they have done enough.

[johnhp]

In the beginning, it was really limited to gay men.

You are referring to the identification of GRID.  However, within months the community with the disease was expanded to include, hemophiliacs, drug users using hypodermic needles as a delivery device, etc.  About half the population within months included straight men.

[lucy]

You might be right. I haven't read the stats. Back in the late 80's/early 90's I was more involved with this issue. And I lost a couple of close friends to the disease.

Ironically, natural medicine especially boosting the immune system through vitamins and healthy foods has been proven to help. I know you hate it when I mention this, but....

[lucy]

I am not opposed to healthcare reform. When hospitals stop charging 1000 dollars for a toothbrush, it will be a start/

[lucy]

http://www.who.int/bloodsafety/testing_processing/donation_testing/en/index.html

 

First, a problem has to be recognized. Good find. Thanks.

[johnhp]

Ironically, natural medicine especially boosting the immune system through vitamins and healthy foods has been proven to help. I know you hate it when I mention this, but....

and i know it that you hate when i ask you to show statistics.  Do you have any on this claim?

[johnhp]

I am not opposed to healthcare reform. When hospitals stop charging 1000 dollars for a toothbrush, it will be a start/

You have got to have the legislative reform before changes start.

[lucy]

I've been working on that question, actually. Stats are usually created by medical research and medical researchers are hesitant to research natural cures because the funding is mostly for pharmaceutical companies.

But, I have not forgotten your questions. You can google around and see what you find as well.

[lucy]

You have got to have the legislative reform before changes start.

You can also start by people reading their bills and calling to complain like I did about the 500 dollar kleenex, which I got taken off my bill. You cannot expect GOVERNMENT to take care of all the personal aspects of these problems. People have to start taking responsibility on their own as well, imo.

[johnhp]

I've been working on that question, actually. Stats are usually created by medical research and medical researchers are hesitant to research natural cures because the funding is mostly for pharmaceutical companies.

But, I have not forgotten your questions. You can google around and see what you find as well.

i am not the one invested in naturopathy.

[johnhp]

You can also start by people reading their bills and calling to complain like I did about the 500 dollar kleenex, which I got taken off my bill. You cannot expect GOVERNMENT to take care of all the personal aspects of these problems. People have to start taking responsibility on their own as well, imo.

Yeah, all problems are not going to be fixed by a phone call.  The big long term problems that need to be addressed will be addressed by reform, though.

[lucy]

Yes, but think grassroots...what if EVERYONE started making those calls...