Any universal health plan should include this...

[Bluzmann57]

Obviously it would need some sort of wellness program. But would the wellness program include drug and alcohol rehabilitation? I think it should. I have known some people who have had some rough times, such as going through a divorce, and have abused drugs and/or alcohol as a result. Ok, I know it may seem lame to blame a person's addiction on bad times in their life, because we all go through them, but everyone's different and will deal with things in different ways.
The reason I am bringing this up is because I saw a guy at work today who was drugged up badly and faces the very real possibility of losing his job. He has been a good worker and has had perfect attendance until recently. He is also going through an ugly divorce and has started abusing drink and drugs. Today may have been his low point. If he loses his job, he will have no insurance and therefore, will not be able to afford to check into a rehab clinic. I fear that he may end up either in prison or dead if he doesn't seek help now. So I am proposing that any Universal Health plan should include rehab, if only one time. I fear a lot of people need something but can't afford it, even those with insurance.

[LWolf]

1. Universal health care should include:

general maintenance and checkups
mental health
wellness programs
medications
physical therapy
non-western therapies with a verified record of success

[TahitiNut]

3. Let's not forget home care and hospice.

Essential.

[LWolf]

8. Yes! Homecare and Hospice, too. n/t

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. Absolutely

the whole person must be treated, and so it includes not only physical but mental health as well.

Acupuncture is one eastern technique that I know has been used to replace anesthetics in operations where the patient had a severe allergic reaction to any anesthetic. It worked really well--operation was a success, and the patient didn't suffer any side effects from anesthetics.

[LWolf]

10. Health is all about the whole person.

When any part isn't thriving, it affects all those other parts.

Accupuncture is just one of the many non-western treatments with a good record of success; I want any patients to be able to choose what's right for
themselves. :hi:

[Blue Belle]

12. Natralpathic/Homeopathic Physicians...

I for one am tired of the drug companies running everything, and would love to see more alternatives to the "Cure all ills with pills" option.

[LWolf]

14. I agree.

So does my naturopath AND my homeopath, lol.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Yes, I agree

as long as the rehab is voluntary. Forcing someone into rehab who doesn't want to go is dooming the process to failure. Also, treat drug addiction as a medical, and not a criminal condition.

[Lars39]

4. Definitely yes!

Productive citizens benefit society.
Those with addictions affect more than just their own lives, too.

[bobbolink]

6. Include alternative medicine... Chinese, etc.

There is a lot that Western medicine doesn't help, let alone cure.

Message therapy is necessary, and should be included.

I talked with a woman from Canada who lobbied for 10 years to get midwifery included in Canada. She advises to work to get everything included from the beginning.....it's harder to add it later. Sounds wise to me!

[Frosty1]

7. How about hearing aids, eyeglasses and dental work?

:think:

[RC]

9. Why aren't these included or even thought of as health care?

They should be.

[Bluzmann57]

13. Dental care for sure.

Speaking from experience here. Dental care is definitely part of overall health.

[mentalsolstice]

11. Not to mention genetic & organic components to MI and addictions! n/t