An oncologist in pediatrics, who works in a large medical center,
was talking about her experiences in treating childhood cancer. She
mentioned that children who have been successfully treated (with chemo
or radiation, for example) must make sure they have regular exams for
the rest of their lives. According to her, there are some children who
develop health problems, such as other cancers, after the initial
malignancy is defeated. Other problems may include a drop in their
I.Q.
Listening to this discussion about childhood cancer, and the on-going
repercussions resulting from treatments, reminded me of this maxim
attributed to Publius Syrus (42 B.C.): “There are some remedies worse
than the disease.”
I’ve also noticed that proper nutrition is down-played, if mentioned
at all, in most discussions concerning disease and its prevention. The
fascination with technology and pharmaceuticals as a solution to every
problem overshadows any attempt to at least try a more traditional
approach, such as a vegan diet of whole, unprocessed fruits, vegetables,
legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Even if one decides to accept a modern, technological approach to
combating a disease, doesn’t it make sense that the side effects may be
less severe if a truly healthful (no animal products consumed) lifestyle
is adopted? After all, it always helps to build a strong immune system.
Isn’t it strange that people think they are being kind to loved ones
by allowing them to eat junk food when they are seriously ill? That’s
almost like giving up on their chance of ever recovering.
Sometimes I wonder if most people will ever wake up to realize that
they have nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain – health wise as well
as financially – by trying something as simple as a vegan lifestyle. On
a personal note, one very noticeable result of our many years as vegans
is a strong immune system: No colds, sore throats, flu, etc. Now that’s
what I call a real remedy!
For more on health, see:
http://www.all-creatures.org/health.html
For our recipes, see:
http://www.all-creatures.org/recipes.html
