Perhaps the title is a little harsh…but Dr. Margaret Chan M.D. (the head of the World Health Organization) declared antibiotic use “a disaster”. Dr. Chan stated in a recent speech that the over prescription of antibiotics has led to many antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. She reported that if this trend continues she could see a future where almost every bacterial infection was life threatening since modern medicine could not treat it. She also commented on a future where ‘some sophisticated interventions like hip replacements, organ transplants, cancer chemotherapy and care of problem infants would be out of the question because of the risk of bacterial infection (with antibiotic resistant strains) would be too high. So what’s the solution?
This is where the insanity begins; Dr. Chan does not state that prescriptions of antibiotics should be reduced, nor does she give the statistics on how many antibiotics are beings over prescribed for viral conditions like ear infections; she doesn’t mention how many tons of antibiotics (and steroids) are being used on animals in confinement feed lots. Dr. Chan doesn’t mention any reduction of chemical usage…instead she urges more chemical solutions – new drugs to help solve the issues. Theres one really big problem though…more chemicals have never solved any issues; they only create new problems.
Here’s my solution: Use medical intervention only in an emergency. I see so many people rush to the doctor at the first hint of a cold. Take antibiotics as a last resort…when no other treatment seems to be working. Also, when you do take antibiotics, take the minimal dose; although every doctor and pharmacist will tell you to finish the entire bottle there is no evidence that taking less antibiotics reduces the number of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. In fact, there is a lot of evidence that shows the more antibiotics given, the more antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria are created.
Of course the real solution is to keep your immune system healthy. This is the REAL protection from bacteria as God created your immune system to protect you. There is no magic pill or potion that heals or protects; your body heals and protects itself. Antibiotics can help you in an emergency (like when your body’s defenses are not working) but they always have a price to pay; antibiotics lower your body’s natural defenses and destroys your body’s intestinal bacteria (which help you digest food).
As for me I trust God a lot more than I trust chemist or doctors.