Why aren't more people in the United States interested in prevention of disease?

Question

It seems like the pharmaceutical industry and tobacco keeps looking for new markets for its drugs rather than let people know what they can eat, or not do, or stay away from to prevent illnesses in the first place even when the connections are knownl

I tried to put this question in general health not infectious diseases, I don't know how it wound up in this category, Sorry

Answer 1

You pretty well answered your own question. We are a profit motivated system and only when diseases can be profitably prevented, or in those cases where the disease is really a serious economic threat, will there be any real interest on the part of businesses to try and prevent it. The government usually only gets involved when a lot of voters are up in arms about it. Lawyers get really excited when those whose products cause injury to people can be sued over it. So it goes...

Answer 2

I'm a little confused as to why you say people in the US aren't concerned with disease prevention. Vaccinations are required for many illnesses in children; public health is a major concern; HIV/AIDS prevention is an important topic in the U.S. Influenza vaccines are routinely offered at low or no cost to anyone who wants them; public water supplies are of paramount importance. Those are just a few prevention measures that I can think of in a couple minutes' time. I would be interested in understanding exactly what you have in mind when you assert that those in the U.S. are not interested in disease prevention.

Answer 3

there are cures in other countries, but NOT here. why? the drug companies do not want to cure the "money making diseases" like cancer, just to mention one of many diseases that can be cured. our own government acts like they want cures to be found. if the cures are found the drug companies, doctors and the hospitals will lose billions of dollars. the last disease that was cured was polio. the only reason that cure was found was because Dr Salk's wife had polio. within 6 month the Dr found a cure. the people are interested, but our government IS NOT.

Answer 4

Hmm. interesting perspective from a veterinarian. in very truth, kinfolk animals were shaped and changed to healthful our purpose because the starting up of our heritage mutually. that is a part effect of an otherwise jointly valuable courting, and a truth of existence. i can see his aspect with the de-scenting of ferrets and clipping of fowl's wings (besides the undeniable fact that i do not see clipping wing feathers as "mutilation"), in view that those -- surely wild -- animals have purely come into favor as pets in recent heritage, and likely should not be pets. I do agree that the abandoned animal issue is largely through our nationwide attitude being one among disposable consumerism. i wager i favor an overarching aspect to the object. what's the author suggesting? That we not spay and neuter? That we not undertake? That we euthanize each and every thing sitting in a take care of and enable kinfolk animals die out with the intention to give up "exploiting" them? it really is treading dangerously close to to AR/humaniac ice, and appears like the ramblings of a guy upset consisting of his determination in occupation. If he's having an existential disaster, that extremely is a bummer -- besides the undeniable fact that that is not likely to give up me from possessing canines and making alternatives about their reproductive futures. upload: carry on, AgentGinger! :) thanks for the praise -- yet i imagine you and that i decision in opinion. i do not consider declawing cats -- in many cases because i have assisted in that technique many cases, and this isn't pleasant -- yet I even haven't any difficulty with docking, or perhaps cropping. and that i honestly do not imagine there must be law to avert those approaches, purely as i do not count number on MS/N guidelines. Surgical modification of pets by way of their vendors is outdoors the scope of helpful law, IMO. ADD2: Aha, Kermit! it really is type of what I figured. It appeared like he replaced into headed that way. solid locate! ADD3: Wow. Now that i have study something else and considered what Kermit's extra, i come around the completed ingredient extremely aggravating. obviously this guy chosen the incorrect existence course -- and chooses to ignore undemanding biology, anthropological information, and human heritage in favor of his perspective. apparently even PeTA hasn't lengthy gone far sufficient to fulfill him. the most annoying ingredient about this? As a veterinarian, he's someone not purely knowledgeable, yet also someone whose critiques maximum puppy vendors clearly experience they could trust.

Answer 5

We are! We just don't think that the federal government should foot the bill for research. There's enough private money, (as well as state & local agencies).

Answer 6

We are pretty aggressive compared to other parts of the world...