Green health care?

Hey why not, isn’t everything going green? In fact, if you’re health care hasn’t been green, then you’ve really been missing out. And it’s an excellent undertaking for Earth Day.

First of all what’s meant by “green”? Well, in case you have not noticed, going “green” is the current trend. It’s a focus on minimizing negative impact on the environment. An example is the movement to replace the burning of fossil fuels with cleaner technology like solar and wind. And you most likely have heard how this company and that, even Walmart, is “going green”.

So, how does “green” apply to health care? Easily, in fact it’s long overdue. There are dozens of reports every year about medical wastes like used syringes washing up on beaches, there are potentially dangerous drugs like anti-biotic residues and human hormones like estrogen being discovered in most water supplies (expelled in human waste), and just think about the tons and tons of toxins produced by the pharmaceutical conglomerates. Kind of scary isn’t it?

Amazingly, this destruction of our environment can be greatly decreased if not stopped by a few simple lifestyle changes.

Here are the top 3 health care changes you and I can make to protect this world for our future generations:

1) Use holistic health care providers. The benefits and safety are well known. The impact on the environment is miniscule compared to taking the conventional medical route. Just think about it – every time a patient gets better using holistic care, then there are less drugs used, less medical waste, etc. And generally it’s all done at less cost too!

A perfect example of environmentally friendly, green health care is chiropractic, which aims to release one’s very own natural healing ability. Doctors of Chiropractic do this by analyzing a patient’s spine for mis-alignments that are causing nerve irritation/pinching (subluxation). They then make an adjustment using their hands or a small instrument. Free flowing mental impulses through the nervous system are vital for optimum health. How’s that for clean work? It’s a natural!

2) Seek organic food. Much harm to the environment occurs from herbicide, pesticide, and fertilizer applications to farm land. Most livestock producers routinely add drugs like anti-biotics and hormones to their herds water and food. Buy organic to avoid that. Besides it tastes better and it’s likely more nutrient laden. Yes, the organic varieties will cost more, but in the long-haul, in the cost to the environment, it doesn’t really cost it pays! At least seek to buy organic varieties of the top ten most chemically treated produce items. Here they are: apples, peppers, celery, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, raspberries, spinach, and strawberries. The food corporations and farmers will eventually respond to the demands of the consumers. » Read more: Green Health Care: 3 Earth Day Actions Your Body and the Environment Will Love