As gruesome as it is this genuine story rather accurately depicts vulnerability of 45 million people (15.4% of population of U.S.) who cannot afford timely medical help. They often face a daunting choice of (a) postponing their child's next visit to doctor or (b) jeopardizing their rent or mortgage in order to pay ever-increasing medical bills. Quite enough to loose one's head, isn't it? (So far only metaphorically, but judging by media headlines describing current crisis within healthcare industry "the worst is yet to come!") Once faced with a serious health problem, unfortunate ant from story had no choice but to loose its head. Humans usually have more options.

Now you can choose from several non-insurance health care solutions that anyone can use to access same networks of health care providers (for same low negotiated rates!) that large insurance companies use. No long-term commitment is required on your part and service is available for a modest monthly fee that is only a fraction of an average health insurance premium. Best of all, there are no pre-existing condition limitations, no waiting periods and no third party limiting care you can receive or specialists you are allowed to see.

If you do not have health insurance, are underinsured, have pre-existing conditions, or simply can't afford high premiums - there is one question you should ask yourself right now. Are you waiting for your PHORID FLY to arrive?

(C) by Irina 2003.

Do you know that even though certain herbs have been proven to fight off cancers and destroy them, you will never learn about them? This is because even with passage of DSHEA, FDA is suppressing this type information claiming that there "are not enough safety studies" even if it has been studied in most other modern countries around world. Is that "Protecting" you? Or is it protecting profits of drug manufacturers?

Do you know that as recently as a few years ago, no manufacturer of calcium products could claim that taking calcium would help fight off osteoporosis? Thanks to DSHEA you can learn that calcium can help.

So now you have a small understanding of what benefits you get from DSHEA. Here is problem.

Now there are some Senators and Representatives who want to take away rights of consumers like you and me to use products of our choice. They want to limit choices we have in how we are treated. They want us to be forced to use high priced poisonous pharmaceuticals rather than herbs. They do not want us educated as to what herbs do, how they can benefit us and keep us healthy.

This attack is being launched by Big Dick (Richard) Durbin (democrat of Illinois). The question is why. Is he really that well versed in every treatment so that he can tell you what is good for you and what is not? Is he really that educated in how all of supplements, vitamins, herbs, and preparations really work? Or is it usual. Politics and high level big money political contributions to his campaign at work.

While his idea is commendable - insuring that supplements are safe. Wouldn't it be a better idea to force a supplement manufacturer to prove that supplement does what they claim it does?

Wouldn't it be better to allow...no in fact force supplement manufacturer to have a lot of educational material available to consumers so they can educate themselves. Material including possible adverse reactions. Known and reported incompatible products (i.e. don't take this with aspirin, etc.) Safe dosages, and unsafe dosages, as well as how much is to much..How much can you safely take during a 24 hour period. Information like that. I'm sure that this type of information would be more helpful than some bureaucrat deciding what you can and can not know about a particular product. Even if that bureaucrat has best of intentions.

Imagine not being able to buy herbal product of your choice because some politician and bureaucrat want to "Protect" you. Imagine not being able to find information on adverse effects and beneficial effects of a particular herb, or herbal combination, or dietary supplement? It is about to happen here in USA.

If you really want to keep ability to educate yourself on alternative medicine, proper use of vitamins, herbs, etc, and have choice to use them, then get in touch with your Senator and ask them to defeat Big Dick Durbin's "Dietary Supplement Safety Act" (Senate Bill 722).

It's for your own good.

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