Welmedix. An Integrative Health Care Company. A growing dissatisfaction with conventional approaches to disease treatment is fueling a silent revolution in health care. As more and more Americans face challenges such as rising drug costs, increasing dangerous side effects, and an epidemic of chronic disease, our research shows that the country is ready for a better approach.
- Dissatisfaction with the current healthcare system growing
- Record-breaking number of consumers trying alternative medicine
- Combination of mainstream and alternative medicine most effective
- Homeopathy enjoying a rennaissance
A growing dissatisfaction among American consumers with conventional approaches to disease treatment is fueling a revolution in health care.
The growing cost of health care, the rise of new chronic illnesses, the cost of prescription pharmaceuticals, and the problems of drug dependency have all contributed to a significant overall decline in quality of care. As the "baby boomer" generation transitions into retirement, more and more Americans are stridently questioning once accepted norms and taking greater control over their own care.
As a result, a new market is emerging – for products and services that are based in sound science, are safe and affordable, and empower consumers to achieve a greater degree of wellness. In particular, CAM therapies such as Homeopathy, Ayurveda, and Eastern medicine are gaining acceptance as a complement to conventional allopathic medicine, creating the new field of integrative medicine. (para According to recent surveys conducted by the National Institutes of Health, Americans spend an estimated $34 billion per year on CAM outside the conventional health care financing system. Three out of every four Americans have used CAM at some point in their lives, and approximately 36% of Americans, over 100 million people, use CAM on a regular basis.
In addition, 55% of Americans, over 165 million consumers, believe that a combination of conventional and complementary treatments provides or has provided them with a more effective solution for their health care needs than conventional treatments alone.
According to a 1998 nationwide study conducted by Landmark Healthcare, 45% of the respondents stated they would be willing to contribute part of the additional cost for coverage of alternative treatments. More than two-thirds of respondents said the availability of alternative care is important when choosing a health plan.
Homeopathy in particular is enjoying a renaissance; its increasing prevalence as a mainstream solution to aid in the treatment of the common cold, flu, and headaches indicates that it can no longer be considered a fad. The National Center for Homeopathy estimates that Americans are spending $165 million a year for homeopathic preparations, and sales are rising by 20-25% each year. Skin care is a $7 billion category with a high propensity for and acceptance of CAM therapies.