Conventional and Alternative Medicine

Paper Summary:

The paper provides an overview of prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, herbal medicines and supplementary drugs. The paper discusses the laxity in regulation of dietary supplements currently available in the market that is causing alarm among health care professionals. The paper then explores the reasons behind the increased popularity with OTC drugs and dietary supplements.

From the Paper:

"In these modern times, patients and consumers have numerous alternatives in attempting to alleviate their health. Conventional medicine is still the mainstream for treatment of the population's maladies. However, alternative or traditional medicine is rapidly gaining popularity among consumers and patients. These include methods that claim to have a holistic approach in healing. Reflexology and acupuncture are popular procedures in an effort to cure one's pain or illness. The uses of herbs and plants as alternative medicine have been used for centuries by other societies such as China and India. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Drugs.com (14 Feb 2008). Gingko biloba side effects. [Online.] Retrieved 11 March 2008 from the Web site: http://www.drugs.com/sfx/gingko-biloba-side-effects.html.
• eMedicineHealth. (15 March 2008). FDA Overview. [Online.] Retrieved 14 March 2008 from the Web site: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/fda_overview/article_em.htm.
• Marcus, D. M., & Grollman, A. P. (2002). "Botanical medicines - the need for new regulations." The New England Journal of Medicine, 347(25): 2073-2075.
• Porter, R. S., Kaplan, J. L., Homeier, B. P., & Beers, M. H. (2007). The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. [Online.] Retrieved 13 March 2008 from the Web site: http://www.merckmedicus.com.
• Pynn, L. (15 March 2008). Conventional vs. alternative medicines: for some it's all a balancing act. The Vancouver Sun. [Online.] Retrieved 14 March 2008 from the Web site: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/features/health/story.html?id=54c60550-943e-42cf-834f-57ea0e453978&k=2590.

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• Comparison Essay # 112084 : "Alternative Medicine"

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