“As to diseases, make a habit of two things: to help, or at least do no harm.” ~ Hippocrates, The Epidemics

A Corpus Christi businessman recently hosted an educational presentation to allow a doctor from Panama to explain his program of stem cell treatments. The businessman had traveled to Panama to receive adult stem cell treatments for his severe arthritis. His personal testimony on the effectiveness of this treatment was very compelling. He reported going from being in constant pain to being pain-free within a matter of weeks.

His treatment consisted of having adult stem cells removed from his own fat deposits. Since no embryonic stems cells are used, that ethical dilemma was not an issue. The cells were treated and injected into the arthritic joints, as well as given intravenously. This was done on an outpatient basis at a clinic in Panama City. The total cost of the procedure was $15,000.

Stem cell treatments of this kind are not currently available in the United States. There are a few limited clinical trials being conducted, but the procedure has not been approved by the FDA. It is still experimental, and the long-term effects have not been fully determined.

Because of the lack of these human studies, most health care professionals are not in favor of promoting stem cell treatment for arthritis or any other condition.

The Hippocratic Oath says first do no harm, and there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that no harm will occur to humans; animals such as dogs, however, have been receiving stem cell treatments for arthritis in this country for many years.

Yet, hundreds of people in our community are interested in this treatment. They include people living with arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and many more debilitating conditions. They are people in pain. They are people with no hope of relief from available medical treatments. They ask why they can’t receive stem cell treatment without having to travel to a foreign country. They feel their personal rights are being denied. It is impossible to not feel compelled to agree with them.

As consumers of medical services, we all have rights. We don’t have the right, however, to receive any treatment we choose. If we are fortunate enough to have the financial ability to seek answers from sources outside this country, we might benefit from cutting-edge technology. We might also suffer from unknown side effects as a result. It is a gamble.

Watching this discussion from the sidelines, I have asked myself what I would do in this situation, and I don’t know. What I do know is that all the money being spent on treatments and cures for the scourges that befall good people might be better used on the front end of this equation through preventative medicine. But that does not do any good for people who are suffering now.

We must be our own advocates for our health and medical treatment. By becoming educated, seeking new answers, taking risks and refusing to accept a life limited by our physical conditions, we will collectively move the health care system forward and make it more responsive to our needs. For doing this, I thank the businessman.

For more information on stem cell research, go to www.stemcellresearch.org.

Your body is a cherished gift. Treat it with love and kindness. It is the precious child we must nurture and protect. By taking the utmost care in feeding our bodies the pure, unaltered bounties of the earth, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, we increase the likelihood of living disease- and pain-free.

Spending health care dollars on exercise and nutrition is the most sensible course. Prevention is the safest and easiest way to address our country’s health care crisis. When that has failed, we each must become our own advocate to seek out any and all remedies available. Then we can make informed choices about the possible risks and benefits of treatments.

Judy Lapointe is the co-owner of Medical Rehab Supply in the new location at 1701 S. Staples St. at Six Points in Corpus Christi, Texas. Healthy U Health Food Store is inside Medical Rehab Supply and offers a selection of high-quality vitamins, supplements, organic foods and the most researched nutritional product of its kind, Juice Plus+. J.R. Watkins products from the original liniment, natural cleaning products, organic spices, oils and lotions are also available. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 361-887-1877 for more information.