Friday, October 23, 2015

The Future is Nigh and that's not Good



http://i.dailymail.co.uk/

If you really think about it we are in the future. We have new and amazing technology that would amaze and astound people from even 20 years ago. And in this new and amazing age of technology, we have a lot of new medical advancements. Some of these advancements may even feel futuristic to us. A few of the many new and seemingly futuristic medical breakthroughs are outlined in the article "10 Medical Breakthroughs that Sound like Science Fiction," from Men's Health, a well respected magazine, a few of the many new scientific breakthroughs are outlined. After reading this article I would argue that these new and advanced methods are extremely beneficial for the patient, but also causing an extreme hike in cost for insurance and the patient him/herself.
In the article it outlined many medical advances that may seem far fetched to us, but are actually real and viable methods of treatment for patients. One of the examples was a robotic eye that allows blind people to regain basic functions such as being able to see where they're going while walking, reading large letters, or distinguishing colors. This breakthrough is extremely beneficial and will help more than one and a half million people. Another new advance is in the field of neuroscience. A device implanted in the brain can actually prevent seizures. It detects the brain activity that would lead to a seizure, and sends counteractive signals that counteract the seizure.
Now, these advances in the medical field are a great thing. It shows that science is truly advancing at an astounding rate and that's a great thing. But it is not all good. The fact of the matter is this treatment won't help the people it really needs to help. These treatments help those who are affluent and fortunate enough to be able to afford such advanced treatment. But many people who suffer from seizures, blindness and other serious ailments are already in debt trying to afford their current treatment. These new and not to mention expensive ways of helping patients will furthers these people's debt if they choose to get these treatments. In my personal opinion it is a way for the medical community to exploit patients who are already in an extremely vulnerable position as it is. This can be rectified if this new technology is made affordable. These treatments are a good thing, such a great advance in the fields of science should be celebrated. But what is the point of celebrating an advancement that no one can afford?


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