[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by getforfree

Now people live longer than before, but people are more sick in general than they were about 50 years ago. Even kids are more sick now than they were that time.

Where exactly are you getting that info? I think people are far healthier today. We have better preventive care, greater early detection and far better treatments overall. Conditions that were disabling or fatal 50 years ago are now no big deal. Many forms of cancer are now curable. Diabetes is far better managed. Heart disease deaths have been declining. Vaccinations have virtually eliminated numerous diseases. I could go on and on.

I also have a question about vision. Could it be possible that a person has glaucoma and other stuff if he/she can see very good? I have no problems to see street names from far away, and I can see good when I read a book. I mean do I still have to check for all that if I never had any problems with my vision?

Yes, you could have a serious problem and still see just fine - early on. But if you don't catch and address the problems, they can lead to permanent vision damage or loss. Nothing beats early detection. Hence the value of regular exams.

I really hate to go see doctors. I can even say I hate them in general, not personally. All they see in you is money.

Wow. It sounds like you've had some really bad experiences. What you describe might apply to a few doctors you've come in contact with, but it certainly doesn't describe the vast majority of us. Anyone in medicine knows that it isn't the field to choose if all you care about is money. There are dozens of jobs where I could be making far more money with far less responsibility and hassles.

Patients should come to doctors, but only if they have any problem that can be solved with that visit. The doctors shouldn't make patients to come for no reason, so they just would make more money.

I agree with your 2nd sentence, but not your 1st. Are you suggesting that patients should only come for a problem that can be resolved in one visit? That would eliminate probably 80% or more of what doctors do. I can't "fix" hypertension or diabetes or arthritis or asthma or cancer or a whole slew of other problems in one visit. They require ongoing monitoring and care over months and years. Yes, if you come in with a sinus infection I can prescribe an antibiotic and send you on your way. But if you come in with diabetes, you will need lifelong care.

I don't know how old you are or what caused such a negative view of the medical field, but I hope you'll keep a more open mind in the future.