Alternate views on alternative medicine

Thank you for “Life and Death on Fringes of Medicine” (Feb. 4). Unfortunately, it will mostly fall on deaf ears. Many who choose “alternative” medicine live in an alternative universe, believing that doctors have a cure for cancer but won’t use it to save people. They are the ones who think 500 calories of carbohydrates will put on more weight than 500 calories of fish, and that a doctor of mathematics knows as much about curing people as a doctor of medicine.

People who turn their backs on modern medicine in favor of something else choose to live in a fantasy land. God bless them, but make sure their life insurance is paid up.

JOANNE MINSKY

San Francisco

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I was disappointed in your article on alternative medicine. Nowhere do you cite the legions of medical doctors who have become disillusioned with Western medicine and crossed over to an alternative approach. The article is quick to point out the charlatans but makes no mention of the well-trained, licensed acupuncturists, the doctors of chiropractic, the certified nutritionists, homeopaths and others with credentials.

I offer my condolences for Erica McLean’s loss. Perhaps an article on the successes of alternative medicine on various diseases would be in order.

PAMELA HEALEY

Los Angeles

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Your article epitomizes the problem of the lack of health education in our public. It is painful to note that even among educated people, the lack of basic awareness of what is correct and what may be false in the management of health problems leads to avoidable suffering. In the case of cancer, the American Cancer Society and the Internet may help with objective advice if qualified physicians no longer have the trust of patients. Our schools should address the elementary notions of health education, including preventive medicine, health maintenance and a wise approach to illness.

EDGAR M. MORAN MD

Long Beach