[Nancy]

Rick,

I think for those lucky enough to have become macrobiotic in their early twenties, teens, or childhood (raised in macrobiotic families), such individuals have a solid base for lifelong health. The cancer and disease statistics regarding the traditional Japanese diet, are still impressive. The Japanese only lose this edge when succumbing to a Western diet filled with sugars, chemicals, and adulterated meat and dairy foods.

Yet, there is a whole range of people coming into macrobiotics at various adult ages seeking to reverse what is -already- a disease condition. Depending upon the support they receive from other family members, community, etc. and their own ability to stick to the recommended guidelines for caring for a particular condition -- they will be successful at regaining health, or not.

I have known of macrobiotic women who succumbed to cervical cancer because they were living in an adulterous marriage, in which sexually transmitted viruses were introduced, caused by the philandering. It is well known in gynecological circles that such viruses are a major cause of lower tract reproductive cancers.

I've known of macrobiotic practitioners who received a diagnosis of cancer, and though eminently knowledgeabe and able to dispense excellent macrobiotic advice to others, at some point they became scared and succumbed to the procedures of the Medical Cancer Industry, submitting to surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and other radical and violent forms of cancer treatment. They met with a rapid and painful end of physical life.

As far as osteoporosis goes, I think it is a wise idea to have periodic diagnostic testing regarding bone density, B12 levels, blood work ups to check lipids, cholesterol, etc. In my opinion, that is knowledge and information, rather than being in the dark about one's body. Then when finding something amiss, that something amiss can be tweaked towards optimum health using the Macrobiotic diet, and organic whole foods.

I that way, I agree with a check up and a check, but not with undergoing and MRI scan for any possible bodily flaw and cutting it out with a scalpel.

Most any disease can be overcome the natural way, with diligence.

Nancy