HEALTH LITERACY: Democratise Healthcare Knowledge

By Mandisi Mrwebi

HEALTHCARE LITERACY

Greetings, I am Mandisi Mrwebi, a Scientist based in South Africa with extensive experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, and environmental consultancy, coupled with years of lecturing Chemistry at the university level. Over a span of 20 years (2004 and 2024), I've cultivated diverse expertise, that is complemented by academic qualifications—a Bachelor's Degree, Honours, and a Master's Degree in Biochemistry.

My latest endeavor is the book titled "Health Evolving Principles: Religiously, Traditionally, Philosophically, Scientifically, Economically, and Politically." This work is a culmination of my academic background, entrepreneurial journey, and the invaluable assistance of artificial intelligence in research, editing, and review.

Themes and Global Relevance: The book's title reflects my quest to trace the evolving principles of healthcare, intertwining religious, traditional, philosophical, scientific, economic, and political dimensions. It covers the impact of these principles on the quality of life for all 8 billion global citizens. Touching on physical, social, and economic elements that influence ultimate life expectancy.

Beyond Medical Professionals: I advocate for broadening access to good health, to extend it beyond medical professionals. The goal must be to empower all global citizens with health literacy. A task to achieve quality health must be taken as a collective responsibility.

Responsibilities for Quality Healthcare: As mentioned, quality healthcare is a shared responsibility. Governments bear the primary responsibility, of creating environments conducive, equitable, and ethical for healthcare. Healthcare professionals and stakeholders, including researchers and manufacturers, must align with these principles. Notably, the general public, often downplayed, holds a central role as potential patients. Their health literacy is crucial in cultivating a culture of responsibility.

Linking Social and Scientific Elements: The book advocates for health literacy to bridge social and science comprehension. To acknowledge that spirituality and culture still contribute to modern healthcare. Petty as the issue could sound, it can enhance medical tourism. Health literacy will reduce the perceived negative elements of its commercialization and politicization.

A Bold Presentation of Gene Expression: The book takes a pioneering step to introduce a complex principle of gene expression to public discourse. In an era of artificial intelligence, where capacity is extended, it is imperative to familiarize the public with details of the subjects. The goal is to democratize health knowledge, breaking the historical trend where complex information resides with a select few.

Policy Reflection and Prevention Focus: In fact, the book agitates for policymakers to review resource allocation for the prevention of both infectious and non-infectious diseases. Embracing the age-old principle that "prevention is better than cure," it advocates for a simplified health industry to improve industry access to investors and entrepreneurs.

Global Modern Phenomena: Finally, the book seeks to popularise phenomena such as telemedicine, medical tourism, and customized treatment. We are encouraging readers to critically engage with these developments. Hence your feedback is not just welcomed, but deemed as vital for the advancement of these ideals.

Feel free to search me on any social media platform for your feedback. That will allow us to add you to our email list and give you updates on every activity and development of this book. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mandisi Mrwebi
• Release date: Jan 14, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227592125

Book preview

Table of Contents

HEALTH LITERACY: Democratise Healthcare Knowledge

TRADITIONS OF HEALTHCARE

Benefits of Comprehending the Biochemical Basis of Symptoms:

The Role of Biomarkers in Symptom Identification

Symptom Profiling at Molecular Mechanisms:

Bridging the Gap between Research and Clinical Practice:

Types of Symptom Biomarkers

Clinical Applications

Publications on C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Gene Regulation

Relevance of NF-κB, STAT3, JAK/STAT, MAPK in Immune System

Cortisol Role in Immune System:

Adrenaline's Influence on Immune Function:

The Pituitary Gland

Pituitary Gland Autophagy

Pituitary Gland DNA Repair Performance

Gene Expression in the Pituitary Gland

a) Role of Vitamin D in the Pituitary Gland:

Vitamin D as Anti-inflammatory Nutrient in Pituitary Gland

b) Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Pituitary Gland

Omega-3 on  Anti-inflammatory Effects

c) Role of Antioxidants in the Pituitary Gland

Calcium and Neurological Disorder:

Essential Nutrients for Optimal Thyroid Gland Function:

THESIS STATEMENT................................6

TRADITIONS OF HEALTHCARE.........................10

Powers of Spirituality Once Dominated Healthcare.....................12

Traditional Medicine was also a Dominant System.....................14

Evolution of Healthcare........................................14

Cultural Differentiation on Healthcare..............................22

PHILOSOPHY OF HEALTHCARE.....................25

Philosophy Principles Prevailed in Healthcare........................25

Rational Thinking of Health......................................25

Era of Renaissance and Enlightenment.............................27

Bridging Philosophy and Medicine.................................27

Philosophy’s Role on Medical Ethics...............................28

Hippocrates and Galen Era:.....................................29

Logical Reasoning in Diagnosis:..................................29

Treatment Strategies:..........................................31

Philosophy in Modern Healthcare.................................31

The Significance of Philosophical Thought in Healthcare................32

The Benefits of Philosophical Thought in Healthcare...................33

Implications of Philosophising Healthcare Professionals.................34

HEALTHCARE PHILOSOPHY–SCIENCE TRANSITION.36

The Emergence of Scientific Medicine..............................36

Significance of Science Medicine Evolution:..........................36

Science Medicine Key Milestones.................................37

The Birth of Modern Medical Disciplines............................43

ECONOMICS OF HEALTHCARE.....................46

The Birth of Modern Pharmaceutical Industry.........................46

Development of New Drug Classes................................46

Commercialization of Healthcare..................................47

Scope of Healthcare Commercialization Impact.......................47

Pharmaceutical Industry Impact on Healthcare........................53

Pharmaceutical Controversies and Criticisms.........................54

Pharmaceutical Influence on Research & Development.................55

Impact of Medical Treatment.....................................56

Accessibility and Equity in Healthcare..............................56

Ethical Dilemmas and Patient Care................................57

Global Health Implications......................................57

Healthcare Progress...........................................58

Healthcare Quality Evolution.....................................69

Import Pharmaceutical Drugs Impact...............................72

National Oversight Capacity.....................................73

Undermining Domestic Potential Pharmaceutical Industry................74

Imports Pharmaceutical Drugs Implications on Public Health.............75

Strategies for Mitigation........................................76

Incentives to Foster Domestic Pharmaceutical Industry.................78

Infrastructure for Research & Development Hub......................82

Patent System and Innovation on Healthcare.........................84

Adverse Impacts of the Patent System.............................87

Modern Healthcare Challenges...................................90

Medical Paternalism Evolution...................................97

Navigating Healthcare Provision Tensions..........................101

Understanding Healthcare Implications:............................104

Advancements of Medical Technology.............................104

Changes in Healthcare Policies and Regulations.....................105

Evolving Patient Expectations...................................106

Healthcare Priority Training Areas and Communication Skills............108

Healthcare Policies and Legal Considerations.......................110

Legal Considerations in Healthcare...............................111

Global Litigation Trends Against Healthcare Providers.................117

South African Healthcare Litigations..............................119

Nature of South African Healthcare Court Judgments..................125

Healthcare Scarcity and Resource Limitations.......................128

Possible Solutions:...........................................130

Telemedicine...............................................133

POLITICS OF HEALTHCARE.......................136

The Utilitarian Approach in Healthcare.............................136

Healthcare Equity and Justice...................................138

Healthcare: A Rights-Based Approach.............................140

Healthcare Prioritization Criteria: A Professional Perspective............143

Healthcare Triage in Emergency Situations.........................145

Key Factors for Successful Healthcare Triage.......................147

Healthcare Policy Development..................................153

Managing NHI Concerns.......................................157

Enhancing Transparency in Public Health Policy.....................159

Benefits of Healthcare Policy Transparency.........................160

Addressing National and Institutional Disparities.....................162

Strategies for Effective Policy Implementation.......................163

Healthcare International Disparities...............................165

Healthcare Policy with International Outlook.........................166

Role Surveillance on International Disparities in Public Health............168

Medical Tourism.............................................171

Developing National Medical Tourism.............................173

Universal Treatment Policy to Achieve National Medical Tourism.........176

Potential Strategic Value of Universal Treatment Policy................179

Canada, Germany, and Australia Before Implementing Universal Healthcare.181

Canada, Germany, and Australia After Implementing Universal Healthcare..184

Proposed Funding Strategies for the South African National Health Insurance Bill190

Health Outcomes Approach....................................196

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Universal Health Coverage198

SCIENCE OF HEALTHCARE........................201

Scientific Perspective on Health Conditions.........................201

Infectious Health Conditions....................................201

Non-Infectious Health Conditions:................................206

Genetic Disorders...........................................206

Chronic Diseases............................................208

Autoimmune Disorders........................................209

Metabolic Disorders..........................................210

Neurological Disorders:.......................................211

Biochemical Analysis of Health Symptoms..........................212

Benefits of Comprehending the Biochemical Basis of Symptoms:.......212

The Role of Biomarkers in Symptom Identification..................214

Symptom Profiling at Molecular Mechanisms:.....................217

Bridging the Gap between Research and Clinical Practice:............218

Link between Biomarkers and Inflammatory Response System...........219

Types of Symptom Biomarkers................................220

Clinical Applications........................................221

Publications on C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Gene Regulation...........226

Relevance of NF-κB, STAT3, JAK/STAT, MAPK in Immune System.....231

Cortisol Role in Immune System:..............................235

Adrenaline's Influence on Immune Function:......................235

Control Mechanisms of the Endocrine System.......................237

The Pituitary Gland........................................245

Pituitary Gland Autophagy...................................247

Pituitary Gland DNA Repair Performance........................249

Gene Expression in the Pituitary Gland..........................251

a) Role of Vitamin D in the Pituitary Gland:.......................255

Vitamin D as Anti-inflammatory Nutrient in Pituitary Gland............258

b) Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Pituitary Gland...............261

Omega-3 on Anti-inflammatory Effects..........................261

c) Role of Antioxidants in the Pituitary Gland......................264

Antioxidants contribution to Anti-inflammatory Nutrients................265

Calcium and Neurological Disorder:............................273

Pituitary Gland and Biomarkers.................................274

Thyroid Gland Optimal Functioning Maintenance.....................276

Essential Nutrients for Optimal Thyroid Gland Function:..............289

THESIS STATEMENT

HEALTH LITERACY- DEMOCRATIZE HEALTHCARE

Greetings, I am Mandisi Mrwebi, a Scientist based in South Africa with extensive experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, and environmental consultancy, coupled with years of lecturing Chemistry at the university level. Over a span of 20 years (2004 and 2024), I've cultivated diverse expertise, that is complemented by academic qualifications—a Bachelor's Degree, Honours, and a Master’s Degree in Biochemistry.

My latest endeavor is the book titled Health Literacy: Democratize Healthcare. This work is a culmination of my academic background, entrepreneurial journey, and the invaluable assistance of artificial intelligence in research, editing, and review.

Themes and Global Relevance: The book's title reflects my quest to trace the evolving principles of healthcare, intertwining religious, traditional, philosophical, scientific, economic, and political dimensions. It covers the impact of these principles on the quality of life for all 8 billion global citizens. Touching on physical, social, and economic elements that influence ultimate life expectancy.

Beyond Medical Professionals: I advocate for broadening access to good health, to extend it beyond medical professionals. The goal must be to empower all global citizens with health literacy. A task to achieve quality health must be taken as a collective responsibility.

Responsibilities for Quality Healthcare: As mentioned, quality healthcare is a shared responsibility. Governments bear the primary responsibility, of creating environments conducive, equitable, and ethical for healthcare. Healthcare professionals and stakeholders, including researchers and manufacturers, must align with these principles. Notably, the general public, often downplayed, holds a central role as potential patients. Their health literacy is crucial in cultivating a culture of responsibility.

Linking Social and Scientific Elements: The book advocates for health literacy to bridge social and science comprehension. To acknowledge that spirituality and culture still contribute to modern healthcare. Petty as the issue could sound, it can enhance medical tourism. Health literacy will reduce the perceived negative elements of its commercialization and politicization.

A Bold Presentation of Gene Expression: The book takes a pioneering step to introduce a complex principle of gene expression to public discourse. In an era of artificial intelligence, where capacity is extended, it is imperative to familiarize the public with details of the subjects. The goal is to democratize health knowledge, breaking the historical trend where complex information resides with a select few.

Policy Reflection and Prevention Focus: In fact, the book agitates for policymakers to review resource allocation for the prevention of both infectious and non-infectious diseases. Embracing the age-old principle that prevention is better than cure, it advocates for a simplified health industry to improve industry access to investors and entrepreneurs.

Global Modern Phenomena: Finally, the book seek to popularise phenomena such as telemedicine, medical tourism, and customized treatment. Encouraging readers to critically engage with these developments. Hence your feedback is not just welcomed, but deemed as vital for advancement of these ideals.

Please do email your feedback to [e-mail]. That will allow us to add you to our email list and give you updates on every activity and development of this book. We will share your feedback and your relevant initiatives with other supporters of these ideas. This is therefore an invitation to an establishment of something beyond being readership- rather an invitation to a community. Thank you for your support and enjoy the rest of the book.

TRADITIONS OF HEALTHCARE

Spiritual beliefs and traditional medicine were once the cornerstone of healthcare. This relationship dates back during ancient civilizations. They were founded in belief that the mind, body, and spirit are interconnected. As such holistic approach to healing was in that context held in high regard. The reference from ancient cultures, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese serves as our north star. They all embraced the power of spirituality in promoting health and healing. Their wisdom and knowledge paved the way for the development of traditional medicine systems, which continues to shape our understanding of healing even to this day.

For example today we have Egyptologists who are archaeologists, historians, linguists, or art historian specializing in Egyptology. They perform scientific studies on Ancient Egypt and its antiquities. Another example is an article published by Sameh Elhabashy on an International Journal of African Nursing Science, reflecting on the civilization of ancient Egypt as the oldest brand of amazing achievements in different fields, such as; art, architecture, engineering, statecraft and medicine. In fact, Khaled Elsavad share more insight on his article published on JCO Global Oncology titled; What Ancient Egyptian Medicine Can Teach Us. Another example is the Government of China National Library of Medicine establishment, that promotes and protects its heritage resources including Traditional Chinese Medicine. That knowledge museum keeps records of emperor Huang Ti and emperor Shen Nung, who are considered the Fathers of Chinese medicine. The emperors of ancient China were known to have  tremendous power and responsibility. Often known as the 'Son of Heaven', he (and once she) was given a divine right to rule over all people but was expected to promote their best interest and not his own.

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Powers of Spirituality Once Dominated Healthcare

Spirituality is a fundamental aspect of human existence, and has played an undeniable contribution to traditional medicine. For example the phenomena of emperor in Ancient China. The emperor's duty was to insure that society expressed its natural order, which was but an aspect of the cosmic order of humanity (society), heaven, and earth. A typical order that fell within wide range of ancient healthcare practices, that included prayer, meditation, or rituals, which aim to establish a connection with the divine or higher power. This connection was and is still believed to facilitate healing by promoting harmony within oneself and with the surrounding environment. By nurturing the spiritual aspect of individuals, traditional medicine that recognizes the importance of addressing the root causes of illness, rather than merely treating symptoms. For example Holism, a Greek phrase from ὅλος holos, meaning all, entire and total. is the idea that all the properties of a given system (biological, chemical, social, economic, mental, linguistic, etc.) cannot be determined or explained by the sum of its component parts alone. For example to we have what is referred as alternative therapies such as diet therapy, lifestyle medicine, supplementation and physical therapies. Collectively grouped are known as naturopathy. In South Africa, they are expected to register under Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA). AHPCSA is a statutory health body established in terms of the Allied Health Professions Act, 63 of 1982 (the Act) in order to control all allied or complementary health professions, which includes Aromatherapy, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Osteopathy, Phytotherapy, Reflexology, Therapeutic Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Massage Therapy, Therapeutic Reflexology and Unani Tibb.

Traditional Medicine was also a Dominant System

Various traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Indigenous healing practices, have flourished across different cultures and continents. These systems are deeply rooted in spirituality, incorporating ancient wisdom, herbal remedies, energy healing, and other holistic approaches. Ayurveda, originating from India, emphasizes the balance between mind, body, and spirit, while TCM focuses on the flow of vital energy, or Qi, within the body. Indigenous healing practices passed down through generations, often involve spiritual ceremonies and the use of sacred plants to restore harmony and well-being.

Evolution of Healthcare

We reflect on ancient health practices, exploring their historical significance, deep-rooted spiritual beliefs, and utilization of natural remedies. By examining these practices professionally, we aim to shed light on their relevance and enduring impact on human well-being.

1. Ancient Health Practices: A Glimpse into the Past

- The study of ancient health practices provides us with invaluable insights into the wisdom and knowledge of our ancestors. - These practices encompassed a holistic approach to well-being, recognizing the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. - By understanding the historical context of these practices, we can appreciate their profound influence on modern healthcare systems.