Everyone gets sick and there is always a remedy.
Take this or that and you will be fine .
Take these ideas with a pinch of salt .. OK ?
Advertisements tell us what symptoms to look for. Then a bunch of us manifest those same symptoms, some real and some imagined. Ads tell us again what to ask our dear Doctor. Our Doctor who does not study anymore, is wined and dined by "medicine men" and then given the full knowledge they desperately need. Wait, there is more .... a bag full of free samples, promotional gadgets, reminders and even a package of glossy brochures. My oh my .. what kindness !
Now you approach that good Doctor of yours. You are examined for 20 seconds and treated very well. Then the kind man says "Don't spend any money, take these free samples". Feeling obligated, you ask "Are you sure .. can I pay for these ?". "Don't worry about it. Just get well" replies the kind Doc.
Even though slight dizziness, memory loss or lack of libido might have occurred, the medicine is really working. Soon you need more. You really need to go to the pharmacist and also pick up your son from the drug rehab center. It all works well. The kind pharmacist is more helpful than the Doctor. "This bill for $250 must be a mistake" you say. There is no mistake. Your option is to charge it.
Now things take a different turn.
Years pass, you are a lot poorer and but still "rocking" with the help of that chair. Watching TV has become a pastime. Then one day out of the blue comes great excitement. Your eyes pop as the "tube" says that our good old medication has had big problems. The law firm says there is money coming. Yes, any amount would help !
Things are not very clear anymore but you do remember the advertisement you saw again and again. It did warn about possible sluggishness, loss of memory and even coma ! You feel a bit better. Thank God, there is no coma. That was a blessing ! You hate those greedy lawyers but under the circumstances, the money would certainly help. Anything will help.
A few more years pass and now comes the worst cut of all. Lying in hospital bed, you stare at that comforting screen once more. The beautiful ad is telling how to vote on health insurance.
Suddenly something unbelievable happens !
You are free from pain. The whole body feels young and vibrant. "Is this the healing power of a political ad or did I switch to a miracle show?" you wonder ! There is a feeling of being lifted .... You float past the hospital staff and even that distant insurance company. Soon you are hovering over friends and relatives who are crying.
Back to real stuff.... There is life without medication, smoking or eating too much. But who wants that ?
Walking anyone ?
Das