Introduction
In life today, almost everything revolves around science and technology. Science matters much not only to the human race but also everything beneath the sun, each day of the year, from the time we wake up, all day long, and through the entire night. Our decision to eat baked yams instead of fries, the car we drive in, our mobile phones, the oral drugs we use to treat certain illnesses and the purified water we drink at the end of the day are all results of science and technology. Without science and understanding of technology, the modern world would not be what it is today.
Technology is here with us, and it is continually transforming and growing. As every new technology enters the stage, it has the potential to change and improve lives. However, in some cases, it also can negatively affect life, society and the environment. Despite their adverse effects, we can’t do without them. Some of these technologies include the following;
- Medical technology.
- Communication technology.
- Production technology.
- Education technology.
The above technological discoveries have transformed lives, for example, introducing the current Covid-19 vaccines that have drastically reduced the global fatality rate. On the other hand, communication has been made easy, and the world has now turned to just like one room where people communicate with ease through the help of the Internet and computers.
With numerous positive effects, negative impacts also accompany these technological discoveries. For example, the prolonged use of mobile phones, tablets and computers can cause digital eye strain, musculoskeletal problems (Zhang et al., 2020, p.149).
As an individual interested in the medical field, there is one scientific discovery that is more important and has made modern life possible; medical imaging. Medical imaging is an essential tool for clinical analysis and evaluation, enabling medical experts to see past what is concealed through the skin and bone to precisely diagnose and treat diseases (Dhawan, 2011, p.1). From amazing radiography and X-rays to MRI scans and ultrasound technology, these discoveries have all aided to ensure modern medicine is the least aggressive it can be whereas guaranteeing the best results for patients.
Positive and Negative Effects of Medical Imaging
Medical Imaging is an essential tool that is used globally and it has saved uncountable lives through X-rays, radiography and scans. It is one of the technologies which is non-invasive, guiding and leads to unexpected detections of several problems within the body. However, several scientists have shown concern over the health consequences, especially on X-rays and radiography. In most cases, X-rays have been linked to an increased risk of cancer; but there is a tremendously low risk of temporary side effects (In Maier et al., 2018, p. 230). Due to high radiation levels that may be involved in this technology, various effects such as bleeding, hair loss, vomiting and fainting may be experienced by the patients. However, in the case of X-rays where a low dose of radiation is used; it is believed that there are no instant health problems caused. With these few adverse effects, its benefits still outweigh its risks and negative implications.
Science and Technology in a Multicultural World
Disadvantage and Advantage to the Westernized high-tech research approach to medical treatment
By definition, Western medicine is a system in which medical experts and professionals such as doctors, nurses, clinicians, therapists and pharmacists treat symptoms and diseases through drugs, surgery or radiation. (White et al., 2018, p.5). As explained in the definition, it means that Western Medicine is widely applied in the fields of testing and diagnostics. One notable advantage of this approach is the ability of health care providers to diagnose a patient’s case by applying various forms of scans and laboratory exertion. Western Medicine is quick compared to other medical approaches depending on the condition being handled. The physician applying this approach decides which treatment is helpful to the patient based on controlled scientific studies. This approach is known as evidence-based medicine, and it involves infusions, prescriptions and therapies.
As explained, the Western Medicine approach can, in some cases, only treat symptoms without tackling the source of the disease. Similarly, some medical practices involved in the treatment process may have enduring effects and can weigh deeply on the body in the future years of the patient’s life. For example, antidepressants and mood stabilizers may cause an enormous amount of harm to an individual’s organs if they are taken for a more extended period, while some drugs can hold severe and frightening relations with other culinary excerpts and substances.
Traditional Medicine Approach
Health practices, knowledge, methods and beliefs integrating plant, animals, and mineral-based medications, spiritual healings, manual procedures and exercises, used exceptionally or in a mixture to treat, diagnose and avert sicknesses or preserve health describe what is all about traditional medicine approach.
Advantage
Scientists across the world have shown that traditional medicines which are widely used in parts of Africa and Asia could assist treat diseases such as diabetes and cancer. In essence, these findings could result in discovering new compounds for use in the manufacture of effective drugs. Since this approach is majorly plant-based, it may not cure diseases, but it eases the symptoms as well as aid the whole immune system. Therefore, the ability to support the immune system makes them perfect for supplementary medicine with no side effects on the body.
Disadvantage
The fact that the content of the traditional medicine approach is purely natural does not make it safe. The substance from plants may be toxic and, most of the time, not identified since no laboratory process is involved. For this reason, the disease may get worse instead of being treated. Another concern is the time taken for recovery to be realized when using traditional medicines. The whole treatment process is slow, and plant substances are not appropriate for severe conditions such as fractures and chronic diseases. In this case, they seem ineffective with no dosage instructions. The absence of dosage instructions creates a risk of overdose that may result in a patient’s slow death.
Multicultural Approaches to Medical Treatment
In Gurung (2014) states that a group of health experts’ collective beliefs, views, values, and traditions may contain or produce expectations and assumptions regarding matters such as well-being, ailment, and harmonious relations and behaviour. Therefore, a multicultural approach is important for both health professionals and patients. Due to the diversity involved in this approach, patient’s understanding of the importance of health and how to interact with experts is improved. The patient quickly understands coping with the disease by following treatment plans through learning from different cultures.
When both approaches are combined, health experts will experience a few challenges. One of the most obvious would be the cost. The course will need many resources to conduct the research and testing to achieve drug compliance from different agencies instead of the traditional approach.
References
Dhawan, A. P. (2011). Medical image analysis. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Interscience.
In Gurung, R. A. R. (2014). Multicultural approaches to health and wellness in America.
In Maier, A., In Steidl, S., In Christlein, V., & In Hornegger, J. (2018). Medical imaging systems: An introductory guide. Cham, Switzerland: Springer Open.
SmartCom (Conference), Zhang, Y.-D., Senjyu, T., SO-IN, C., & Joshi, A. (2021). Smart trends in computing and communications: Proceedings of SmartCom 2020. Singapore: Springer.
White, A., Cummings, M., & Filshie, J. (2018). An Introduction to Western Medical Acupuncture – E-Book. Philadelphia: Elsevier.