The Safest Way to Avoid Death HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., sent me an interesting article that was published this past October. And the title says it all: "Natural Medicines - The Safest Way to Avoid Death." A New Zealand study reveals that no deaths in that country have ever been associated with natural therapies such as vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. Adverse reactions to drugs, however, accounted for more than 1,500 deaths in 1998 (the most recent year in which official statistics are available), while more than 4,200 deaths were attributed to mistakes by doctors and medical staff. The study was conducted by Dr. Wallace Bain, the Acting Chair of the Coroner's Council in response to legislation that threatens to bring New Zealand's health laws under the control of Australia's health laws, which have decimated the Australian natural health industry. As you might guess, those who support the "harmonization" of the laws claim that stricter regulation of natural products is needed for public safety. | 
