Quakertown presents film about American healthcare

Quakertown Wellness of Lewes will screen a film followed by a discussion about emerging issues in healthcare, including pain relief and the health of the nation.

In Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare, director Matthew Heineman delves into the U.S. healthcare system. The film, which will be screened Wednesday, Jan. 30, in Lewes, looks at doctor-patient relationships, as well as ongoing prescription abuse.

Heineman interviews Rockville, Md. resident Col. Chester "Trip" Buckenmaier III, of the U.S. Army Medical Corps, who is addicted to pain killers. Buckenmaier describes the military's efforts to swap pain pills for alternative therapies, like acupuncture and yoga.

“After decades of resistance, a movement to bring innovative high-touch, low-cost methods of prevention and healing into our high-tech, costly system is finally gaining ground,” said Dr. Kim Furtado, a naturopathic physician at Quakertown Wellness.

“We wanted to bring like-minded people together to receive and share information,” said Sally Laux, founder of Quakertown. “Healthcare affects both practitioners and patients deeply on so many levels, we wanted to create some meaningful dialogue in our community.”

The film provides tools for residents to learn about the healthcare industry, and build a plan to prevent disease and find a better path to health, Furtado said.

“Being proactive and educated in doctor’s visits, avoiding errors of over-medication, taking personal responsibility for lifestyle and wellness goals and treating the whole person are keys to creating safe havens of health in a disease-based system,” Furtado said.

Following the screening, a discussion will be held. Quakertown Wellness founders Sally Laux and Susan Hammadock will share their experiences. Furtado will discuss how local patients are finding success with naturopathic remedies, some of which will be outlined by Quakertown’s team, including Rev. Sue Greer, Kim Blanch, Bonnie Schuyler and Karyn Jennings.

Light refreshments will be served. The film begins at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 30 at the Lewes Public Library. For more information on the movie, go to www.escapefiremovie.com.