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11 Responses to “Is it OK to Make Money in Health – An Episode from the Archives”

1. shell
   7:28 am on January 22nd, 2009

   Hi Kevin, I too, think this topic very interesting. In general, I accept and think it fair for exchange of service for fee, after all, the practitioner usually has spent time, money,dedication to providing a service – I wouldn’t expect someone to fix my car for free unless I could give something back. The only problem I have is when those at the lower end of the socio-economic scale have no financial access to vital alternative care. In Australia we have a government medical and health system that covers allopathic treatment and care for those on low incomes. But ,as we know, alternative, natural, holistic care is, in most cases,more effective. This type of care, is usually expensive for consultations, treatment and products. If someone is very ill we need to look after our own,money or no money. Perhaps the government will, hopefully, one day fully recognise natural health and healing modalities as basic needs. Some practices are up for rebate on private health schemes, but these are few.
   I know its hard for equality, ( and compassion ) to exist in a capitalist society, where drug companies run the health system and everyone struggles for a piece of the pie.
   I look around and some healing therapies have become a place for the rich to be trendy and it is all catered for the wealthy. To go to a health retreat/ spa is an indulgence that only a few can afford. But then I look harder and find naturapaths that charge minimal fee and equip you with knowledge and skills for SELF HEALING. These are the true healers , that help YOU heal your self, teach you about your body, food, lifestyle etc.
   And, guess what Kevin? You are one of those healers that bring knowledge, joy, independence, and generate an interest in looking after your self to lead a happy, healthy life – for FREE.
   My yoga teacher charges regular fees , which I happily pay as I believe the benefits I have received are priceless, but he also does community classes and generally gives beyond what is expected.
   Balance, distribution of resources, fair exchange, compassion for those less fortunate, health as a basic right, all need to be considered when addressing this topic. Every situation is different and should be acted on accordingly.
   Your information is much needed and thought provoking- good stuff!

2. yemango
   3:24 am on January 28th, 2009

   i hear ya..i have to agree with shell – it is hard when natural healthcare is not accessible to the people with less financial flow. i am in the healthcare industry (massage) and i provide my services both at the going rate, as well as discounted or free for those who are less financially fortunate. i have provided a fair number of free massages and all i hope and expect is that that person will somehow pay it forward. i do believe that what you put in will come back to you – the universe is a finite place and its all energy. i have been in the situation of need/lack of financial resources before, and in those cases wish that certain things would be more accessible.

   that being said, i tend to be disheartened when other natural healers or practitioners don’t operate in the same way.

   regardless of what i think though, perhaps people in the natural health industry are seen as somewhat of “snake oil salesmen” – people in general may be more inclined to spend their money at Weight Watchers and on Atkins than they would on raw food – something still not embraced by mainstream society.

   whatever the deal, i believe that if you are living your truth, and your heart is in it, even if you are selling snake oil (but you truly feel its for people’s good), and you need to make a living, then its valid!

3. Bette
   8:57 am on January 28th, 2009

   Kevin….my favorite phrase is “value for value”.If I get a goods or service,I expect to cover it somehow.My value for your value.I barter,pay money,express extreme gratitude,try to support in some way.
   Health I guess is tricky.I know Jesus gave free when he healed people.We live in a different world and time.I someone can afford to give freely that fine.If its their life calling and vocation too..woohooo.
   It seems you give a whole lot away.In fact,I wondered where on earth you finance all these trips from? My experience is,the more you give away,the more you have.Hmm seems true for you too.
   You go kids and keep on giving and loving and wheeling and dealing.Never let a rotten tomato thrown get caught in your grill and cause a wreck….best ever and thankx a ton.

4. Joseph
   11:19 pm on January 28th, 2009

   No problems at all paying for knowledge as long as it is not gouging.
   I would not pay say $300 to sit in a 1 hour lecture.

   Reading is way to support the great folks out here.
   I read allot of books on health.

5. Paul Michael
   8:17 pm on January 30th, 2009

   Hey Kev,
   Great point. The only free advice most doctors give is, take these pills. Next thing you know people will want to go to college for free, want a free car, a free trip to the moon. We need to get paid for our hard work and for our products. I hear people complain that organic food costs more money. They’ll say I’m not paying $2.00 more for these organic apples, then they’ll go blow $15.00 on Keno in the bar. Why is it that the most important thing in our life (our health) most people seem to cheap out on the most. Its an upside down world.
   Take care friend,
   Paul Michael
   http://www.toxindetox.com

6. Kim
   8:52 pm on January 30th, 2009

   Hi Kevin
   I think it is fair and right that people involved in health get paid for their time, effort, and products.Isn’t that how the free market works? Why should those who peddle lies and disease be free to profit unquestioned while someone like you , trying to promote truth and health, is made to feel as though he is taking advantage of the public? I for one am glad that so much great information on health is out there and I am willing to pay for it.
   Keep up the good work!
   Kim

7. Fran
   7:39 am on February 3rd, 2009

   I have this exact same problem! I run a natural skin care & acne treatment blog and give out a HEAP of free information including a mini-course and regular blog posts ..but as soon as some people find out that I sell stuff on my blog they get really upset.

   The blog is close to full time work for me so something has to pay for rent and food. I get emails daily from people who are thankful for the advice I give so I know my work is wanted and appreciated, it’s just a shame that because it’s online people think it should be 100% free.

   Thanks for your blog by the way, I love it!

8. Rachael
   9:08 am on February 3rd, 2009

   YES!!!

9. felipe
   10:50 pm on February 5th, 2009

   yes! thank you for being to the point people
   has to be compensated some how their moneys worth and more specially when it comes to info!

10. Wes
    1:54 pm on February 7th, 2009

    My health and wellness is very important to me. I would be willing to to pay an extra amount of money or even a reasonable price for a resource if it is what I am looking for. You must keep it simple and look at the bottom line. I have been around fitness and nutrition for a fairly long time. Only recently I decided to switch my career to what I think is a wonderful industry of such. I am doing so because I have listened to people’s opinions and considerations. I have been given an oppurtunity to help people of all walks of life in a setting that I truly enjoy. I am offering an honest service and my knowledge to do what I love doing in my spare time as a career. If you maintain good morals, ethics and principles there should be no dispute to whether or not some one will pay for what you offer. There are responsibilities and understandings to both parties of the business. In the end the consumer receives the best product for their money and the business owner continues to offer a product at a reasonable price. Number 1:I do what I do because I want to see people better their lives. Number 2:I need to make an honest living. Is it ok? That is completely up to the two parties involved. Is your health and wellness worth the cost?

11. Debra
    1:18 am on September 10th, 2009

    You and AnneMarie have been very generous creating a free informational site and 450 free videos and a free e-book – I don’t think anyone has any business accusing you of being greedy.

    I think if your intention is unselfish and you maintain integrity you will receive back what you give out.

    That said, I see a lot of hucksterism in the holistic healing field. Anyone claiming to turn me into some sort of new age superhuman turns me off. People offering an honest product or service for a reasonable price will get my business.