Floridians Go Alternative

GAINESVILLE, Fla.—More than half of Florida's residents have used alternative therapy at some time in their lives, according to a telephone survey of 1,000 people conducted by the Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the University of Florida, located here, and reported in the December 1998 Southern Medical Journal. Researchers extrapolated their results to the general population.

Nearly a quarter of the people interviewed reported following a special diet for general health concerns, while arthritis was the most oft-cited medical reason for trying alternative therapies.

To promote their general health and relieve cold symptoms, 18 percent used herbal medicines, 9 percent megavitamin therapy, 31 percent home remedies (including teas), and 5 percent homeopathy.

Herbal remedy use was related to urban living—24 percent of those in southeast Florida, including Miami, used herbs, 21 percent in the Orlando area, 17 percent in Tampa Bay, but only 13 percent in rural counties. Home remedies include teas, so there may be some overlap not discussed by researchers.

Nine percent of people in the Miami area have tried homeopathy, a number three times the rural rate.

—Marilyn Sterling