Are You a Drug Addict?

I was listening to a local radio show the other morning and the topic of doctors and prescriptions came up. One of the shows hosts (which really grates on my nerves - but that's a topic for a different day) mentioned that she sees 10 different doctors on a regular basis. On top of that, she consumes 21 different medications every day. What!?! This woman is in her mid-thirties and physically healthy.

The sad thing is that this pretty much describes our society these days. We can blame the doctors for over-medicating us and simply writing a prescription every time we ask, but the truth is...it's what we want. It seems like every time I sneeze, somebody comes around the corner asking me what medicine I'm taking. When I say that I'm fine, they go off on a tangent trying to describe the perfect drug-cocktail. No thanks.

When and why did our nation become this? Why can I not watch a football game without being solicited by ED campaigns? Why do people totally ignore the possible side effects when putting drugs into their body? Why is the pharmaceutical industry a trillion dollar business?

I have a few more questions....

Have you considered exercise instead of that diet pill? Do you really have to wash your blood pressure pill down with a Big Mac and large coke? Do you think that your extra 50lbs might have something to do with your high cholesterol? Was it forgetting to take your little purple pill that caused your heart burn or was it the "Baconator" combo that you scarfed down at lunch? Will popping pills really make your stressful situations in life go away? Does your kid really have ADD or is he just a brat that lacks discipline?

Now, before I go on, let me clarify; I obviously understand that prescription medication is very necessary in order for some of us to maintain health. But in MANY situations, simple lifestyle changes would be enough. Best of all, the only side effects that comes from regular exercise and a sound nutritional plan are positive. So next time you are at the doctors office - instead of just accepting the prescription without question, ask if there is anything that you can do naturally to help make a difference. You might be surprised how your doctor reacts. They might actually enjoy sharing their infinite knowledge...instead of acting like a middle man for the local drug dealer.