I’m listening to The Peoples’ Pharmacy right now on NPR as they interview Dr Andrew Weil about his new book ‘Mind Over Meds’. I’m struck by his thoughtful, science based evaluation of modern medicine’s prescription of drugs to treat common maladies. He points out that many people are given prescriptions for drugs to treat problems that could be treated effectively using safer, natural methods. If a health condition requires treatment, he suggests that people try gentle approaches first- herbal tinctures, diet and exercise changes, meditation, etc. before resorting to harsher treatments. Realize that an OTC packaged treatment isn’t necessarily ‘safe’ just because it doesn’t require an MD’s prescription or come with legible warning labels. Also, realize that Direct to Consumer TV and magazine advertisements of medications may have created the idea that you may need a treatment for a ‘condition’ that is not real.
Have faith in your ability to make a science based evaluation of any health condition- do you actually have a problem that needs treatment? Can you make lifestyle changes first? What’s the lowest dose for any drug you could take? You can look for answers to these questions online or ask your healthcare professional.