Over-Medicated Nation

Many in the yoga community tend to use natural or homeopathic cures, or turn to Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before turning to over-the-counter prescription drugs. The general consensus being Western medicine treats the symptoms but doesn’t get to the cause or the root of the problem. However, I completely recognize and thank the pharmaceutical companies for developing drugs that aid those with chronic illnesses, mental and physical. But, as whole, this country pops way too many pills.

This phenomenon is especially prevalent in the elderly. After watching a piece on CNN, “Is Grandma Drugged Up?” it made it so clear how many of our elderly don’t question their doctors and simply take what is given to them. Today, many pharmacists are equipped to discuss drug interactions, but long lines, crowded drugstores and elderly that are homebound, often don’t use this service. A great tool that the piece showcased was Drug Digest. Type in your prescriptions into the database and it will give back possible drug interactions.

My family had a first hand experience with this, where my normally spry, upbeat mother was complaining of dizziness and light headedness, to the point where she fell and hit her head. Scary! When she went to the doctor, one of her medications had just been slightly altered and that was the culprit. If my mother didn’t have people around her, I’m sure she would have continued to take this medicine until something more serious occurred.

Takeaway: if you’re not dealing with a chronic medical condition, try and find alternative natural remedies first. Then if you do have to see a doctor and are taking multiple medications, make sure you talk to your doctor - don’t fear the dialog, they are there for you - and know how your drugs work together and their side effects.

Written by: Michelle Barge