Give yourself a gift of health

Last Updated 12/3/2010 7:33:01 AM

By: Dave Schreck

Chances are if you’re reading this article, you need to lose weight and are taking at least one medication. That statement is based on the fact that more than 63 percent of Americans are either overweight or obese, and that almost 50 percent of us take at least one prescription drug. If you’re in excellent health and take no medications, congratulations. Keep up your good work and pass this article onto someone you care about.

A friend of mine who is 79 years old had a routine physical examination a year ago. The physician went through his usual procedures and questions along with, “Are you on any medications?”

He answered, “No.”

The physician responded, “Well, let’s see what we can do to get you on a few.”

How sad. He should have said, “Fantastic! How do you stay so healthy?”

Many physicians are practicing voodoo medicine relying on pills to solve a problem rather than encouraging their patients to take responsibility for their health. Unfortunately, you are prescribed a drug to make you feel better, but usually the side effects make you feel worse so you’re given another drug to treat those side effects. Then that drug causes more problems as your health begins to deteriorate.

David J. Graham, M.D., MPH., associate director of Drug and Safety for the FDA, said in November 2004, “Today we are faced with what may be the single greatest drug safety catastrophe in the history of this country or the history of the world … In my opinion, the FDA has let the American people down, and sadly, betrayed a public trust."

This was part of his testimony before Congress regarding the dangers of Vioxx (an arthritis medication), which had just been removed from the market due to the side effect of death from a heart attack. He also identified other frequently prescribed drugs that posed serious health risks, such as Accutane (Have you seen the lawyers’ ads on TV for litigation?), Bextra, Meridian and Crestor to name a few.

Of course, in some cases medications may be helpful. Unfortunately, it’s easier to prescribe a medication for compliance because it lessens the responsibility of the patient to make a few lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, it also makes them dependent on drugs for a lifetime. Most want immediate gratification and will trade a medication with known side effects for temporary relief. But would they if they knew it would provide for a shorter and poorer quality of life? What if there was an alternative?

Pharmaceutical companies go “down stream” to alleviate the symptoms of disease. This means you’ll be on their drug forever. Even if you are covered by your health care, you will most likely pay the high price of side effects as your health and vitality begin to deteriorate.

We all face challenges and obstacles and may have resigned ourselves to believe that our situation was caused by something beyond our control -- genetics, emotional issues or just bad luck. While you may feel it is not your fault, it is your responsibility to improve your health for yourself and those who care about you.

The first gift you give this holiday season should be a gift to yourself. What could be more appropriate than something to improve your health?

A healthful gift would be to supplement with a high-quality omega-3, like OmegaRx. Why? It helps to reduce the risk factors for all chronic conditions. Not eating enough fruits and vegetables? Supplement with a polyphenol, like SeaHealth Plus. Why? Research has shown that these compounds are more important than vitamins and minerals. Having trouble with following the Zone Diet? Use Dr. Sears’ new Zone baked foods. Why? They provide up to five hours of satiety. If you’re not hungry, you don’t eat as much. Less food equals less calories, less calories equals less insulin, less insulin equals less body fat and less body fat equals less silent inflammation and better health.

You have the ability to change. Take the first step by following these simple suggestions. Be a role model and inspire yourself and others. Purchase the gift of health this holiday season.