In today’s world of people living longer with a number
of chronic illnesses, medications, both prescription and non-prescription,
are an increasingly large part of medical care. More and more individuals,
especially older individuals, take pills on a daily basis for conditions
such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, heart diseases such
as congestive heart failure and angina, respiratory diseases, and arthritis
(the most common chronic disease), just to mention a few.
The correct medication, in the correct dosage, for the
proper indication, can improve quality of life, limit disease symptoms
and progression, and reduce or significantly postpone death. Conversely,
the wrong medication and/or the incorrect dosage of a drug can lead to
serious problems, including death.
Become
An Educated Consumer
What should you, as a consumer of medications, do or know
in this world of so many new and expensive medications? The guiding principal,
I believe, is to be an educated consumer. Know as much as you can about
any chronic (long-term) illnesses you have. Know the symptoms, the treatments
(medication and especially non-medication), and the prognosis (expected
outcome over time).
You can obtain this education through reading (books,
magazines, and websites), attending talks or seminars, joining support
or self-help groups (available in most cities for: Parkinson’s Disease,
breast cancer, colon cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, heart disease and many
other types of diseases), and speaking with your physician.
