Stay healthy, stay away from the pills

A group of US researchers has raised an alarm over that older adults in the US who are popping prescription pills, over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements in record numbers. Their concern is that these combination of drugs could be deadly.
Apparently more than half of US adults who aer 57-85 years old are using five or more prescription or non-prescription drugs. Added to this, 1in 25 are taking them in combinations that can result in dangerous drug interactions. With rising medical costs, it is not surprising that people are doing pill popping not only for self-medication but also in the believe that taking supplements would keep themselves healthy. With the Internet awashed with all kinds of advice on how to cure and how to keep healthy, and there is no lack of blogs and other discussion groups on health care, it is not surprising that people are just doing what they are doing. Indeed we are in the realm where little knowledge is dangerous.

If a study is done in countries in Asia, the result would not be far different. Perhaps the only distinction would be that those in Asia would add herbs and other local medication to the "prescription". It is not uncommon for example to find people using a combination of Western drugs and Chinese herbal medicine. Some hospitals that practised Western medicine seem to have succumbed to the popularity of Chinese medicine and allowed the non-traditional clinics to be set up. Even some doctors took up traditional Chinese medicine to augment their knowledge and prescribe a combination of both. While undoubtedly there may be merits in some TCM, the problem is that TCM medication are not scientifically tested. Hence there are no proper checks and balances on what's contained in the medication and their efficacy when given to a sick patient.

Public education is important if this pill popping culture is to be checked. The medical profession should debunked the myths floated by some who touted their pills are the ultimate protection for all illnesses. TCM should be scientifically tested and where appropriate they should be given the due recognition. This way the population would be better protected. And lastly, we should look into how to keep medical costs affordable. All the rhetoric about altruism and helping the poor means nothing if at the end of the day the medical bills paint a different story. For example I am told if you aren't able to afford a $100, don't think of visiting the public hospital for an emergency consultation!

Looking at the brighter side

The wet weather certainly brings back memories of the season that we encountered earlier this year in the US. Instead of rain, it snowed unexpectedly. Fortunately we had sufficient warm clothes to keep ourselves comfortable. The carpet of snow was a sight to behold but the subsequent melting of the ice made it a challenge to keep your shoes and trousers clean. But really the weather can be a damper to your mood or not all at. Much would depend on your mental makeup.

Amid the lightening, I pleased to have had a good start to the day, with some good meeting with a client to advise them on their work. I hope also to focus on opportunities that may arise when the market picks up. The best time to prepare for new businesses is during a downturn, because some competitors may fold up, and potential clients would need a boost to get themselves up at the pole position. There has been much discussion by motor firms in US and Europe seeking bailouts from the Government. A poignant question was put to one of the European firms, namely, that in the past five years the firm has been in the red and how would this be justification for a bailout by the government.

Oh, I can't help but let my concentration be interruped by the sirens from an ambulance rushing to or from somewhere. Its also a reminder of the fragility of life though it also underscores the point that even in bad times, the healthcare industry may not be as adversely affected. The worse hit are those offering luxury or non-essential services like beauty care. But what about food? My son thought it was a good industry as people still have to eat always. However the key lies in whether you can cook as otherwise you will be at the mercy of the chef. Or what about being an important of canned foodstuff instead and you won't have to worry about the chef. Well it is then taking a different path...may be I should ask someone say a politician what he or she thinks about it. It is always good to pose question to people who are in unrelated professions to seek their views because they may be able to see things from a totally different perspective. I guess I may do just that.

An interesting homily

Over the weekend I heard an interesting homily and I thought how true it is that mankind is such that much of what we are suffering from is our own doing. AIDS for one is our own doing. The subprime and related financial crisis are our own doing. And I guess mankind has always been destructive. As we invent something new, we will eventually end up victims of our own inventions. So I thought to myself, if I should come up with any new idea, I will first examine if it will in any way destroy myself, and what can I do to neutralise that destructive element.

Even as I was writing I can't help but be distracted by the large number of editorial space devoted to the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks, and suddenly the economic crisis became a backseat passenger. In fact the economic crisis is almost forgotten, as the media also prepares readers for the events that would unfold in Thailand.

I decided to turn my mind to the weekend impending marathon. While I won't be a competitor I certainly am a firm believer of good health. I noticed an increasing number of eager beavers running up and down the coastline and assumed that they were training for the big run. I huffed and puffed, but realised that there was no way for me to keep abreast of these runners whose legs seem to gallop like the horse. Their stamina appear unlimited in supply and I was contend with running two kilometres. I guess not many people would appreciate the joy of running and some may even complain that it is boring. However, running with iPod in your ears under the starry eyes of the night sky is but a joy. I remembered once someone told me how he would always bring his running gear when he travels abroad so that he could run in the different parks around the world. Well though I am not a great swimmer I recalled doing that when I was headed for Hawaii. I brought my swim wear and got myself into the waters off Waikiki beach. At least I thought I could say I swam on that famous waters!