At Integrative Healing Dynamics we recently reviewed a report from the associated press (requires Adobe Reader to open) that reminded us about how Americans are continuing to abuse drugs in the name of health. The report showed that for the 1st time in history nearly half of all insured Americans are regularly taking prescription drugs for everyday health problems.
From 2001 to 2007 the prescription drug records of 2.5 million people showed that almost two thirds of women 20 years old and over, 25% of children and teens, 52% of adult men, and 75% of people age 65 and over were regularly using prescription drugs to manage unrelenting conditions. Additionally among the seniors, 28% of women and 22% of men took 5 or more prescribed drugs regularly. Can you imagine?! The biggest jump in drug use was in the 20-44 year old age group due to the availability of medicine for diabetes, asthma, depression, ADHD and seizures. How can we call it drug abuse though when the most widely used drugs used are those that lower blood pressure and cholesterol? Dr. Daniel W. Jones, president of the American Heart association states that "Unless we do things to change the way we’re managing health in this country … things will get worse instead of getting better."
It seems clear to us that non-drug solutions should be the first remedy for chronic conditions. While we realize that there are times when taking prescription drugs and even over the counter medication is necessary, we find that people tend use (abuse) them to cover up the actual cause of their malady and never really get to the root of the problem. We have noticed that drug use is being used to control lifestyle established conditions. Many situations such as those involving high blood pressure, diabetes, and even depression can be turned around by integrating healthy choices into daily routines. Healthy food choices, exercise and even a positive mental attitude can help thwart these types of drug abuse problems.
At Integrative Healing Dynamics we use pH testing as a cost effective and simple way of measuring a body’s dietary needs. When the body’s pH is off, it has a harder time sustaining normalcy. Most Chiropractors have a variety of techniques they use for measuring wellness; especially when it comes to understanding how stress is affecting the nervous system and hindering the healing process.
It’s hard to believe that the health of Americans has declined as far it has and that this form of drug abuse is so widely accepted. We have been in the holistic healthcare industry long enough to realize that with time, the best possible health is always available if you are willing to make some lifestyle changes and stick with it.