One of the great opportunities of living in this country at this time is access to unprecedented health care treatment options. Never before have so many been able to have long, full and high quality lives like those we experience in the United States. I am grateful for living in a country where my family, friends, clients and I can receive the level of health care that we do.
Here’s my “but” – remember how grandma said nothing in life is easy and if it looks too good to be true, it probably is? This same caution can be applied to the over use of medications. In the US we may have fallen prey to heavy marketing by the drug manufacturers and our own desire for a quick fix. And after all, it must be good for me if the FDA approved it, my doctor prescribed it and/or “it’s natural”, right? Besides, it worked for my sister so it should work for me too!
Don’t misunderstand, I am a Registered Nurse, mom, daughter, aunt, sister and friend and I too look for the quick and easy fix sometimes. I’m also pretty traditional in my medical education & beliefs so turning to medications are right up my alley as well. However, over the years I have become increasingly aware of how we as a country tend to look to medications to solve many of our concerns and sometimes; that’s just not reasonable and can also be dangerous and deadly.
For every new diet pill that has come on the market, there have been severe and sometimes deadly consequences. We now know that the more often you take antibiotics, the greater risk you are at developing a resistance to these and that when the time comes that you truly need them, they may not work. Here’s an extra tough one for me because of where I work and what I witness each day…if you or your child have behavioral or mood problems, are violent and/or disrespectful/threatening to others, can not hold a job or maintain relationships because of these concerns, there is no magic pill to fix this. Medication may help but you as the guardian or client must also invest time in attending and supporting counseling, group meetings and parenting classes, etc. This doesn’t apply for every single situation but it does for many. With today’s busy lifestyles, it is often easier to look for a “magic pill”, but often times putting forth extra time in seeking outside assistance or simple household changes can make a world of difference.
We are so fortunate to have so many prescription medication choices available to us; however we need to continue to be aware that medications may not be the best or only solution for every problem.
Robin LaTulippe, Director, Nursing Services
