Biofeedback Therapy is a unique treatment option that can allow people improve their own health by using signals from their own bodies rather than using external treatments or pharmaceutical drugs. Although it has been around since the 1960’s when the term “biofeedback” was first introduced, it has only recently begun to gain momentum in the mainstream medical communities. In practical applications, Biofeedback Therapy is used to treat pain and neurological conditions, and it is also used in psychological settings where therapists often use it to help anxious or tense patients relax. It has even been used by specialists with more serious diseases such as epilepsy, cardiovascular disease and even stroke. But what exactly is Biofeedback Therapy? 

While “Biofeedback Therapy” sounds complex and daunting, chances are you’ve already used a biofeedback device without actually knowing it. For example, when you step onto a scale to weigh yourself, you register the number and determine whether or not you’re at your target weight. You then can make adjustments to your diet and exercise routine to either lower or raise the number. The feedback of that number on the scale affects your behavior. Another classic example is a thermometer which tells you how high your temperature is. If the number is high and you have a fever, you take steps to reduce that fever, and continue to do so until the thermometer registers a normal temperature. These are two examples of basic biofeedback in action. Modern Biofeedback Therapy goes much further than merely monitoring weight or temperature, but the basic principle remains the same. 

But - can Biofeedback Therapy cure disease or illnesses?

Today, Biofeedback Therapy is being used to successfully treat a wide range of painful conditions as research continues to develop new applications of this methodology. This research shows that we have more control over many of the body’s involuntary functions, such as brain activity, heart rate and even blood pressure, than originally thought. 

Conditions such as tension headaches and migraines, epilepsy, and even paralysis can show signs of improvement through Biofeedback Therapy. One of the biggest breakthroughs when it comes to this type of therapy has been with patients recovering from a stroke. It has been possible for such patients to regain use of certain muscle groups by receiving signals from a biofeedback machine that can lead doctors to effectively target treatment to those areas which still register as active. In addition, Biofeedback Therapy has been successfully administered in internal medical conditions, disorders related to the digestive systems and cardiovascular system such as Cardiac Arrhythmias. As the scope of practice continues to increase, more medical practitioners are adopting it from physical therapists to nurses, dentists and psychologists. These diverse practitioners are helping to expand the research and use of Biofeedback Therapy as they add their own areas of expertise to the current models of treatment, allowing for greater diversity and range of treatment models. 

But we still haven’t answered the question of how Biofeedback Therapy works. The answer is that scientist still don’t fully understand it themselves. The exact mechanisms and processes at work are still being discovered. What scientists do know is that Biofeedback Therapy patients are trained be in a more relaxed state, and this in turn can actually modify their behavior. Many scientists that have studied Biofeedback Therapy have concluded that this relaxation is a major factor in the treatment process as it is a well known that stress can make certain conditions worse.  Stressful situations, such as illness and going through treatment, also have a serious emotional impact on the patient that can further damage their recovery. These responses are controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, a part of the body that controls basic survival instincts including the “fight or flight” response. Relaxing the patient can counteract the rise of these stressful feelings, and can be very effective in countering the affects of many conditions as well as positively changing the way a patient responds to symptoms. 

Biofeedback Therapy can provide some level of treatment for a wide variety medical conditions, and the scope of practice continues to increase as research and development being to fully understand the mechanisms at work and  find new ways to use this treatment in practical applications. Although it is necessary to speak to a medical professional before considering this type of therapy, adding Biofeedback Therapy to an existing medical treatment plan can provide an effective supplement to current treatment for a wide range of conditions. 


In conclusion - Biofeedback Therapy is not a cure for anyone in itself.  However, the more we learn about this method, the more it can be accepted by mainstream medical communities as a viable, effective method to increase positive patient outcomes. 

We live in a world where technology and science are used to make our lives easier and more efficient. We have developed machines that can assemble products of all sorts on their own through complicated mathematical algorithms. Our computers allow us to work away from an office and enjoy our days spending time listening to music, watching movies, or playing video games. The Internet allows us to connect with anybody anywhere in the world at speeds that were a thing of science fiction just a few decades ago. But despite all of our technological and engineering feats, the most important technological advancements were achieved in healthcare. 

The combined knowledge of modern medicine and technology has allowed us to treat almost any ailment with few exceptions. Even these exceptions are given immediate attention, and medicines and cures are being researched and tested every day. However even with the awesome healing powers that we have access to today, some people look at modern medical practices with skepticism. These people consider modern medicine just another way of making money, and they feel the drugs used to treat many ailments are engineered in such a way that they may heal us at first, but at the same time also weaken our bodies so that we need to take more and more medicine the next time we will get sick. This passive addiction and dependence on drugs that may affect one’s health has been proof enough for many people of modern medicine’s failings, and it leads them to look for alternative, holistic medicines.

Recently more and more people have turned to alternative approaches to healing. Some of these methods include using herbs to make healing brews, teas, and ointments, going to witchdoctors who have been said to heal people in unorthodox ways, and even trusting people who claim to have bio-energetic powers. While these methods may be questionable from a scientific perspective, there are holistic methods of treatment that are more concrete, analytical and professional. Homeopathy is one such field that many people are turning to for the treatment of various ailments in a more natural way than modern medicine. But what is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is, simply put, an alternative way of treating ailments. The term “homeopathy” was first coined by the German physicist Samuel Hahnemann in 1796. It works on the concept of “similia similibus curentur” which is Latin for “let similar things take care of similar things,” or more concisely “like cures like.” Based on this idea Hahnemann came up with the idea that the symptoms that appear with an illness can actually be used to cure the disease. In other words, if you have a cold with the symptom of a runny nose, that runny nose can actually be amplified and will help the body recover faster from the cold. This idea is laughed at by many advocates of modern medicine. Many studies have been completed to see if homeopathic treatments are effective, but most of the results of these research efforts have concluded that people treated by means of homeopathy are cured only by luck and the placebo effect. This basically means that if you strongly believe that the cure is working, you will eventually cure yourself. However, homeopathic practitioners do not feel that this is simply a placebo effect or a guess, and they take great care to choose the proper treatment for their patients. 

Homeopathic practitioners actually spend a great deal more time getting to know their patient’s personal needs. While a doctor would briefly question and examine a patient before prescribing a specific type of medication, a homeopathy practitioner would complete the same examination, but with much more attention and focus on the individual characteristics of the patient. Homeopathic knowledge states that traits such as temperament and personality can influence the treatment, so it is very important for the practitioner to go through a thorough interview with the patient before giving him or her any kind of treatment. This allows homeopathic practitioners to customize treatments to each individual. If you were to visit a traditional doctor with a fever, you would be given aspirin. The doctor would give the same aspirin to each and every patient who shares your symptoms of fever. But in the case of homeopathy, if you and another person show up to get a similar fever treated, you would actually get different types of treatments based on your individual situations. This is because homeopathic knowledge says that each and every person has a different interior mechanism that responds differently to treatments. The diluted solution that you would receive for your fever might be totally different from another person’s. Homeopathic medicine focused on this individualized treatment, and each patient will receive what is best for their personal situation. 

But what exactly are homeopathic practitioners prescribing as treatments to their patients? The treatments are diluted solutions composed of different ingredients, all of which are carefully measured to fit the patient. These ingredients are things like herbs, minerals, oils and other substances, and they are carefully blended to fit the requirements of every patient differently. All the ingredients are carefully measured and then distilled in alcohol. This process is only done after a careful examination of the patient, as previously stated. Once a patient with a certain ailment begins taking their solution, his or her symptoms will be amplified to a certain extend. This might seem counterintuitive or dangerous, but in homeopathy, stimulating the human body to fight off the ailment by amplifying the symptoms is what makes it effective. The symptoms are there for a reason, and they will help the body to get rid of the disease. This basically means that if you have a sore throat, increasing its symptoms will make the throat heal itself faster in a natural way.

Homeopathic medicine is not merely witchcraft or old wive’s tales, it is a method of treatment that focuses on the individual, and the individual’s ability to heal themselves through amplification of symptoms that force the body to heal itself without the help of man-made drugs and chemicals. The main reason why people try out homeopathic treatments is because they want a natural alternative, which is a very normal reaction in today’s world. Everything seems to be artificial, and it is understandable why anybody would want to try out more natural remedies. Of course, modern medicine should not be completely shunned away in the search of a natural remedy, but for those looking for a more natural, gentle way of helping the body heal itself, homeopathic medicine is an interesting avenue to explore. 

Reference list

1. http://www.homeopathyforlife.com/what-is-homeopathy/homeopathy-vs-traditional-medicine.html
2. http://www.homeopathywithlisa.com/Homeopathy_vs_Conventional_Medicine.php
3. http://tao-garden.com/homeopathy-compared-to-traditional-medicine/
4. http://voices.yahoo.com/do-homeopathic-treatments-work-as-well-as-traditional-6036882.html
5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11327521 

Top 5 Natural Remedies for Restless Leg Syndrome

RLS Overview
Many diseases are very deceptive. You may never know that you are suffering from an actual ailment or condition. One such condition is known as Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), consisting of a restless feeling in the legs and an urge to move the legs that is beyond control. It is a type of neurological disorder, and more than 12 million Americans are affected by it. The symptoms typically appear when you are in bed trying to fall asleep. It can also present itself in the daytime, especially if you work for prolonged periods in a sitting position. The major symptoms of RLS include tingling, burning, itching, aching, or a feeling of tugging behind the skin in the lower legs. This feeling sometimes moves up to the thighs and can even be experienced in the hands, feet and arms. Although the intensity and duration of RLS differs in every individual, it is disruptive nonetheless. RLS can deprive the patient from sleep, disrupting the resting period. This can cause insomnia that can lead to several mental and physical health problems such as cardiovascular disease if left untreated. 

What Causes RLS?
Just like diabetes and blood pressure, RLS patients typically have a family history of the disorder. According to a study published in 2009, the risk of RLS increases if the person is obese and carries excess of weight around his abdomen and waistline. Other researchers have suggested that the abnormalities in the dopamine level, a brain chemical, can cause RLS. There are also numerous other chronic conditions that are associated with this syndrome including Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and kidney failure. 

Surgeries and Medications for RLS
Different medications such as benzodiazepines, dopaminergic, or opioids are typically prescribed for patients that suffer from RLS, however they cannot give permanent relief. In most cases the relief is temporary, and the patient again starts feeling the restlessness once the medications are stopped. This can lead to dependency on the drugs, and heavy, prolonged intake of these medicines can affect the quality of life of the patient. 

As for surgical procedures, many healthcare providers are of the opinion that RLS is an overrated problem and surgical treatments are not required. Many hey believe that surgery can actually worsen the symptoms.
 
Five Best Natural Remedies for RLS 

Many treatments for RLS are not ideal, especially for those that do not want to become dependent on drugs, especially opioids. But sufferers from RLS know that the symptoms can be quite annoying and disruptive, and they can harm important sleeping patterns that can greatly affect your health. For those with RLS looking for more natural, alternative ways to treat the symptoms of the condition, there are many way to get relief using natural and holistic medicines. Here are the five best natural remedies for RLS. 

Adopting Healthier Habits
Regular habits of drinking alcohol, coffee, or smoking cigarettes can increase the symptoms of RLS. In many patients simply avoiding these three things brings instant relief from the restlessness in the legs. Stress is another key factor, and working too hard can lead to fatigue that increases symptoms. Keeping up with a healthy lifestyle and sleeping regimen helps to keep this syndrome to a minimum. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats to maintain a balanced, healthy diet. In addition, exercising regularly can help to stimulate blood circulation and ease the tingling sensation in the legs. However you should not workout too close to bedtime or else it will disrupt your sleep.

Cold and Hot Therapy  
When the leg shows intensive restlessness you can try hot and cold therapy. In this therapy cold and warm compresses are applied alternatively to the legs, which can help soothe the restlessness. Further relief can be obtained by gently massaging your legs with warm oil such as jojoba oil which can help promote blood circulation. After the massage, bathe the legs in warm water to relax and soothe tension. 

Daily Vitamin Supplements 
Studies have shown that a good balance of magnesium and calcium in the body is necessary for the proper functioning of muscles and nerves. Be sure to eat foods high in these nutrients such as dark leafy greens, whole grains, dairy foods and soybeans.  Low level of iron are also responsible for causing RLS. Increasing your iron intake by including foods such as dark green vegetables, seeds, beans and nuts will help to improve your condition. If you’re not getting enough of these important nutrients in your diet, consider taking a multi-vitamin supplement that will provide your body with the nutrients it needs to reduce RLS symptoms.    

Managing Stress
Stress can be one of the causes behind RLS. You can keep the restlessness at bay by managing your stress using various stress-reducing techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. A good exercise routine and healthy diet also help to reduce stress levels overall. Take a Yoga class twice a week, or go for a 30 minute walk every day. If your job is stressful, take a 5 minute break a few times a day and meditate or stretch. Talk to a professional councilor for more stress relieving strategies if you still cannot manage your stress yourself.  

Holistic Medicines & Alternative Therapies
In holistic therapies both the physiological and mental state of a patient is considered, and the medicine is prescribed accordingly. Holistic medicine also helps to improve the overall working of your body, which can lead to reduced RLS symptoms. Alternative therapies are another great option. Therapies such as acupuncture have been used for ages for treating various neural disorders including RLS. Needles are placed at different points in the body to improve blood circulation and heal the affected area. Other alternative treatments such as aromatherapy, massage therapy, and hypnotherapy may also benefit those suffering from RLS. 

Until recently, acetaminophen (also known as APAP) was considered to be a fairly harmless painkiller. After all, it’s found in commonly used over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol, as well as stronger prescription medications like Vicodin and Oxycodone. Acetaminophen has been sold in modest quantities all across the world, and has been used to treat everything from mild headaches to more severe forms of pain. But is it really a good idea to ingest this drug?

In 2011 an FDA advisory panel asked drug manufacturers to consider lowering the suggested dose and maximum daily dose of acetaminophen.  This request was followed by a recommendation by an FDA advisory panel in 2009, made up of 37 expert doctors, to implement a total ban of certain acetaminophen-containing prescription drugs such as Vicodin. 

After much debate, the FDA then announced in January 2012 that they would be requiring drug manufacturers to limit the strength of acetaminophen to no more than 325 milligrams (mg) in each acetaminophen-containing tablet or capsule. In addition, these drugs must include warnings on the labels about the potential risk of severe liver injury.

What fueled this change? As it turns out, acetaminophen overdose is one of the leading contributors to liver failure. If you think you’re absolutely safe ingesting an acetaminophen pill, think again. Many patients who use acetaminophen inadvertently overdose on the drug. Acetaminophen is one of those drugs that requires an ever-increasing dosage to achieve the same effect. When it’s available over-the-counter, this makes it easy for people to add more of the drug to their bodies, and to exceed the recommended dosage.

So, by taking the drug, you might succeed at killing your headache for awhile, but you might also unintentionally harm your liver while you’re at it.

We’re glad the FDA is taking action to address such a dangerous problem; however, there’s still an ugly fact we must deal with: many people still rely on unnatural drugs to treat symptoms of an illness, rather than embracing a more natural method – one that truly addresses the root of the problem. Regardless of whether or not the FDA’s new regulation results in fewer instances of acetaminophen overdose, the fact that people are still taking it at all may be cause for concern.

For many aches and pains, there’s usually a more natural solution that can be applied instead of popping a chemical-based pill.  Chiropractic care, for example, offers a natural remedy for headaches. The philosophy behind this method of treatment is that many unpleasant symptoms find their origin in a malfunctioning central nervous system. If your hypothetical symptom manifested itself in the form of a headache, a chiropractor wouldn’t simply prescribe you a pain-reliever and send you on your merry way; said chiropractor could assume there might be a bone out of place that was interfering with your central nervous system, blocking it from optimal performance.

X-rays would probably be done to locate the source of the problem; then the chiropractor would attempt to realign whatever was out of place. The end goal, of course, would be to return your central nervous system to optimal performance, thereby eliminating the nagging symptoms that were causing your pain!

By contrast, if you were at a traditional doctor’s office, you might be subjected to blood work, CT scans, and numerous other tests costing tens of thousands of dollars. In the end, you may be prescribed a chemical with a list of side effects that were worse that your original ailment. This doesn’t help anyone at all.

The great thing about alternative medicine is there are all sorts of natural remedies that can help to reduce discomfort. Chiropractic care is only ONE of many forms of healing available. There’s also acupuncture, natural herbs, and non-chemical practices for reducing emotional stress (a common source of headaches). For thousands of years, our ancestors used many of these natural options and were often able to avoid the nasty side effects we see today with many chemical drugs.

Of course, modern medicine certainly has its place in the world. It can literally be a life-saver. But it should not be the only option to consider when facing a health ailment - and it certainly, in many cases, may not be the best option.

The next time you feel pain, don’t just cover up the problem and hope it goes away. Find a real solution by addressing the CAUSE of the pain. You’ll feel much better for it.

Beyond popping pills, what remedies have you used to address the cause of your pains?

Sources:

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm239894.htm
http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety/informationbydrugclass/ucm165107.htm
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41057171/ns/health-pain_center/t/fda-sets-limits-pain-reliever-vicodin/#.T4dI4ZrC6II

People in the U.S. take too many prescription drugs. That’s not a distortion of the truth – that’s a fact.  Let’s look at the statistics:

According to an IMS Institute report titled The Use of Medicines in the United States: Review of 2010 (published April 2011), Americans spent more than $307 billion on medicines in 2010.

This is out of control. That’s a ton of money to throw down the drain, especially considering that many medications merely mask symptoms instead of resolving the real issue.

If we’re going to spend that much money, I think we should spend it on something that will bring us real health - lasting changes, less side effects, less invasiveness.

Fortunately, there are plenty of natural alternative remedies to prescription drugs.

Here’s a list of America’s top 5 most commonly prescribed drugs and their natural counterparts:

The #5 most commonly prescribed drug in America: Amlodipine Besylate
What is it? An Angina/blood pressure drug. (Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart does not receive enough blood.)
# of prescriptions purchased in 2010: 57.2 million.
Natural alternative: Work with your integrative physician or doctor to create a personalized supplement regime based on your body’s specific needs. Increase your potassium intake to 500 mg per day (available in 1 banana, 1 cup of tomato juice, or 1 cup of coconut water) and/or magnesium intake to 200 mg per day. Taking 200 mg daily of Coenzyme Q10 – an antioxidant shown to lower blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels – may also help.

The #4 most commonly prescribed drug in America: Levothyroxine Sodium
What is it? A synthetic thyroid hormone intended to treat hypothyroidism – a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
# of prescriptions purchased in 2010: 70.5 million
Natural alternative: Correct possible mineral deficiencies in your body by increasing consumption of iodine, iron, or selenium. A natural thyroid glandular supplement, such as BMR Complex by Integrative Therapeutics, may also help.

The #3 most commonly prescribed drug in America: Lisinopril
What is it? A blood pressure drug.
# of prescriptions purchased in 2010: 87.4 million
Natural alternative: Decrease your refined sugar intake, and increase your consumption of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. Excessive sugar intake raises blood sugar, which is known to increase blood pressure. Fruits and veggies contain flavonoids – compounds that can dilate blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure.

The #2 most commonly prescribed drug in America: Simvastatin
What is it? A statin drug (i.e., a drug that lowers cholesterol). Statins stop your liver from producing cholesterol by blocking a specific enzyme.
# of prescriptions purchased in 2010: 94.1 million
Natural alternative: Improve your diet. Certain anti-inflammatory foods such as red wine, dark chocolate, garlic, and olive oil can lower the amount of  “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in your body, while raising the “good” cholesterol (HDL).

The #1 most commonly prescribed drug in America: Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (e.g. Vicodin)
What is it? A pain killer.
# of prescriptions purchased in 2010: 131.2 million.
Natural alternative: Healing physical touch. Try getting healing massages, chiropractic therapy, and/or acupuncture. “Pain can be caused by an interference in our body’s nervous system,” says Sungwon D. Yoo, a chiropractor and acupuncturist, “so manipulating the body’s main nervous system channel to the brain—the spine—can help remedy aches.”

Now that you’re aware of natural alternatives to the top 5 most commonly prescribed drugs in America, you can make more informed choices when it comes to addressing any of the health ailments listed above.  As always, though - always check with your doctor before making any major medical decisions.  After all, your doctor knows you better than I do, unless I’m your doctor, of course!

After reading this article, do you think you’ll give natural therapies a try? Do you already find home natural remedies are more effective for you and your family than prescription drugs?  We welcome your comments on this blog.

A fairly controversial discussion revolves around holistic medicine vs. traditional therapy. What are the differences between the two? What are the similarities? Is one approach better than the other?

As we see it, the only similarity between holistic and traditional therapies is that they’re both intended to fix problems related to health. However, they’re vastly different in terms of how they solve problems, and their level of effectiveness in doing so.

To understand the underlying issues at stake, it’s important to first know that vitamin and mineral deficiencies lie at the heart of many health problems. Beyond that, toxicity and high sugar intake are also key contributors to people feeling tired, cranky, or generally in poor health.

Billions of people have made cell phones a non-negotiable part of their daily lives. Cell phone carriers are excitedly rushing to expand 4G LTE networks (the next step up from 3G and 2G “EDGE” technologies), which are capable of performing extremely powerful wireless data transfers. Fancy smart phones are impressing everyone with their ability to make life more convenient and fun.

But is anybody questioning the health costs of all this technology?

The issue of whether or not cell phone radiation increases cancer risk has been the subject of much scrutiny and debate over the years. Although many major government health organizations say more research is needed before we can make any definitive conclusions, a number of studies have shown that, indeed, we should be concerned about cell phone radiation. (The National Cancer Institute offers an overview of key points on the matter, along a list of current studies being done.)

Well-known health organizations and medical schools have taken actions, released statements, and/or conducted studies that undoubtedly raise red flags about cell phone usage. Here are some points to consider:

• Due to cell phone radiation possibly causing cancer, the World Health Organization in 2011 added mobile phones to its list of “carcinogenic hazards” (this list also includes engine exhaust and chloroform).

•A Yale School of Medicine study done in March 2012 found that cell phone exposure to pregnant mice affected the behavior of the mice’s offspring. The study found that cell phone radiation caused mice fetuses to have higher anxiety, worse memory, and more hyperactivity.

• A study published by the Journal of Andrology examined the effect of a mobile phone’s electromagnetic frequency (EMF) radiation on sperm, and the results indicated that cell phones may damage sperm quality.

Countless other studies have shown that men who use cell phones have lower quantities of sperm, slower sperm, and defective sperm, compared to men who don’t use cell phones (do such people really exist these days?).

Men who carry smart phones in their pockets (near the gonads) should be particularly keen on this discussion – because radiation is known to negatively affect sperm.

It’s clear that men, women, and children alike may be at risk for cancer if they’re exposed to constant, proximal cell phone radiation.

While cell phone technologies have added a great deal of value to our lives, the dangers are well documented. This technology is here to stay, however, so, by all means, please follow some tips to help reduce your exposure:

1) Never, NEVER sleep with your cell phone - unless it's either turned off OR the "ringer" (cell phone data network connection) is disabled. Same goes for tablet computers and gadgets with an active cell carrier connection.

2) If you use your cell phone as an alarm clock, try to turn the ringer/cell phone data connection OFF while you sleep. Most cell phones will allow the clock and alarm to continue to function with the cell phone antenna turned off.

3) If you're a man, it is especially dangerous to carry a cell phone in your pants pockets due to its proximity to your testes. Turn your cell phone OFF if it's in your pocket. If you wear a suit or jacket, carry your cell phone in your vest pocket. Alternatively, many cell phone manufacturers make holster accessories that clip onto your belt and can comfortably accomodate your cell phone.

4) During long cell phone calls, try not to hold the phone up to your ear for the entire duration of the call, or use a "bluetooth" wireless headset. Use a hardwired earpiece and microphone (Apple iPhones come with this accessory). At worst, put your phone on "speaker" mode and hold it away from your head during these long calls.

5) If you consistently are on the phone all day for your job, leave your cell phone in your desk and use a hardwired land line or "Skype" phone on your computer instead.

There's no way to put the cell phone genie back in its bottle. However, by being conscious and careful, perhaps we can all learn to live with evermore powerful wireless technology without sacrificing our wellness.

As smart phones become more entrenched modern human beings’ lives, does this mean we’re going to experience the effects of MORE harmful radiation exposure across the country? Please, share your thoughts in the comments section.

Today it’s common for senior citizens and retirees to take 5-10 or more different prescription medicines for various health conditions. One pill for high blood pressure, one for arthritis, one for high cholesterol, one for heart health... the list goes on.

In fact, you might be one of these people who is burdened by endless medications. Perhaps you spend hundreds of dollars per month, or thousands per year on pills that act largely as a band-aid instead of as a true solution to your health ailments.

Well, there’s good news and bad news.

First, the bad news: Drugs have gotten more costly in recent years, according to a March 2012 AARP study. The study says the cost of brand name drugs used by older Americans increased by almost 26% from 2005 to 2009. This rate is nearly double the inflation rate. (I’m sure we’ve all felt the pain in the pocketbook at one time or another.) If this trend continues, “popping pills” will likely get more expensive in the future - potentially threatening seniors who are on fixed incomes and want more money for retirement, not drugs.

Now for the good news. In its natural state, your body is designed to heal itself, and is perfectly capable of doing so as long as you get out of your own way. Many health ailments have a drugless alternative that is often natural and less invasive. So what if you could cut out “the middle man” (the drugs) and just go straight to where you want to be – healthy and happy?

Holistic medicine examines the whole system – not just the parts – in order to get to the root of the issue. Symptoms are critical indicators your body is trying to express. These symptoms are there for a reason – to tell you something important about what your body needs to heal. Once you know the root cause of the problem, you can deal with it. That’s how you achieve true health.

Many pharmaceutical drugs merely mask or hide your symptoms for awhile... until they inevitably return again. (I’m reminded of a persistent dandelion that keeps growing back because it’s cut above the surface and not pulled out by its root.)

Perhaps it’s worth the time and money to get to the real cause of your health problems naturally (the potentially more expensive and dangerous alternative, of course, is to continue taking drugs for the rest of your life).  Many of our patients know that drugs, while having their uses, may not be a viable long-term solution due to side effects and cost.

What are your thoughts on this topic? We encourage you to post your candid comments in the space below.

Resources
Schondelmeyer, Stephen W. Trends in Retail Prices of Prescription Drugs Widely Used by Medicare Beneficiaries: 2005 to 2009. Rx Price Watch Report. AARP Public Policy Institute. 2012 Mar.

Thomas, Katie. AARP Study Says Price of Popular Drugs Rose 26%. The New York Times. 2012 Mar 6.