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Too many people take too many pills

economist.com

21–30 of 166 posts

Re: Too many people take too many pills

#22
post #15

I had surgery last year, and had to give a list of the medications I currently take. My list had a single item, OTC allergy medication. The surgeon and intake nurse both independently double-checked that my list was complete. They told me that it's almost unheard of for someone of my age to have no ongoing prescriptions and they wanted to be sure a mistake wasn't made. I was very surprised by this. I was even more su…

Nice going, John! Role model material. What is your secret?

I have no idea. This whole thing surprised me -- I just assumed that I was "normal" in this respect. I don't have a secret, as far as I can tell. I am moderately physically active, and I do eat moderately healthy, but not exceptionally so on either count.

I suspect that, rather than being a role model, I just drew a lucky number in the genetic lottery.

Re: Too many people take too many pills

#24
post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As a doctor it's your job to give your patient something that will treat them. You can't tell someone "if you exercise an hour a day, your problem will go away" because at least 9/10 people won't do it.

I expect my doctor to give me the best medical care. If that's telling me to make a lifestyle change, that's what I want (whether I follow his advice is an independent issue). I 100% don't want a doctor to give me medication that isn't necessary.

I’ll tell you what your doctor might not be telling you:

- 30 minutes of cardio, 3x a week is a bare minimum. The more cardio the better, so consider endurance sports.

- Resistance training is necessary too, and can be done at home with no equipment

- Get at least 10 minutes of sunlight right after you get up or right after the sun comes rises, even if it’s cloudy, if possible

- Don’t drink more than 2 drinks in a day

- Try to reduce stress as much as possible

- Get plenty of sleep

- Cut out digital distractions

- In general try to eat as many natural foods as you can, especially more fruits and vegetables. Avoid eating chemicals if you can, hydrogenated oils, etc.

Now you’ve heard it, as well as everyone else reading this thread. It’s up to you to do it. But odds are, for the most part, you’ve heard it before and don’t need reminding.

If you’re confused about any of the details on this list, you are all people who are in the top quartile (at least) in learning things on the internet, and can figure the rest out yourselves.

Re: Too many people take too many pills

#25
As someone who takes a pill daily that fixes my brain chemistry, I would like to clarify that it is simultaneously possible that many people are taking pills they don't need and many people are not talking pills they do need.

I despise generalized statements like "xyz medication is over prescribed" because it is also in some ways probably underprescribed. I didn't seek treatment for a dibilitating illness for many years because I was repeatedly told that the medication was abused and all I needed were lifestyle changes. For me, the medication was underprescribed.

Re: Too many people take too many pills

#26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>People want pills or miracle diets. People don't want lifestyle changes. How you gonna make lifestyle changes without permission from your lords and masters who write your paychecks?

LOL what? Where did all this "lords and peasant" nonsense come from? Come back to reality, Eli.

I'm being real. Lots of people work 10-12 hours a day. How are they supposed to shop and cook for only fresh and healthy food, as well as do 30 minutes of rigorous cardio per day, in the remaining four hours a day when they're not asleep? What if they have family obligations?

Re: Too many people take too many pills

#27
post #7

Very prominent are also homeopathy. They if you need to go to a doctor regularly and you don't have a proper diagnosis you might just like going to a doctor

The fact that Homeopathy is even considered normal treatments is appalling.

Having a subpar education system is expensive.

https://www.thinkimpact.com/literacy-statistics/

Re: Too many people take too many pills

#28
post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

[flagged]

How puritanical. Do you look down on everyone or just unhealthy people?

I'm the same. It's just human nature to not want to expend effort. We love excuses, like - I'm too stressed, to busy etc. - but quite often, they're just that - convenient excuses.

Re: Too many people take too many pills

#29
post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I expect my doctor to give me the best medical care. If that's telling me to make a lifestyle change, that's what I want (whether I follow his advice is an independent issue). I 100% don't want a doctor to give me medication that isn't necessary.

I’ll tell you what your doctor might not be telling you: - 30 minutes of cardio, 3x a week is a bare minimum. The more cardio the better, so consider endurance sports. - Resistance training is necessary too, and can be done at home with no equipment - Get at least 10 minutes of sunlight right after you get up or right after the sun comes rises, even if it’s cloudy, if possible - Don’t drink more than 2 drinks in a da…

Of course I've heard it. As you said, the odds are excellent that everyone reading this has heard it too.

And I actually do all of that. Not because anyone told me to, or because I should, but because that's just how my life ended up being arranged.

Not sure how that's related to my point, though.

Re: Too many people take too many pills

#30
post #29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I’ll tell you what your doctor might not be telling you: - 30 minutes of cardio, 3x a week is a bare minimum. The more cardio the better, so consider endurance sports. - Resistance training is necessary too, and can be done at home with no equipment - Get at least 10 minutes of sunlight right after you get up or right after the sun comes rises, even if it’s cloudy, if possible - Don’t drink more than 2 drinks in a da…

Of course I've heard it. As you said, the odds are excellent that everyone reading this has heard it too. And I actually do all of that. Not because anyone told me to, or because I should, but because that's just how my life ended up being arranged. Not sure how that's related to my point, though.

Just that everyone's heard it, so the doctor isn't going to repeat it to you with every visit.

I think a doctor absolutely should gently remind people that those things improve a variety of conditions, and occasionally push a little harder in certain situations (you need to start doing X now or your condition is going to be a big problem). Many of them already do, of course.

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