A 1998 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (vol 279, April 15, 1998 pp 1200-1205 indicated that more than 2 million patients hospitalized in America suffered an ADR (Adverse Drug Reaction) within a 12 month period of the study, and of these more than 100,000 patients died. These statistics did not include accidental overdoses, or errors in the administration of the drugs, which the researchers estimated would add another 100,000 deaths per year. The study concluded that ADRs kill more people every year than die in traffic accidents, and are the 4th leading cause of death in the United States - behind heart disease, cancer and stroke.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, rose 62.5% during the 5 year period from 1999-2004.
These statistics are alarming enough in themselves. It is worth noticing that during these same recent years, billions of dollars have been spent on advertising prescription drugs on television, radio, and popular magazines. (For example, $11.9 billion was spent advertising prescription drugs in 2004, and $11.4 billion in 2005). From 1995-2002, pharmaceutical manufacturers held the top spot among the nations most profitable industries. Still ranking high in subsequent years, they held 2d position in 2006, and returned 19.6% in profits compared to only 6.3% for all Fortune 500 firms.
Next time you see or hear one of these ads, pay attention to what is happening. The drugs are being marketed with high impact advertising strategies, the same as other big companies use to market everything from cars, clothes, food brands, household products and more. These ads are targeted for the primary audience (group of users likely watching, listening to, or reading the publication in which the ad appears) and designed to make them WANT to try this prescription, and even more, to make them believe they should. Many of these drugs are presented as able to resolve common problems that large numbers of people want relief from. Symptoms are listed that many people might identify with, and become convinced from the ad they need this drug and will do exactly what it instructs: ask their doctor if drug_____ is right for them. The patient is now already programmed from the ad and will recite to their doctor an appropriate list of symptoms - and unfortunately many doctors will then just write out a prescription without further question.
In many of these cases, patients probably don't really need the drug in question. The ads, by law, must list common side effects, but in television and radio ads, that part is read over so rapidly, the information isn't likely to sink in. And for magazine ads, the side effects are listed in such microscopic print, most people won't take the time to look at them closely. However, if you start paying closer attention, you'll notice that almost all of the drugs advertised have some very significant negative side effects - even if the risk of incurring these side effects is low, it is still there.
Growing numbers of people are looking for a better alternative. Many are more health conscious and interested in natural health, wellness and nutrition products that can help them stay healthy and avoid, or at least minimize the need for regular prescripton drugs to manage their health. Products such as Natural Cellular Defense Liquid Zeolite and Agarigold H1X1 are two such alternatives among many offered by Waiora which have consistently produced amazing results. Its great to be able to offer people choices which can truly benefit them!
Brenda Tippin
New Horizons Enterprises
http://www.healthynewhorizons.com
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