Introduction
In today’s world of people living longer with a number of chronic illnesses, medications, both prescription and non-prescription, are an increasingly large part of medical care. More and more individuals, especially older individuals, take pills on a daily basis for conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, heart diseases such as congestive heart failure and angina, respiratory diseases, and arthritis (the most common chronic disease), just to mention a few.
The correct medication, in the correct dosage, for the proper indication, can improve quality of life, limit disease symptoms and progression, and reduce or significantly postpone death. Conversely, the wrong medication and/or the incorrect dosage of a drug can lead to serious problems, including death.
Become An Educated Consumer
What should you, as a consumer of medications, do or know in this world of so many new and expensive medications? The guiding principal, I believe, is to be an educated consumer. Know as much as you can about any chronic (long-term) illnesses you have. Know the symptoms, the treatments (medication and especially non-medication), and the prognosis (expected outcome over time).
You can obtain this education through reading (books, magazines, and websites), attending talks or seminars, joining support or self-help groups (available in most cities for: Parkinson’s Disease, breast cancer, colon cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, heart disease and many other diseases.
Copyright 2009 NBC Health
Click here to read the rest of the article at HealthVideo.com
