• Almost 40% of all drugs used worldwide are used in the US. "I sometimes wonder if some doctors here have become de facto drug company sales reps." - Dr. Lipman
  
• Approximately 80% of the antibiotics used in the U.S. go to factory farm animals.

I'm amazed and amused that my Main Street has three CVS pharmacies - all within one-mile of each other.   

When watching a commercial for any medication, for example, *Lipitor, it's important to know the following:

1. Absolute vs Relative Risk
2. Number Needed to Treat

This site, The NNT, goes into great depth about the Number Needed to Treat.

Most likely, you will learn that a medication that is advertised on TV or in print is not as effective as stated because it will use the Relative Risk percentage.

My site: Life without Lipitor

That's the headline for the article that states: Less than half of people having angioplasty surgery for heart disease were taking the best combination of drugs before their procedure, new research shows. This could mean their surgery was not needed.

Candidly, that's the reason I live a healthy lifestyle. I know that most of us believe science, medicine, and technology have "figured out" how to make us healthy, but they all have a long way to go. By living a healthy lifestyle, most people can avoid many diseases and the meds that are required for them.

To read the article, click it.

I am no fan of big-pharma. Sadly, they peddle disease. So, I thank Bill Maher for this hysterical rant about them. Pass the veggies as I take a pass on meds.

According to Dr. Lidy Pelsser's study, 64 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD are actually experiencing a hypersensitivity to food. Once again, food choice is plays a major role in our lives. Read and listen to this NPR report about ADHD.

Once again, it's The Main Street Diet that causes most of the health issues in our lives.

My pill is exercise. So, I am not involved with homeopathy. However, I found this video interesting.

I recommend reading:

• Cholesterol drugs don't help the healthy
  
• Consumer Reports: Statins may not help healthy people
• The Cholesterol Myth that Could be Harming Your Health
  

I also recommend subscribing to this blog: Health News Review

When it comes to our good health, there are no guarantees. However, you are in control of many health outcomes. Personally, I've made a decision to keep doctor visits to a minimum and prescription drugs out of my "medicine" cabinet.

My decision is constantly reinforced by learning about the drug industry. Here are two examples. I'm sure there are many more.

1. Diabetes Drug Maker Hid Test Data on Risks, Files Indicate
2. How a bone disease grew to fit the prescription

For me, these two stories act as motivators to live a healthy lifestyle.

Fosamax, one in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, is supposed to make bones stronger, and for many women, it is safe and effective. But now there's mounting evidence that, for some women, taking these medications for more than five years could cause spontaneous fractures.

Please view this blog post for the solution.

Here's a fascinating story how osteopenia became a "disease".

An alternative to drugs . . . here it is.