Medications on which older Americans are placed

I made the mistake of cutting back on my top quality supplements to save a bit of money. Big mistake! As a reminder of the importance of keeping each cell at its most healthy level, I  came down with shingles. I had cut out the evening dose, but when I was feeling a little under the weather, added back in Essentials, Biomega, Hepasil (for alpha liopic acid), and Proflavinol at night. I am still taking the entire amount I want to take in the morning. If anyone has ever had shingles, especially in the TMJ area, it is not fun! The sad part is that we have a brand new granddaughter in Provo who we were supposed to see the first weekend in May. We have postponed that to the last weekend in May, since the doctor said I would not have a problem by that time. The nice thing, was the headache basically went away two days after it started and I was able to go to work on Tuesday after being in bed most of the weekend. I am stating no correlation, I am just relaying what has happened.

On Sunday, I went to the Urgent Care Center because a rash had developed. I have been washing my face regularly and using Serum Intensive to help heal the rash.  Basically, the rash was scabbed over by Wednesday and it is starting to heal nicely. I am grateful. Again, I am not stating that there is a correlation, I am just stating what has happened.

The main reason for writing this is the reaction I received when I started answering questions at the Urgent Care Center. It is amazing on how many medications people my age are taking. When I went into an urgent care office and they asked what medications are you taking. I mentioned only two and the nurse looked at me as if I was from Mars. Apparently most people my age are on far more. My attitude is that I am on two too many. I am grateful to my doctor, who is retiring this year (but that is another story), that he allowed me to find other means of producing the results he would like instead of insisting that I take certain medications. We are all responsible for our own health and need to take care of it the best we can. The only concern I have is with drug interactions. I have a friend who receives his health care through the Veterans Administration. Since he can see various doctors in the same office for various reasons, he is aware of the potential of drug interactions and makes sure the doctors check for all possible side effects from the combination of drugs. I have also heard that the doctors are not always sure of the interaction of three or more prescription medications, let alone foods or anything else. If it can be hard to determine drug interactions, then why are people routinely prescribed so many different medications?

I have been able to get back down to 230 pounds, but I still have 40 pounds to go. As I have lost weight, I have been able to reduce the strength of the medication. In the next year, my goal (and I am publicly stating it so that others can hold me accountable) is to get back down to 190, my marriage weight and totally get off of all medications. I hope all of you will be able to set and meet any health goals you may have.

Wayne