I often watch TV when I am doing the dishes. Lately the ads for the new pharmaceutical drugs have been driving me crazy. There seems to be a new one almost every day. I know why the drug companies create them: they make money. But can you afford (and I don’t mean literally) to take them?

Believe me I know the good stuff about modern medicine and the life-saving devices, drugs and techniques that are now available. But wouldn’t it be better if we could stay OUT of the hospital, get off our drugs?

These TV advertisements offer quick fixes for everything from heartburn to memory loss, menopause, stomach – and dare I say – bowel issues; ways to raise your insulin levels, lower your blood sugar. You probably have heard them yourself. Maybe you can even hum the tunes that go along with the ads:

Tresiba

Invocana

Humera

Xarelto

Lyrica

But have you also heard the SIDE EFFECTS? They are frightening!

Invocana warned about dehydration, yeast infections, ketoacidosis, fainting. Humera warned of deadly infections. Really, listen for the side effects. They’re really scary.

I recently read the back page of a magazine ad for Lyrica. It said that it “may cause serious, even life-threatening allergic reactions.” It said that “Lyrica is not for everyone …” It went on to say that “the most common side effects of LYRICA are: dizziness, blurry vision, weight gain, sleepiness, swelling of hands and feet, dry mouth” and “you may have a higher chance of swelling, hives or gaining weight if you are also taking certain diabetes or high blood pressure medicines.” Good heavens!

I don’t want you fooled or even tempted by these easy fixes. According to the Sept 9th “Why You Should Care About Nutrition” NutritionFacts.Org video, Dr. Gregor talked about the Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation study that said that dietary risks are the number one cause of death, disability and shortened lifespans. Not smoking, not high blood pressure, body mass index or even exercise. The food we eat. We all know how difficult it is to change our diets and how tempting those steak fries and brownies are … but try. Make a commitment to stay home and make a delicious, healthy home-cooked meal tonight. Try a new recipe. Make extra for lunch tomorrow.

I don’t want Big Pharma to win. Believe me, occasional indulgences are fantastic, but aim for the long run. Your long life may depend on it.