Why Senior Citizens turn into Chemical Waste Dumps

Sorry - that sounds a bit harsh. But darn it, I believe it! Many of the seniors I know are taking so many pills every day, and looking worse all the time, that I fear for their lives.

Last week I thought I had the reason. I was talking with a neighbor about a herbal spray I'd found that really seems to cure cuts and other skin problems in a hurry. He said he wasn't into herbs - he'd had enough of that when he was a kid.

Instead, he uses whatever drugs his doctor prescribes. Thankfully, he isn't taking too many, so he still has energy and looks to be in good health. But many of my other friends do not.

It occurred to me then that many of our older citizens have seen fantastic advances in medicine during their lifetimes - and have grown to trust and believe in doctors and the pills they prescribe. Somehow that trust has kept them from noticing that a good number of today's medications can be deadly.

Then today I learned of a second, more serious reason why Americans are turning to pharmaceuticals when they'd be healthier with natural supplements, herbs, Bach Flower Essences, and even better nutrition.

It's the money.

Not the money that big pharm is raking in - the money that seniors on fixed incomes just plain don't have.

Medicade and other insurance programs will pay big bucks for prescription drugs, but they won't pay a dime for a bottle of CoQ10, or a quart of mangosteen juice.

I talked with a woman today who told me she pays from $1 to $3 each for her prescriptions - some of which would cost her as much as $300 if she didn't have insurance. She said the over-the-counter drugs she takes cost about $30 per month, and she can barely afford to use them. She tried Goji juice, and it did make her feel better if she took 2 or 3 ounces a day, but she simply can't afford it.

I understand why big pharm wants people hooked on drugs - it's money in their pocket. But why are insurance companies and Medicade unwilling to provide a cheaper, safer alternative? They'd save money, and perhaps even help people regain their health.

Could be they're controlled by big pharm. What do you think?

Yours for pharm-free health,

Marte