Is "risk of..." an actual disease?

[CanSocDem]

'...risk of diseases like heart events for which you'd take a statin like Lipitor, osteoporosis for which you'd take a bone drug like Boniva and asthma attacks for which you'd use a second asthma drug like Advair.'


http://www.alternet.org/story/150656/how_big_pharma%27s_deceptive_advertising_helps_addict_patients%2C_screw_over_doctors_and_jack_up_insurance_rates?page=entire

[HysteryDiagnosis]

1. They sometimes attempt to turn us into hypoclowndriacs. n/t

[Richard D]

2. K&R

For an article that could save lives.

[Turbineguy]

3. It's the perfect solution.

You don't risk getting a disease and they don't risk lowering profits.

[LeftishBrit]

4. No. But prevention is better than cure.

Sometimes the risks of side effects of the preventive drugs are greater than the risks of the disease. Sometimes the reverse is the case. In any case, whether Big Pharma profits is neither a good reason for taking a drug nor a good reason for not taking it.

I am at moderate risk for osteoporosis. I don't currently take a bone drug, but I take Vitamin D and calcium, on NHS prescription. Is that Good because it's a nutritional treatment, or Bad because a doctor is prescribing it?

[SheilaT]

5. Making everything a medical condition for which

you need to be taking medication goes back a couple of decades now. Because I don't own a TV I am spared most advertizing. Sometimes when I actually watch real TV I'm quite astonished at what's being pushed, especially medications. And then there are the three or four page ads in magazines pushing some medication or another.

Pretty soon it's going to escalate far beyond suggesting that those who are at some statistical risk for a disease, to the idea that EVERYONE should be taking preventative meds. So often the side effects are quite serious. It's one thing if you have some particular disease, quite another if you're simply at some statistical, distant risk.

Personally, I avoid doctors and oddly enough I'm the healthiest person I know. I'm 62, and I'm not sure I know anyone else my age who isn't taking at least one prescription medication.

[CanSocDem]

6. Indeed!

Your freedom from medical industry propaganda, is very good for your health. Such is not the case for most of the USA.

Most people feel they have to choose between 'science' or 'religion' to maintain health. Dumping the TV, creates innumerable alternatives. Free's the mind from the relentless barrage of information designed to make the citizen malleable.

...To your health!!


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