« Back to story "Study: Over half of Americans on chronic medicines"

Comments for Study: Over half of Americans on chronic medicines »

Posted By idyll 1 year, 7 months ago in Style

For the first time, it appears that more than half of all insured Americans are taking prescription medicines regularly for chronic health problems, a study shows.

Read Full Story at newsvine.com »

RSS Join the Discussion

+ Add Comment
Comments So Far: 37
- Display
  • Neutral
    berkeley1 year, 7 months ago

    This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

    my dentist told me about three/fourths of her patients are taking prescription drugs.

    this is largely a scam between the insurance foks and big pharm.

    (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 2) (recursion depth : 1) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
    Reply

    10 Replies

    loading loading ...
    • Neutral
      DropkickaLib1 year, 7 months ago

      This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

      I've got a chronic condition related to Crone's Disease and believe me, I need to take my pills everyday. The alternative is to literally feel like my guts are falling out.

      (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 3) (recursion depth : 2) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
      Reply

      6 Replies

      loading loading ...
      • Neutral
        bluetexasvalley1 year, 7 months ago

        This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

        Drop, don't walk, run, to your local grocery store and find, in the dairy case, a yogurt called "Activia". Eat one of the small containers every day. You won't believe how much it will help.

        (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 4) (recursion depth : 3) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
        Reply

        2 Replies

        loading loading ...
        • Neutral
          DropkickaLib1 year, 7 months ago

          This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

          Really, it will help Ulcerative Colitis?

          (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 5) (recursion depth : 4) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
          Reply
          loading loading ...
          • Neutral
            rekia1 year, 7 months ago

            This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

            money is made on TREATMENT.

            (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 5) (recursion depth : 4) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
            Reply
            loading loading ...
          • Neutral
            Will13131 year, 7 months ago

            This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

            take care of that I have a friend who died from what you describe.. took him over a year.. he went from 250 to 89 when he passed..

            (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 4) (recursion depth : 3) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
            Reply

            1 Reply

            loading loading ...
            • Neutral
              DropkickaLib1 year, 7 months ago

              This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

              Colitis isn't as bad as Crone's and my case is under control with maintainence medication. Crone's can't be surgically cured and the lesions can eat through the intestine into surrounding organs. Aggressive steriod treatment can help but some people do die from Crone's.

              (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 5) (recursion depth : 4) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
              Reply
              loading loading ...
            • Neutral
              Goppy1 year, 7 months ago

              This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

              Oh Droppy!

              Now I see why you post such bile.

              Im so sorry.

              However, I think its important to realize that words have meaning and power and you shouldnt just use the internet as your own personal linquistic toilet bowl.

              Know what I mean?

              (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 4) (recursion depth : 3) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
              Reply
              loading loading ...
            • Neutral
              mjw20251 year, 7 months ago

              This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

              Why would it be a scam? Insurance companies have to pay when one fills a prescription. They'd rather you have insurance but not have have claims.

              (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 3) (recursion depth : 2) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
              Reply

              2 Replies

              loading loading ...
              • Neutral
                berkeley1 year, 7 months ago

                This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                state laws connect the amount insurance companies can charge their customers to how much they have to pay out on claims.

                zero claims means zero income. mass claims equals mass income.

                (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 4) (recursion depth : 3) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                Reply

                1 Reply

                loading loading ...
                • Neutral
                  IanFraigun1 year, 7 months ago

                  This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                  Not the way the insurance industry works. I should know I have worked in that industry for over 10 years. You set rates based on expected losses not on past losses. Your goal then is to pay out less than you take in using the delay in payments to invest the premiums so you even make money when you have a bad year.

                  Only some states and only some coverages like automobiles are restricted by the state and the state may prevent increases, but unless there is a change in the law will not demand decreases.

                  (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 5) (recursion depth : 4) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                  Reply
                  loading loading ...
            • Neutral
              bluetexasvalley1 year, 7 months ago

              This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

              I read many years ago that 80% of illnesses people go to a doctor for could have been prevented with exercise and proper nutrition. I am 65 and take no prescription drugs.

              (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 2) (recursion depth : 1) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
              Reply

              3 Replies

              loading loading ...
              • Neutral
                rightfromwrong1 year, 7 months ago

                This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                True...big business in food is leading us to big pharma. More money funneling up to the rich and rich corporations. All part of the plan

                (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 3) (recursion depth : 2) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                Reply
                loading loading ...
              • Neutral
                thoughtforsale1 year, 7 months ago

                This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                I think that many doctors feel somehow "guilty", when their patients leave without a prescription (But on the other hand, many patients complain: He didn´t do anything. He only asked me some questions!). I once read that in Germany, 80% of the visits at a doctor end up with the handing out of a prescription form. Of course, this doesn´t take as much time as searching intensively for what the patient´s deeper problems are!

                (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 2) (recursion depth : 1) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                Reply

                1 Reply

                loading loading ...
                • Neutral
                  bluetexasvalley1 year, 7 months ago

                  This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                  My doctor knows I don't like to take prescription drugs, so she takes the holistic approach with me. I do take multivitamins and antioxidants like fish oil capsules, natural estrogen, etc. But I also eat salmon and tuna four times a week and at least seven fruits & vegetables every day.

                  Most doctors don't know much about nutrition. :)

                  Most doctors don't know much about nutrition. :)

                  Thing about salmon is only the wild salmon is good for you, not the Atlantic (farm-raised) kind. And stay away from the tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, etc.

                  (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 3) (recursion depth : 2) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                  Reply
                  loading loading ...
                • Neutral
                  Will13131 year, 7 months ago

                  This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                  because money is made on TREATMENT.. not CURE..

                  (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 2) (recursion depth : 1) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                  Reply
                  loading loading ...
                  • Neutral
                    TheRealizer1 year, 7 months ago

                    This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                    A balanced diet and an active lifestyle have enabled me to be doctor free for 68 years. Instead of a handful of pills I drink coffee and smoke in the mornings..(should quit smoking)..

                    (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 2) (recursion depth : 1) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                    Reply

                    2 Replies

                    loading loading ...
                    • Neutral
                      bluetexasvalley1 year, 7 months ago

                      This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                      I smoke, too, but I can walk a 10K without any shortness of breath.

                      (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 3) (recursion depth : 2) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                      Reply

                      1 Reply

                      loading loading ...
                      • Neutral
                        Goppy1 year, 7 months ago

                        This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                        Everbodys different!

                        (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 4) (recursion depth : 3) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                        Reply
                        loading loading ...
                    • Neutral
                      jumpmaster1 year, 7 months ago

                      This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                      High blood pressure and high cholesterol are preventable with proper diet and exercise.

                      It is not a doctor/drug company scam or conspiracy that Americans want a short cut.

                      (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 2) (recursion depth : 1) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                      Reply

                      1 Reply

                      loading loading ...
                      • Neutral
                        nostalgia1 year, 7 months ago

                        This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                        That is true in many cases but in some people there is a genetic predisposition for the liver to make too much cholesterol regardless of dietary intake

                        Rhe newer meds block absorption of cholesterol in the GI tract AND production in the liver

                        Several hormones in the body are derived from cholesterol including testosterone and estrogen. That is why the body has a means to manufacture it's own cholesterol

                        (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 3) (recursion depth : 2) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                        Reply
                        loading loading ...
                      • Neutral
                        cleare1 year, 7 months ago

                        This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                        this is not surprising in a country that supports for-profit health care. while many people do have chronic illness requiring medication, probably half of the medicated, don't.

                        it is all about the way pharmaceuticals are marketed. saturation tv advertising tells americans that all their problems can be solved by their company's little (and expensive) pill. and have you noticed that it is always medication for very common ailments? pharmaceutical corporations won't even develop medications for diseases that are too rare to be "profitable".

                        not to mention the extremely well paid pharmaceutical sales reps peddling their products to doctors and encouraging use by providing large quantities of "samples". reminds me of how kids get hooked on illegal drugs. start giving it away, get them addicted and then they'll pay.

                        unfortunately, americans "swallow" it.

                        (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 2) (recursion depth : 1) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                        Reply
                        loading loading ...
                        • Neutral
                          TweekerchickQC1 year, 7 months ago

                          This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                          Im one of those people.

                          It's not like I'm some crazy pill popper (Im crazy WAY before the pills ;) ) .

                          I have to take asthma and allergy medicine daily to keep from, well, dying. It sucks. It really sucks to have a pharmacy in your purse.

                          I know there are people who want a pill for everything but there are just as many of us who would rather not take them but have to. Boo to that I say.

                          (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 2) (recursion depth : 1) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                          Reply

                          4 Replies

                          loading loading ...
                          • Neutral
                            bluetexasvalley1 year, 7 months ago

                            This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                            Tweekerchick, see if you can find a book called "Winning the War Within" by Floyd Chilton. Failing that, look for his book "Inflamation Nation". Amazing!

                            (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 3) (recursion depth : 2) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                            Reply

                            1 Reply

                            loading loading ...
                            • Neutral
                              TweekerchickQC1 year, 7 months ago

                              This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                              I will look into that!

                              (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 4) (recursion depth : 3) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                              Reply
                              loading loading ...
                            • Neutral
                              IanFraigun1 year, 7 months ago

                              This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                              Agree with you there. Many if not most of us on chronic medical treatment would rather not take the drugs.

                              When I was younger I actually let asthma caused by cat danger to get so bad I had to go to the emergency room for a shot of adrenaline to be able to breath. Rather than take the medications forever I took the full series of tests and went through two years of desensitizing injections three times a week. Occasionally take an OTC anti-histamine but been relatively free of issues for over 30 years now.

                              (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 3) (recursion depth : 2) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                              Reply

                              1 Reply

                              loading loading ...
                              • Neutral
                                TweekerchickQC1 year, 7 months ago

                                This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                                Nice! Im glad you have some relief. Not being able to breathe is the worst feeling ever. Because you panic but can't articulate that.

                                I've been the proud recipient of many a chest tube, I'm glad that my symptoms seem to be calming down a bit.

                                (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 4) (recursion depth : 3) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                                Reply
                                loading loading ...
                            • Neutral
                              nostalgia1 year, 7 months ago

                              This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                              I found it interesting that the article didn't mention Viagra, Levitra or Cialis

                              According to a study published in 2002:

                              The fastest growing segments of users were found to be men 18 to 45 years and 46 to 55 years, who experienced increases in use of 312% and 216%, respectively, over the study period

                              Men 56 years and older continued to receive the majority of Viagra prescriptions.

                              (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 2) (recursion depth : 1) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                              Reply

                              4 Replies

                              loading loading ...
                              • Neutral
                                TheRealizer1 year, 7 months ago

                                This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                                I don't think those could be called medication, more like self help for advanced age......

                                (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 3) (recursion depth : 2) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                                Reply

                                3 Replies

                                loading loading ...
                                • Neutral
                                  nostalgia1 year, 7 months ago

                                  This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                                  "more like self help for advanced age"

                                  Is that why the study showed the fastest growing segments of users were found to be men 18 to 45 years?

                                  They are certainly medication - they require a prescription and have side effects

                                  (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 4) (recursion depth : 3) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                                  Reply

                                  2 Replies

                                  loading loading ...
                                  • Neutral
                                    IanFraigun1 year, 7 months ago

                                    This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                                    I believe more self help for those who are so poor at intamacy they can't let nature respond as it should in intamate emotional situations. Things are not always perf3ect but I prefer nature to do its thing rather than that kind of medication.

                                    (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 5) (recursion depth : 4) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                                    Reply

                                    1 Reply

                                    loading loading ...
                                    • Neutral
                                      Will13131 year, 7 months ago

                                      This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                                      well it's kind of fun to fire up doobie and pop a viagra.. just make sure you have a partner.... WOW..

                                      (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 6) (recursion depth : 5) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                                      Reply
                                      loading loading ...
                              • Neutral
                                joeblowe1 year, 7 months ago

                                This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                                I too, was one of those who at one time took no drugs other than for occasional aspirin. Now, I'm taking several. Some for hi blood fats - which diet does NOT help - some for migraine prevention - some for cronic back pain due to spondylolisthesis - which didn't bother me when I was younger. Now, if I start to think maybe I don't really NEED those pain killers and try to NOT take them for a day or two, my back gets so damn sore I can hardly walk. I hate it, but the alternative is even less attractive.

                                (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 2) (recursion depth : 1) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                                Reply

                                1 Reply

                                loading loading ...
                                • Neutral
                                  IanFraigun1 year, 7 months ago

                                  This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                                  Believe me it can get worse than just some pain. I have been having pain trouble with my feet lately, a lot due to a couple of broken toes there is not much you can do about. Due to my anticoagulants the only pain reliever I can take is Tylanol or Vicodan (tylanol hydrocodone) as that has the least impact on my chronic condition medicines.

                                  Still it does have an impact and causes levels of anticoagulant in my blood to increase and my dosage to be reduced. I worry that when I get of the pain killers I might not be getting enough of the other medication to prevent a serious stroke or other issue. I do have to have my blood tested for that level regularly and am trying to work now with my clinic to determine how to back of the pain killers without other issues occuring.

                                  Very simplistic but there can be real dangers in mixing drugs, even if one of them is a common OTC medication.

                                  (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 3) (recursion depth : 2) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                                  Reply
                                  loading loading ...
                                • Neutral
                                  MisterX1 year, 7 months ago

                                  This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

                                  50% That means they are half-way to achieving their ultimate goal: Get everybody on some chronic medication. Tons of money to be made there.

                                  BTW, until the women's liberation movement, they could only tax half of the population.

                                  Go figure.

                                  (comment_max_expanded_depth : 100000) (comment depth : 2) (recursion depth : 1) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 100000)
                                  Reply
                                  loading loading ...

                                  Add a Comment

                                  Sign In With Your Propeller Account

                                  Forgot your password?

                                  Please keep your comments relevant to this story.

                                  To create a live link, simply type the URL (including http://) or email address and we will make it a live link for you. You can put up to 3 URLs in your comments. Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br /> tags.