Another bombshell out of the AHA conference going on now in New Orleans:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/15/healt...isk/index.html?

Add this to kidney disease I remembered after first posting this as separate thread.

Story in Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifes...1116-story.html

My objective after having gone through many of the symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome is to live medication-free. That includes all over-the-counter medications as well. Due to a radical lack of science and understanding of how these exogenous treatments of symptoms can disrupt and damage health over time, I find it far healthier to remain pill and medication-free. Findings like these support the idea that the most sensible approach to health is one that embraces and emphasizes sound nutrition. The body and metabolism are uniquely and remarkably capable of sustained health when fed the right fuel and nutrient sources.

Well stated. I too avoid all medication, prescription and over the counter, whenever possible which, for the past few years, has been always. I focus on nutrition instead. It seems to be working well for me. It is sad that this is an anomaly among people my age. By the age of 68 (nearly there) you're expected to be taking multiple drugs. Many of us here are able to avoid that.

Jean

Same here! I will need to be in some dire situation to be considering taking any drug.

Glad to read the replies here. I just mentioned to a relative that I don't take any prescription drugs and got lectured on how I was jeopardizing my health and had to "prepare" for drugs I would NEED as I get older.

I have aspirin and Neosporin in my medicine cabinet (and rarely take the aspirin). I do sometimes use herbal extracts and teas for colds.

That doesn't mean my health is perfect, I do have joint pain and other things, but apply rest and herbal teas as remedies. I research everything carefully before I try it.

It doesn't mean I'm closed to remedies, but I just can't accept that you have to endure side effects, sometimes dangerous, in taking prescription medicines.

I take Armour thyroid. Since my accident nearly three years ago, IF I get a headache that's intractable, I'll take one naproxen, because they last longer and can allow the headache to go away before they wear off.

Otherwise, it's pretty much rest, hot/cold treatments, or an herbal remedy for me.

Me too!

I have aspirin in my medicine closet but just for family visitors who ask for it.

I had an interesting exchange with a lady at my Mennonite church. The oldsters in that tradition avoided medicine and drug-taking including over-the-counter meds. This person, a thirty-something, thinks that idea is as old-fashioned as gauze caps and modest attire, not something one does any more. (This is a progressive urban congregation that is not conservative now, but many of their parents and grandparents were.)

I think the oldsters have it right and the thirty-something does not realize the harm of thinking drugs are a normal part of life.