No prescriptions, please

The Washington Times ^ | 8-9-05 | Ann Geracimos

[JZelle]

District pharmacist Edward Watkins Jr., 62, doesn't take the prescription medicines he dispenses to others daily. Brian Ross, 41, a trained chef who is head instructor at L'Academie de Cuisine in Gaithersburg, doesn't need supplementary drugs to keep his heart and weight in balance although he is surrounded at work by rich food in great quantities. A 57-year-old Capitol Hill writer relies on aspirin and vitamins rather than expensive doses of Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering drug given to her by her physician following an operation to insert stents into her arteries. Though their stories necessarily are anecdotal, the three are representative of a segment of the adult American population often overlooked in medical reports: people who, through personal choice (rather than because of religious belief) are living well without relying on prescription medications. These aren't people who routinely disobey doctors' orders. Nor are they regular practitioners of so-called alternative or complementary medicine such as acupuncture. Mr. Ross, in fact consulted a physician for help losing weight. They also don't routinely criticize pharmaceutical companies. Mr. Watkins enjoys good health without understanding exactly why. He is reluctant to give any snappy or sappy explanations. "Everyone else in my family has high blood pressure," he says. His doctor, he says, "is somewhat amazed" each time he gets his annual physical exam. He doesn't work at being well, although he eats at least one good meal a day. He doesn't do any regular exercise, and he enjoys a bag of chips and a bottle of soda daily. (His personal physician has prescribed antidepressants for him on occasion, when he has felt low or has experienced mood swings for good reason.)

[JZelle]

I noticed how HMO doctors start writing your prescription as soon as you start talking.

[mel]

There are some people who make it thru life with limited prescriptions. There are others such as heart failure patients who take numerous medications. If at all possible, it is best to stay from any medications, but if you need them, then take them.

[3AngelaD]

This is the wonderful Mr. Watkins who is the pharmacist at the CVS on the corner of 6th and Pennsylvania SE. He is a great guy with a calm disposition, and a really competent filler of prescriptions. He always takes the time to get things right. I couldn't believe it when I saw his picture in the paper today. But the CVS he works in is a madhouse.

[The SISU kid]

I noticed how HMO doctors start writing your prescription as soon as you start talking.

Indeed! It raises my blood pressure every time I go to my family Dr. for an 11:00 appointment just to sit in the waiting room as scores of Pharmaceutical Reps walk in and out at their leisure to push the meds....1 hour and 15 minutes later you finally get into the examination room just to sit there ANTOHER 1/2 hour!! And they wonder why my BP is elevated???!!!

All to often they throw meds at the symptoms instead of treating the problem!!

[JZelle]

Legalized drug pushers I tell ya'!

Love the slinkie line in your title.

[ahayes]

A 57-year-old Capitol Hill writer relies on aspirin and vitamins rather than expensive doses of Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering drug given to her by her physician following an operation to insert stents into her arteries. Though their stories necessarily are anecdotal, the three are representative of a segment of the adult American population often overlooked in medical reports: people who, through personal choice (rather than because of religious belief) are living well without relying on prescription medications.

Yeah, she'll live well until she keels over with a heart attack. Not too smart.