The  August 2010 U.S. News & World Report issue includes an article titled Prescription: Ask Questions First. Don’t take a drug unless you know why you’re getting it- and the risks.

The article states that a full 61% of adults use at least 1 prescription drug on a regular basis for a chronic health problem. Many people expect a prescription at every doctor’s visit and many doctors are often too happy to oblige.

The article cautions us not to swallow any pill ordered without a second thought. First ask

1. Why am I getting this drug?

2. What are the risks vs. the benefits?

3. Is there an older drug or lifestyle alteration that works just as well?

4. Will it interfere with my other medications?

5. Does this drug prevent real clinical events?

At the Center, our goal is to really understand and get to the root cause of your symptoms and health issue. Often simple lifestyle changes such as avoidance of certain foods and adding exercise can make a tremendous difference. Working in harmony with our body’s own physiology and getting back to the basics of how our bodies function, is sometimes all that is needed to feel better. For example, magnesium is used in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Our diets are usually lacking in this vital mineral. Just taking 300 mg of magnesium at night helps to relax muscles, as well as enable you to sleep better. It can also lower blood pressure…. naturally.

Optimal health can be achieved with an effective partnership with your physician. An effort has to be made by the patient to make positive, simple lifestyle changes. There is no magic pill that will take care of all your health problems. You have to be an active and informed partner in your healthcare and take ownership.