Thanks, Susie! Fascinating! Actually, my ex-hub, who is now my friend
, has lowered his blood pressure and pretty much controlled his diabetes with diet and exercise. He is off blood pressure and diabetes pills. Maybe if doctors said, "Let's try a lifestyle change first" more people would be able to pass on the drugs. I get really angry at how influential the drug companies are, especially regarding our push to get everybody insured. The drug companies are so influential with politicians on both sides of the aisle that they help keep so many millions of Americans uninsured. Infuriates me.
I also get angry when I see a medication advertised on television. I think that should be banned. I don't think any other country allows drugs to be advertized on the tube, and I find it appalling. I heard just recently on NPR that doctors are hearing, "Hi. I came here to get Prozac" (example) because of all the advertising. This, in spite of the fact that half the commercial is filled with all of the drug's horrific side effects.
I do dislike the drug companies. Whenever I can, I use generics.