Rising Health Care Costs

As reported by Reuters yesterday, prescription drugs are on the rise.

Alarmingly, the biggest increase in prescribed drugs is among the youth of our Nation.

According to Medco Health Solutions, as reported, "More than one in four insured children in the United States and nearly 30 percent of adolescents aged 10 to 19 took at least one prescription medicine to treat a chronic condition in 2009."

Of exceptional note, according to the report, the use of prescription drugs among youth is nearly four times higher than the general population of Main Street USA.

And nearly all of these drugs are paid for by an insurance provider.

That is not the worst of it.

The forecast in pharmaceutical spending is expected to rise up to 18 percent over the next two years, Medco projects.

The nine-year study by Medco reveals that the use of antipsychotics has doubled in America since 2001, despite the fact that the use of some types of antipsychotic drugs is associated with "significant weight gain and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes."

And, watching TV commercials for many drugs, the warning is provided that the use of such may increase suicidal thoughts or tendencies, and, possibly, even death. (All while watching happy-go-lucky people in a pleasant environment.)

Drugs are not the answer to most physical or mental issues.

Many millions of people who follow a holistic approach to life believe that a number of the drugs that are prescribed are not needed if people altered their diet and exercised more. And there are numerous studies to support those beliefs.

The health benefits dervied from fruits and vegetables are especially tremendous.

With the wealth of information available on the Internet, in libraries, and elsewhere, people should make more informed decisions before accepting a prescription for a drug to treat something that affects their health and well-being.

And, drives the cost of health care up even further.

Over For Now.

Main Street One