From the Medicine Cabinet

When we are not feeling good, or are in the throes of an illness we long for a remedy, a cure, some relief of any sort. We resort to taking medications of all kinds in pursuit of feeling better. But is it worth the risk of possibly suffering major side effects? When we’re hurting do we read and heed warnings on labels as carefully as we should? Do we just console ourselves with the thought that dire side effects are only remotely possible?  I was moved to consider medication consequences after hearing commercials for an increasing number of maladies and conditions I’d never heard about before and the pharmacological solutions recommended. 

            Side effects cited in various commercials may include routine headaches, migraine headaches, seizures, confusion, loss of vision, loss of hearing, abdominal pain, yellowing of skin and eyes, osteoporosis, kidney stones, kidney failure, breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, dehydration and the ever dire suicidal tendencies. Should you experience any of these side effects, these symptoms, you are urged to immediately contact your doctor.      

I hope I don’t come across as being unduly light about the situation as conditions associated with such side effects are no laughing matter. But side effects mentioned in commercials are presented in a matter-of-fact manner that I find hard to swallow.

On another matter, a recent story on KYW Newsradio detailed the hazards faced by pregnant women and their developing babies from a chemical found in plastic water bottles, cigarette filters, even second-hand smoke.  The story warned against exposure to the objectionable chemical as much as possible. The story was followed by another recommending ways to keep squirrels from chewing up Holiday pumpkins and gourds placed on porches. An interviewed garden expert recommend using chemicals that smell like mint or garlic or if more was needed fox urine.  That’s right fox urine. I’m not sure how they got the fox to pee in a bottle but the end results are what matters. I mean us humans on occasion at the doctor’s office pee in a bottle. What got me was the juxtaposition of the stories…one warning against chemicals butted up against a story recommending the use of chemicals. I’ll see you later. I’m off to pee on my pumpkin.