What Doctors Don't Tell YouAbout half of all senior patients take several prescribed or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs simultaneously, and frequently over prolonged periods. Many conditions mistakenly considered new diseases are, in fact, unrecognised drug interactions
DRUGS FOR THE ELDERLY: They're a health hazard (the drugs, that is)
Most of us believe that, as we get older, we’re going to suffer increasing disability and illness, and medicine convinces us that it’s just a natural part of aging. To deal with the symptoms of decline, we’re given a variety of prescription drugs ...
Regular exercise provides a myriad of health benefits: it can prevent premature death and lower the risk of disorders associated with ageing. Yet, up to three-quarters of the older adult population do not currently exercise at the recommended levels...
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that enhances immune function, and protects against cancer, heart disease, diabetic retinopathy and kidney disease. Very high doses (1800 IU/day) may reverse diabetic retinopathy and kidney disease. Vitamin C, another...
When prescribing for the elderly, ‘start low and go slow’ is the golden rule. Starting with a third to half the recommended dosage may help eliminate potential ill effects (Geriatrics, 1996; 51: 26-30, 35). In addition, there’s a whole range of...
I take a prescription drug, an angiotensin receptor antagonist, called Aprovel (irbesartan) following a myocardial infarction seven years ago. Although Aprovel should only be used for high blood pressure,
LOSING OUR EYESIGHT: Drop the fats, drop the risk
Among elderly hospitalised patients, diphenhydramine given to aid sleep comes with an increased risk of delirium and other adverse events.
SUFFER THE CHILDREN: Drugs that kill and harm the very young
