Arthritis Suffers – Don’t Take Glucosamine
Dear Pharmacist,
In a recent column, you said that a person should NOT take
glucosamine if they have Rheumatoid Arthritis, but that it was
useful for people with osteoarthritis. I have just been diagnosed
with Rheumatoid Arthritis and my doctor started me on
glucosamine and chondroitin immediately. Why is this a problem?
C.P., Coral [...]

Published 2-28-09

Dear Pharmacist, I’ve been taking glaucoma eye drops for 6 years. My vision is still getting worse and I fear going blind. Can you tell me about my medication options so I can ask my doctor which is best for me?  –G.F.  Dallas, Texas

Answer: For the most part glaucoma is an affliction of older [...]

Dear Pharmacist,

I want to take vitamin E to protect my heart, and the pharmacist said any brand is fine, that all of them are the same. I know how picky you are about supplements. Do you agree?

D.P., Nashville, Tennessee.

ANSWER: No, if you are going to spend money on supplements, why [...]

Taking medicine often means you are likely being robbed of essential nutrients because drugs can reduce your body’s stores of vital life-sustaining nutrients.When a drug robs your body of a nutrient you will experience another effect of that drug, something you  call a “side effect.”   You probably didn’t know that [...]

Published 2-21-09

Dear Pharmacist,

I am very afraid of getting cancer because it runs in my family. The stress makes me vigilant about eating right: I’m a vegan and I take medicinal mushrooms and vitamin C every day. Am I on the right track?

–V.D., Salt Lake City, Utah

Answer: Yes, and your fear is understandable. About 1.5 million [...]

My teenage daughter observes older couples occasionally while we are eating out, and remarks on how cute they are together.  Usually they are in their 70’s and having a nice peaceful meal, quietly engaging in conversation.

She refers to these moments as “bagel moments.”  I like that.  From her perspective, she see “old people” sharing [...]

Published 2-14-09
Dear Pharmacist,
The television news said that taking multivitamins will not help me prevent cancer or heart disease. I take several supplements. Have I been wasting my money for years? — W.M. Springfield, Illinios
A: It’s a bad game they’re playing. Like many studies this conclusion is drawn from fake science and then promoted to naive [...]

Published 2-7-09

Dear Readers,

The last few months of medical news has provided some outstanding studies. Read on for some interesting odds and ends that may impact your health. Suzy

Is Vicks VapoRub really dangerous for kids?

I’m not thoroughly convinced that the smelly stuff in the blue jar is dangerous, even though ferrets have trouble with it. In [...]