They say that numbers don’t lie. So when statistics clearly show that for the first time ever in the U.S.A. prescription drugs have killed more people than car accidents, even the CDC is forced to face the sad truth.
The numbers reported just a couple of days ago by ABC News, are based on the over 37,000 people who died of a prescription drug overdose in 2009, surpassing car accident deaths by 1,200 victims.
In an interview conducted by the network, Dr. Leonard Paulozzi from the CDC pointed out that prescription drugs – and not illegal drugs – are to be blamed. He explained that:
“There has been a dramatic increase in use of prescription drugs as physicians have become more liberal in prescribing them. And with the decrease in the motor vehicle crash mortality rate, drug-induced deaths have now passed motor vehicle crash deaths.” 1
He also clarified that most of the deaths were caused by accidental opioid painkiller overdoses. Indeed, opioid overdoses can be blamed for sending almost 306,000 patients to a hospital emergency room. That’s more than double the ER visits in 2004, according to a recent CDC study.2
The Real Problem
It is becoming more and more evident that the quick-fix band-aid take-this-pill-and-go-home approach to medicine does not work. Whether opiates for pain or medications to treat symptoms of chronic health problems, prescription drugs have undesirable side effects. The question is, who will be the one that gets to pay the consequences… who will be the next statistic.
So the real problem is not that doctors are prescribing too many drugs. The problem goes much deeper than that; it’s the way in which medicine treats the diseases – whether physical or mental.
You see, when the underlying cause of a condition is not addressed, drugs only mask the symptoms, all the while their side effects keep piling up, causing yet more damage. Because unfortunately, the…
Long-Term Consequences of Drugs are Often Unknown!
Take for example bisphosphonates, the most commonly prescribed osteoporosis drugs such as Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, and Reclast – to name a few. Besides their long list of side effects that might happen soon after starting the treatment, it is only recently that new and more dangerous long-term side effects have been identified, such as an increased risk of esophageal cancer, atypical femur fractures, and kidney failure (the latter from the Reclast IV).
And these newfound side effects not only surprised the unsuspecting patients, they also surprised the scientific world. Indeed, drug pioneers often end up as drug guinea pigs! But I’m not here to criticize medicine. I’m here to show you the way to…
The Drug-Free Osteoporosis Solution
In spite of the unfortunate number of prescription drug victims, there is a silver lining here. Because these statistics show that now, more than ever, it makes sense to seek an alternative therapy, and that includes of course, an osteoporosis therapy that tackles the real cause of bone loss.
So if you haven't already done so, and want to bring your bone health to the next level, get the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. It’s your best “insurance policy” against becoming yet one more osteoporosis prescription drug victim.
Stay naturally healthy!
References
1 https://abcnews.go.com/Health/Drugs/drug-deaths-exceed-traffic-deaths/story?id=14554903
2 https://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2010/r100617.htm
Informative article , I am thankful for the points – Does someone know if my company could find a blank a form document to use ?
Thank you so much for the information I wish there is more like you, people would live longer.
I like your very informative articles very much DR.Goldschmidt, such as the dangers of prescription drugs. It really amazes me why people become so gullible to these dangerous chemicals, and are willing to take a great risk of future injury and death and doing so much harm to their bodies when very safe alternatives can be used with no risk of any complications to their future well being. In fact, people so carelessly go against the natural abilities of the body and stop or interupt what the body is trying to do when taking something that is instantly rejected with the natural process in trying to keep the body in good and functioning health! I could see many years ago because of being interested in preventative medicine that it definitly goes against what God has created in us to maintain good health. People themselves are to blame, because they do not take responsibility, and do personal research regarding the best of care of the human body and drugs for the most part are not the answer to maintaining good health. Maybe one day people will wake up to that fact. Thanks again.
Hi Vivian,
You probably have posted this already,but where and what kind of supplements do you take for your bone health?
Thank you
Lynn
i recently got a bone scan and am ready to slip into osteopenia. im on the border. i take synthroid 100 mcg since 1972. my thyroid was radiated because of uncontrollable hyperthyroidism in 72. i dont take any rx except the thyroid. i got the book today. i guess i need to change the type of calcium i take.
Vivian: Page 107, Chapter 9 of your second book, shows spelt in both the alkalizing and the acidifying columns. In your first book it is shown as acidifying. I eat spelt cereal every morning and would hope it is alkalizing, but maybe not. Is it a mistake in the alkalizing column? Another question, is it a bad idea, bone-wise, to take prescribed Levothyroxine for an alleged low thyroid condition. If so, I will discontinue it despite my physician. Hope to hear from you. Barbara
Now I have been diagnosed with diverticulitis, and find that many things I should eat for my bones, now I can’t eat. Any advice?
What chices does one have? I take Levothyroxine 0.075 mg saw a study saying that this medication takes away about 20% of your bone desity. I follow your diet more or less since Feb this year when I stoped Fosomax after 5 years. I am healthy and in good shape have exercised all my life! It is like: “I be dambed if I do and I be dambed if I don’t”
Is there anything I can take that is natural instead of the meds? My healthcare provider is not helping me at all in my quest.
Vivian,
I appreciate everything you are doing to help people with Osteoporosis and other bone debillitating ailments; my concern is what or do you have any opinion about blood thinners; I am trying to do some research on it, but have really never found a direction to take. I believe in holistic medicines and would like not to have to take these harmful substances throughout my life. Just wondering if you have any opinion or reference information for me.
I’m glad you appreciate my work, Char. Your appreciation is appreciated right back! 🙂
Sorry, but I don’t have any information for you about blood thinners — my research is currently focused on osteoporosis and bone health. Your best bet would be to consult with a naturopathic physician or other holistic doctor. Best of luck getting the answers you need!
Hi Vivian, Last week I put in a comment – thanking you for the “smoothie” – and I asked you about NATTO – I have read , and the folk at the Oriental Foods told me that it is very good for Vitamin K – do you have some advice on it – it works in with Vitamin D – Thanks Vivian – looking forward to hearing from you – Kelsey.
Kelsey, since most of the soy crop in the US is GMO (genetically modified), make sure you get organic natto. Other than that issue, it’s fine to eat some natto — fyi, most Vitamin K2 supplements are derived from natto.
I bought your book and try very hard to follow it. You gave me hope! I feel better and my spirits have risen. Thank you
That’s wonderful to hear, Elizabeth. Keep your spirits high and never lose hope!
Let me just say this about the numbers you put up on the article, it is a fact that the number of deaths due to prescription meds (koltar preps=petroleum waste) reformulated to
mimic ingredient in plants=synthetic, is way over that little number you put forth! A 1997 set of stats show that over 200k people died back thenfrom prescription drug interactions. Allopathic Practice is not even grown up yet and yet they use fake stats and PR to hide the mass murder they commit yearly. However, the JAMA has come out 3ce and admitted to being the 3rd and now 2nd leading cause of death in the country!! The latest admission is in the lates JAMA. This is worst than what the NAZIS envisioned to correct the poopulation they considered useless eaters. THis policy is in effect today in the vast Medical Industrial CON-plex! AS a former OR nurse and ICU tech and researcher, I have first hand knowledge of the IATROGENESIS that is an ongoing disaster! Ck me out at http://www.tariksinfoworks.info or www thewellnessvillage.com, you won’t be disappointed! THanks for the info.
Vivian, your advice has truly the answer to my increased bone health. I’m a little confused on why you say “not flu shot”. Can you elaborate please.
Jackie, check out this blog post where I talked about the flu shot in detail: https://saveourbones.com/flu-shot/
My elderly mother passed away July 2011 of esophageal cancer. She had been on bisphosphonates for 5+ years. The only drug she took prior to being prescribed with Fosamax was Synthroid; no heart, blood pressure, sugar, etc. issues. No proof, but feel Fosamax caused her cancer. Thank you for your work in bringing prescription drug issues to our attention.
My thoughts, and I’m sure those of everyone in the Save Our Bones community are with you during these difficult times, dear Judy.
Thank you Vivian for all the good news and advices.We all love you and Admire you. If Only you are very near to me I will invite you to our house and cook a delicious meal, my husband is very good cook of Spring Rolls,very crispy not oily, he do not want deep fry he just cook in very little oil enough to cook very crispy.
I wish you good health all the time, God Bliss.
Sending you my love and affection,juvy
I’ll take a rain check for the invite Juvy! The Spring Rolls sound delicious… When you have a minute, maybe you could share your husband’s recipe with us 🙂 Love and affection to you too.
I bought your book and read your emails (all parts and comments) faithfully. Love the info. My doctor has pressured me to take Reclast for the past year, but I refuse it along with the annual flu shot. I am anemic with an ulcer. I have to eat red meat to get my blood count up, and I know it is not on the good side of the 80-20 side. I have sent in a couple of comments before. I have had two femur breaks after takng actonel for two and one half years. I won’t do any of those. again. I am a lot smarted thanks to you. My question: am I doing myself a lot of harm eating so much red meat. I try to eat a lot of greens.
Of course you can eat red meat, Liz! Just make sure you balance it properly with alkalizing goodies 🙂
Just now I have given coments about the e-mail of Vivian she said there are more killed in drugs than Car Accidents, I said it is very true.My e-mail was not accepted I was told error in the address, is it because I was telling abouyt the truth about the side effects of all the drugs that slowly kilss the people who took all this drugs?There is no error of the address, they do not want to accept the truth about the drugs that side effects intead of healing people company put all the side effects so that people keep taking them to get more profit, Not for the benefit o0f the health.
As I have mentioned this high Blood Pressure drugs up to 24 sides effects, people take them one afteranother drugs to prevent all the side effects but no way they all died too much to cope with thje body. Now Iam going to submit this and tell me what is the address if you will tell me error again juvy
I believe every word you say. I wonder how many people have had the experience of using the above-named drugs and had the problems they bring with them. Alway happy to hear any news you have!
Doctors give them out like candy and arnt really bothered about the patient , so long as the money from these drugs go in there back pocket they don’t give a dam , we need to address this problem,
How much iodine do we need every day? 150mgs/day
What do you think of those iodine/iodide
pills?
Thank you, Vivian, for all your good advise
and I keep reading your e-mails faithfully and also go back to your books once in a while.
It keeps me young and in shape even at 79 years young…
Therese
These are very interesting comments, and well worth evaluating.
Thanks for all the important information you have been sending me. It has been very helpful.
I love you bone book. It has really opened my eyes. Re: my eyes-I jsut had a eye exam and was recommended to me to start taking PreserVision or Ocuvite. What is your opinion on these.
I take Occuvite and it is a very good product. I’ve been taking it for years. These are vitamins for you eyes and also helps protect against macular degeneration. My opthaomologist is very happy that I takenthese and help keep my eyes strong.
Sherrine
Please embed a link in your informative webpage letters that allows its viewers to conveniently send a link or invitation to their friends. A copy-and-paste could do, sure, but it’s just not as likely to spur immediate action.
Aaron, I’ve made sure to have that link. Look at the top right of this page and you’ll see three little boxes. One is to “share” on Facebook, the second one is for Tweeter, and the third one shows a little envelope that says Email to a friend 🙂
I am a 79 year old Senior with type 2 Diabetes. My Doctor has just put me on more Calcium Magnesium + D for bone loss. I was taking 333mg./167mg/200IU, one a day and he has increased them to 3 a day. Is there any scientific reason where “more is better” in this case?
Annamay, I believe that “quality” is more important than “quantity”. So it depends on what kind of calcium and magnesium you are taking 🙂
Vivian: I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.
The only relief I get is with Percoset. Dr. would like me to try Savella. One half dosage for 14days. What is your opinion on this?
Darlene
Hey, Darlene. So good to hear from you after all this time! I haven’t researched Savella, but found this link that might be helpful to you:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000495/
Feel better soon!
Vivian
Has anyone looked into other drugs? Armour thyroid has a new filler which has made me extremely ill!
Bottom line, my friends: Please Read the Labels 🙂
Dear Vivian,you had mention there is more deaths caused by prescription drugs,than by accidents car it’s true.The CDC need to do something about it. It’s going too far. I loss my son 3 weeks ago.
My heart aches over your terrible loss, Carole. Be strong and please keep in touch.
With love,
Vivian
Dear Vivian,
I can’t thank you enough for your good advice (your book & emails!).
I got off Actonel 2 years ago (taking it for 5 years without any improvement)after doing extensive research on the internet & becoming aware of the shocking side effects. I bought your book & followed your advice re alkaline diet, organic calcium etc.
I went for my DEXA scan again yesterday after three years & my results were the best ever (in 11 years!)- from -2.49 in my hip/spine to -1.9 & from 1.94 in my fem.neck to -1.4. I went from moderate/high fracture risk to mild fracture risk. Your method/advice really works!
Everybody should follow your recommendations.
It is really easy & only requires minor changes in your life style.
Thank you so much!!!
Cheers from Australia,
Trudy
Excellent results, Trudy! I’m so proud of you, and thank you for your kind words. Keep on doing what you’re doing…
Cheers from Florida!
Trudy,
What is the organic calcium that you take? You give hope. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Frannie,
the organic calcium is called ‘Natural Calcium’ from ‘lifestream’. It’s a ‘pure sea vegetable … with essential co-factors zinc, magnesium, selenium, boron, iodine’ etc. It’s a New Zealand product which I buy at the Health Stores in Australia. I changed to ‘organic’ following Vivian’s advice not to take the ‘unorganic’ calcium any more some months ago. I also take extra magnesium, Vit.D3 & ‘Centrum Plus’ for the over 50s age group. Regular exercise & a mainly alkaline diet are also essential to achieve these good results.
I hope this helps!
Cheers
Trudy
Hope it’s okay to change the subject. This week I was introduced to a product called ASEA, an antioxidant turn-on. Ingedients are distilled water and sodium chloride. Please google it. Too technical for me to explain. A Phd nutritional expert introduced me to it along with some other good supplements after ending up in the Emergency Room with a bad case of collitis.
December 2010 my T score was -3.5. I’m following your advice Vivian. Appreciate it very much.
A concern is the fluride in our tap water. I now drink mostly reverse osmosis water. Have a hard time with the taste of distilled water.
Any suggestions? Thank you Jane.
Thanks for sharing, Jane. I’ll look into ASEA. A little squirt of lemon juice or your favorite herbal tea mixed with distilled water might just do the trick 🙂
Vivian, I agree that some doctors are passing these opiod drugs out like they were candy. I have fibromyalgia, a chronic pain illness, and am also a moderator of a fibromyalgia forum. I can’t believe the medications these people are taking. Opiods and antidepressants seem to be the first line of attack these days.
I’ve tried to keep to a more natural approach to this illness and have been successful but I still needed ibuprofen. I was taking Prilosec to protect my stomach from the ibuprofen. When I started the Save Our Bones program, I stopped the Prilosec and shortly became anemic. Yesterday I had a procedure done and found out I now have a bleeding ulcer. I had to go back on the Prilosec but it’s only for two months. My doctor agrees that that Prilosec stops me from absorbing the calcium I was taking to help my bones.
In the case of fibromyalgia, the doctors don’t know what causes this illness and are seriously searching, so they don’t know how to treat the disease if they don’t know the cause. The patients are suffering so these medications are being given. Dealing with chronic pain is a different ballgame than dealing with osteoporosis. I think the biggest problem is that patients don’t follow the doctor’s directions AND doctors don’t keep track of all the medications the patient is on. This can spell disaster. Everyone should be their own advocate when it comes to their bodies.
Your Save Our Bones program is a fabulous, common sense approach to osteoporosis. It makes perfect sense. The drugs given for osteoporosis don’t treat the illness….they only “fill in the spaces” so to speak. Your program does treat the illness and I can’t wait to get my next bone scan. I’m upset that I’m forced to take Prilosec for two months and I most likely will have to take a more potent pain reliever, too, but with the great foods I’m eating now, I still feel better. So keep up the great work!
Sherrine
I forgot to mention that a great tool that you have suggested is the pH test sticks. I did buy them and am keeping my pH in the optimal range. This gives me confidence that, even though I might have to take medications that I don’t want to take, I’m still achieving better bone health. Thanks for the wonderful tips.
Sherrine
Where do you buy the pH test sticks? Do you need a prescription?
Just Google Ph Strips and you will find a company that sells them.
Sherrine, you are on the right track, both on your osteoporosis battle and with your excellent attitude. Keep up the good work!
You know that most (maybe all)tablets give people more complaints and illnesses,than the one that particular tablet is supposed to be treating! I have seen it happen to people I know………
Unfortunately, you are right, Trish…
Doesn’t surprise me, Vivian – it’s the very reason I joined your community and started following your advice. I have a friend who is suffering long-term effects from having taken bisphosphonates for over four years. She was told afterwards by a nurse who administered the infusions that we were all more or less acting as guinea-pigs, as no one really knew what would happen. I stopped after just three infusions because I was feeling nauseous but my friend went on having it ‘because it had been prescribed by her consultant’and dismissed my concerns. The consultant herself has now changed her mind about using bisphosphonates ‘because of unexpected side effects’. Grrr!
I’m so glad you spared yourself the “guinea pig” status, Feona. Good thinking!