Page 9 - Boca ViewPointe - January '21

January 2021 Viewpointe, Page 9
Are We Taking That Medication Too Long?

By Harold Katz, R.Ph. remain on the med for much longer. The FDA (Food and Drug Dristan and generics)
Administration) has warned that very long overuse may increase These OTC products work quickly to reduce nasal stuffiness.
Frequently we read about the likelihood of bone fractures. Also increased is the possibility They shrink swollen nasal tissue and suddenly we can breathe
seniors taking many drugs, and of chronic kidney disease, dementia, and heart attacks. The better. The directions for use read: Use for no more than three
we do so because in our seniority current wisdom: Take as little as needed for the shortest period days. Adults who continue using these meds often become
(!), we acquire multiple medical to achieve the desired effect. Also, make changes only with the dependent… the nasal tissues remain swollen until the spray is
problems. Not too much has been doctor’s permission. used again. Dr. Benjamin Tweel, Professor of Otolaryngology
written…or researched… on the SLEEP AIDS: (Sominex, Advil PM, Tylenol PM and at Mt. Sinai School of medicine in New York points out that
LENGTH OF TIME a senior generics) even when applied to the nose tissue, a small amount of this
should be taking a prescribed About 15% of seniors use a prescription or OTC sleep aid. medication is absorbed. This could be a problem if used
or OTC (Over the Counter) According to Dr. R. Dasgupta, assistant professor of clinical continually and you have heart disease or an irregular heart
medication. Ongoing studies have identified some meds whose medicine at the University of Southern California, these drugs rhythm. The current wisdom: First try OTC saline or a salt and
long term use needs to be curtailed. Here are a few examples: have a stronger effect on seniors than on younger people, water rinse. If ineffective, try a nasal spray…preferably at night
HEARTBURN DRUGS: Proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, making them more susceptible to side effects such as confusion and only for three days. If stuffiness still persists, consider other
Prevacid, Nexium, omeprazole, and other generics) These very and memory problems. They increase the risk of falls and hip causes: allergies, nasal polyps, or a sinus infection, and check
popular drugs are used for heartburn, GERD (Gastro-Intestinal fractures. Long term use has been linked to dementia. The current in with your doctor.
Reflex Syndrome), and other GI problems. Current package wisdom: Use only a few days in succession. If need persists, see The examples offered underscore the wisdom of reading
literature limits their use to three months; however, many a sleep specialist. Their strategies will always be beneficial. labels carefully when we shop for OTC products. In the case of
patients get such complete relief from their symptoms, that they DECONGESTANT NASAL SPRAYS: (Afrin, Vicks Sinex, prescription meds, the number of refills allowed by the prescriber
frequently eliminates the concern of overuse. Nevertheless, a
“brown bag” visit to the doctor’s office with all our current meds
is an excellent double check for a busy physician to see what
medicines we are taking, and what we might do without. The
final wisdom: Take all your meds as directed, when directed, and
eliminate the meds that are no longer beneficial. That’s a giant
step toward better health..and that’s what its all about.

Harold Katz R.Ph., Edgewater Estates 
The Power

Of Less Not More

By Steve Handwerker

On the surface this may
seem like a strange concept.
It is not strange however
to those who consider the
ecocentric and sustainable
Way of living. The power
of less is not just a way of
thinking, it is also a way of
feeling and ultimately being. It is a state of mind that ultimately
BUYER? Call Joe Young SELLER? means contentment. How do we get there? It begins with
simplifying our lives. It means to unclutter, reuse, recycle,
THIS IS THE MARKET YOU YOU NEED EXPOSURE & and conserve so that thriving is not a materially contingent
experience!! There was a tee shirt years ago that said: “LIVE
HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR! AGGRESSIVE MARKETING! SIMPLY SO OTHERS CAN SIMPLY, LIVE!” A very wise

(561) 756-8508 (561) 756-8508 statement that embodies an essential value and commitment
that relates to conservation of resources, on all levels, as well
Hope everyone is doing okay during these challenging times. I am here to assist any way I can. as a sustainable existence. It even extends to being conscious
of not wasting food. This latter idea relates not just to not
throwing food out or not buying food that is not healthy for
SOLD you but also relates to taking a rational and healthy look at
what you ingest.
All these practices mentioned relate to one core idea: be
aware, of yourself, your surroundings and environment and
what your needs really are, an idea ranging from the spiritual to
the emotional and physical. AWARENESS. This can be done
by simply taking a look inside your thoughts and feelings and
Questioning what is there and how shall you relate to it. The
issues we posted above are a good start! Enjoy the journey!!

Dr. Steven E. Handwerker is a Board Certified Licensed
Psychologist in four states (NY, FL, SD, VT) still in practice
7271 Via Palomar $569,000 6670 Villa Sonrisa Dr. #224 $240,000 after 40 years counseling individuals, families and groups
worldwide. He is a Supreme Court Family Mediator and
is a member of the Professional and Scientific Board of the
National Center for Crisis Management a part of Homeland
CLOSED PENDING Security. He has lectured at the American Psychological
Association International Conventions for over 20 years
sharing his experience to students and colleagues across 150
programs. Dr. Handwerker is committed to the protection of
our environment and the conservation of the precious and
limited resources of the ecosystems that comprise our living
planet, our home. 

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