July 2013

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recently released data showing that between 1999 and 2010 there was a five-times increase in women dying from prescription painkiller overdoses.  In 2013 an estimated 7000 women will die due to a prescription painkiller overdose. Women ages 45 to 54 were most likely to ingest a fatal dose of prescription drugs, followed by women ages 55 to 64. Annually more men than women die from a prescription drug overdose but the concerning factor is the rate at which women are dying is increasing.  Why? Women are more likely to be prescribed painkillers for acute or chronic pain.  Often these drugs are prescribed in higher doses and are taken for a longer period of time.  Women are also more likely to “doctor shop” in search of multiple prescriptions and to mix painkillers with anti-anxiety medications.  Drug overdoses kill more women in the United States than car accidents, cervical cancer or homicide.  Dr. Thomas Frieden, the director of the CDC, believes that the medical community needs to consider the possibility of addiction and to seek alternative treatments for chronic pain before prescribing painkillers.  But most importantly, women need to understand the dangers and potentially deadly consequences of misusing these very powerful drugs.

Pinterest can be a huge time-waster but it can also be a great way to organize healthy living resources.  With Pinterest it’s easy to save links to healthy recipes, workout plans, medical articles and motivating quotes.  You can also see what’s worked for others who share similar goals and create a virtual network of support.   But the best part is that you can access Pinterest information anytime, anywhere on your smartphone.  Will Pinterest make you healthier?  No, you’re responsible for that, but Pinterest can make trying to stay healthy easier and fun.

Make the time to good to you and stop to smell the lemons. The smell of lemon awakens the senses and increases concentration and awareness.  Rub a little lemon essential oil on your skin for a mid-afternoon energy boost.

Good Health!

Terry

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”

~Coco Chanel

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