Send us a text Summary: An epidemic of Isolation and Loneliness? Recent studies have found this to be true, and the subsequent effects upon the mental and physical health of the isolated & lonely person are significant. They include an increased risk of dementia, heart disease, stroke, diabetes type II, obesity, depression and anxiety and the risks of the medications used to treat these ailments. These are potential physical and mental challenges for the person, in...

Send us a text Summary: There are a lot of options in the supplements aisle, because there’s a lot of money in it. Supplements might contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, amino acids (part of protein), enzymes and probiotics, as well as binding agents, preservatives, flavoring agents etc. The label claims for ingredients are required by the FDA to be “truthful and not misleading.” If a supplement label “supports” or “promotes” proper nerve function, or cellula...

Send us a text Summary: The off-label use of naltrexone for chronic pain and inflammatory conditions is built upon observing patients being weaned from high dose naltrexone for alcohol abuse disorder, as well as its experimental use in boosting the immune system of HIV patients in the 1980s. Though the long-term use of LDN for chronic pain and the other inflammatory conditions has not been established, this unique mechanism of action may, in the future, provide another proven opti...

Send us a text Summary: Rooting for your favorite team may very well influence your opinion of the referees in the game. Leave bias there. In healthcare, double-blind placebo-controlled trials and the metanalysis of studies are attempts to remove bias, so that objective reasoning can rule the day. JFK Jr. exhibited significant bias about vaccines prior to his confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services, and it has been evinced in his decision to stop the fun...

Send us a text Summary: Slinging ugly, triggering words – like “psycho-emotional problems” - is an effort to awaken stigmas in the public against a person. Reject it. Mental Health, like our physical health, is an ever-changing dynamic. Though we expect mental and emotional health and stability in our leaders, the assessment of that issue should be objective and based on the best medical practice, and not on some sloppy reference intended to fan the flames of hate. Top...

Send us a text Summary: This episode attempts to clarify how vaccines are made, how they are intended to interact with the immune system, and how important it is to obtain an unbiased source of information about the risks and benefits of a vaccine. Utilize your healthcare team. Topics: · Polio Vaccines 01:00 · Risk-Benefit 02:00 · Vaccines-Autism 03:00 · Modern Medicine 04...

Send us a text Summary: When the president of the United States told his candidate for Secretary of Health and Human Services to “go wild” on health, food and medicines, I’ll bet he went and celebrated his pick with a McDonald’s cheeseburger and a Diet Coke. This podcast discusses the danger of placing politics and ideology into the healthcare system, the participants of which currently embrace the practice of Evidence-based medicine. This is the practice wherein...

Send us a text Summary: I received a question about the possible therapeutic pharmacologic benefits of Nicotine, specifically the idea of cutting the Nicotine Patch for help with energy, autoimmune issues, and weight loss. Answering this question lead into a discussion of new drugs that may emerge from anecdotal evidence. In this case, how certain elements of Nicotine’s activity might lead to the development of new drugs with neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, wi...

Send us a text Summary: Not all laxatives are created the same. Discussed in this episode are the nonpharmacologic options to relieve constipation, and the OTC Laxative options available should nonpharmacologic efforts fail. Included is a brief explanation of the peristaltic movement that is pooping, and how the different laxative options affect that process. Though there is often a silly poop joke or phrase lurking nearby i.e. dropping the kids off at the pool, a heal...

Send us a text Summary: The chemistry of your mind and body are almost always changed by the medications you take. But there is more to it than that. These changes are changing, in response to both your medications and in response to your thoughts, feelings, food, exercise, and sleep. About the medications, we focus on the benefit you might receive, and the possible risks associated with a potential drug therapy. And we keep track of it. This is always a go...

Send us a text Summary: Preconceived notions within healthcare professionals about what another person might be, before we have a direct, open and genuine interaction with them, can derail the best treatment for that person. To provide the best treatment, efforts to effectively communicate continue by healthcare; but the person – the patient – must also make efforts to express themselves openly and honestly regarding their healthcare. Shared decision making: this episo...

Send us a text Summary: Why have bedbugs reemerged? What to do if bitten? And how to manage and prevent possible bedbug infestation. Topics: · Sleep Tight 01:30 · Bedbugs 02:00 · DDT 03:45 · Antihistamine, Topical Steroid Tx 06:15 · DDT & Auto-Immune Disease? 06:45 · DDT Risk Benefit (Africa) 08:15 · ...

Send us a text Summary: This episode recounts the experience of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, from its arrival to the continued recovery. Being smart about what's fact or fiction, being there for your neighbors, and being prepared for a potential disaster (which we were not) are discussed here. Also discussed is a possible cure for the stress in this situation...go help someone. Questions and comments to druggistforthepeople@gmail.com

Send us a text Summary: What’s happening on the other side of the prescription counter? Probably more than you think. Safety and appropriateness of the drug regimen is an ongoing process, and it may slow down the speed with which you get your medication, but it’s essential in making sure the drug is safe and efficacious. The importance of being a good teammate in your own healthcare is what this, and all episodes, is aboutl. Topics: · &n...

Send us a text Summary: Paying $75,000 dollars for a car because you want to have a back massage between home and work is one thing, but to face exorbitant costs because you want to live a healthy and longer life is a tough pill to swallow. Discussion of the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider is essential, and the costs of that therapy should be included in that conversation. Topics: · Most Common Med Indicatio...

Send us a text Summary: neffy® nasal spray received fast track approval from the FDA on August 9, 2024 for the emergency treatment of type I allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in adult and pediatric patients who weight at least 66 pounds. This may be a gamechanger in that it provides emergency epinephrine treatment for anaphylaxis without needles. But, as with all medications, correct use and monitoring is necessary. Topics · Fa...

Send us a text Summary: Previous podcasts (July 2023) have covered The Pill and the newly approved, progestin only, OTC oral contraceptive – the Opill. The Opill is on the shelves and available online now. This episode provides a brief overview. For more detailed information about the Opill, consider listening to the July 2023 podcast: Opill – the OTC Pill. Topics: · Opill-Antibiotics Interaction (Rifampin) 02:00 · &n...

Send us a text Summary: There are more ways to change your chemistry than taking drugs. Kindness. Being helpful, generous, and considerate – without expecting anything in return – has positive effects upon both the body and mind. But here’s the rub: you must be kind without expecting anything in return. So don’t be kind to be healthy…simply be kind. It’s all easier said than done. This episode also addresses the need for kindness in healthcare, ...

Send us a text Summary: Chemical and Physical Restraints are frightening terms, and yet the use of one or the other is sometimes necessary. This episode discusses the appropriate use of chemical restraints to treat agitation, as well as what may be the inappropriate use of medications to chemically restrain a person. Topics: · Agitation 02:00 · Danger to Self/Others 02:30 · AMA 02:50 ·  ...

Send us a text Summary: To get the maximum benefit and minimize the risks of your meds, stay involved. Monitor, journal and communicate with your healthcare team to make sure your meds include only those that you actually need. Avoid the Prescription Cascade. Topics: * Polypharmacy 01:15 * Prescription Cascade 0410 *Therapeutic Duplication 06:00 * Monitor, Journal & Communicate 07:15 * Cause & Effect 07:50 * Communicate Changes Between MD's 10:00 * Max Benefit &...