The same day Thomas posted his story I saw two news stories that were relevant to his post. One was about the results of a study showing that kids and teenagers are not getting enough Vitamin D because of two reasons: lack of time spent outside in the sun and a higher consumption of soda versus milk. So get your kids walking with you, get some of those early morning or late afternoon rays of sunshine*. While you’re at it slowly decrease their soda intake, give them smaller amounts or less frequent.
The second story was a headline on the internet about the increased amount of Americans taking anti-depressant medications. I am not a big proponent of prescription drugs, especially ones that need to be taken for the long term. Many maintenance drugs just seem to be the easy way out. Sure taking a small pill once a day seems easy, but tell that to your liver and kidneys that have to actually process all the chemicals in that little pill. Besides that, have you ever read the full disclosure on these medications? I looked up some anti-depressants and their possible side effects: insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, decreased sex drive, sweating, fatique, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, etc. But hey, you won’t be depressed about it… Also, they don’t just reduce your negative feelings, they will also reduce your high / good feelings. My advice: question your doctor whenever they prescribe you a new medication: is there another way I can attack my problem? Will I need to take this medication for the rest of my life and why? What does this medication do?
Sure we all have bad days and times that are depressing, that is just a part of life. How we deal with it is our choice. Start by thinking positive, I know it is easier said than done, but you can do it. (Call me if you need a pep talk, or swing by the Spa for a hug). Exercise or another hobby is a great way to start, and believe me the side effects are much better. Since we’ve started walking in the mornings, I feel more energized, feel more connected to my family, have a desire to eat better, sleep better at night, more productive at work and best of all: it seems like my life, which felt like it was in a negative spin, is actually turning more positive.
Truth is, drug companies in America make huge profits, but those drugs are not solving the actual problem, they are just masking the symptoms, why else do you have to keep taking them. And those side effects? Your doctor will probably prescribe you a drug for those and before you know it you are taking 5-7 different medications and shelling out your co-pays each month.
Cost of putting your laptop or tv-remote to the side and taking a brisk walk outside in the sun?* Last time I checked it was FREE! J As for side effects, I can only think of positive ones, let me know if you experience any negative ones.
P.S. If you want to join us on a Sunday morning walk, let us know and we’ll set up a meeting point and time!
*Don’t forget your sunscreen if you are going out for a long period of time especially between 11am and 4pm.
A few local Santee businesses have got together to make your shopping easier! On Saturday November 26th 2011 (The Saturday after Thanksgiving) at Coffee Corner (On the corner of mast and Carlton Hills Blvd) Simply Spa and others will be on hand issuing our gift cards as well as several other businesses from 9:00am to 3:00pm. The list of different businesses is growing and the variety is AWESOME!! Here’s just a few:
