Our Medication Nation

Two years ago today the world lost the King of Pop and 3 children lost their father. In 2008 a rising young actor passed away before his time, leaving a young daughter and shocked fanbase.

Why? Because we trust our doctors. It's sad when accidents like this happen, especially because it's something so preventable. Doctors so often overmedicate these days and people aren't as careful as they should be about mixing medications. Many think that if they were prescribed certain medications, then they are safe to take together. That simply isn't true.

If you are put on a new medication, research which medicines are not supposed to be taken together. Don't just trust that the doctor wouldn't have prescribed it if it wasn't safe. You are putting a chemical into your body that is meant to alter it in some way or another. You need to be aware of everything going into your body-- it's effects and it's dangers.

This is a big problem, more so as time goes on. With people being prescribed everything from Ambien and Paxil (and at increasingly and sometimes alarmingly early ages) it's like playing Russian Roulette every morning.

Also be aware of which medicines cannot be mixed with everyday things, such as alcohol and certain herbal supplements. Even certain foods can interact with your medications adversely or cause them to not be as effective.

WebMD has a searchable database of medicines with information, a helpful tool when taking care of yourself and getting informed about your body.

So, please, research before you swallow.