According to some new information that's been hitting the presses lately, the FDA has approved using statin drugs such as Crestor in otherwise healthy adults to "prevent" high cholesterol. According to an article on National News Desk from Dec. 17, 2009, the FDA has approved statin drugs for people who have an elevated C-Reactive Protein, to reduce the risk of heart attack and strokes, but this benefit may increase the occurrence of diabetes in these patients.

As you well know, our practice has always taken the stance that healthy people don't need chemicals or drugs to stay healthy. If you read the article noted above it appears that the FDA would rather you die slowly from diabetes, than quickly from a heart attack. It makes no sense to trade one catastrophic event for another, especially when both type 2 diabetes and heart disease can be prevented by a healthy diet and a minimal amount of regular aerobic exercise. We prefer that you live a long prosperous life, and die naturally of old age!

It is becoming more and more obvious that we, as humans, must take responsibility for our own health. The current "health care system", which has trained doctors and patients alike to look to prescriptions and surgeries to change the outcome of our nations health, has come under much scriutiny this year. This challenge has brought to light the fact that, as a nation, we have become a complacent society; in more ways than just one. It is up to each of us, as individuals, to take stock in what is important for ourselves and our family, and change our future for the better.

C-Reactive Protein is an inflammation marker that we use in our clinic every day to help monitor the cardiovascular health of our patients. Often "CRP" can be lowered rather quickly with some minor changes to lifestyle, diet and nutrients. Hemoglobin A1C is also a test that is used to monitor a persons sugar levels over time. These two very simple blood tests are great ways to check a patients progress.

Keep in mind that when something is too good to be true, most times it is. When a study is published that goes against what you believe to be true, challenge it. Check to see who funded the study, and who completed it. If the company who completed the study stands to make money from the outcome of the information, then chances are the deck was stacked to come out on their side.

True wellness requires that you pay attention to your body, listen when it tells you something is not quite right, educate yourself on a healthy diet, and work in that 15-20 minutes of aerobic exercise every day. As our bodies age, we lose the ability to make and utilize some of the nutrients that we need to stay healthy, such as;