Here are some shocking videos that illustrates issues regarding pharmaceutical companies, the prevalence of medical socialization and some facts that you may find troubling...
Just wow! Just incredible. The second video is very informational and some of the numbers, most of them, are just incredibly staggering. Some of which are commonly known but just the depth of this information is crazy. You never really think about how common yet covered this things are!!
the second video after watching it is so true. you dont think of all those things on a day to day basis but after watching the video its true that more people are looking to make money other than to really help out the sick. This goes along with what we talked about in class about how Doctors care more about procedures than the time they actually spend getting to know their patients and answering any questions and concerns a pt may have before the procedure.
"Are you ready to stand up and take charge of your health?" After watching both videos and being shocked numerous times by their specific statistics, I still don't know how we, as Americans, can change the pharmaceutical industry. I take great interest in this because I plan on becoming a pharmacist in only a few short years. It is interesting to see the other side of my future. One of the main reasons I chose to go into the pharmaceutical area of medicine is to be able to help people. These videos were eye opening in some aspects, but unlike they try to get you to think, medication is not all bad. Most drugs keep people alive, and without them those people would die. I'm not saying that all prescriptions are necessary, because most of the drugs on tv are advertised to increase the profits of the companies. There are some very important drugs that were created solely to better the health of people in our society, and it is these drugs that require the attention.
as someone who works as a pharmacy tech it really is amazing to see just how many perscriptions one person can be on. i've filled orders for elderly patients who have been on upwards of 20 drugs. and the crazy part is some of the drugs they take are used to alter the affects of another drug they take. and the scariest part is the doctors don't always realize what they are prescribing and how it could affect the patient. there are so many times that doctors prescribe medications that the patients have an allergy to, something they should have been aware of in their chart to begin with, but it becomes the pharmacists job to double check and pick up the slack.
This is incredible. It is almost as though we in this country are not even in charge of our own bodies anymore; we see a commercial for something and just write it down and get it. Why aren't doctors saying no before giving patients 20 prescriptions? Perhaps if pharmaceutical companies did not have millions of dollars to spend on advertising, our doctors could actually prescribe the necessary medication, and that advertisement money could be better spent on health care.
Watching these videos really makes you think. As Americans, the majority of us are looking for a quick fix to our problems. Medications provide us with this quick fix. Someone may have high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Instead of the person exercising and altering their eating habits to decrease their body weight, they go to the doctors and are prescribed 3 medications. Medications are a great short term solution, but exercise and diet alterations would be more beneficial in the long run. It also makes one wonder if the medical world is the way it is because of Americans not wanting to make time for proper diet and exercise. Our habits have made the pharmaceutical industry the way it is today. One of the videos mentioned how pharmaceutical mistakes leads to several deaths each year. About 12 years ago my best friend's father had surgery and was stable in the recovery room so his family was sent home. Later that night they received a phone call telling them their father/husband had passed away due to a mistake in drug administration. How do you tell a 9 and 12 year old boy their father won't be coming home because the medical staff messed up their father's prescription? It's just shocking to know that this happens to tons of people each year, yet stories/statistics aren't really broadcasted.
Both videos were very informative, especially the second video. Before taking this class I never realized such things were happening. The facts and statistics from the second video were surprising. I put a lot of trust in doctors and seeing that they will help treat me in the best way possible. I have never taken medications, but both my parents are on a few different types of medications and after watching the videos it makes me think. I agree with Briana about how "Doctors care more about procedures than the time they actually spend getting to know their patients", and it is upseting to think that it is happening.
I completley agree with the first video. It is amazing how many people look up symptoms they have on Web MD online and suddenly diagnosis themselves. Then, they see this perscription on TV, which will solve all their problems and head to the doctor with this in mind. I would have to say that the second video is a bit of a shock, as the statistics can be overwhelming. However, at the same time, this video only shows one side of it. There are actually drugs that patients are taking which do save their lives. It makes it seem like the health care industry only harms people, which is clearly not true.
I really enjoyed watching both videos. The first video made me think of all the patients I have taken to the hospital. Self diagnosis is a big problem in todays society. Many people dont realize that harm in multi-presciption medications. I agree with Marisas comment on the 2nd video. Not all doctors are killers, and not everyone in the heath care industry is out ot harm people.
Both of these videos were very interesting to view, however it is very unfortunate how many individuals in the U.S. succumb to the media's convincing tactics everyday. It seems as though every major manufacturing company has taken advantage of America's willingness to purchase products-- from seeing household products, alcohol, cosmetics, nutritional/dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical drugs on just about every commerical on TV.
However, is it really our fault as Americans for falling under these money traps? From the first video, I found it interesting that many people have suffered from faulty scripts being written by doctor's unreadable handwriting. Although I'm not sure if I believe it, I wouldn't be surprised if this is yet another way to bring more money into the medical industry--by creating more medical problems for individuals.
Is anyone aware of any other steps being taken to determine the validity of all the information in these videos? There was a website given after the second video, but I wasn't sure if there were any other programs or groups that had been formed to investigate these issues. If all the information is true, what actions are being taken against the medical industries?
These videos were full of tons of information, although I did enjoy the 2nd one more. The statistics were shocking! It makes me think twice about doctors and the pharm companies that are convincing Americans that we "need" all of these different meds to help us! It seems as though most doctors/pharms are looking for max profits and not max efficiency with patients.
It is apparent to me that our society is becoming more and more dependent on drugs, especially drugs that regulate mood. I recently had a conversation with a girl that was on anti-anxiety medication. She has been on it for many years and at the end of the talk, it was clear to me that she was relying VERY heavily on the drug to keep her "in check" as she put it. This person had mentioned recent events which lead her to believe that she needed to up her dose because she had become "all over the place". The events she referred to seemed to be normal ups and downs of life and I found it interesting that the minute she felt any flux in her emotions she felt the need to control her mood with drugs instead of trying some simple fixes such as exercise, better diet, or becoming involved with her roommates or school clubs. I'm not implying that no one needs medication from time to time or that it is completely bad, but to never want any flux in your moods at all is a dangerous thought process in mind and can lead to some very dangerous outcomes for the person taking all the medication to sustain that feeling...or lack of it as the case may be.
These videos were quite eye opening. Its true that we dont think about this information on every day. As americans we think technology and medicine can heal or fix everything. However, i am optimistic that the more education we are provided with about the effects of drugs towards our health, will increase other methods of "healing". With education we will be more aware, and much more comfortable with questioning the drugs we are prescripted.
Each of the videos were shocking and informative. The first video really addressed the issue concerning pharm companies and their ridiculous marketing. Fortunately the first video seemed to show that people (both patients, doctors, and those training to be doctors) were recognizing that maybe all of these prescriptions are not the answer. I have to agree that the second video was more shocking with its staggering statistics. But it also seemed to be very one-sided and perhaps too extreme.
One of the issues that I have seen personally is with over prescribing medications. My grandfather has arthritis and high cholesterol and has multiple medications to counteract the medications for each condition leading to approximately ten prescriptions for two very common diagnoses.
It's amazing how much people rely on these medications. Some people need them however it's not necessary to advertise to these people. The doctors should prescribe medications that a patient needs rather than a patient getting it in their head that they need this.
I think the media's deceptive tactics are becoming an increasing problem in America. In the 90's and even today young girls are being bombarded with the facts that they aren't good enough. They need to enhance their appearance with makeup, surgery, and being a certain size. Now, the media is telling us that something else must be wrong with us. We are suffering from all kinds of diseases and disorders. Like with the Lunesta commercial, if you lie awake at night then you might have a sleeping disorder??? Kids in America are being prescribed more medication than any other country in the world.
It's astounding that these companies total gross income is in the trillions. I'm curious how much of that is actually given back to helping people, maybe with free drugs for those who can't afford it, or other charitable donations.
I really enjoyed both of the videos, but I could personally relate to the first video. I have a family friend who is a pharmaceutical rep. in Boston. He makes lots of money, but as I have learned from him, it is not just the pharm. companies who are making out on the expensive, and sometimes unnecessary, perscription drugs. The doctors are also often rewarded for promoting certain drugs, or are often bribed by the rep. and may receive special benefits for pushing the medication. This does not mean every physician out there is doing it, but it is likely that a few do. That is incredibly scarey to think that we are being given perscriptions for the benefit of our own, often trusted, physician. I was also astounded when I found out in class that the U.S actually doesn't have a very good medical system. We are taught to believe as children that everything we have here is the best, but after attending class and watching the second video, I definitly believe otherwise. I plan to attain a career in the medical field in the future, but watching this video has allowed me to view the medical scene from a different perspective and one which I will never forget. I think America needs to take a step back and realize that drugs are not the answers to all of our medical needs. Maybe if we found some relaxing activities to do before going to bed we wouldn't need lunesta or if we allowed our children to play and become physically active, we wouldn't have problems with diabetes and ADD. Things need to change.
The reactions of everyone is so wonderful to me. You all sound enlightened and eager for a change, but how many are actually going to personally change?
So many people are caught up in this web that although you know there is something wrong occurring in the medical/pharmaceutical industry, the moment you are faced with a health problem, most people would find the nearest pharmacy and fill their prescription. The average person doesn't know enough about each drug and their own health to make an educated decision as to whether or not a drug is necessary or even harmful. So, people, naturally, put their faith in the doctors. The question then lies, when you have a "medical problem" and your doctor tells you which prescription medication he/she recommends, will you actually take the time to learn more about it or even alternative means of fixing the problem? For a large majority of people, the answer would be probably not because we "believe" it is a quick fix and no one has time to be ill.
The medical industry will always have control unless something drastic happens to open everyones eyes wide enough to act out change.
Wow, Rachel, youre absolutely right. I tried applying what you said to my own life and although I consider myself to be fairly healthy, there are times when I run to my doctor. Although I don't tell her which medications I should be on, I don't second guess her either, I do what you said, put faith in my doctor because I want a quick fix and a drug is the easiest way to do it. I think many others would do the same.
As far as the videos, I thought they were very eye opening. We have been talking about these issues in class, but videos somehow have a way of making the message more powerful. The statistics were overwhelming. I checked the website listed at the end of the second video and it seemed fairly educational for those who want to improve their health and learn more about it -- but again, maybe that will lead to more self-diagnosis. It seems almost like a losing battle.
I was shocked at some of the things that were said in those videos. It's sad how influential advertising is on today's society and that people go to the doctor with a list of the medications they want that they have seen in a commercial on TV. The commercials make it seem like maybe they are describing you and you are not as healthy as you thought you were. It's causing people to take drugs that they don't need and that are sometimes even harmful to them. The pharmaceutical companies seem to only care about the money and not the people they are affecting. I was surprised at the number of deaths due to the medical system that is there to help make people better..not kill them. That fact that this system is the number one killer is terrible. And the fact that the deaths are due to careless things such as sloppy handwriting, unnecessary drugs and reactions to drugs is unacceptable. Errors like this should not happen, and this many deaths is not okay. Something needs to be done to stop the influence of the pharmaceutical industry on medicine and peoples lives.
Both videos are informative and frighteningly truthful. Our society has become so medicalized that you can not go anywhere without seeing some type of advertisement. I was looking through a magazine at the doctors once and came upon a quiz that was for a depression medicine and it said if you answered yes to most of questions than this drug may be right for you. Watching the movies breaks it down and shows how sick the medical work can be. The first one hit close to home because I have an aunt who suffers from hypochondria. Name a drug and I bet you she has been on it, and it's sad too see because no one can tell her shes sick and needs help. She has had countless surgeries on her foot because shes sure that there is something wrong with it. When a doctor wont give her the medication she needs she will leave and go to another one until she get's it. What's even worse is that she tries to rub her disease off on her children; insisting they need to take medications that they really don't need. Thankfully they are smarter than that and just do not listen to her. It is just said to see her wasting away and slowly killing herself. We need to open our eyes and see that something is wrong with our society, that we are relying too much on prescription drugs to solve our problems. Something needs to change and change fast.
While I found both videos very shocking and disturbing, I just think that our society brought this on ourselves, we have made ourselves like this. We are a society that wants action, we want it fast, and we put so much faith in SO many "things" without question, and unfortunately most people are after what makes the world go round, that almighty dollar. I am sure it only took one pharmaceutical company to realize that they could make money on the American public, before everyone wanted in on that moneymaking bandwagon. And the thing is, we all fell for it, and we all have kept it going this long. Is it right to make millions of dollars from "conning" people, no. But it has been said, "what the American public doesn't know, is what makes them the American public."
Wow these videos are really shocking. Who would think that the richest nation would have these problems, and instead of fixing them we have money hungry drug companies trying to hide information. I'm just really happy to be blessed with a healthy body and haven't had to experience the effects of medications.
Both of these videos were interesting and made some strong points. However, I think the real message these videos were trying to make is that people in society need to start to take measure into their own hands. Instead of preaching, we need to start doing. I agree completely with Rachel in her thoughts, and believe that people need to consider stepping away from the "quick fix" methodology. I understand that there are certain diseases and illnesses that do require medications, but I also think people use medication as a way to avoid dealing with their problems. As someone who has undergone multiple surgeries in my life to fix a genetic defect that was severely impacting my life, I know what pain feels like, emotionally, psychologically, socially, and physically. I had been plagued with these problems my whole life, and was offered surgery at a young age to fix the problem. I opted not to, and lived much of my life in and out of pain. In 2007, when I decided the pain was too much, I finally gave in to surgery. After an unsuccessful first surgery, I agreed to have a second one, that turned out successful. However, this was the absolute last choice I had, and when I was prescribed medication I took it only when I absolutely needed it. I did not take the pain medication every 4 or 6 hours like I was told, and despite being uncomfortable at times, I found other ways to deal with my pain. Thus, I know when people say they have tried other methods besides medication and they have not worked, I feel as though they need to just try a little harder. Believe me, the majority of people do not enjoy pain, but sometimes suffering a little bit could save your life and/or future health problems associated with taking medication or undergoing surgery.
The 2 videos that are posted are absolutely shocking and it's hard to believe that our medical world has come to this. Awhile ago my dad was on vioxx and the doctors told him it was safe and harmless. The practical doctor told him it would make him feel better. About 6 months later my dad found out that he had a heart condition that was caused from the pill vioxx. He thought that by taking the medication that a doctor prescribed to him, he would feel better when in fact the medication gave him a more serious and life threatening condition. It makes you think twice what kind of pills you are popping into your mouth and it is kind of scary.
Its amazing to me that more people have died due to the corrupted medical system than have died in ALL our wars fought as Americans combined. At what point will everyone realize more damage is being done than good? Medicine should be meant to save, not to hurt. I feel like a lot of doctors and medical professionals turn a blind eye to this situation because their superiors do not pass these statistics on to them. By assuming that every symptom and unfamiliar pain can be cured or prevented by medicine is a huge assumption and more than often an inaccurate one. That second video makes it hard to believe in the reliability of your own doctor and the accuracy of their knowledge.
I never realized just how hypnotizing these prescription advertisments can be. These Youtube clips kind of "snapped me out of it" in terms of what I am really watching when I see these commercials and ads. The drug companies know just how to lure in the consumer and the effects are scary. They exagerate the symptoms and portray the results in very tempting ways (i.e and elderly woman with RA suddenly learning to play the piano, or hiking a mountain). A patient I worked with over the summer for physical therapy, who was a 75 year old woman, enjoyed mocking a commercial she saw about total knee replacement surgery. On the first day of therapy she strolled into the clinic with her walker and said, "Okay, when am I going to get to ride my bike up a mountain, and run with my grandchildren?" It was pretty funny...maybe you had to be there
I was not as shocked as most when watching the videos. I have had to deal with some of these issues in my own family. I think that it is sad that we have lost our way and forgotten that we are responsible for ourselves and our family and friends. Everyone needs to trust more in their respective "communities" and a lot less in the medical system. I come from a family where a high number of us are in the medical field. We need only look to other societies to see that good health comes from healthy relationships and healthy traditions: not medical intervention.
It is obvious that there are some major issues surrounding pharmaceutical companies. As bad as they seem to be, I don't think it is all their fault that things are the way they are. I think the lifestyles and mindset of most American makes them easy prey for drug companies. Sitting at home watching tv or surfing the web promotes exposure to all the pharmaceutical ads, and so when these 'couch potato' type people (who are probably also the most unhealthy) go to the doctor, they are probably the ones to ask for all these medicines. I don't think this happens by accident; I'm sure that of all the $$ the drug companies makes a lot of it goes into advertising and these ads are probably run during certain times or specifically placed in certain online or magazine ads.
Due to the repeated exposure to these ads, people will continually be asking for these "name-brand" drugs, resulting in continuous profits for the drug companies. I know they make an insane amount of profits, even in the rough economy. Because of this I don't really know how much things can change .......obviously they don't want to stop making money. I don't know how true this is, but I remember talking about in another class that congress passed a law preventing themselves from making certain laws regarding drug companies. This is obviouslly a problem if it is true and would make sense as to why maybe a change hasn't been made yet .......I don't know.
Just as a closing comment, what do you think we would have to do (if we could) to be able to shift to a system where all drugs were the same price, like professor campbell said about the system in England?
I have to agree with what Meghan said. Americans these days are so consumed daily with the media and everything that is constantly portrayed on TV, the radio, and in magazines. Americans on a daily basis search for a quick fix and the "magic-bullet" in order to fix problems they feel that they have with their life. It's so simple to watch a commercial listing symptoms for ADD for example, like the first clip showed, and begin to think "Maybe I have Adult ADD because I can't concentrate and feel like I can't focus in school or work" etc. when this may occur infrequently for yourself.
From watching each of these videos it appeared that doctors and hospitals recognize that there needs to be a shift in how pharmaceuticals are distributed to patients. That a patient who comes in to a doctors office requesting X, Y, and Z drugs for their symptoms may need to be looked at more closely in order to determine if they really do need the medications they are seeking. As the statistics show, numerous individuals die based off these medications distributed by doctors. Hopefully something can be found to change the way pharmaceutical company's target individuals and the world of medicine.
I found the videos really interesting but a little off about the seoncd one where it says 50,000 people died of cancer from not getting enough sun light?? Im my 4 years in a health profession i've never heard of any type of cancer that dealt with a lack of sun as the cause. And where were the references for the ststs???
The first clip is shocking but very true. The prescription drug commercials on tv always sound convincing, making people feel like they need that drug(s) and have to talk with their doctors. It reminded me of this time I job shadowing a PA and a patient came in with bad cold-like symptoms. After the PA had talked with patient, she gave the patient prescription medicine and some sample medicine that would treat the cold. This reminded me of the first clip talking about pharmaceutical companies giving samples to medical professionals for their patients.
After watching the first video, its no surprise that America is over-medicated. If you watch TV nowadays, it seems like every other commercial is for a drug of some kind. I tend to watch these ads with fascination because there appears to be a drug for EVERYTHING. Although listening to the side effects of the drugs can be just as entertaining. I remember seeing one for Abilify, which is used to treat depression. The side effects went on for almost the entire commercial and included death! Oh yes, seeing that ad would have me running to my doctor for a prescription.
When I took organic chemistry, my professor had just gotten his PhD. During the first week of class he told us that organic chemists tend to be paid well, especially when they worked for pharmaceutical companies because they could develop new drugs. He then proceeded to tell us that these organic chemists had no extensive training (if any) in biology or how the human body works. He laughed it off, but I found it to be disconcerting. This probably explains why there are so many drug recalls and lawsuits.
I did find both of the videos intersting, but the first one was much less surprising. I feel that the over-medicating and over-diagnoising of of society is a pretty well known fact, but as someone had posted earlier, something we do nothing about. The statistics in the second video were very interesting, but I do agree that some of them seemed a little exaggerated or over-simplified, for example the cancer from not getting enough sun. I definately agree it needs some references.
The videos were indeed surprising to me. However i have seen how great of an effect the Pharmaceutical companies have over the medical field is amazing. I worked in a veterinary clinic all summer and almost every day we had representatives from these companies coming in and bringing us food and gift certificates to places and along with the free stuff were some incentives for pushing their products. For instance if we sold “x” amount of their product in a month we would get a free lunch, new scrubs, gas cards. Basically anything enticing that would motivate us to push their products. Luckily the doctor I worked for was not into over medicating and would often recommend alternative methods for her patients. But I always enjoyed the free stuff and never really thought about what they were really doing until now. I knew that they were trying to get us to buy their products but I did not realize the severity and the consequences it could have. Obviously my example is on a very small scale; however this sort of thing happens on a much larger scale as well. Medical doctors often have their research funded by the corporate drug companies so that they can either control the results that get published, or as an incentive to persuade the doctors to use their products. I do believe that doctors sometimes push certain products even when it might not be medically necessary. I don’t think that anyone could argue that point. Society is too quick to turn to medical drugs for the quick fix which doesn’t always mean it’s the right, or healthy thing to do. On another point, first of all kheavner im sorry to hear about your dad, that is a very unfortunate circumstance. The same type of thing happened to my dad. He fell and broke his back about 6 years ago and has had numerous surgeries to try and fix some of the damage and complications that have resulted. His doctors started off putting him on the normal medicines for pain and such. But he started having side effects from one of his pain medications, and instead of putting him on something else; they gave him another drug to offset the side effects of the pain meds. Well this continued happening, he would have side effects such as nausea from one medicine and they would give him something to help with the nausea. This continued to happen and now he is taking 25 pills a day. Some of the pills are just to offset the others. I find it completely disturbing, but who am I to argue with a Medical professional? After watching these video’s I think I have a right to raise some questions.
Just wow! Just incredible. The second video is very informational and some of the numbers, most of them, are just incredibly staggering. Some of which are commonly known but just the depth of this information is crazy. You never really think about how common yet covered this things are!!
ReplyDeletethe second video after watching it is so true. you dont think of all those things on a day to day basis but after watching the video its true that more people are looking to make money other than to really help out the sick. This goes along with what we talked about in class about how Doctors care more about procedures than the time they actually spend getting to know their patients and answering any questions and concerns a pt may have before the procedure.
ReplyDelete"Are you ready to stand up and take charge of your health?" After watching both videos and being shocked numerous times by their specific statistics, I still don't know how we, as Americans, can change the pharmaceutical industry. I take great interest in this because I plan on becoming a pharmacist in only a few short years. It is interesting to see the other side of my future. One of the main reasons I chose to go into the pharmaceutical area of medicine is to be able to help people. These videos were eye opening in some aspects, but unlike they try to get you to think, medication is not all bad. Most drugs keep people alive, and without them those people would die. I'm not saying that all prescriptions are necessary, because most of the drugs on tv are advertised to increase the profits of the companies. There are some very important drugs that were created solely to better the health of people in our society, and it is these drugs that require the attention.
ReplyDeleteas someone who works as a pharmacy tech it really is amazing to see just how many perscriptions one person can be on. i've filled orders for elderly patients who have been on upwards of 20 drugs. and the crazy part is some of the drugs they take are used to alter the affects of another drug they take. and the scariest part is the doctors don't always realize what they are prescribing and how it could affect the patient. there are so many times that doctors prescribe medications that the patients have an allergy to, something they should have been aware of in their chart to begin with, but it becomes the pharmacists job to double check and pick up the slack.
ReplyDeleteThis is incredible. It is almost as though we in this country are not even in charge of our own bodies anymore; we see a commercial for something and just write it down and get it. Why aren't doctors saying no before giving patients 20 prescriptions? Perhaps if pharmaceutical companies did not have millions of dollars to spend on advertising, our doctors could actually prescribe the necessary medication, and that advertisement money could be better spent on health care.
ReplyDeleteWatching these videos really makes you think. As Americans, the majority of us are looking for a quick fix to our problems. Medications provide us with this quick fix. Someone may have high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Instead of the person exercising and altering their eating habits to decrease their body weight, they go to the doctors and are prescribed 3 medications. Medications are a great short term solution, but exercise and diet alterations would be more beneficial in the long run. It also makes one wonder if the medical world is the way it is because of Americans not wanting to make time for proper diet and exercise. Our habits have made the pharmaceutical industry the way it is today.
ReplyDeleteOne of the videos mentioned how pharmaceutical mistakes leads to several deaths each year. About 12 years ago my best friend's father had surgery and was stable in the recovery room so his family was sent home. Later that night they received a phone call telling them their father/husband had passed away due to a mistake in drug administration. How do you tell a 9 and 12 year old boy their father won't be coming home because the medical staff messed up their father's prescription? It's just shocking to know that this happens to tons of people each year, yet stories/statistics aren't really broadcasted.
Both videos were very informative, especially the second video. Before taking this class I never realized such things were happening. The facts and statistics from the second video were surprising. I put a lot of trust in doctors and seeing that they will help treat me in the best way possible. I have never taken medications, but both my parents are on a few different types of medications and after watching the videos it makes me think. I agree with Briana about how "Doctors care more about procedures than the time they actually spend getting to know their patients", and it is upseting to think that it is happening.
ReplyDeleteI completley agree with the first video. It is amazing how many people look up symptoms they have on Web MD online and suddenly diagnosis themselves. Then, they see this perscription on TV, which will solve all their problems and head to the doctor with this in mind. I would have to say that the second video is a bit of a shock, as the statistics can be overwhelming. However, at the same time, this video only shows one side of it. There are actually drugs that patients are taking which do save their lives. It makes it seem like the health care industry only harms people, which is clearly not true.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed watching both videos. The first video made me think of all the patients I have taken to the hospital. Self diagnosis is a big problem in todays society. Many people dont realize that harm in multi-presciption medications. I agree with Marisas comment on the 2nd video. Not all doctors are killers, and not everyone in the heath care industry is out ot harm people.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these videos were very interesting to view, however it is very unfortunate how many individuals in the U.S. succumb to the media's convincing tactics everyday. It seems as though every major manufacturing company has taken advantage of America's willingness to purchase products-- from seeing household products, alcohol, cosmetics, nutritional/dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical drugs on just about every commerical on TV.
ReplyDeleteHowever, is it really our fault as Americans for falling under these money traps? From the first video, I found it interesting that many people have suffered from faulty scripts being written by doctor's unreadable handwriting. Although I'm not sure if I believe it, I wouldn't be surprised if this is yet another way to bring more money into the medical industry--by creating more medical problems for individuals.
Is anyone aware of any other steps being taken to determine the validity of all the information in these videos? There was a website given after the second video, but I wasn't sure if there were any other programs or groups that had been formed to investigate these issues. If all the information is true, what actions are being taken against the medical industries?
ReplyDeleteThese videos were full of tons of information, although I did enjoy the 2nd one more. The statistics were shocking! It makes me think twice about doctors and the pharm companies that are convincing Americans that we "need" all of these different meds to help us! It seems as though most doctors/pharms are looking for max profits and not max efficiency with patients.
ReplyDeleteIt is apparent to me that our society is becoming more and more dependent on drugs, especially drugs that regulate mood. I recently had a conversation with a girl that was on anti-anxiety medication. She has been on it for many years and at the end of the talk, it was clear to me that she was relying VERY heavily on the drug to keep her "in check" as she put it. This person had mentioned recent events which lead her to believe that she needed to up her dose because she had become "all over the place". The events she referred to seemed to be normal ups and downs of life and I found it interesting that the minute she felt any flux in her emotions she felt the need to control her mood with drugs instead of trying some simple fixes such as exercise, better diet, or becoming involved with her roommates or school clubs. I'm not implying that no one needs medication from time to time or that it is completely bad, but to never want any flux in your moods at all is a dangerous thought process in mind and can lead to some very dangerous outcomes for the person taking all the medication to sustain that feeling...or lack of it as the case may be.
ReplyDeleteThese videos were quite eye opening. Its true that we dont think about this information on every day. As americans we think technology and medicine can heal or fix everything. However, i am optimistic that the more education we are provided with about the effects of drugs towards our health, will increase other methods of "healing". With education we will be more aware, and much more comfortable with questioning the drugs we are prescripted.
ReplyDelete-Angela E
Each of the videos were shocking and informative. The first video really addressed the issue concerning pharm companies and their ridiculous marketing. Fortunately the first video seemed to show that people (both patients, doctors, and those training to be doctors) were recognizing that maybe all of these prescriptions are not the answer. I have to agree that the second video was more shocking with its staggering statistics. But it also seemed to be very one-sided and perhaps too extreme.
ReplyDeleteOne of the issues that I have seen personally is with over prescribing medications. My grandfather has arthritis and high cholesterol and has multiple medications to counteract the medications for each condition leading to approximately ten prescriptions for two very common diagnoses.
It's amazing how much people rely on these medications. Some people need them however it's not necessary to advertise to these people. The doctors should prescribe medications that a patient needs rather than a patient getting it in their head that they need this.
ReplyDeleteI think the media's deceptive tactics are becoming an increasing problem in America. In the 90's and even today young girls are being bombarded with the facts that they aren't good enough. They need to enhance their appearance with makeup, surgery, and being a certain size. Now, the media is telling us that something else must be wrong with us. We are suffering from all kinds of diseases and disorders. Like with the Lunesta commercial, if you lie awake at night then you might have a sleeping disorder??? Kids in America are being prescribed more medication than any other country in the world.
ReplyDeleteIt's astounding that these companies total gross income is in the trillions. I'm curious how much of that is actually given back to helping people, maybe with free drugs for those who can't afford it, or other charitable donations.
I really enjoyed both of the videos, but I could personally relate to the first video. I have a family friend who is a pharmaceutical rep. in Boston. He makes lots of money, but as I have learned from him, it is not just the pharm. companies who are making out on the expensive, and sometimes unnecessary, perscription drugs. The doctors are also often rewarded for promoting certain drugs, or are often bribed by the rep. and may receive special benefits for pushing the medication. This does not mean every physician out there is doing it, but it is likely that a few do. That is incredibly scarey to think that we are being given perscriptions for the benefit of our own, often trusted, physician.
ReplyDeleteI was also astounded when I found out in class that the U.S actually doesn't have a very good medical system. We are taught to believe as children that everything we have here is the best, but after attending class and watching the second video, I definitly believe otherwise. I plan to attain a career in the medical field in the future, but watching this video has allowed me to view the medical scene from a different perspective and one which I will never forget. I think America needs to take a step back and realize that drugs are not the answers to all of our medical needs. Maybe if we found some relaxing activities to do before going to bed we wouldn't need lunesta or if we allowed our children to play and become physically active, we wouldn't have problems with diabetes and ADD. Things need to change.
The reactions of everyone is so wonderful to me. You all sound enlightened and eager for a change, but how many are actually going to personally change?
ReplyDeleteSo many people are caught up in this web that although you know there is something wrong occurring in the medical/pharmaceutical industry, the moment you are faced with a health problem, most people would find the nearest pharmacy and fill their prescription. The average person doesn't know enough about each drug and their own health to make an educated decision as to whether or not a drug is necessary or even harmful. So, people, naturally, put their faith in the doctors. The question then lies, when you have a "medical problem" and your doctor tells you which prescription medication he/she recommends, will you actually take the time to learn more about it or even alternative means of fixing the problem? For a large majority of people, the answer would be probably not because we "believe" it is a quick fix and no one has time to be ill.
The medical industry will always have control unless something drastic happens to open everyones eyes wide enough to act out change.
Wow, Rachel, youre absolutely right. I tried applying what you said to my own life and although I consider myself to be fairly healthy, there are times when I run to my doctor. Although I don't tell her which medications I should be on, I don't second guess her either, I do what you said, put faith in my doctor because I want a quick fix and a drug is the easiest way to do it. I think many others would do the same.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the videos, I thought they were very eye opening. We have been talking about these issues in class, but videos somehow have a way of making the message more powerful. The statistics were overwhelming. I checked the website listed at the end of the second video and it seemed fairly educational for those who want to improve their health and learn more about it -- but again, maybe that will lead to more self-diagnosis. It seems almost like a losing battle.
I was shocked at some of the things that were said in those videos. It's sad how influential advertising is on today's society and that people go to the doctor with a list of the medications they want that they have seen in a commercial on TV. The commercials make it seem like maybe they are describing you and you are not as healthy as you thought you were. It's causing people to take drugs that they don't need and that are sometimes even harmful to them. The pharmaceutical companies seem to only care about the money and not the people they are affecting.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised at the number of deaths due to the medical system that is there to help make people better..not kill them. That fact that this system is the number one killer is terrible. And the fact that the deaths are due to careless things such as sloppy handwriting, unnecessary drugs and reactions to drugs is unacceptable. Errors like this should not happen, and this many deaths is not okay. Something needs to be done to stop the influence of the pharmaceutical industry on medicine and peoples lives.
Both videos are informative and frighteningly truthful. Our society has become so medicalized that you can not go anywhere without seeing some type of advertisement. I was looking through a magazine at the doctors once and came upon a quiz that was for a depression medicine and it said if you answered yes to most of questions than this drug may be right for you. Watching the movies breaks it down and shows how sick the medical work can be.
ReplyDeleteThe first one hit close to home because I have an aunt who suffers from hypochondria. Name a drug and I bet you she has been on it, and it's sad too see because no one can tell her shes sick and needs help. She has had countless surgeries on her foot because shes sure that there is something wrong with it. When a doctor wont give her the medication she needs she will leave and go to another one until she get's it. What's even worse is that she tries to rub her disease off on her children; insisting they need to take medications that they really don't need. Thankfully they are smarter than that and just do not listen to her. It is just said to see her wasting away and slowly killing herself.
We need to open our eyes and see that something is wrong with our society, that we are relying too much on prescription drugs to solve our problems. Something needs to change and change fast.
While I found both videos very shocking and disturbing, I just think that our society brought this on ourselves, we have made ourselves like this. We are a society that wants action, we want it fast, and we put so much faith in SO many "things" without question, and unfortunately most people are after what makes the world go round, that almighty dollar. I am sure it only took one pharmaceutical company to realize that they could make money on the American public, before everyone wanted in on that moneymaking bandwagon. And the thing is, we all fell for it, and we all have kept it going this long. Is it right to make millions of dollars from "conning" people, no. But it has been said, "what the American public doesn't know, is what makes them the American public."
ReplyDeleteWow these videos are really shocking. Who would think that the richest nation would have these problems, and instead of fixing them we have money hungry drug companies trying to hide information. I'm just really happy to be blessed with a healthy body and haven't had to experience the effects of medications.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these videos were interesting and made some strong points. However, I think the real message these videos were trying to make is that people in society need to start to take measure into their own hands. Instead of preaching, we need to start doing. I agree completely with Rachel in her thoughts, and believe that people need to consider stepping away from the "quick fix" methodology. I understand that there are certain diseases and illnesses that do require medications, but I also think people use medication as a way to avoid dealing with their problems.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has undergone multiple surgeries in my life to fix a genetic defect that was severely impacting my life, I know what pain feels like, emotionally, psychologically, socially, and physically. I had been plagued with these problems my whole life, and was offered surgery at a young age to fix the problem. I opted not to, and lived much of my life in and out of pain. In 2007, when I decided the pain was too much, I finally gave in to surgery. After an unsuccessful first surgery, I agreed to have a second one, that turned out successful. However, this was the absolute last choice I had, and when I was prescribed medication I took it only when I absolutely needed it. I did not take the pain medication every 4 or 6 hours like I was told, and despite being uncomfortable at times, I found other ways to deal with my pain. Thus, I know when people say they have tried other methods besides medication and they have not worked, I feel as though they need to just try a little harder. Believe me, the majority of people do not enjoy pain, but sometimes suffering a little bit could save your life and/or future health problems associated with taking medication or undergoing surgery.
The 2 videos that are posted are absolutely shocking and it's hard to believe that our medical world has come to this. Awhile ago my dad was on vioxx and the doctors told him it was safe and harmless. The practical doctor told him it would make him feel better. About 6 months later my dad found out that he had a heart condition that was caused from the pill vioxx. He thought that by taking the medication that a doctor prescribed to him, he would feel better when in fact the medication gave him a more serious and life threatening condition. It makes you think twice what kind of pills you are popping into your mouth and it is kind of scary.
ReplyDeleteIts amazing to me that more people have died due to the corrupted medical system than have died in ALL our wars fought as Americans combined. At what point will everyone realize more damage is being done than good? Medicine should be meant to save, not to hurt. I feel like a lot of doctors and medical professionals turn a blind eye to this situation because their superiors do not pass these statistics on to them. By assuming that every symptom and unfamiliar pain can be cured or prevented by medicine is a huge assumption and more than often an inaccurate one. That second video makes it hard to believe in the reliability of your own doctor and the accuracy of their knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI never realized just how hypnotizing these prescription advertisments can be. These Youtube clips kind of "snapped me out of it" in terms of what I am really watching when I see these commercials and ads. The drug companies know just how to lure in the consumer and the effects are scary. They exagerate the symptoms and portray the results in very tempting ways (i.e and elderly woman with RA suddenly learning to play the piano, or hiking a mountain).
ReplyDeleteA patient I worked with over the summer for physical therapy, who was a 75 year old woman, enjoyed mocking a commercial she saw about total knee replacement surgery. On the first day of therapy she strolled into the clinic with her walker and said, "Okay, when am I going to get to ride my bike up a mountain, and run with my grandchildren?" It was pretty funny...maybe you had to be there
I was not as shocked as most when watching the videos. I have had to deal with some of these issues in my own family. I think that it is sad that we have lost our way and forgotten that we are responsible for ourselves and our family and friends. Everyone needs to trust more in their respective "communities" and a lot less in the medical system. I come from a family where a high number of us are in the medical field. We need only look to other societies to see that good health comes from healthy relationships and healthy traditions: not medical intervention.
ReplyDeleteIt is obvious that there are some major issues surrounding pharmaceutical companies. As bad as they seem to be, I don't think it is all their fault that things are the way they are. I think the lifestyles and mindset of most American makes them easy prey for drug companies. Sitting at home watching tv or surfing the web promotes exposure to all the pharmaceutical ads, and so when these 'couch potato' type people (who are probably also the most unhealthy) go to the doctor, they are probably the ones to ask for all these medicines. I don't think this happens by accident; I'm sure that of all the $$ the drug companies makes a lot of it goes into advertising and these ads are probably run during certain times or specifically placed in certain online or magazine ads.
ReplyDeleteDue to the repeated exposure to these ads, people will continually be asking for these "name-brand" drugs, resulting in continuous profits for the drug companies. I know they make an insane amount of profits, even in the rough economy. Because of this I don't really know how much things can change .......obviously they don't want to stop making money. I don't know how true this is, but I remember talking about in another class that congress passed a law preventing themselves from making certain laws regarding drug companies. This is obviouslly a problem if it is true and would make sense as to why maybe a change hasn't been made yet .......I don't know.
Just as a closing comment, what do you think we would have to do (if we could) to be able to shift to a system where all drugs were the same price, like professor campbell said about the system in England?
I have to agree with what Meghan said. Americans these days are so consumed daily with the media and everything that is constantly portrayed on TV, the radio, and in magazines. Americans on a daily basis search for a quick fix and the "magic-bullet" in order to fix problems they feel that they have with their life. It's so simple to watch a commercial listing symptoms for ADD for example, like the first clip showed, and begin to think "Maybe I have Adult ADD because I can't concentrate and feel like I can't focus in school or work" etc. when this may occur infrequently for yourself.
ReplyDeleteFrom watching each of these videos it appeared that doctors and hospitals recognize that there needs to be a shift in how pharmaceuticals are distributed to patients. That a patient who comes in to a doctors office requesting X, Y, and Z drugs for their symptoms may need to be looked at more closely in order to determine if they really do need the medications they are seeking. As the statistics show, numerous individuals die based off these medications distributed by doctors. Hopefully something can be found to change the way pharmaceutical company's target individuals and the world of medicine.
I found the videos really interesting but a little off about the seoncd one where it says 50,000 people died of cancer from not getting enough sun light?? Im my 4 years in a health profession i've never heard of any type of cancer that dealt with a lack of sun as the cause. And where were the references for the ststs???
ReplyDeleteThe first clip is shocking but very true. The prescription drug commercials on tv always sound convincing, making people feel like they need that drug(s) and have to talk with their doctors. It reminded me of this time I job shadowing a PA and a patient came in with bad cold-like symptoms. After the PA had talked with patient, she gave the patient prescription medicine and some sample medicine that would treat the cold. This reminded me of the first clip talking about pharmaceutical companies giving samples to medical professionals for their patients.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the first video, its no surprise that America is over-medicated. If you watch TV nowadays, it seems like every other commercial is for a drug of some kind. I tend to watch these ads with fascination because there appears to be a drug for EVERYTHING. Although listening to the side effects of the drugs can be just as entertaining. I remember seeing one for Abilify, which is used to treat depression. The side effects went on for almost the entire commercial and included death! Oh yes, seeing that ad would have me running to my doctor for a prescription.
ReplyDeleteWhen I took organic chemistry, my professor had just gotten his PhD. During the first week of class he told us that organic chemists tend to be paid well, especially when they worked for pharmaceutical companies because they could develop new drugs. He then proceeded to tell us that these organic chemists had no extensive training (if any) in biology or how the human body works. He laughed it off, but I found it to be disconcerting. This probably explains why there are so many drug recalls and lawsuits.
I did find both of the videos intersting, but the first one was much less surprising. I feel that the over-medicating and over-diagnoising of of society is a pretty well known fact, but as someone had posted earlier, something we do nothing about.
ReplyDeleteThe statistics in the second video were very interesting, but I do agree that some of them seemed a little exaggerated or over-simplified, for example the cancer from not getting enough sun. I definately agree it needs some references.
The videos were indeed surprising to me. However i have seen how great of an effect the Pharmaceutical companies have over the medical field is amazing. I worked in a veterinary clinic all summer and almost every day we had representatives from these companies coming in and bringing us food and gift certificates to places and along with the free stuff were some incentives for pushing their products. For instance if we sold “x” amount of their product in a month we would get a free lunch, new scrubs, gas cards. Basically anything enticing that would motivate us to push their products. Luckily the doctor I worked for was not into over medicating and would often recommend alternative methods for her patients. But I always enjoyed the free stuff and never really thought about what they were really doing until now. I knew that they were trying to get us to buy their products but I did not realize the severity and the consequences it could have. Obviously my example is on a very small scale; however this sort of thing happens on a much larger scale as well. Medical doctors often have their research funded by the corporate drug companies so that they can either control the results that get published, or as an incentive to persuade the doctors to use their products. I do believe that doctors sometimes push certain products even when it might not be medically necessary. I don’t think that anyone could argue that point. Society is too quick to turn to medical drugs for the quick fix which doesn’t always mean it’s the right, or healthy thing to do. On another point, first of all kheavner im sorry to hear about your dad, that is a very unfortunate circumstance. The same type of thing happened to my dad. He fell and broke his back about 6 years ago and has had numerous surgeries to try and fix some of the damage and complications that have resulted. His doctors started off putting him on the normal medicines for pain and such. But he started having side effects from one of his pain medications, and instead of putting him on something else; they gave him another drug to offset the side effects of the pain meds. Well this continued happening, he would have side effects such as nausea from one medicine and they would give him something to help with the nausea. This continued to happen and now he is taking 25 pills a day. Some of the pills are just to offset the others. I find it completely disturbing, but who am I to argue with a Medical professional? After watching these video’s I think I have a right to raise some questions.
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