Thursday, July 28, 2011

Don't Be Fooled By Aggressive Ad Campaign

     According to the drug pusher, I mean pharmaceutical manufacturer, "Shift Work Disorder occurs when your body's internal sleep-wake clock is out of synch with your work schedule—your body is telling you to go to sleep when your work schedule needs you to stay awake."

In other words- you work nights and are tired. 

     But don't worry, they have your answer. (No, I won't name the drug- they don't deserve the free ad from me.) They will even do like the crack dealers in the 80's and offer you a free taste in the hopes you get hooked (although they call it a free 14 day trial, very PC).
     The infuriating part is how they make up a condition to sell a drug and then casually ramble through the "possible side effects" as though they should be disregarded.
     Well let's review.  The list includes: serious rash, hives, difficulty swallowing or breathing, allergic reaction that damages the liver and blood cells (and may be life threatening), depression, anxiety, sensing things that are not really there (last I checked these are called hallucinations), chest pain, abnormal heart beat, headache, nausea, dizziness, and trouble sleeping. Be sure to tell your doctor if you develop a side effect that bothers you or that doesn't go away. Of course they push the liability off in a letter to "warn" doctors  (taken directly from their website):

      "Discontinuation of treatment may not prevent a rash from becoming life-threatening or permanently disabling or disfiguring."

    Well, guess what? It is PERFECTLY NORMAL to be tired if you are up all night. Yes, some professions need to be up at unusual hours in the night (Thank You Firefighters, Police, Emergency Room staff). Do we want any of them having suicidal thoughts or hallucinations when they are doing that job?
     How about doing things to protect the body's health and make it stronger and better able to deal with the off-hours? Try things like regular exercise- it boosts energy production. Healthy diet that eliminates processed sugar, reduces high glycemic starches, and includes lots of organic fresh veggies, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and fruits. How about stress reduction like walks or bike rides with friends and loved ones? Of course, my favorites are to have a massage and an adjustment, take vitamins/minerals, and use protein shakes to stabilize blood sugar and maintain healthy body composition. 
     Don't fall for their million dollar ad campaign. Make them realize that people are smart and know when they are being buffaloed. Want options? Call me at 253-858-2474 or check out our new website at www.BackboneRestored.com for resources to help.