Despite my hoistic leanings, the pharmaceutical industry is my bread and butter (and was my daughter’s as well, for several years), and I’ve had several discussions with the doctor who was the CEO of a medical research company I used to work for about statins (cholesterol lowering drugs). The research is based on people with familial hypercholesterolemia, or in plain English, high cholesterol that seems to run in the family, as opposed to being purely diet-based. Patients are considered for these studies if “a change in diet alone” doesn’t lower cholesterol.

I asked “What kind of ‘change’ did they make?” The answer–a “low cholesterol” (300 mg daily!!!) diet. Did anyone try going vegan? Nope. Familial hypercholesterolemia runs in *my* family too, and going vegan after 20 years of being ovo-lacto vegetarian dropped my cholesterol from 190 to 134.

Why does the American public think that daily medications–most of which are not without side effects–are a preferable alternative to eating well, exercising, and stress management?

I’m sorry for the rant! But I did want to comment on your excellent article.

Peace and Blessings,
Suzy

Great point about the vegan diet and its benefits. That’s another thing people really need to be aware of. I’ve located a good online source for those who want to learn more about vegan and vegetarian diets:
The Vegetarian Resource Group — http://www.vrg.org

I’ve noticed more and more that our society has been brainwashed into believing we are not responsible for our own lives. As you both pointed out. . . got a pain, pop a pill. People sue cigarette companies when they get lung cancer; people sue McDonalds because they’re overweight. Who forced you to smoke - even after the dangers of smoking were clearly evident. Who forced you to go to fast food restaurants? It was YOUR choice. It’s not always someone else’s fault.

This may sound insensitive on my part but I have to admit I’m one of those people. I spent my whole life blaming someone else for my problems. When I look in the mirror at the end of the day, I am the only one who has control over what I put into my mouth. I am the only one who can control how I react to a comment or situation.

It’s unfortunate that there are so many organizations and individuals who claim to have the best interests of the people in mind when their real interest is in their pockets. Money.

The answer is to try to educate people as much as possible and empower them to take responsibility for their own actions. We have a long road ahead of us and we have many large and powerful companies working against us but I believe people like us, who see clearly what is going on, have a personal responsibility to help as many people as possible learn how to take personal responsibility for their own choices.