Resolve to Take Your Medicine

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Resolve to Take Your Medicine

January 1, 2004 06:04:21 AM PST , HealthDay

THURSDAY, Jan. 1 (HealthDayNews) -- New Year's resolutions about

health usually involve a promise to stop smoking, exercise regularly or

eat better.

Most folks don't think about a resolution that can have just as

important health benefits: a promise to take their medications

regularly.

" In chronic conditions, such as asthma and hypertension, many

patients take less than half of their medications on a regular basis, "

says Dr. Bruce Bender, head of pediatric behavioral health at National

Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver.

" This poses a serious health risk, " Bender says. " It frequently

leads to serious exacerbations of their disease, up to and including

death. Among asthma patients, it is the single greatest cause of

emergency room visits. "

Bender believes people often avoid taking their medication because

of doubts surrounding themselves or the medical care they are receiving.

People with chronic diseases frequently feel hopeless about modern

science's ability to treat their ailments. Others deny the significance

of their condition and believe taking their medications is an

unnecessary chore.

Those folks should confront their doubts and concerns, write them

down and take them up with their doctor, Bender says. " When patients

come in with organized and relevant questions, they are more likely to

leave with the answers they need to inspire confidence and resolve their

doubts, " he says.