[Warning] Popular Pills Causing Dangerous Falls?!?
By
Natalie Moore
Posted April 22, 2017
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
For years, we’ve been told the best way to stop pain — emotional or physical — is with risky drugs.
And while your doc may warn you that they can be addictive, he will likely fail to mention they come with another danger — falling.
You see, researchers from the University of Arizona have just discovered that some popular pills can significantly up your chances of taking a nasty fall that could cost you your independence.
And believe it or not — they could be in your medicine cabinet right now.
I’m talking about opioid painkillers and antidepressants.
Experts have known for decades that these drugs can make you drowsy and even affect your balance, but they had yet to study if they up your chances of falling.
Until now.
In this first-of-its-kind study, researchers looked at the medical records of over 4,200 participants aged 45–79, some with osteoarthritis (OA).
The scientists tracked medication use for the following three years and falls for the next four years.
And after a few careful calculations, they found something amazing…
Folks suffering from OA and taking opioid painkillers were 22 percent more likely to fall two or more times than those not taking them.
Even worse, for those with OA taking antidepressants, the risk of taking two or more nasty falls shot up 25 percent.
Experts believe recurring falls are more significant than a single fall because they could signal major cognitive deficits and increase your risk for subsequent falls.
If you’re taking an antidepressant or opioid and are concerned about falling, talk to your doctor about other options.
Or you could give acupuncture a shot. Studies have shown acupuncture can help with pain and depression.
To find a certified medical acupuncturist near you, visit www.medicalacupuncture.org.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
Study Reveals We’re Breathing in Dangerous Chemicals
Think about the last time you stepped outside or even sat in your home with the windows open. Well, what if I told you that you’re likely breathing in toxic chemicals that could harm your health, no matter where you are? A recent study out of California warns that airborne toxins, called plasticizers, are everywhere....
Mailbag: Battling Joint Pain? Natural Solutions Could Help
“I have bone-on-bone knees. I refuse to see doctors about it anymore because their meds keep me sick or make me unable to function. So, I quit. I’ve ordered several things online to help with pain. Some are pretty good. I need help deciding what to take.” -Fed Up and Aching Dear Fed Up, I...
Your Washed Fruits and Veggies Might STILL Be Toxic
We’ve all been there. Standing at the kitchen sink, dutifully washing our fruits and vegetables to remove the pesticides, feeling good about our healthy choices. But there’s a chance that all that scrubbing might be giving you a false sense of security… Unfortunately, the latest research on pesticides in our produce is downright alarming. And...
Peace, Joy, and... Pressure? How to Relieve Holiday Stress
The holiday season is upon us, bringing twinkling lights, good cheer, and… stress? If you’re feeling more frazzled than festive, you’re not alone. A recent American Psychological Association (APA) poll reveals a startling reality about our collective holiday experience. We often paint the holidays as a picture-perfect time of joy and togetherness. But for many,...
The Longevity Secret Hiding in Your Produce Drawer
Scientists recently uncovered a remarkable anti-aging compound that not only extends life… it could help protect your brain from age-related decline at the same time. And the best part? This secret to living longer (and better) might ALREADY be hiding in plain sight in your refrigerator… New animal research published in the journal Antioxidants has...
Playlist Hack SPEEDS UP Surgery Recovery
When you have surgery scheduled, you don’t just worry about the day of the operation. There’s the anxiety leading up to the surgery. And then, even worse, there’s the painful recovery afterward. But now scientists say there’s a drug-free way to bounce back FASTER with less pain and anxiety. And the trick is as simple...
Is Wine Good for Heart Health? The Truth REVEALED
For years, many of us have savored an evening glass of red wine, comforted by the notion that this amount of alcohol might benefit our heart health. Well, unfortunately, I have to be the bearer of bad news… Recent research is challenging this long-held belief. In fact, there’s growing evidence that even light to moderate...
The Surprising Reason to Embrace Holiday Break
When the holiday season arrives, you often hear warnings about managing the stress of family gatherings, social commitments, and overindulgent meals. However, some upbeat new research reveals that the holidays can also be a secret weapon for better health. The study found that regardless of whether you’re still working a 9 to 5, or are...
Mailbag: Your Green Light Guide to Healthy Eating
“As everyone is so quick to inform us what not to eat, would you kindly inform us of what we can eat? It seems like everything has been condemned at this point.” —Hungry Hi Hungry, I understand why you’re frustrated. With all the warnings, it can feel like EVERY food in the grocery store is...
“Jack Frost” Method Supercharges Your Workouts
As the mercury drops, we instinctively want to huddle inside under a warm blanket. But before you resign yourself to a season of hibernation and comfort foods, consider this… Braving the cold could be your secret weapon for better health. While safety should always come first, of course (never venture out on icy streets), there...