Worthless Drugs Given to 50% of Seniors

Dear Living Well Daily Reader,

For years, the mainstream has known there’s no cure for the common cold.

But that doesn’t stop your doc from shelling out tons of drugs with the promise that they might help.

As it turns out, though, one of these go-to remedies could put you on the fast track to a deadly infection.

I’m talking about antibiotics.

For a viral infection, which is the cause of most common colds, they’re absolutely worthless.

And according to some new research out of Canada, many seniors are unnecessarily prescribed antibiotics anyway.

For the study, researchers looked at the medical records over 185,000 participants aged 65 or older with an illness that didn’t require antibiotic treatment. These included common cold, bronchitis and sinus infections.

After sifting through the data, they found something alarming…

Nearly half of the participants were prescribed antibiotics, even though they served no medical purpose.

And that’s not the worst of it…

Of these prescriptions, 70 percent were for broad-spectrum antibiotics. These drugs are incredibly dangerous because they can increase your risk of heart problems, diarrhea and even deadly infections like C. difficile.

Additionally, unnecessary antibiotic use raises your chances of contracting hard-to-treat drug-resistant infections.

But there are ways to protect yourself.

Any time you’re prescribed an antibiotic, talk to your doctor about whether it’s really necessary… and what he’s trying to treat

And be sure to ask your doctor about adding a probiotic to your treatment plan. Probiotics can help strengthen gut bacteria, which can reduce the risks of complications that come with antibiotic use.

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.


Sources

[1] Half of all seniors who went to doctor for common cold prescribed unnecessary antibiotics

Natalie Moore

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

Bright Idea to Dodge the Flu REVEALED (No Shot Needed)

The weather is turning cooler and, as a result, we’re spending more time indoors. That means being around many more people in enclosed spaces and being exposed to any bugs they carry. So, as flu season approaches, looking for ways to support your immune system is vital. After all, a healthy immune response can be...

Read This

Belly Fat Shocker Will Blow Your Mind

You know the drill. You’ve got to get rid of the belly fat because carrying extra weight around your middle is a one-way ticket to an early grave. But what if I told you that not all belly fat is created equal? In fact, new research suggests that one type of belly fat in particular...

Read This

The ULTIMATE Autumn and Winter Survival Guide

As the leaves turn gold and the air grows crisp, it’s time to reassess your autumn and winter self-care routine. After all, shoring up your immune system and preparing for the shorter, darker days ahead NOW can ensure you don’t miss out on a single one of those mood-boosting holiday festivities you’re looking forward to....

Read This

“Bear Hack” Helps You Stay Healthy All Fall and Winter Long

Autumn has begun and change is in the air. For folks living where there are dramatically different seasons, the leaves are beginning to turn, and you’re greeted by a crisp chill when you step outside. For those in warmer climates, the subtle shift in air temperature and diminishing light signals the shift into fall. While...

Read This

Are YOU a Victim of Hypertension Misdiagnosis?

Happy Halloween, my friend. I hope your day is filled with plenty of cute trick-or-treating “ghosts” and “ghouls” who couldn’t scare a fly if they tried. But today, I want to talk to you about something that’s TRULY horrifying. And that is medical misdiagnosis. In the world of medical diagnostics, accuracy is paramount. However, a...

Read This

Kitchen Staple Stops Colds in Their Tracks

As we gear up for another cold season, you’re likely wondering how best to keep pesky viruses at bay. Well, new research reveals the secret to fighting off colds could be sitting in your kitchen pantry. The study has uncovered a surprisingly simple remedy that, not only could shorten the duration of colds, but also...

Read This

Mailbag: Recovering from Fatigue and Cognitive Changes After COVID

“After recovering from a mild case of COVID, my perception of the world has changed. I feel that I am half asleep all the time and always tired, and normal tasks are more tiring and harder to undertake.  Taking naps used to perk me up, but no longer. I do not drive anymore because what I view...

Read This

Is Daylight Saving Time Damaging Your Health?

You’ve no doubt seen all the troubling headlines about daylight-saving time. After all, they hit like, well, clockwork twice a year—first in March and again around this time of year, when daylight saving time ends. They warn about heart attacks spiking, car accidents soaring, and how your precious sleep gets thrown into chaos. But what...

Read This

The Hobby Secret to Better Brain Health

We all enjoy our hobbies. After all, that’s WHY we do them. But it turns out your favorite pastimes could be far more than simply enjoyable… New research reveals your hobbies could be the key to keeping your brain sharp as you age. Researchers say whether you’re a crossword enthusiast, a knitting fan, or a...

Read This

Natural Soothing Solutions BANISH Dry Skin

You’re in good company if your skin feels tight, itchy, or flaky as the season changes. Millions battle dry skin daily, and it’s more than just a cosmetic nuisance. Dry skin can cause discomfort, disrupt sleep, and even increase your risk of infections. But before you reach for that tube of chemical-laden lotion, consider this:...

Read This