Posted on: Sunday, March 27, 2005

FAMILY MATTERS
Take two pills and call me in the morning

By Michael C. DeMattos

Is it my imagination or is there now a pill for every ailment known to man? Whether you are losing your hair (which I am) or suffer from high cholesterol (which I may be) or endure seasonal sneezing fits (mango season), you are a prescription away from perfect health. Now, more than ever, we live in a society that believes in better living through chemicals.

Maybe it was deregulation or perhaps corporate infiltration, but medication commercials and advertisements are everywhere. I love trying to guess what the medication is for, which is usually not all that difficult.

Medicine ads are quite formulaic and rely heavily on our desire to live the perfect life; to have meaningful relationships that are rewarding, comforting and joyful. They are like a warm hand-knit sweater on a cold winter day or lying in a field of flowers with your first love.

Inevitably, they follow a pattern. For the first few moments, all you see are suggestive scenes like a man throwing a football through a hanging tire or a woman walking down a flower-filled sidewalk with the wind blowing through her hair or a sultry lady lounging around the house wearing nothing but her beau's shirt.

Then they name the problem, such as hair loss, allergies or poor male performance. If the subject matter is sensitive they will speak in metaphors, you know, for that "quality reaction" they expect from television viewers. They also name the solution — which of course is their medication — and direct you to your physician for a free sample. Last but not least, they go over the list of potential side effects, which I am sure they do, not because they want to, but because it is required by law. Some of those side effects are just plain spooky.

All the world is indeed a stage, and in the case of a serious health condition, the right medication may prevent an early curtain call. Science, technology and the dedication of the medical profession have done wonders to improve the overall health of our nation. Still, many of these medications target cosmetic problems or minor conditions that are the result of lifestyle choices more than anything else.

And that got me thinking, which may be more dangerous than those spooky side effects. These commercials have couples hugging and kissing and families running in the park, playing catch or riding their bikes, and I wonder why they didn't do that in the first place. If you are overworked, stressed, not getting enough sleep or missing quality time with loved ones, you do not need a pill, you need a lifestyle change. The last thing you want to do is take a pill that gives you more energy only to become a better workaholic.

Look, I am no doctor, but my initials are M.D., and if the act of taking a pill will put your mind at ease, may I suggest a sugar pill? Research has shown that the good, old-fashioned placebo effect is often as good as the real McCoy. When combined with better choices and a commitment to self-care, you may just find that life is pretty darn good after all.

Family therapist Michael C. DeMattos has a master's degree in social work.