Statins in the Water Supply?

Lots of us take statins: they are the drugs usually prescribed to help us get that bad cholesterol down. And they work really well. But here’s an article from the UK that questions whether we shouldn’t be focusing more on lifestyle than drugs, especially among younger people.

There’s no doubt statins have reduced the chances of heart attack and stroke. This article by Barbara Lantin quotes findings that about 7,000 lives were saved in Britain in a recent year from the use of these drugs. Side effects seem to be moderate to non-existent. So why not put them in the water supply?

The article suggests these drugs may be appropriate more for older people. The author quotes Tom Sanders, a professor of nutrition, as saying they might be prescribed for almost everyone over 60 since age is a major risk factor for heart disease. But the final word on long term side effects is not in yet (and may never be, given the nature of these issues), and there is reason to believe that people should continue to avoid needing statins by pursuing a healthy lifestyle to keep cholesterol low, beginning at a young age.

Certainly, statins have proved their worth, and no one should ignore their physician’s advice to use them. But as in most of these kinds of issues, following a healthy lifestyle aggressively is indicated as the path of prevention, which is always preferable.

Is it too late for you to avoid statins? We can’t say: talk to your doctor. But whatever, sticking to your healthy lifestyle routines will help.

Add comment May 31st, 2006

Parents’ Lifestyle Teaches Their Kids

From little Peel, Ontario is a local program based on the notion that parents’ healthy lifestyles teach their kids to be the same way.  The “3 pillars” of health will be familiar to you: healthly eating, physically active lifestyle and positive self esteem.  They present some research (click here) that children of active parents are much more likely to be active themselves.

Add comment May 31st, 2006