Majority Of Americans Are On Prescription Drugs
May 17, 2008
Washington (ChattahBox) - A new report has shown that the majority of Americans are using prescription drugs on a regular basis, a habit which many experts believe must be changed.
The report from Medco Health Solutions Inc. stated that in 2007, 51% of Americans with health insurance were talking prescription drugs, with 20% taking three or more prescription drugs. This is quiet an alarming rate.
Americans between the ages of 20 - 44-years old saw a 20% increase in prescription drug use in 2007 compared to 2006.
The percent of overall Americans taking prescription drugs for chronic health problems was 47% in 2006.
Dr. Robert Epstein, chief medical officer at Medco stated “These chronic conditions are incredibly costly for the nation and will become exponentially so if we’re seeing these problems show up at a younger and younger age.”
The Researchers blame obesity as one of the main causes for this increase, as Americans are becoming more comfortable to take a drug rather than exercise to help themselves.
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