Staying Healthy in a Sick Economy

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Story Published: Nov 17, 2008 at 6:17 PM PST

By Audrey Asistio

YAKIMA -- Medicine is getting more costly by the minute and living in a sick economy, more people are cutting down on all types of medical expenses like check-ups and prescriptions. Doctors say if you want to stay healthy, there's one thing you should never cut back on.

Yakima Memorial Dr. Carol Lyn Vanevenhoven says, "It's important to take your medication. I know that sometimes when budgets are tight you're looking at areas that you might need to cut back, but I think medications are important."

Dr. Vanevenhoven says the easiest way to stay healthy and save money is to keep up on medication, even if it means using over the counter generics.

Consumer Roxanne Brittain tells Action News, "I just think Advil works better than the generic brand. Especially when it comes to others, we've tried other brands, but it doesn't work as good."

Doctors say this isn't the case. They say medicine that reach the shelf are approved by the FDA, guaranteeing they work just as good as the better brands. Generic drugs cost a lot less than well known brands, and doctors say these types of drugs aren't the ones you should worry about.

Dr. Vanevenhoven adds, "There's less regulation in the herbal market or the vitamins market, so that's where you could potentially get into some trouble."

Some of these drugs are not approved through the FDA. So if you want to stay healthy on a budget, don't cut back on your medicine and consider generics where you can. Pharmacists add that if you are not sure about a medication, it's best to speak with your doctor to see what's best for you.

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