We’ve all done it:  Typed our symptoms into Google only to be confronted by a dizzying array of hits, most of which only succeeded in confusing us further.  The Internet can be a great resource, but it’s not exactly the most efficient (or scientifically valid) means of gathering information, particularly when it comes to health and wellness.

On the other hand, many of us aren’t always sure that we’re receiving the best treatment from within the medical and pharmaceutical professions - “It worries me that people watch these commercials promising quick fixes for any discomfort, and might go to their doctor with a specific drug in mind to request it, whether or not that drug is the right choice for them.” Doctors are subject to time constraints, and their training often leads them to seek out the most expeditious route to wellness - usually in the form of prescription medication - rather than to explore symptoms in greater depth and consider alternative therapies.

Then again, many of us are leery of alternative therapies - “I am not one to generally look to alternative medicine. I tend to avoid things I don’t feel are well-proven, and many so-called natural remedies fall under my self-imposed umbrella.”  Herbal supplements that aren’t regulated and ancient practices such as acupuncture raise our eyebrows.  Purveyors of these are sometimes mistrustful of modern medicine, which further provokes our suspicion of them.

The 24-Hour Pharmacist by Suzy Cohen, R. Ph., has clearly and refreshingly staked out a middle ground between these two camps.  As one blogger stated:  “If you’re one of those people who doesn’t like taking medications then The 24-Hour Pharmacist would be a good reference book. If you’re like me, and will take any medication that a doctor hands to you, this is a good reference book to let you know what those meds are doing to you and what other choices you have.”  And another blogger succintly summarized her own conflicting feelings that many of us share: “I have often thought that the pharmaceutical industry and medical establishment (no matter how well-meaning) have led people to take drugs when there may be safer, natural alternatives. But I don’t always trust the information I read on natural health unless it comes from a trusted source.”  The 24-Hour Pharmacist bridges that gap very well - “What I liked most about the book is not only does she discuss prescription drugs, but also non-prescription remedies that range from vitamins to Suzy’s Secrets from Behind the Counter which are basically home remedies - for example, drinking rosemary tea to combat dandruff or seborrhea.”

As parents, we’re used to focusing on our children’s health, not our own:  “I eagerly awaited my copy of The 24-Hour Pharmacist in anticipation for a reference book for all those crazy kid ailments that go bump in the night. See, when you have children, you just assume that everything ever written has a kid slant…Forget the kids, this book was for ME! And in many cases felt like it was written directly to me which made me embrace it even more.”  For many of us, our complaints boil down to fatigue: “A 24-hour pharmacist sounds like a darn good idea that has nothing to do with illegal substances and everything to do with health and sleep. Because even though I may occasionally be a slacker in the health department, I’ll do anything for me and mine to sleep more.”  The 24-Hour Pharmacist informs us without making us feel as if we need a medical degree to understand our own health: “I think in order to be able to make the best choices possible with your health (or anything else for that matter) you need to fully understand all your options, which means knowing the benefits and consequences of each option. I think that the author does a terrific job of breaking down medical language to explain it to people without medical backgrounds. This is no easy feat.”

For a few bloggers, it was refreshing to see other potential causes of symptoms (such as adrenal burnout) and alternative therapies to address those symptoms:

• “I unknowingly suffered from adrenal fatigue for nearly two years. I saw numerous doctors and eventually ended up in the care of a psychiatrist - all to disastrous ends. Why? It certainly wasn’t from lack of trying, it was from lack of education. Most doctors don’t look for adrenal fatigue and most books never make mention. I have several home remedy/holistic books in my possession and nary a one mentioned this phenomenon. In the 24 Hour Pharmacist, not only is it mention but supplements are suggested!”
• “I was fascinated by the connection with fatigue medications and hormones. I’ve been using Ashwagandha for the last month or so and it has helped with my insomnia, in this chapter I also learned that it might help with my thyroid function and control blood sugar and cholesterol - nice bonus! I found the easy to understand description of your adrenal glands and what they do really interesting, certainly not something I’ve heard from my physician or read about anywhere - until now.”

At the very least, such information can be used to help eliminate potential causes of symptoms.  “If something isn’t working for you? Admit this to yourself. At least you can eliminate a few of the ideas so when you do seek medical help, you and your doctor aren’t starting from scratch.”

Almost all of the bloggers were fascinated by the chapter on drug interactions - “If I had to name my favorite chapter (which is difficult to decide) I would say drug muggers is excellent (is ibuprofen stealing my folic acid? Stop you pain-killer thief!).”  Likewise, they echoed the book’s warning “to ask your doctor before taking a list of herbs for what ails you. Herbs are drugs, and in that vein, there should be just as much caution exercised before taking a bunch of prescriptions as when you load up at the health food store.”

But above all, the bloggers loved Suzy Cohen’s writing style:  “I’m not kidding when I say it is full of sage wisdom. Suzy Cohen not only has her head on straight, she is funny. I likes me some funny…I really appreciated her opinion, her candor, her honesty throughout this book.”  And as a bonus, The 24-Hour Pharmacist has supplanted at least one blogger’s reliance on Google:  “Not only has it successfully replaced my Google addiction (related to health conditions, body ailments, and treatments…otherwise, Google is still my drug of choice), it has given me the satisfaction of instant gratification with a healthy dose of humor from an author who is knowledgable and unafraid to be a little irreverent.”

Stay tuned for more reviews of The 24-Hour Pharmacist, and be sure to leave a comment here or here to be entered to win a copy of the book and a $50 CVS gift card!

Fri, 7/13 - Chaos Theory, Mommy’s Must Haves
Mon, 7/16 - Her Bad Mother, Mommy Needs Coffee
Tues, 7/17 - Domestic Diva, Mama Drama
Wed, 7/18 - Karianna, Sarah’s Dandelions
Thurs, 7/19 - One Plus Two
Fri, 7/20 - Slouching Mom, Snarky Momma
Mon, 7/23 - Round-Up Review on PBN