Campaign against overmedication and excessive use of supplements
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An average Pole takes painkillers 7 times a month, while the abuse of drugs and supplements can delay the diagnosis of serious diseases, experts warn.
On March 9, the University of Silesia and its partners launched a public awareness campaign on the risks associated with this problem under the slogan: "Grenade against (over)dose. Educate".
"We are involved in a wide range of activities that companies call social responsibility of business, and we call the new social responsibility of the university" - said Rector of the University of Silesia Prof. Wiesław Banyś during a press conference in Katowice.
Experts who attended the conference emphasized that taking over-the-counter drugs without consulting a doctor is becoming more common. Over the past several years, the demand for drugs in Poland quadrupled. Self-treatment of pain is a commonly occurring phenomenon in Polish society. In addition, ads reinforce the belief that every health problem can be solved with a "magic pill". In this way, the recipients develop the following reflex: "Something\'s wrong with you? Take a pill. You\'re fine? Take it so that you don\'t get ill".
"Supplements are a very big problem. Instead of getting the causes of their ailments diagnosed, patients escape into the treatment that reduces the symptoms. This is not a good course of action from the medical point of view. The good one is: diagnose, find the cause of the pain, and then apply treatment, and maybe - if you have a deficiency of vitamins or minerals - use them" - explained clinical pharmacologist Assoc. Paweł Madej, head of the Department of Internal Medicine with sub-divisions: Cardiology Diagnostics and Diabetes at the Order of Brothers Hospitallers Hospital in Katowice.
He stressed that supplements may delay diagnosis of serious diseases, for example, iron supplementation in men may delay diagnosis of cancer of the digestive system. He also drew attention to dangerous drug interactions, for example, painkillers can reduce the effects of hypertension drugs.
"Patients resort to medication immediately when the pain starts, or even when the pain has not started yet: 6 percent anticipate the pain and take a pill, 40 percent taking a pill at the first sign of pain, when a cup of tea could be enough. Headache may be caused by mismatched glasses, diseases such as glaucoma, sinus problems or high blood pressure; 30 percent Poles do not know they have high blood pressure" - said Assoc. Madej.
The campaign is organized jointly by the University of Silesia, the Order of Brothers Hospitallers Hospital in Katowice and CenterMed. In addition to raising the awareness of the risks associated with the abuse of painkillers and supplements, it will provide information on alternative pain management methods, as well as taking care of health every day. Information can be found on the campaign website www.us.edu.pl/granatem-w-przedawkowanie
PAP - Science and Scholarship in Poland
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