Going Green with Chiropractic

You recycle glass bottles and newspapers. You bought a canvas grocery tote to replace plastic bags. You drive a hybrid vehicle. Yet every time you purchase over-the counter and prescription medication, you are most likely contributing to the contamination of our national water supply—and you never even knew it.

In 2007 a study sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the American Pharmacists Association found that many public water supplies around the U.S. were contaminated with pharmaceuticals.

A study of Lake Michigan water samples found traces of ibuprofen, Tylenol, beta blockers from heart medication and birth-control pill hormones. An examination of treated drinking water in the Grand Rapids, MI area contained the anti-seizure medication carbamazepine.

Medications get into the water supply every time we throw medication in the trash or flush it down the toilet.

Researchers acknowledged that at this time, the drugs found in water samples were measured in parts per trillion, and were not considered to be a threat to human consumption. However, these scientists also agreed that no one knows the dangers associated with being exposed to low dose medications over a lifetime.

The aquatic life in these lakes and streams are not as fortunate. Already scientists have discovered male fish that grew female ovarian tissue due to their long-term exposure to birth-control hormones in the water. Here’s a bigger question, are we eating these fish?

Consumers are advised to be warned about taking medication. Not only could you hurt your body with unforeseen side effects, but your demand for these medications will be taking a toll on the environment.

Give your body, and your water supply, a “going green” makeover. Treat your health concerns naturally—through chiropractic adjustments and a healthy diet. It’s that simple.

[Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service article “Improper Disposal of Unused mediation Inspired New Awareness Program” www.fws.gov]