Seniors Want Fewer Prescriptions

In a new National Poll on Healthy Aging by the University of Michigan involving adults aged 50 to 80, the vast majority of respondents expressed an interest in cutting back on prescription medications. Eighty percent would be willing to stop taking one or more drugs if their healthcare provider said it was possible, and 26 percent had already stopped taking at least one drug they had been taking for more than a year. When asked which meds they would be most interested in stopping, 43 percent named their heart disease pills for high blood pressure or high cholesterol, 13 percent mentioned diabetes medicines and 10 percent included pain management prescriptions.

These results reflect a growing trend dubbed “deprescribing”.

According to Deprescribing.org, a researcher-led online resource, it is the planned process of reducing or stopping medications that may no longer be of benefit or could be causing harm. The goal is to reduce medication burden or harm while improving quality of life. Seniors interested in cutting down on the drugs they are taking should consult their healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and helpful to do so.

EarthShack’s Tea of the Month—

Hibiscus Tea

As we embrace the arrival of summer, consider celebrating it with a healthy choice that can be enjoyed both hot and cold. With the scorching summer temperatures approaching, what better way to beat the heat, aside from a dip in the pool, than by sipping a refreshing glass of hibiscus brew. Here are a couple of recipes to try:

Cold Brew Method

Place dried hibiscus flowers (approximately 2 Tbsp) in a pitcher or jar.

Fill the container with cold water, giving it a gentle stir.

Cover the container and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight for a stronger infusion. Strain the tea to remove the flowers.

Add sweetener or a squeeze of lemon to taste, if desired. Serve over ice and revel in the revitalizing flavors of cold hibiscus tea.

Hibiscus Iced Tea with Fruit

Start by preparing concentrated hibiscus tea using hot water (e.g., 2 cups of water and 1 Tbsp of dried hibiscus flowers).

Allow the concentrated tea to cool to room temperature.

In a pitcher, combine cold water with your preferred choice of sliced fruits like oranges, lemons, strawberries or raspberries.

Pour the cooled hibiscus concentrate into the pitcher and give it a good stir. Refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend harmoniously.

Serve over ice, garnish with fruit slices and relish the delightful fusion of fruity hibiscus iced tea.

Recipes courtesy of EarthShack. For more information, visit www.EarthShack.org

Effects of Cannabis Use Before and After Surgery

In January 2023, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine published guidelines recommending that all patients undergoing anesthesia be screened and questioned about cannabis use, including how much and how often they use, how they take it and when they last used it.

One of the largest studies on the effects of cannabis use on sedation, published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, looked at 250 patients undergoing an endoscopy while under anesthesia. Those that reported regular cannabis use required significantly higher doses of anesthesia than nonusers. Another study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, found that daily cannabis users required a higher dose of sedatives prior to an endoscopy than weekly or monthly users.

On a related note, a 2018 study published in the journal Patient Safety in Surgery reported that marijuana use may interfere with painkillers after surgery. The study looked at 261 trauma center patients and concluded that marijuana use, especially chronic use, may affect the pain response to injury and require higher doses of opioids for pain management.

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