WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - Getting Better

Traffic: 14 Incidents

Weather:

27°F

11:06am EST, 11/22/08

Medical Minute

Posted: Thursday, 08 May 2008 5:16PM

Getting Better

Dr. Murray Feingold Reporting

If you are sick and require treatment, two basic steps must be taken to get better.

First, you need to see a doctor who will diagnose your ailment and then prescribe the proper treatment.

Certain conditions, such as viral infections, usually don’t require any medications and with time, you get better.

But there are other illnesses, such as bacterial infections or hypertension that require medications for you to return to good health.

After the doctor has prescribed the medication, then the next step is getting it and taking it.

Sounds easy, but some studies have shown that 50% of the patients do not take their medications as prescribed.

This is called “patient adherence” or , frequently, lack of adherence.

The study also showed that methods used to improve adherence were not particularly successful.

People are free to decide whether or not to take their medications, but adherence is more complex than that. There are social, emotional, and physical reasons that impact on people making meaningful decisions regarding taking their medications.

Print Page

Email This Page

Today's Audio

President Bush Radio Address 11-22-08

President Bush talks about the current economic challenges that the nation is facing.

Troubled housing

WBZ's Lisa Meyer wraps up her series on how the housing crisis affects people locally, with an expert's thoughts on when things may improve.

Raises questioned

WBZ's Lana Jones reports about raises given to 13 MassPike executives, even as the board discusses doubling some turnpike tolls.

Bruins 4 Panthers 2 Post Game: Tim Thomas

Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas with WBZ's Tom Cuddy following the team's 4-2 win over the Florida Panthers at the Garden.

Bruins 4 Panthers 2 Post Game: Dennis Wideman

Boston Bruins defenseman Dennis Wideman with WBZ's Tom Cuddy following the team's 4-2 win over the visiting Florida Panthers.

Bruins 4 Panthers 2 Post Game: Claude Julien

Boston Bruins head coach Claude Julien with WBZ's Tom Cuddy following the team's 4-2 win over visiting Florida.

What to do as your 401k shrinks

WBZ's New England Business Editor, Anthony Silva, reports.

Keller on Turner

WBZ chief political analyst Jon Keller talks with WBZ's Ed Walsh about the arrest of veteran Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner.

A look at the housing market

WBZ's Lisa Meyer talks with Tim Warren of the Warren Group about the current state of the housing market and where it appears to be headed.

Bob Schieffer

WBZ's Ed Walsh talks with CBS's Bob Schieffer about a bailout for Detroit, as well as the day John F. Kennedy was fatally shot 45 years ago Saturday.

Keller At Large 11/21/2008

Jon Keller considers the raft of proposed state tax increases in light of the severely deteriorating economy.

Gil Santos Commentary 11/21/2008

Gil gives his assessment of how the Patriots are doing so far this season.

Remembering JFK

The 45th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination is recalled in a montage of music and words as compiled by WBZ producer Michael Coleman.

After the Bell

Take a look at Wall Street after the bell with WBZ's Financial Editor Dave Caruso.

Twilight Time: An interview with a vampire

The newest actor to capture the attention of America's teenage girls was in Saugus last Friday to promote his latest film. Rob Pattinson also took time to sit down with WBZ's Mark Katic.

Traffic light timing changes being expanded in Boston

WBZ's Lisa Meyer speaks with Transportation Commissioner Tom Tinlin, who says the Back Bay experiment has worked.

The Bruins through the eye of Steve Babineau

Steve Babineau, the Boston Bruins official photographer, now in his 35th year, tells all through the lens of his cameras. He talks with WBZ's Tom Cuddy.

The Parent Report: Fire Safety

WBZ's Doug Cope help you protect your family from fire.