BE SELECTIVE ABOUT ORDERING DRUGS ONLINE

Like all of E-commerce, or any commerce for that matter, heed the caveat, "Let the buyer beware." This goes for prescription medications available to purchase on the Internet. The convenience is great and many of the Web-based pharmacies are reputable. Because of the burgeoning growth of the Internet pharmacies, policing the sites are a problem for the state medical and pharmacy boards (the legal watchdog of prescription medication.) 

While it's perfectly legal to purchase prescription drugs online, you must have a legitimate prescription. No need to tell you there are "shady sites" out there that sell drugs illegally by either bypassing the prescription law with bogus fill-out "consultation" forms or by importing drugs into the U.S. without a prescription (sites out of the country.)

Go ahead and save time and hassle by ordering your medications online and have them delivered to your door. Just do it with reputable Web pharmacies. A good place to start is with the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites Program sponsored by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Their Web site gives consumer information such as credentials, licensing and legality of online sites. So before you purchase drugs online, visit their Web site at www.nabp.net/vipps/intro.asp. 

Question of the Week

Question: Water Makes Me Feel Bloated

In my attempt toward good health and a good figure, I try to drink a liter of water a day. Be it sparkling or still, I feel heavy and bloated even after several trips to the toilet. Does it make a difference as to what kind of water? I would've expected to weigh less and feel 'thin' and light after all this 'flushing' of my systems? Why don't I?

Answer:  It is important to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. Water fills you up and helps cut your appetite; it flushes out your system by speeding up digestion which helps rid the body of toxins and it gives your skin a healthy glow. It also prevents dehydration, which can be a problem for athletes, and active people who perspire a lot. 

There are, however, some precautions to take. Too much of anything can be dangerous. A large amount of water intake combined with too much table salt intake can lead to bloating because salt can cause fluid retention in the body. Drinking too much water is contraindicated for certain physical conditions, such as glaucoma (an eye disease) because it can increase the pressure in the eye. 

We recommend you avoid carbonated water in large amounts as some contains sodium (salt.) Always check the label contents. You can buy sodium-free carbonated water. Plain water is a better choice as bubbly water can cause intestinal gas that may be the cause of that "heavy feeling" you are experiencing.

As with all good things, moderation is the key. Self-knowledge is another. Always see a medical doctor before embarking on any type of diet or exercise regime. 

Check our Health & Fitness Home Page for more health tips on exercise and weight loss and just plain healthy living. And let us know how you're doing. Good luck.

The HFT Staff

NOTE: If you would like to see your question featured here, please submit to: questions@health-fitness-tips.com

Product of the Week

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