With the recent furor over COX-2 inhibitors Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra and the FDA's role in all this mess, let me urgently remind you that even over-the-counter drugs (OTC), which "experts" assure you are safe, can be just as devastating to your health. (The case of this little 7-year-old girl who is now blind serves as a grim example.)

Folks, it is truly unfortunate that many people don't understand that just because a drug is available without a prescription, it isn't any less harmful than those that are. The ease with which these drugs can be obtained presents a false sense of security. As with all drugs, however, OTC drugs are simply covering up symptoms and are not addressing the underlying cause of the symptoms. Even though they're available without a prescription, they are still drugs and many contain potentially dangerous ingredients.

And, while OTC drug labels will include some of the potentially harmful interactions on the label, you cannot rely on them to cover everyone (and many people do not take the time to read the label anyway).

Certain foods, drugs, herbs, vitamins and your own existing medical conditions could potentially create a harmful reaction. Therefore, the best way to find out about these potential interactions would be to talk to a doctor or pharmacist -- but keep in mind that since many OTC drugs are sold in grocery stores, convenient stores and even gas stations, there isn't always a knowledgeable person available to answer your questions.

Avoid the "Drug Trap"

The first step to preventing critical side effects associated with taking drugs is to avoid them! I cannot stress this enough: Please don't get caught in a drug trap -- the utter reliance on pills and medicated syrups to make our pain and symptoms go away.

The problem with this mindset -- the mindset that if you have a headache, heartburn or any other pain, you need to get a pill to fix it -- is that it ignores the fact that these symptoms are warning signs that something is not right in your body, and of course, the drugs often bring with them their own set of side effects.

Similarly, your headache or heartburn is not an illness in itself to be "cured" by a pill. It is a sign that something you are doing, being exposed to, eating, neglecting or so on is causing a problem in your body.

As I am fond of saying, pain is a wonderful guide that is given to us as feedback so we can take action to correct the problem before it gives us further, more serious, problems.

With that said, the best way to avoid drugs and get on the path to achieving total health and wellness is to commit to adopting a diet that is truly right for you, as well as optimizing your emotional health. These two factors have absolutely everything to do with building your immune system so you can prevent disease and premature aging and optimize your weight so you can avoid unnecessary pharmaceuticals.

This is no "quick fix," but rather is a lifestyle change that will be well worth the effort. You can find all the details of my full program that will set you free from the "pill-taking" life and give you ultimate control of your health in my book, Total Health Program.

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