Abbott Laboratories plans to pay $622 million to settle an investigation into marketing tactics used to sell liquids to feed people who are seriously ill.
The company reportedly gave tubes and pumps used to administer the liquid food to patients in exchange for large orders. Some recipients of the free equipment were suspected of billing Medicaid and Medicare. Abbott earned close to $600 million in the second quarter of 2002.
New York Times June 27, 2003
DR. MERCOLA'S COMMENT:
Drug companies will use all sorts of underhanded tactics to market their products to consumers.
In fact, drug companies will spend over $3 billion this year just to advertise their drugs to consumers.
That may seem like a bunch of money, but it is peanuts compared to their return.
Americans will spend over $500 billion on drugs this year.
$500 Billion.
Does anyone out there really believe that Americans are getting half a trillion dollars of benefits from these drugs?
Drug companies are not stupid. They have been able to change the rules so they can now market to consumers directly.
It is no wonder why two-thirds of doctor visits result in a drug being prescribed.
This is one of the main reasons why spending for prescription drugs is the fastest-growing category of health care expenditures.
It is also one of the major factors contributing to the reason physicians are the third-leading cause of death in the United States, as they have an over reliance on using drugs as Band-Aids, rather than seeking the cause of the problem.
Fortunately, you do not have to capitulate. This newsletter, and many other fabulous resources that are now available, will help enable you to take control over your own health. One of the most important areas of course is selection of foods that will promote health.
If you haven't already reviewed the nutrition plan I would encourage you to do so, as it is one of the foundational pillars of healing. My new book, The No-Grain Diet, also delves into the topic of how healthy eating and emotional wellness can significantly improve your health.
In my experience, well over 50 percent of the time addressing the root of your illness involves addressing the underlying stress in your life. I have found that EFT is one of the most effective solutions for stress. You can check out my free 25-page EFT manual for more information.