MOULTRIE— It seems that every week a new medicine commercial comes on television. There was a time when I didn’t pay much attention to them, but after my wife and I entered the worlds of cancer and Parkinson’s, well it’s only natural that I tune in.

Parallel to the medicine commercials and somewhat related to that venue of our lives are health insurance spiels. Having battled fiercely in that arena, I watch those commercials often with a snarl.

The plethora of new medicines comes with side-effects warnings. These come right at the end of the commercial in the sense of a disclaimer. These warnings are often long and scary. It makes one wonder if the treatment is worse than the ailment. Side effects may include thoughts of suicide, the urge to gamble, nausea, vomiting, cancer, anxiety and maybe even a desire to watch the lost episodes of  the Lawrence Welk show. Just the list of side effects could cause anxiety. Then you’ve got to have a treatment for anxiety.

I realize that we are all individuals, and we react to medications differently. I also realize that we live in a very litigious society and drug companies factor in liability concerns. It gets complicated.

In close proximity to the medicine commercials are law firms who offer their services to sue some of the drug companies as well as  industries where conditions are suspected to have caused various illnesses. And you ask yourself, was I ever exposed to any of that? It’s a hypochondriac’s nightmare.

In some cases, one drug that treats one disease may aggravate another. It’s like picking your poison. I get so confused.

Of course I look at the health news wires daily to see what new procedures and medicines look promising. And I appreciate those researchers who dedicate their lives to finding cures.

A year ago, a young doctor down at Mayo Clinic told me that in another decade the world will be amazed at medical advancements.  But then I see the price tags of some of these developments and the big question becomes, how many people can actually afford them?

Occasionally someone will tell me about a home remedy for an ailment, and immediately I am skeptical. But sometimes I will do some research on the matter. And I don’t get a clear answer. Some people will swear by it while others will say there’s no clinical proof. It’s mostly anecdotal.

Then someone will say there’s no clinical proof because there have been no extensive double-blind studies. And then someone else says there are no extensive studies because if it’s a common household product, there is no money to be made. No patents to secure.

I recently read reports that unfiltered apple cider vinegar taken in small amounts daily can help lower sugar levels.  Then I read while that may be true, it can also cause acid reflux which can cause esophageal cancer. And it can take the enamel off your teeth. Now we’re back to “picking our poisons.”

Then I realize that while I may be getting all wrapped around the axle on these issues, I could also be wiped out by a hurricane or run over by a truck, making some of my other concerns moot points. We are a fragile lot. Life is very uncertain.

I am certain about a few things though. Life is not fair. If you don’t believe that, watch one of those St. Jude Hospital commercials. Also, life is an adversary system. Whether that was determined by Adam and Eve or by the Big Bang, data proves it. And I’m still waiting on a study that shows fried chicken is good for us. Meanwhile, I’ve learned to stop and smell the roses.

(Email: dwain.walden@galfnews.com)