I’m begging all doctors to please take some time with your patients, figure out their lifestyle and history, and stop prescribing prescription drugs just because it’s easy.

It isn’t always Depression, Anxiety, Chronic Pain, ADD, ADHD… or any other labeled disorder.

What if prescribing a walk around the block every day could improve your patient’s life so much more than a prescription?

And why would you tell a patient who has alcoholism in their immediate family to have a glass or two of red wine every night to lower cholesterol and blood pressure? Are you kidding me! Doesn’t grape juice do the same thing?

And when family members, POA family members, tell you to stop prescribing muscles relaxers and anti-anxiety medications because your patient is having a terrible reaction, STOP PRESCRIBING THOSE MEDICATIONS! And don’t make the family tell you more than once, or threaten a lawsuit.

I understand what you’re up against… tons of television drug advertisements, less time with patients (which will only get worse with the Affordable Care Act), and the ease of writing out a prescription and rushing on to the next patient.

I also understand we live in a society of instant gratification and many patients want a quick fix with the least amount of effort on their part. Many would rather take a pill than go for a walk or eat some vegetables.

I get it.

But I’m begging please stop rushing to the prescription pad and start observing and listening to your patient. Shouldn’t a pill-prescription be a last resort?