Whatever your own personal views on the issue, the statin debate seems to rage on, with – on one side those who believe that we should all be given them as a preventative measure against heart attacks and strokes and on the other side those who feel that they are a drug which should only be prescribed when absolutely necessary, as their side effects are unpleasant to say the least.

Medical research continues to persuade us that these side effects occur only very rarely, but I’m not so sure as I know quite a few people who have suffered with the most appalling muscle cramps, depression and skin conditions, to name a few. My poor mum was put on statins (despite having no history of heart disease or stroke) and developed polymyalgia, a disease which affects the muscles. She had to be treated with steroids for this for a number of years. I believe that the statins triggered this condition.

On the other hand my dad takes statins since having a heart bypass some years ago, and he now tolerates the drug very well – it is quite possibly keeping him alive as without it, his cholesterol level was very high indeed and good not be brought down by diet alone. However, when first prescribed it he did suffer from side effects too, notably a really distressing skin rash.

So, whilst it is true that – prescribed well, and to those who really need it – it can be a life-saving drug, what I tend to object to is the way that very little attention is given to lifestyle by our medical profession. It’s almost as if it doesn’t matter if we have an unhealthy lifestyle, drinking, eating too much and smoking, as there is a drug to counteract all of that.

A dear friend had to go into hospital for an operation recently, and she told me that the doctor was absolutely amazed when she told him about her healthy lifestyle, not drinking or smoking, eating a good diet and taking regular exercise, as well as being a healthy weight. It’s almost as if the ‘norm’ is somebody who is overweight, very sedentary with a bad diet, and perhaps smokes and drinks heavily.

Conversely, I spoke to an acquaintance last week who was a heavy smoker, but believed himself to be quite healthy as statins had brought down his cholesterol level to 3.

This is quite clearly nonsense, but seems to be a commonly held belief. Live an unhealthy life, but whatever you do, don’t let your cholesterol go to more than 4.

Until the medical experts start to really push home the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and this does not just mean having some orange juice and a couple of bananas every day, then sooner rather than later we are going to be faced with an almighty health crisis, which no amount of statins or gastric bands will fix.

As well as practicing hypnotherapy I have a particular interest in nutrition, so if you think that your lifestyle could do with an overhaul, do please get in touch on 01449780352 or 07817158429, or email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk, and we could work out an individual programme for you which you will find easy to stick to.

Modern drugs are amazing in what they are able to do, but the importance of a healthy lifestyle should not be ignored.

Best wishes,
Wendy x