Coping in a 'healthier' way
Have a little pain? Take a pill to make it better---but with what effects? Several major studies show even 'everyday' drugs like ibuprofen significantly increase risks of heart attack and stroke in otherwise healthy people---it's even riskier if you already have heart disease. Dr. Rich O'Neill, psychologist at SUNY Upstate, says alternatives may include distracting yourself from the pain by getting involved in activities you like, such as video games. A caution: one study showed that if spouses paid more attention to their loved one when in pain, they felt more pain--the solution there, O'Neill says--is to get yourself and the spouse involved in an activity you both like. The FDA lists pain management drugs that are associated with heart disease and stroke.
