Healthy Habits: Antibiotic Overuse

Superbugs are scary business. These superbugs are resistant to most common types of antibiotics. While the causes aren't exactly known (some people point fingers at the food industry that uses antibiotics in huge levels, while others point fingers at the medical profession that prescribes something for every little bug), the fact remains that more and more nasty things are becoming resistant to common antibiotics. Some people in the food industry defend antibiotic use, saying it allows for healthier animals and cheaper food (of course, at what cost does the cheaper food come if it impacts our health). Others say it's possible to raise animals just as healthy under different conditions. Many doctors feel pressure to prescribe something for every little complaint people come with, but most things (ear and sinus infections, for example) that are minor issues will resolve themselves on their own just as fast.

It's just one more reason to do things that are good for the planet, like eating organic meat (or at a minimum raised without antibiotics, but organic has stricture standards), and avoiding meds unless necessary. If you're really concerned about superbugs, go a step further and ask your favorite restaurants, your child's school, and even Congress to start limiting antibiotic use. (Visit saveantibiotics.org/moms/action.html for more info). Proper antibiotic use will keep everyone healthier and help our current antibiotics remain effective against most bugs.