This weeks topic of the week ^[1].

A recent article in the Los Angeles Times states that prescription drug related deaths are on the rise. The largest segment of drug related deaths were from prescription pain killers like Vicodin and OxyContin.

^[2]

Painkiller sales have increased 300% since 1999.

There were over 38,000 prescription drug deaths in 2010 (the last full year that data was available) with 43% attributed to painkilllers. This is more than deaths from heroin and cocaine combined.

In 2009, there were more than 475,000 visits to emergency rooms from misuse and abuse of prescription meds. This is twice the amount of visits from 5 years ago.  From 2009 to 2010 there was a 3% increase in prescription drug deaths.

Ohio has more than 11 deaths per 100,000 people due to prescriptions drugs. Please let your friends and family know there are safe and healthy alternatives.

More:

LA Times: Deaths tied to painkillers rising in the U.S. ^[3]

Examiner.com: Prescription drug overdose deaths increased for the 11th year in a row ^[4]