Do they make a pill to combat pharmaceutical ads?

Does any one else ever listen to the disclaimers on pharmaceutical ads?

While touting all the benefits associated with taking the drug for any given problem, the background voice is warning of things like increased risk of heart attack, liver failure, alien invasion and heart attack.

We can fix a man's ability to perform to the point that it could be possible the "fix" could last so long, that it becomes it's own problem. One for which you should seek immediate medical attention.

In talking with men, this is not something they perceive as a side effect, but rather cause for celebration.

I still have yet to find an iron-clad way to prevent unwanted pregnancy. And amazingly, insurance companies will pay for Viagra and such, but not birth control pills. Does this mean that it's men who are deciding the "will pay for, won't pay for" lists?

I'm just wondering.

My favorite recent ad is for Miraplex, which is supposed to address the problem of restless leg syndrome.

First, whoever knew there was such a problem?

What amazes me is the disclaimer: While you may no longer have restless legs, you should pay attention if you experience "uncontrollable sexual urges or gambling impulses."

Maybe that's what happened to Sen. Larry Craig, R-Id, when he made advances in June toward a law enforcement officer in the men's restroom at the airport in Minneapolis.

RLS medication gone wild.

And then, for the sleepless among us, there's Lunesta, whose commercial warns against driving and operating equipment and in the same breath the voice continues that side affects could include bad taste (will I suddenly begin mixing stripes with prints?), headaches and drowsiness.

How can drowsiness be the side effect for a sleep medication? Isn't that the point?

A report released last week said that use of prescription drugs in the United States is on the rise like never before.

Perhaps that means we the consumers have bought into the pharmaceutical companies' intensive marketing hook, line and sinker, and in so doing, may be forgetting that health is a mind-body-spirit balancing act.

In a very busy, stressed-out population, pills are often a quicker fix than getting our mind-body-spirit program in balance. That takes time and more work.

But I still find the commercials amusing, which makes me laugh and that's a great way to cope with stress.

So even then, I guess I'm benefiting from all the prescriptions available to me, courtesy of the drug companies.

•••

Mark your calendars! Can you believe it's time for Dayton Valley Days again? Seems the last one just happened a week ago and here we are one year later.

The event takes place Sept. 15-16 along Pike Street in old town Dayton. Enjoy an array of vendors, food, entertainment and of course, the parade on Saturday. It's always a wonderful way to connect with your community and hug folks you haven't seen in a while (if you're a huggy person). It's also a good time to start some early Christmas shopping (Yes, I did say that!) I suppose since this is a non-election year the parade may be a bit shorter than the last, though one of the things I love about our state is that our leaders are so visible!

At any rate, it's always a guaranteed fun time, so come out and meet your neighbors. I'll see you there.

P.S. Be safe this weekend and a blessed Labor Day to all.

• Karel can be reached by e-mail at kanconahenry@sierranevadamedia.com or at 246-4000.