It's Cholesterol time again.

I make no apologies for returning to the theme. Mainly because the drug industry is constantly trying to enlarge the number of people to take their products. Researchers seem to be spending their time to find another aspect of heart health that could possibly benefit from taking the cholesterol-lowering drugs - The STATINS.

I'm no fan of lifetime medications unless they have either been proved safe and relatively free from side effects or are the last resort for people who otherwise have little hope. The statins don't fall into either category, in my opinion. On the surface, they really do lower cholesterol. the more you take the lower it gets.

Surely, that is a good thing? Well, perhaps. In theory lowering high cholesterol to a 'normal' measure is the preferred action. It may lower the risk of heart attack. But, the fact is that 50% of heart attacks happen to people with 'normal' cholesterol.

That makes me just a little sceptical about the benefits or otherwise of statins. And today, I've read a research report that tells me that of those people who take statin therapy, half stop taking them after one year of treatment. Here is a family of drugs that should be taken for the rest of your life to have the desired effect (provided you belive what that is!) and half of the patients don't take it after a year.

Those 50% of patients will therefore be catapulted back up towards the top of the 'at risk' table.

Anyway, this research decided that the reasons for not continuing taking the statins was not because of the side effects, but because of a lack of information as to what the drugs were supposed to be doing. And a lack of communication with the doctors concerned. And little follow-up information when they returned for repeat prescriptions and check-ups.

It seems laughable that people are put on these drugs presumeably to save their lives and return them to health, then they are more-or-less abandoned to their own devices. No information, no follow-up, no education as to the best way to live their lives after consultations.

This episode adds to my belief that it's about time that each one of us takes charge of our own health as far as possible. You have to begin with diet, exercise, relaxation - in other words prevent illness by looking after yourself. If illness strikes you, get some independent information about the disease and the possible avenues of treatment. Then you'll have a better understanding of what the doctor or health professional is trying to achieve and why.

I've spent many years in conventional health and was probably a little brainwashed into believing it was the one and only way to go. But, no more. The research I've mentioned here just proves to me at least, that picking or creating a disease then prescribing a drug to treat it is not enough. The back-up, the information on side effects and toxicity, and the alternatives are of paramount importance to the patient.

Don't, whatever you do, rely on just one opinion. Look around. There's lots of information out there. Admittedly, some of it is a little suspect. So, be careful where you look and what you do about it.

If you want to know more about cholesterol, for instance, I have a booklet all about it. It tells you why you need some cholesterol, what the statin drugs do, their side effects, the alternatives ( and there are many to choose from) and much more. You will see what you need to do and how you can do it - all in everyday language, easily understood and put to good use.

Just visit http://www.healthexplored.co.uk and click on shop to find the Cholesterol publication. ordering is easy and secure and you will get the download digital copy by return - 24 hours a day. Or to get the fr ee newsleter and tips booklet, just subscribe to the newsletter.