PILL-POPPING ADULTS SEND MESSAGE TO KIDS

In response to the article in The Eagle titled "Generation Rx" by
Associated Press writer Larry McShane, I want to say that children learn
their behavior from what we have taught them. Too often we reach for pills
as a first response to solve the problems that we and our children face
today. If a child, or we, can't sleep, too often we reach for sleeping
pills today instead of a thousand other strategies that don't involve drugs.

Just as McDonald's fast food has replaced healthy food, the fast-acting
pill has replaced practical, common sense solutions to life's problems. The
McSolution to sadness and grief over loss is antidepressants instead of
addressing feelings. The McSolution to hyperactive and focus-challenged
kids is Ritalin or other drugs.

It is my opinion that Pfizer and other drug companies do not have the best
interest of our children in mind as they market their drugs. If we want our
children to stop focusing on prescription drugs and other drugs as the
McSolution to their problems, then we have to stop offering these drugs and
offer other effective solutions to these problems.

Will Turner, Pittsfield, April 20, 2005