Ordinary Americans are the fastest growing readership segment of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Consumers now follow developments in medicine with the same close attention that they follow the ebbs and flows of their mutual funds. and, hopefully, with better results. Better health care information, and health literacy, are allowing consumers to make smarter choices about their health care, and in turn, lead healthier lives.

Knowledge is power, but it is also a responsibility. Drugs have risks, but they also have benefits. In short, we do not live in a perfect world and things are rarely ever 100 percent. That.s frightening a lot of people when it comes to the miracle that is modern medicine. Is ignorance bliss? Were .the good old days. really that good?

According to recent polls, senior citizens are more distrustful of the health care industry than the general population. and even more so in the wake of the current debate over drug safety.

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