Title: Don’t Sweep It Under the Drug!
Author: Dr. Cathy Rosenbaum
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781512368123
Pages: 89
Genre: Non-Fiction / Health and Wellness
Interviewed by: Krista Schnee
Pacific Book Review
Author Interview Questions
About the Author
Dr. Cathy Rosenbaum is a holistic clinical pharmacist, health care coach, and consultant. A trip to China inspired her to research the epidemic of prescription drug dependence, under regulated dietary supplements, and poor lifestyle choices that are ruining human health in Western culture. She’s coached more than 2,500 clients toward better health based on a unique mind-body-spirit model that’s backed by her professional expertise.
Rosenbaum holds a doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Xavier University. She hosts a talk radio program, “Your Holistic Health,” and regularly speaks on the benefits of integrative health and medicine, debunking myths about dietary supplements, and prescription drug/polypharmacy management. Rosenbaum has professional experience in the pharmaceutical industry, academia, hospital-based practice, medication quality and safety, and now holistic health consulting. She is a member of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine, the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists, and the American College of Healthcare Executives. You can learn more about Rosenbaum at www.rxintegrativesolutions.com.
Today we are talking with author Dr. Cathy Rosenbaum of “Don’t Sweep It Under the Drug!.”
PBR: What inspired you to write your first book?
Americans are worshipping at the pharmacy altar. For years I have been watching prescription medication overuse (e.g., polypharmacy) escalate to what I consider an epidemic in the USA. One contributing factor to this phenomenon is PhRMA’s direct-to-consumer prescription advertising on TV and in print ads.
Similarly, supplement abuse around the world stems from exceptional product marketing, online product accessibility, and a mistaken belief that they are safe and better for our health than whole nutrition.
I chose the book as a platform to openly speak the truth about medications and supplements and push back on the madness. The book educates the public on how to talk with doctors about safe ways to de-escalate medications and supplements and save money. That message resonates with most Baby Boomers.
PBR: How did you come up with the title?
We live in a generation of instant gratification. Many think popping a pill is all that is needed for physical health, removing any personal accountability for work on emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of the life journey. The title, Don’t Sweep It Under the Drug!, seemed to fit within the context of these themes, and hopefully inspires readers to seek a different path for healing.
PBR: What is the most important message in your book that you would like readers to understand?
Holistic (body mind spirit) health is accessible to each of us if we are willing to do our homework. This book is an excellent resource and tool kit for those seeking sustainable health and are ready to change their lifestyles.
PBR: Can you share with your readers a little about your current projects?
I have been approached to have this book translated into Chinese. My publisher and I are looking into this opportunity and building our team.
I currently teach classes on integrative health and medicine related topics within various Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) programs. I love to provide seniors needed time to talk at length with a pharmacist who cares about them as a whole person.
PBR: Other than family members, who do you feel has most supported you in your writing?
My clients have for years been persuading me to write down notes from all of my lectures and client sessions and turn them into a book. I am grateful for their confidence in me in as a health care professional. Without them, this book would not have been possible.
PBR: What do you find most challenging about the writing process?
Finding a hook which, for this manuscript, was definitely humor. Writing for the public is much different that medical writing and I needed a way to serve up dry information in an interesting way. Humor is an effective, essential tool to bring one’s readers close to the author to personalize key messages and gain trust early on in a book. It is also a place behind which the author can hide when it’s difficult to express our more personal feelings!
PBR: Did you learn anything from writing this book? If so, can you share some insights with your readers?
I had to first walk in my readers’ shoes before I could write in a way that gained their attention and moved them quickly into the safety issues of medications and supplements. I’m still amazed at what people will put into their mouths without concern for product quality and or long-term side effects/interactions. I realized this book could change lives for the better around the world. The message is really quick simple, “less is more.”
PBR: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Never give up, especially if you are a first time author. It took me seven years to complete this project, but I did it because the story needed to be told, and I was the one to tell it. If you submit your manuscript to several publishers and get rejected on the first try, consider self-publishing. I chose the self-publishing route and found it to be a great experience.
PBR: Were there any specific challenges in writing this book?
I was a first time book author. Writing a book is different from writing a book chapter, journal article, or blog. It is also very different from preparing for and interviewing guests on your own health based radio program which I did for many years. Even so, I under estimated the amount of research I would need to do to maintain the book’s integrity. That’s why it took so long.
PBR: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
As we mature, it naturally happens that we become more spiritually focused as we get older. Being intentional about spending time with your spiritual self can only enhance your ability to find long lasting peace. I started the book with a miraculous story about my father’s health journey to get my readers’ attention. The book ends on a spiritual note of gratitude, awe, and love. I am blessed to share that I have found my peace through the publishing journey. This peace can be for you, dear friends!
To learn more about “Don’t Sweep It Under the Drug!” please visit Pacific Book Review.
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