Random Musings of a Curious Mind

Pain Pumps

There has been a lot in the news lately about complications from the use of various types of pain medication delivery systems. You've probably heard about the recall of Fentanyl pain patches. (Many of the patches had cuts, exposing patients to direct contact with the gel and magnifying the risk of overdose.)

Have you heard about the issues surrounding the use of a pain pump, common following shoulder surgery? Me, either.

Apparently, following arthroscopic shoulder surgery, a pain pump is routinely used to deliver controlled amount of local pain relievers, which are generally safer and offer fewer side-effects than narcotic anesthetics. The excessive release of medication by the pump is now being blamed for deterioration of the tissues in the shoulder joint, causing permanent pain and mobility loss.

I am forced to question why, after so many years of safe use, we're hearing about a 63% rate of over-medication and joint damage.


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Jules

A New Kind of Clean

This is something that's peaked my curiosity - not enough to try it yet, but I'm curious nonetheless. A colon cleanse!

Now Wait! Before you run away - think about it.

For years, the story has been that the body doesn't completely or effectively eliminate toxins. Hence, the recommendation for fiber-rich diets, to keep things . . . ahem . . . moving along.

In these days of fast, highly-processed foods, we get less and less of the fiber and nutrients we need from our diet. I know that. You know that. So, what's wrong with swallowing a couple of pills to help nature take its course? Well . . .

No one is quite sure just how safe these 'cleansing' products are, to start with. Then, you have to look at the ingredients. One, for example, uses a shellfish extract. If you're allergic, you're going to lose more than toxins with that one.

Why not do what we did for years - eat a bowl of split pea soup, munch on some broccoli, or grab a handful of raspberries. They're all good sources of fiber.


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Jules

A New Kind of Diet Pill

I can honestly say - for now at least - I've heard / seen it all!

There is a diet pill, just for women, that apparently can change more than your weight. This amazing bit of chemical technology not only helps you slim down, it can increase your bust size and improve your libido. All with just 2-3 pills, a couple of times a day.

Frankly, I used to wonder - looking at those before-and-after photos - how women managed to lose inches everywhere, while their bust got bigger. Not just bigger, either, these bustlines were - for lack of a better word - 'perkier', too!

Guess they knew something that I just learned - you can (apparently) do both!


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Jules

Pet Promise

I get this great newsletter from Care2.com: Healthy & Green Living. It's filled with great ideas for, you guessed it, healthy and green living. There are natural remedies, cleaning ideas, and great recipes - among other things. I highly recommend it.

Friday's issue included a link to a fantastic site. If you're worried about the food that you're feeding your pet, worry no more! Pet Promise has the answer to all of your questions. I was seriously impressed.

They promise (good word, eh?) no animal byproducts, no added growth hormones, no antibiotic-fed meat sources, no factory farm meats or poultry. Pet Promise also promise natural meat, chicken, or ocean-caught fish; and they know where the meat comes from, because they only work with ranchers who can guarantee that their animals were raised without hormones and antibiotics.

What's even more impressive - to this niece and granddaughter of family farmers - is that Pet Promise didn't intend to be a pet food company. The original goal of their work was to support family farmers and ranchers; the people committed, for generations, to standards of quality and sustainability and humane treatment of animals. You just don't get that from corporate - grow everything with chemical-enhancements in a cage - farms.

I grew up watching my cousins show cattle at the local fairs and helping my aunt collect eggs from the chicken coop. (If you've ever collected eggs, you know that hens don't share well with others.) Not to mention, steak-and-eggs (or fried chicken) dinners that were the best on the planet. My uncle grew corn for the cattle, that lived in the barn and roamed at will. The chickens were in a large coop, with a nesting area that had more room than the bathroom of our old studio apartment.

This is something that means a lot to me - supporting family farmers, healthy foods for us and our pets, and reducing the market for products that flood our systems with growth-hormones and dangerous additives.



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Jules

Research Diet Pills

Recently, I posted about websites touting diet pills and the questionable information that some of them offer. If you missed the post, my biggest gripe - and major concern - is the sites that say "you should take diet pills" without also recommending consultation with a physician.

I'd like to tell you about a site that discusses safety, testimonials, money-back guarantees, weight loss potential, and overall value. There's a best diet pill page that covers all of these issues, by product. It is better than a number of other sites. But . . .

Like many people, I have an issue with any item that has a name similar to Anorexia or that contains any of the phen... ingredients. The links to product sites provide rather frightening claims and statistics.

One claims that a user lost 12 pounds in 72 hours - an extremely (if true) unhealthy weight loss. Generally, losses in that range are mostly water, but - given my experience with diuretics - it is still far too much, far too quickly. If the balance isn't right, the body can suffer severe potassium / sodium imbalances.

Another touts its primary ingredient as a mood enhancer and appetite suppressant, that is legal - as of right now. Not the most encouraging recommendation in my book.

Be careful! Five years ago, I almost lost Mark to excessive weight loss due to overprescribed diuretics.

And, please, understand that healthy weight loss - as described by most physicians - does not exceed 2 pounds per week. If you need or want to lose more than that - please consult a physician.



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Jules

Plantar Fasciitis

If you're like me, the first time you heard of Plantar Fasciitis was in one of several really odd scenes from "The In-laws". In a nutshell: To escape a murderous criminal, Albert Brooks' character - a mild-mannered podiatrist - grabs and applies pressure to the heel of the bad guy (who suffers from Plantar Fasciitis), effectively bringing him to his knees in excruciating pain.

Okay, it was a really bad movie; no question. But it did make me curious about this condition. Oddly enough, I think that I had a minor case in my youth - standing for hours on concrete floors for different jobs and wearing extreme heels - I developed an incredibly painful foot condition in the heel and arch area of both feet. Some of the products I've seen online look as though they would have helped me a great deal.

One of the things I had to do, frequently, was hyperextend the front of my foot in order to relieve the tension and pain at the heel. I see that there are a number of splints available that do the exact same thing, allowing the sufferer to relax and sleep. It's difficult to rest when you're trying to keep a foot (or both feet) flexed.

It doesn't really matter where we learn, as long as we learn.



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Jules

Weight Loss Advice

I've been writing about weight loss pills quite a bit lately. In the beginning, because I was researching ways to lose weight. More recently, because I found that there are some questionable sites out there, masquerading as help.

My suggestion would be to read - carefully - the information provided on any website. Ideally, it should be objective and unbiased. For me, alarms go off when I read recommendations that people of a certain weight should take weight loss pills. Many times this advice isn't coming from medical professionals; nor does it include advice to consult with a physician before starting any drastic weight loss program.

The sites that say - This is what this pill claims. This is what it contains. This is what customers have experienced. These are the known side effects and risks. - give me confidence that they aren't trying to push me in any particular direction.

Any site which states, for example, that you should take Hoodia - without any additional information on contraindications and the need for medical consultations isn't doing their job. Individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, a bleeding or clotting disorder, or an eating disorder are strongly advised to see their physician before taking this supplement.

Any site which insists broadly "our products work" - strikes me as less than honest and reliable. Many items do work, for some people; many items don't work, for some people. If the site that you're exploring doesn't mention that - clearly and plainly - question their motives.

Me? I'm taking a good long look at my diet and activity levels. Still haven't found a pill that doesn't make me a little nervous.



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Jules

Curb Chocolate Cravings

I saw this headline: Brisk Walk Can Curb Chocolate Cravings today and my first thought was "Heaven Forbid!" A brisk walk - yuck!

Honestly, I don't eat chocolate (or any sweets) on a regular basis. It's a habit I developed years ago when I was having serious problems with my blood sugar levels. My pancreas works a bit too well and overcompensates for sugary foods. But brisk walks? Maybe for nicotine cravings, although . . .

First, I'd have to take a shower, which generally involves a 3 hour wait for hot water and a mad scramble to finish before the warm water does. This exercise in frustration is followed by 40 minutes detangling my hair, 30 minutes lotioning 6 feet of arms and legs, and . . .

aw hell! I just lit a cigarette!

Then, I have to dig through the closet to find something to wear - something that's clean (eliminate 50% of the closet), that fits (there goes another 40%), that suits the weather (kiss 8% goodbye). Now . . .

aw hell! I just lit a cigarette!

See? Brisk walks are just a bad idea! And I haven't even found my shoes, yet.



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Jules

Woo-hoo! Health!

It's worth repeating! Woo-hoo!

I woke up today and felt better. That's actually an understatement, because I felt better several days ago; as in not drowning in phlegm and mucus, occasionally able to breathe. No, this is different!

It took me a while to realize that my lungs weren't full of fluid and my head wasn't overinflated - I've felt so bad for so long it had become normal. But today I'm clear-headed - I can actually function. And I haven't coughed up a lung all morning.

Still don't know what I had, or where I got it. Doesn't matter now - IT'S GONE! Hip, hip, Hooray!



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Jules

So Sick of Being Sick!

Okay, it has been eleven days since I started sniffling and snuffling. You'd think, even for me, that would be the standard allergy run. But . . . nooooo!

First, I had the sneezes. Not really out of the ordinary, cuz I sneeze at least every day - once, twice or twenty times; just depends on what's blooming. This sneezing, however, was only the beginning - followed shortly by sinus inflammation and (you'll pardon the details) the development of a mucus factory in my poor aching head.

It didn't take long for the crud to migrate to my lungs - complete with a fever of 102+! At this point, after a week of gurgling and rattling, I am beginning to think that I'll never breathe normally again.

And don't EVEN ask about the headaches! Or the virtual deafness - even blowing my nose 500 times a day will not open up my ears!



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Jules

Finding the Right Way to Lose Weight

Those of you who faithfully read my musings know that I am battling a changed metabolism and reduced activity level - in other words, I've put on weight in the last few years.

I recently managed to lose a few pounds, which I am thrilled about. But I still need to shed a few more, as well as think about getting more (okay, some) regular exercise. Which leads me to the point of this post.....

Using diet pills is not a - pardon the pun - magic pill to fix bad eating habits and inactivity. Or, even more importantly, to 'cure' physical problems that contribute to weight gain - such as thyroid or other metabolic issues.

Some of the detox-type options are intriguing. I know that, being a smoker and living near 2 major roadways, my system is undoubtedly full of toxins. Ideally, I'd quit smoking and move to the country.

Realistically, I should quit smoking, eat organic foods, vacuum more often, bathe the cat, and keep my air filters cleaner. Oh, and exercise.

Where was that detox pill again?!



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Jules

Health Concerns

Apparently, I'm on a health kick. Everything that comes to mind or that pops up in the news - grabbing my attention - seems to be health-related. But this one has me more than a bit wound up!

Reading about: Cold Meds for Kids Back in the Spotlight ticked me off.

Yes, there are far too many young children in emergency rooms due to incorrect doses of OTC cold medications. But don't we have enough legislation in our lives? Since do we legislate against ignorance? Especially when most of the legislature is what's ignorant!

Personal opinion - most children 2 and under don't need OTC meds. A cold will work itself out, as it were, in a matter of days and young children rarely have the extreme symptoms that older kids and adults experience.

What about reading and following the directions on the bottle? When did that become unusual? I guess about the time that irons started sporting - "Do not iron clothes while wearing" - alerts.

Ask yourself this question - do you really want the government that brought you the Iraq War, the Wall Street bailout, and Dick Cheney to tell you what you can and can't give to your sick child?



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Jules

Orovo Detox

Okay, I've actually lost seven pounds in the last month. No fancy diet pills or fad diets. Basically, I've destressed and cut way back on the empty calories. Amazing how many of those there are until you start paying attention.

I don't know if I'll continue to lose or even keep off what I've lost, so I've been doing more research. Honestly, some of the products are a little scary to me. I did find an interesting one, though.

Orovo Detox is, conceptually, a fascinating idea. It can't hurt to detox your body. Heaven knows what we eat, drink, and breathe can have a lot of hidden toxins. (Doing research on Breast Cancer Awareness showed me that there are a lot more risks in everyday life than are apparent at first blush.)

Hmmmm. Maybe detox is an idea I need to embrace. What do you think?



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Jules

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For many years, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) has promoted early detection and treatment. Absolutely nothing wrong with regular check-ups. Cancer, if curable, is most curable in the early stages. (We learned that with Mark's lung cancer.)

Several well-established organizations have questioned the actions and motives of NBCAM and the pharmaceutical company behind it. I guess that it's a bit iffy when the company that makes the primary drugs approved for treating breast cancer is busily pushing 'think pink' activities. Rumor has it that more money is spent promoting these events than are actually contributed to research.

Personally, I don't know what to think. Several organizations question the apparent philanthropy that masks corporate greed. Ask the right questions before arbitarily accepting that the latest promotion is helping more than a corporate image and bottom line.

There are problems that are not being publicized by NBCAM. For example, Yoplait and rBGH, or cosmetic companies claiming to contribute a portion of the sales of their products, many of which contain estrogen-like ingredients that may actually increase the risk.

This month - and every month - make it your goal to get educated about the risks we all face everyday. Men are not immune to breast cancer, you know.



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Jules

Acne Cures

As I have complained before, I can't stand having breakouts at my age. Granted, it's not like I take great care of my skin - but still . . .

Needless to say, I am always on the lookout for a simple (read: I'll-remember-to-use-it), effective (read: doesn't-cause-more-problems) way to keep the acne at bay. Oh - it also has to be supremely affordable.

I'm not certain that I believe in a 'cure', but it is nice to have some options. There are a couple of products that I find interesting - not the ones that have pills and scrubs and gels - but the 1-step, once-a-day options.

Given the price of a 90-day supply, I may just have to try one. After I do just a little more research.



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Jules

Fat Burner

Looking for an extreme fat burner? It's not easy, is it? How does one know which is effective and, more importantly, what is safe?

Ideally, there would be an objective, accurate review site. Notice the terms objective and accurate, because there are a number of sites that present reviews. Look for the ones that include health risks and potential side effects in their information.

If you find something that you'd like to try - read several more reviews and visit the manufacturer's website. By law, they are required to provide details on potential problems.

Being thinner is not worth risking your health - or your life.



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Jules

Obama and Born-Alive Infant Protection Act

I realize that I'm a little late to the party, but a friend sent a link to a very disturbing YouTube video today Kill and Destroy. (Although there are no graphic images, I've chosen to offer a link, rather than embed the video.) This is, in my humble opinion, important viewing.

After watching Kill and Destroy, I started researching the information it put forth. I am - without question - not an Obama supporter - never have been, but I prefer to have my facts straight before I blithely post something. Let me tell you - it was not difficult to find information on this topic!

A quick Google search turned up thousands of related pages and sites. Some of the most compelling, though I'm not sure I agree with her politics, come from Illinois nurse, Jill Stanek.

Top 10 Reasons Obama Voted Against Illinois' Born Alive Infant Protection Act

And from the Oregonian, just last week: Barack Obama's abortion crime and cover-up

I have never trusted Obama or virtually anything that comes out of his mouth. It is my opinion that we couldn't do worse for this country than putting this man in the White House.

Heaven help us all, if he wins.



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Jules

Proactiv Acne Cream

As I have mentioned before, I am always looking for a great way to care for my skin and minimize breakouts. But, it's not easy or inexpensive to find exactly what will work on my combination, sensitive, old-lady skin without some help. Luckily, there are places on the Internet that do the hard work for me.

With all of the commercials for Proactiv acne cream, you have to wonder what people who aren't getting paid would say. Apparently, nothing too positive. It seems that this product doesn't work that well, doesn't continue to work over time, doesn't moisturize sufficiently, and doesn't mention the overwhelming smell from all three (3) steps.

Admittedly, the drying problem may mean that it's only good for people with oily skin. I don't know. It's hard to get a real feel for something, after only one review.

Maybe you can help: Have you tried this acne program? Did it work for you? What about the smell? Was there a problem with overly dry skin?

Let me know. I'd love to know what you experienced.



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Jules

Surgical Treatment for Lazy Eye

This is an amazing breakthrough for kids: Lens Implant Offers Chance At Beating Lazy Eye

If you're not familiar with lazy eye, also called amblyopia, it's a condition where one eye is so much weaker than the other that the brain learns to ignore that eye. Occurring at a young age, amblyopia causes the neural connections to not form and makes the weaker eye useless, unless treated early.

We have a son with this condition which, until I read this article, I didn't realize was a serious problem. Oddly enough, the last time he was here he mentioned the vision difference between his eyes. While not as severe as the little girl in the above story, his left eye has 20/60 vision. Very impaired.

Several years ago, we tried glasses on him. He stopped wearing them, because the right lens altered the vision in that eye and made it more difficult for him to see. I don't know if that meant the glasses were having a positive affect on the left eye, blurring his overall vision, or not, since he mentioned it for the first time last month.

Unfortunately, I don't think that he has any type of vision benefits, now that he's 19 and out of school.

This just shows how critical eye exams are - from a very early age.



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Jules

Weight Loss Product

It's very easy to find a weight loss product in the stores or on the Internet. But how do you know if the product works or, more importantly, if it's safe?

Well, that's an easier question to answer than you might think. There are websites that have taken all of the work out of choosing the best diet pill.

Simply go online and read the reviews. Learn what works, what is just hype, and what might be risky to your health. In my case, I have blood sugar and blood pressure issues that make it very important for me to know exactly what I'm putting in my system.

Thankfully, I don't have to take unnecessary chances anymore. And neither do you.



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Jules