Midodrine, marketed under the brand name ProAmatine, is prescribed for patients with low blood pressure who become dizzy or faint when they stand up. It was approved in 1996, based on initial treatment results, with the caveat from the FDA that a follow-up study would be conducted to actually prove that there were long-term benefits. That study, it seems, was never done.

Now, I realize that the FDA can't be everywhere. But this oops didn't require physically visiting a manufacturer. It simply involved finding and using a viable method for follow-up. We used to call them 'tickler files' and, rather than rely on memory, would put a note or other reminder into the appropriate month/year folder.

On a monthly basis, the notes in the applicable folder would be reviewed for necessary action. It's manual - stone-knives-and-bear-skins, as we used to say - but at least things were looked at. Unlike the midodrine situation, which was able to fly under the radar for 14 years.

If that weren't bad enough, after the FDA determined that 1.) the study was not conducted as required, 2.) the medication, therefore, had not been proven effective, and 3.) the drug should be pulled from the market, pending completion of the mandatory study - they caved. Note to drug makers: "Okay, you 1.) didn't do the work, 2.) told your Mom you passed, anyway, and 3.) we really need to flunk you. But, hey, we'll go ahead and let you perform surgery. Just try to finish your training before you kill someone."

Just when I thought the FDA might be getting a clue.

Oh, and doggie breath?! That's really gotta go, too!

When I was a kid, my mom gave bones to our dog. He had pretty good teeth, but it still wasn't a very good idea. Bones, especially chicken bones, can break into sharp pieces. Those pieces can scratch the animal's mouth, throat, and esophagus; not to mention the very real risk of puncturing various parts of the digestive tract as they move through. Serious and dangerous problems that can easily be avoided.

Nylabone offers a natural product - Nubz, Edible Dental Dog Chews - designed to help clean teeth, reduce tartar, get rid of that icky doggie breath, and stimulate gum health. Nubz are made in the US with real chicken and without added sugar, salt and preservatives. Highly digestible, these treats are also gluten-free.

Like their owners, many dogs are sensitive to certain ingredients. And, to my mind, cereals (where gluten comes from) are just more filler that pets don't need. Sure it may keep the cost down, but how much grain does a carnivore really need in their diet? And, as a snack, it just seems like a bad idea.

What also impressed me was the size. Normally, we buy pet treats based on the size of our animals; the neighbor's Shih Tzu can't handle the same item you'd offer your Great Dane. With Nubz, a large bone can be broken down into smaller pieces - to suit everyone.

So, where do doggie parents find Nubz? That's easy - Costco, with a $3.50 coupon available to members in the monthly coupon book. But hurry - this offer is only valid from August 19th through September 12th, while supplies last.

Just imagine my surprise at reading Mental 'exercise' linked to faster dementia progression. Meaning that if you keep mentally active, dementia progresses more quickly? Well, not exactly.

The observational study which, by its very nature, cannot prove cause and effect, indicated that fewer subjects who were mentally active developed dementia and, those who did, did so later than those with less exercised brains. Now, that is what I would have expected to read. Not exactly what the headline states, is it?

However, as always, there is more to the story. Researchers were surprised to find that once the mental-exercisers started experiencing dementia and Alzheimer's symptoms, they did so at an 'advanced rate'. In other words, studies are beginning to question if the mind has a cognitive reserve.

Under this theory, the increased mental activity doesn't so much delay onset of symptoms as keep older adults from being impacted by them. When the dementia becomes apparent, it's at an advanced state or with a more rapid mental decline. I guess, that's what the headline was trying to say.

Nonetheless, the wording could have been just a tad more accurate. And, maybe, a little less sensational. Or maybe it's just me.

I have not got a clue! Is there a 'Skin Care for Dummies' out there?

To start, I need to get rid of the {unmentionable number of} years of neglect - meaning lots of dermabrasion. Also known as carefully sandpapering away the dead skin of a thousand lifetimes. Orbital sander notwithstanding, this is a fine line. As once you see bone you've, pretty much, gone too far.

Assuming I make it through Stage 1 without needing a transfusion and cheekbone reconstruction, I then have to find a way to nourish this (hopefully) new-found younger-looking skin. When my hands and feet turn into leather, I slather them with petroleum jelly, throw on clean white cotton socks and let the moisturizing begin.

Somehow I just don't think that's going to be a good recipe for my face. Not to mention - without a field of cotton, a gin, cards, spinning wheel, and a really big crochet hook - I am probably not gonna find a sock that big.

Frankly, after reading and researching all of the wondrous beauty products on the market, I'm leaning toward making my own skin care products. All-natural ingredients, designed to support what the skin does on its own. I've even found an intriguing book - written by a nutritionist/skin expert - that has a lot of information about how skin works and what it takes to keep it happy. Especially, after 40.

Years ago, when I still had reasonably healthy skin, I owned a book by Diane von Furstenberg that was filled with recipes for gentle, effective skin care. The ingredients were fairly inexpensive, easy to use, and did (as I recall) keep my skin looking healthy. Of course, at 20-something, that's probably not too difficult.

We'll see if the same process works 30 years later.

First - I was really, really, Really in need of new glasses. If you've ever looked through a pair of binoculars, but didn't quite have the focus right - that's been me for heaven knows how long. I put my new specs on and it was like someone put the world back in focus. It was shocking how much clearer everything suddenly became.

Which leads me to the second problem - everything is so much clearer! You would not believe how smooth and even my skin was this morning. Now? I have blotches all over. And where in the world did all those lines come from?!

I'm thinking this new improved vision was a very, Very, VERY bad idea! Because now I need industrial-strength skin care, Botox, and what is with that hair color? Oh, mercy! I am in deep, deep trouble!

Cancer is a strange cell.
You can go along for years in remission
and then one day it pops its head up again.
Pray for the day there will be a permanent cure.

Prayer is a marvelous thing - trust me. When Mark was dying, people around the country started prayer circles on his behalf. Amazing things happened.

Those amazing things included the liver transplant that saved his life. They included support from places and people we didn't know - which kept our spirits and our hopes out of the basement. It could be considered miracles happening. I, personally, don't know.

I do know that the people around us made some major efforts to reach out and help. Emails, phone calls, an incredible collection of inspirational CDs from the sister of a friend. We were surrounded by love and support.

Recently, I was introduced (via the Internet) to Rachel Hunnicutt-Knight, a young lady - younger than my own children - who is battling cancer for the third time in her short life. Diagnosed with ALL at 14, she has done everything (as has her family) to have a reasonably normal life - school, work, marriage, family - while undergoing treatment.

After years of remission, the Big C came back recently. Not only came back, but settled in her bone marrow. The best, and only hope, is a transplant. Luckily Rachel has insurance through her job.

Unluckily, the co-pay for that transplant is $80,000! Seriously! 80K! as a co-pay! But that isn't carved in stone - it could be much higher.

If that weren't insulting enough, the co-pay (that could be any amount - starting at $80,000) - must be raised before the insurance company will consider paying for the bone marrow transplant. This $80K involves Rachel and/or her family paying all of the expenses for the donor - of which they have found (last I heard) 2 perfect matches.

Okay, that isn't the final insult, much as I wish it were.

Rachel is currently going through chemo - again - apparently another requirement before the transplant will be considered. No offense - okay, yes I'm offended - but at what point is the insurance company going to stop punishing this amazing young lady by insisting on chemotherapy, when they could be putting their money where it belongs?! - A possible cure!?

So, yes, pray for this family. Put all of your mental energy behind ensuring that the right things happen. But every day, there is a need for support and friendship and, for everyone who can to share. Visit Got-Marrow.org. I'm not asking that you give financially - but it would be tremendous if you could. Give of your heart. Encourage and support Rachel - who has been through this so many times, and still hasn't given up.

According to the US Population Clock, there are 310,069,018 (and counting) people in the United States. If everyone gave $0.01 - that's right a penny for everyone in the United States - we could raise enough to cover the co-pay. And maybe just enough to keep Rachel and her family financially safe.

Unlike the recently publicized scam artist who claimed to have cancer and personally went running around the Internet to get money from people - Rachel didn't start this campaign or ask for this help. A friend of the family - Rob Jones, my hero - saw the need and created a way for all of us to help.

So, what are you waiting for!?

I love to take my work home. A lot of people think that’s a bad thing, but I work in a lawn and garden center. So that means tending to my landscaping and taking home plants to fill it out.

Although I manage some construction materials that fall into the lawn and garden area, like fencing and stakes, I mainly work with caring for the plants. Our center specializes in some more exotic plant species that require a little more work than automated sprinklers that a lot of big chain lawn and garden carriers use to care for their plants.

That means I get to teach a lot of our customers about caring for these plants. When I was explaining to a young couple about some house plants that they were buying – they had never cared for plants before – I was having to ask them to repeat what they were saying several times because I couldn't understand them because of my hearing loss. It was a little embarrassing, so when I got off work that day I researched hearing aid packages and settled on one.

I now feel more comfortable working with my customers so I can focus on helping them learn to care for their plants instead of straining to hear them.

I don't go to the doctor very often - or, as I keep being told, nearly as often as I should. (Of course, should and I are just not on speaking terms.) When I was younger, that was probably not such a problem. But I am now getting to the point where some of my parts just aren't working the way they did a few years ago.

Guess I'd best find out just what Obamacare is going to mean for me. And probably sooner than later.

CV Physiology.com Image

A clinical study of Enzyte, at Loyola University, showed that the supplement "causes electrical abnormalities in the heart" that could, in men with existing heart conditions, be fatal. The exact affect on the heart is prolongation of the Q-T interval, the time that it takes the heart to depolarize and repolarize. (For a clinical explanation, please click on the image.)

If I understand correctly, the heart beats and rests (in very simple terms) through each wave. During repolarization or resting, the heart fills with blood to be pulsed out to the body during the next depolarization or muscle contraction. When the pulse is too rapid, there is not enough 'rest' to sufficiently fill the heart with blood and the heart muscle becomes stressed from increased contraction (beating).

However, as Enzyte is reputed to do, extending the Q-T interval - again, if I understand correctly - would mean the amount of time that it takes the heart to contract, rest, and contract is longer. The electrical impulses from the heart through the body become fewer. Oxygenated blood is delivered less frequently and the heart muscle stays more relaxed.

Now, in my little non-medical mind, the risk is that the heart muscle becomes 'flabby' like any muscle that isn't used regularly. Over time, it doesn't want to contract as often as it did - decreasing blood flow and, potentially, developing an unhealthy rhythm as the muscle takes longer to respond to the chemical changes that tell it to "get to work!" Or I could have missed the boat completely.

Either way, anything that alters the electrical function of the heart - up or down - unless prescribed by a physician to correct an existing problem is something that needs a big rethink before blithely sticking it in the body.

FDA Recalls & Safety Alerts:

• Novacare LLC ~ Recall ~ Multiple Male ED Supplements (21 Named in Recall) ~ Undeclared Sulfoaildenafil (Viagra analog)
• Fresh Express ~ Recall ~ Veggie Lovers Salad, Code I208, Use-by August 10 ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes
• *Ikaria ~ Recall ~ INOMAX® DS Drug-Delivery System ~  
• * EZVille, Ltd. ~ Recall ~ Revivexxx® Extra Strength ~ Undeclared Tadalafil (Cialis)
• EZVille, Ltd. ~ Recall ~ Solo Slim® Regular and Extra Strength, All Expiration Dates through August 2013 ~ Undeclared Desmethyl Sibutramine (Appetite Suppressant)
• The South Bend Chocolate Company ~ Recall ~ Bountiful Blend, 1 lb. bags ~ Undeclared Tree Nuts (Cashews, Almonds, Pecans, Brazil Nuts)
• Optimus, Inc. dba Marky’s ~ Recall ~ Eugenio Brezzi Truffle Puree, Imported from Italy ~ Under-processed; Possible Contamination
• * Merrick Pet Care ~ Extended Recall ~ "Texas Hold'ems" Dog Treats, Item #60016, Lot #10127, best by May 6, 2012) ~ Possible Salmonella

• * Lundbeck Inc. ~ Recall ~ NeoProfen® (ibuprofen lysine) Injection ~ Failed Visible Particulate Quality Requirement

FDA MedWatch Notices:

• Novacare LLC Products (Multiple Brand Names) ~ Recall ~ Undeclared Drug Sulfoaildenafil Ingredient
• Combat Application Tourniquets (C-A-T), NSN6515-01-521-7976 ~ Physician/Consumer Alert ~ Suspected Counterfeit Product
• Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filters ~ Physician/Clinician Alert ~ Risk of Adverse Events with Long Term Use
• Solo Slim, Solo Slim Extra Strength ~ Recall ~ Undeclared Drug Didesmethyl Sibutramine Ingredient
• Revivexxx Extra Strength ~ Recall ~ Undeclared Drug Tadalafil Ingredient
• Qualaquin (Quinine Sulfate) ~ New Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy ~ Risk of Serious Hematological Reactions

FSIS Open Recalls & Alerts:

• Valley Meat Company ~ Class I Recall ~ Frozen Ground Beef Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Ugo. DiLullo & Sons ~ Class I Recall ~ U. DiLullo's Deluxe Meatballs In Sauce, Est. 1153 ~ Undeclared Eggs ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• Perdue Farms, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ 'Great Value' Frozen Chicken Nugget Products ~ Possible Foreign Material ~ Health Risk: Low
• M&K II Co. ~ Class II Recall ~ Beef Jerky Products ~ Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: Low
• Rocky Mountain Natural Meats ~ Class I Recall ~ Bison Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• San Antonio Packing Company ~ Class I Recall ~ Cervelat Summer Sausage ~ Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Oregon Freeze Dry, Inc. ~ Class III Recall ~ Mountain House Pro-Pak Beef Stroganoff with Noodles ~ Mislabeling ~ Health Risk: None
• Great Kitchens, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ BBQ Chicken Pizza Products ~ May Contain Foreign Materials ~ Health Risk: Low
• Sampco, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Canned and Frozen Cooked Beef Products from Brazil ~ Possible Animal Drug Contaminant ~ Health Risk: Low
• South Gate Meat Co. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ground Beef Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• ConAgra Foods Packaged Foods, LLC ~ Class I Recall ~ Marie Callender's Cheesy Chicken and Rice Frozen Meals ~ Possible Salmonella ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Campbell Soup Supply Company, LLC ~ Class I Recall ~ SpaghettiOs with Meatballs ~ Possible Underprocessing ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Montclair Meat Co., Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ground Beef Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• Sampco, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Canned and Frozen Cooked Beef Products from Brazil ~ Possible Animal Drug Contaminant ~ Health Risk: Low
• Vienna Beef Ltd. ~ Class II Recall ~ Vienna Beef Mini Pretzel Dogs ~ Produced Without Inspection ~ Health Risk: Low
• International Gourmet ~ Class I Recall ~ Imported Prosciutto Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Orlando Greco & Son Imports ~ Class I Recall ~ Imported Prosciutto Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Custom Corned Beef, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Fully Cooked Crumbled Pork Sausage Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• The Murphy House ~ Class I Recall ~ Brunswick Stew Products ~ Undeclared Allergens ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Beltex Corporation ~ Class I Recall ~ Beef Trim Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Westlake Food Corporation ~ Class II Recall ~ Assorted Meat Products ~ Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: Low
• Windsor Foods ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Beef Taquito and Chicken Quesadilla Products ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Ruiz Foods, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Tornados Ranchero Beef & Cheese ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Nestlé Professional North America ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Bacon Base ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High

Please visit the above links for complete product information, recommendations, contacts, and return details.

* Some FDA links may not have been functioning at the time of posting. Specific health risk information may be incomplete.

According to the article, 85% of clinical studies paid for by pharmaceutical companies have positive outcomes. By comparison, about 50% of drugs involved in government-funded studies and 61% of those in independently-funded studies have the same level of success. And that 85% is generating the information that shows up in journals and patient handbooks and physician guidelines.

That means manufacturers can easily market - to consumers and physicians - medications that don't work, don't work as well as claimed, or are downright dangerous -- all based on the results of these clinical studies. What are you going to trust, when the only information comes from someone who desperately needs everyone to buy the hype? Researching outside the pharmaceutical industry does little good, if the data originates with the drug manufacturers.

I was just reading, for example, about a warning letter issued on July 6th, to Jazz Pharmaceuticals, regarding fluvoxamine maleate, marketed as Luvox. According to the letter, the manufacturer of this treatment for OCD "omits and minimizes important risk information associated with Luvox CR and overstates the efficacy of Luvox CR" - in their patient brochure. So, not only doesn't it work as well as claimed {Shocking!}, Luvox's safety is also in question.

Think Jazz is alone? I seriously doubt it.

Counting on the name to mean quality and wearability, I bought the cutest little slip-ons. If memory serves I mentioned that, from the first time I wore them, they rubbed my heels and made them bleed. Even with socks! So, like it or not - cuz the ole tennies are just not cuttin' it for quick on and off - I need new shoes. Again.

I've been looking at, among other options, MBT shoes and am seriously fascinated. They call themselves "the anti-shoe" and offer a unique (well, I've never seen it before) curved sole that is supposed to be like walking barefoot in sand. More natural and healthy for the body.

Although the 'learn to walk a new way to keep from falling over' comment left this klutz a tad apprehensive.

From what I read, contaminated doesn't necessarily mean debris, dirt, or such. The term, in this case, seems to indicate supplements with ingredients that pose potentially serious health risks. Consumer Reports lists 12 specific 'natural' items whose "potential dangers include liver and kidney damage, heart rhythm disorders and unhealthy blood pressure levels."

Those ingredients, with a brief description, are:

1. Aconite: Aconitum is a genus of flowering plant whose species include monkshood and wolfsbane. Highly toxic, it is used - after extensive detoxification or in extremely small doses - in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine. Untreated, even small amounts may be fatal.
2. Bitter Orange: Commonly used in marmalades, an extract from this fruit and its peel has amphetamine metabolites similar to those in the banned ephedra. These metabolites can cause rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Reports have shown increased incidence of strokes and angina, lack of effectiveness in weight loss, and risks similar to those found in ephedra.
3. Chaparral: Larrea tridentata is a flowering plant also called creosote bush. Used by Native Americans to treat a variety of conditions, it may be safe in small amounts. However, FDA and Health Canada have confirmed reports of liver damage related to this supplement.
4. Colloidal Silver: A suspension of microscopic silver particles reputed to treat any number of diseases and conditions. Long-term use can lead to a condition called Argyria, where the silver salts deposit in the skin, eyes, and internal organs, turning the skin bluish-grey. In 2002, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration determined that there was no evidence to support therapeutic claims and the risks of silver toxicity and bacterial resistance to silver outweighed any value in trying an unproven therapy.
5. Coltsfoot: Tussilago farfara is a low, perennial herb originally used in the treatment of coughs and bronchial congestion. However, a study in Japan determined that the flowers, leaves, and roots of the plant contain a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, easily extracted in hot water, that is highly toxic to the liver. Even small doses are unhealthy and may have a cumulative effect.
6. Comfrey: Symphytum officinale, a perennial shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia, is used to treat wounds and inflammation associated with sprains and broken bones. However it, like Coltsfoot, contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which have been proven damaging to the liver and possibly fatal. The US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany have banned oral products containing Comfrey.
7. Country Mallow: Sida cordifolia is a perennial subshrub native to India used, primarily, to treat respiratory ailments. Containing Ephedrine, the amphetamine-like alkaloid also found in ephedra, it may cause high blood pressure, heart attacks, seizures, and strokes. Country Mallow is banned in the United States.
8. Germanium: Germanium is a naturally occurring element found in shittake mushrooms, garlic, tuna, pan fish, and tomato juice. Touted as a treatment for cancer, HIV and AIDS, and arthritis, supplements have proven toxic to the kidneys, liver, bone marrow, and nervous system. Even small doses, due to cumulative effects, have caused death.
9. Greater Celandine: Chelidonium majus, a member of the poppy family, is native to Europe and western Asia. Historically, it has been used to treat asthma, bronchitis, gallstones, and toothache. Due to the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids, the plant is toxic even in moderate doses and has been implicated in liver damage.
10. Kava: Piper methysticum, a western Pacific crop with sedating properties, has been used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Only the roots are used in traditional preparations. Some reports found that long-term use elevated liver enzymes and supplements, believed to contain stem peelings and leaves, have been shown to be toxic to the liver.
11. Lobelia: Lobelia inflata, a flowering plant also called Indian Tobacco, has historically been used by Native Americans to treat a variety of respiratory conditions. Believed to be similar to nicotine, it was often used as a nicotine substitute. Toxic in moderate to large doses, it can cause side effects from nausea to convulsions and coma.
12. Yohimbe: Pausinystalia yohimbe is an evergreen tree found in western Africa. Extracts from the bark were traditionally used to treat fever, coughs, leprosy, and as an aphrodisiac. However, the alkaloid yohimbine causes a dangerous rise in blood pressure and anxiety.

Although some of these products are banned, they are easily found online; imported from countries that allow their manufacture and use. As supplements are not regulated, it is impossible to know how much of any ingredient is in a preparation. Or, in the case of Kava, which part of the plant was used in manufacturing.

Herbalists and alternative medicine practitioners understand and believe in the effectiveness of herbs and extracts - when used properly. One web site I visited felt that Comfrey had been unfairly banned. She may be right; I'm no herbalist. And, while only the oral supplements are banned, there is concern that topical use could result in similar risks to the liver if improperly applied to broken skin.

Then, there are possible interactions - with OTC or prescription medications, or with one's diet. Obviously, combining Country Mallow or Bitter Orange with caffeine or caffeine-like products would increase the effects of both. For a serious coffee drinker (several cups per day), taking either of these supplements could elevate their heart rate and blood pressure to possibly dangerous levels.

For people who drink alcohol or smoke, the toxic affects of acetaminophen on the liver are already increased. Add an herb such as Greater Celandine or Coltsfoot or Yohimbe and the potential for liver damage is even greater. In someone who already has liver disease or impaired liver function, these combinations could have catastrophic outcomes.

It is possible, with the guidance of an expert in botanical or alternative medicine, to safely use herbs and extracts. The problem arises when products are thrown together, dumped on the Internet, and touted as treatments and cures - without clinical evidence or even accurate information as to what they contain. Risks outweigh benefits, so very many times.

The supplement information above is a brief overview of data found on a variety of Internet web sites. It is presented for informational purposes, only. As always, consult with a medical professional for complete information on any medication or supplement.

Paint in good condition, even today, does not require testing and removal as it isn't a health threat. But, if there is any question - before starting any remodeling or renovation projects - a good lead test kit would be a good first step. Testing the soil around an older home or apartment is never a bad idea either, according to the EPA.

Now that I think about it, these kits would probably work on painted toys and other risky items we've been reading about in the news. It isn't just the walls and window sills that could be toxic these days.

FDA Recalls & Safety Alerts:

• Kashmir Crown Baking, LLC ~ Recall ~ KCB No Eggs Added Cake Rusk (28oz) ~ Undeclared Eggs
• The Procter & Gamble Company ~ Expanded Recall ~ Iams and Eukanuba Veterinary Formulas ~ Possible Salmonella
• Lundbeck Inc. ~ Recall ~ NeoProfen® (ibuprofen lysine) Injection ~ Recall Results in Temporary Product Shortage
• * Lundbeck Inc. ~ Recall ~ NeoProfen® (ibuprofen lysine) Injection ~ Failed Visible Particulate Quality Requirement
• Bay Valley Foods ~ Recall ~ Chef's Cupboard Chicken with Rice Soup, 10.5oz. Cans ~ Mislabeled 'Vegetarian Vegetable' with Undeclared Egg and Wheat
• Nutraloid Labs Inc. ~ Recall ~ Ejaculoid XXTREME and Stimuloid II ~ Undeclared Sulfoaildenafil (Levitra analog)
• Specialty Farms, LLC ~ Expanded Recall ~ Organic Alfalfa Sprouts Blend and Organic Sprout Salad, Sell-by 08/01/2010 and 08/03/2010 ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes
• Biggers & Callaham LLC, dba Mice Direct of Cleveland Georgia ~ Recall ~ Frozen Reptile Feed ~ Possible Salmonella
• Bausch + Lomb ~ Recall ~ PreserVision® Eye Vitamin AREDS 2 Formula with Omega 3 Soft Gels ~ Reported Swallowing Difficulties

• * J & H Besta Corp. ~ Recall ~ Joyful Slim Herb Supplement ~ Undeclared Drug Ingredient

FDA MedWatch Notices:

• Nimodipine Oral Capsules ~ Medication Errors ~ IV Administration May Result in Death, Serious Harm
• NeoProfen (Ibuprofen lysine) Injection ~ Recall and Shortage ~ Risk of Particulate Matter
• Afluria (CSL Ltd.) Influenza Virus Vaccine ~ Label Change ~ Risk of Fever and Febrile Seizure
• Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS) ~ Consumer / Emergency Alert ~ Product as Consumed Produces Potent Bleach
• Nutraloid Labs' Ejaculoid XXTREME and Stimuloid II ~ Recall ~ Undeclared Drug Ingredient
• Evamist (Estradiol Transdermal Spray) ~ Drug Safety Communication ~ Unintended Exposure of Children and Pets to Topical Estrogen
• Cubicin (Daptomycin) ~ Drug Safety Communication ~ Risk of Eosinophilic Pneumonia

FSIS Recalls & Alerts:

• Ugo. DiLullo & Sons ~ Class I Recall ~ U. DiLullo's Deluxe Meatballs In Sauce, Est. 1153 ~ Undeclared Eggs ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• Perdue Farms, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ 'Great Value' Frozen Chicken Nugget Products ~ Possible Foreign Material ~ Health Risk: Low
• Recall Completed   K. Heeps, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Fully Cooked Turkey Breast Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• M&K II Co. ~ Class II Recall ~ Beef Jerky Products ~ Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: Low
• Rocky Mountain Natural Meats ~ Class I Recall ~ Bison Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• San Antonio Packing Company ~ Class I Recall ~ Cervelat Summer Sausage ~ Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Oregon Freeze Dry, Inc. ~ Class III Recall ~ Mountain House Pro-Pak Beef Stroganoff with Noodles ~ Mislabeling ~ Health Risk: None
• Great Kitchens, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ BBQ Chicken Pizza Products ~ May Contain Foreign Materials ~ Health Risk: Low
• Sampco, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Canned and Frozen Cooked Beef Products from Brazil ~ Possible Animal Drug Contaminant ~ Health Risk: Low
• South Gate Meat Co. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ground Beef Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• ConAgra Foods Packaged Foods, LLC ~ Class I Recall ~ Marie Callender's Cheesy Chicken and Rice Frozen Meals ~ Possible Salmonella ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Campbell Soup Supply Company, LLC ~ Class I Recall ~ SpaghettiOs with Meatballs ~ Possible Underprocessing ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Montclair Meat Co., Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ground Beef Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• Sampco, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Canned and Frozen Cooked Beef Products from Brazil ~ Possible Animal Drug Contaminant ~ Health Risk: Low
• Vienna Beef Ltd. ~ Class II Recall ~ Vienna Beef Mini Pretzel Dogs ~ Produced Without Inspection ~ Health Risk: Low
• International Gourmet ~ Class I Recall ~ Imported Prosciutto Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Orlando Greco & Son Imports ~ Class I Recall ~ Imported Prosciutto Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Custom Corned Beef, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Fully Cooked Crumbled Pork Sausage Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• The Murphy House ~ Class I Recall ~ Brunswick Stew Products ~ Undeclared Allergens ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Beltex Corporation ~ Class I Recall ~ Beef Trim Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Westlake Food Corporation ~ Class II Recall ~ Assorted Meat Products ~ Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: Low
• Windsor Foods ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Beef Taquito and Chicken Quesadilla Products ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Ruiz Foods, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Tornados Ranchero Beef & Cheese ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Nestlé Professional North America ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Bacon Base ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High

Please visit the above links for complete product information, recommendations, contacts, and return details.

* Some FDA links may not have been functioning at the time of posting. Specific health risk information may be incomplete.

Before you jump to conclusions, let me tell you a little about Rachel Hunnicutt-Knight. Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 14, she has battled this disease through chemo, high school, and an attempt at a normal life. Rachel worked, healed, grew up, married, and gave birth to a daughter. After 7 years of remission, the leukemia returned.

For the last 2 years, she has been in remission treatment. However, tests show that the cancer has now spread to her bone marrow. The only answer is a transplant. Rachel is employed; she has insurance, which will cover the surgery - with a co-pay of an estimated $80,000.

She doesn't have that kind of money; neither does her family. This is why my friend - and theirs - has stepped up to enlist our help.

Here - very simply - is what I am asking from you:

• Please visit www.got-marrow.org.
• Give if, and whatever, you can.
• Leave your good wishes for Rachel and her family. Never underestimate the power of positive energy.
• Share links to www.got-marrow.org everywhere you visit,
  Tweet and Retweet Got Marrow on Twitter,
  Fan Got Marrow on Facebook,
  If you have a blog or a website, show your support with a note and a link.

And here - very simply - is what I am doing. Starting today, and continuing until Rachel is physically and financially out of the woods:

• JMark Afghans, etc. is donating 15% of every purchase to Got-Marrow.org

Scammers and spammers use the Internet every day to cheat, steal, and threaten our online safety. Let's see how much good we can do, instead. Please help us help this family.

FDA Recalls & Safety Alerts:

• Airgas South, Inc. ~ Expanded Recall ~ High Pressure Medical Cylinders ~ Improper Manufacturing Practices
• The Procter & Gamble Company ~ Recall ~ Iams Veterinary Formulas Feline Renal, 5.5 lbs ~ Possible Salmonella
• * Pasco Processing, LLC ~ Recall ~ Corn and Poblano Peppers, 20lb. cases, (SKU 10071179017738) ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes
• Specialty Farms, LLC ~ Recall ~ Organic Alfalfa Sprouts Blend and Organic Sprout Salad, Sell-by 07/26/10 ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes
• * Quong Hop & Co. ~ Recall ~ Raquel's Products ~ (Potential Health Risk)
• Oregon Ice Cream Company ~ Recall ~ Denali Bear Claw Ice Cream, 3lb. Tubs ~ Undeclared Peanuts
• DeBoles® Nutritional Foods, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Kids Only! Gluten Free Tubettini Corn Pasta ~ Undeclared Whole Wheat Alphabet Pasta
• * J & H Besta Corp. ~ Recall ~ Joyful Slim Herb Supplement ~ Undeclared Drug Ingredient
• Cook Medical ~ Recall ~ Percutaneous Tracheostomy Introducer Sets and Trays ~ Cuff Not Holding Air

FDA MedWatch Notices:

• Cook brand Ciaglia Blue Rhino/Ciaglia Blue Dolphin Percutaneous Tracheostomy Introducer Sets and Trays ~ Recall ~ Cuff Not Holding Air
• Joyful Slim Herb Supplement ~ Recall ~ Undeclared Drug Ingredient

FSIS Recalls & Alerts:

• Perdue Farms, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ 'Great Value' Frozen Chicken Nugget Products ~ Possible Foreign Material ~ Health Risk: Low
• K. Heeps, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Fully Cooked Turkey Breast Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• M&K II Co. ~ Class II Recall ~ Beef Jerky Products ~ Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: Low
• Rocky Mountain Natural Meats ~ Class I Recall ~ Bison Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• San Antonio Packing Company ~ Class I Recall ~ Cervelat Summer Sausage ~ Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Oregon Freeze Dry, Inc. ~ Class III Recall ~ Mountain House Pro-Pak Beef Stroganoff with Noodles ~ Mislabeling ~ Health Risk: None
• Great Kitchens, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ BBQ Chicken Pizza Products ~ May Contain Foreign Materials ~ Health Risk: Low
• Sampco, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Canned and Frozen Cooked Beef Products from Brazil ~ Possible Animal Drug Contaminant ~ Health Risk: Low
• South Gate Meat Co. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ground Beef Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• ConAgra Foods Packaged Foods, LLC ~ Class I Recall ~ Marie Callender's Cheesy Chicken and Rice Frozen Meals ~ Possible Salmonella ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Campbell Soup Supply Company, LLC ~ Class I Recall ~ SpaghettiOs with Meatballs ~ Possible Underprocessing ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Montclair Meat Co., Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ground Beef Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• Sampco, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Canned and Frozen Cooked Beef Products from Brazil ~ Possible Animal Drug Contaminant ~ Health Risk: Low
• Vienna Beef Ltd. ~ Class II Recall ~ Vienna Beef Mini Pretzel Dogs ~ Produced Without Inspection ~ Health Risk: Low
• International Gourmet ~ Class I Recall ~ Imported Prosciutto Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Orlando Greco & Son Imports ~ Class I Recall ~ Imported Prosciutto Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Custom Corned Beef, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Fully Cooked Crumbled Pork Sausage Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• The Murphy House ~ Class I Recall ~ Brunswick Stew Products ~ Undeclared Allergens ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Beltex Corporation ~ Class I Recall ~ Beef Trim Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Westlake Food Corporation ~ Class II Recall ~ Assorted Meat Products ~ Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: Low
• Windsor Foods ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Beef Taquito and Chicken Quesadilla Products ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Ruiz Foods, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Tornados Ranchero Beef & Cheese ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Nestlé Professional North America ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Bacon Base ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High

Please visit the above links for complete product information, recommendations, contacts, and return details.

* Some FDA links may not have been functioning at the time of posting. Specific health risk information may be incomplete.

Good Health, Inc. has recalled multiple lots of Vialipro, an ED supplement. Lab analyses reported to the FDA indicated that the product contained Sulfoaildenafil, an analogue of Sildenafil - the active ingredient in Viagra. The fact that this ingredient was found, though not listed, in several lots of the product tells me that this is the standard 'recipe' for Vialipro.

* J & H Besta Corp., on the other hand, only recalled one lot of Slim-30 "All Natural Herbs for Weight Loss." Apparently, some of the ingredients were 'contaminated' with prescription drugs approved by the FDA for weight-loss. Hmmm? Weight-loss herbs and weight-loss prescription drugs ... together ... accidentally ... in the same, what, mixing drum?! Seems rather improbable.

* The link to the Slim-30 recall can be found HERE. It was working at the time of my earlier post, but went down later.

FDA Food Safety Notices:

• Good Health, Inc. ~ Recall ~ 'Vialipro' ED Dietary Supplement, Multiple Lots ~ Undeclared Drug Ingredient
• J & H Besta Corp. ~ Recall ~ 'Slim-30' Herb Supplement, Lot/Code #032009 ~ Undeclared Drug Ingredient
• D & M Smoked Fish, Inc. ~ Recall ~ 'Haifa' Vacuum-packaged Schmaltz Herring, lot #168 ~ Uneviscerated
• * Feline's Pride ~ Expanded Recall ~ Natural Chicken Formula, Net Wt. 2.5 lbs, Produced 06/21/10 ~ Possible Salmonella
• Fresh Express ~ Recall ~ Romaine Lettuce Products, Use-by Dates July 8 & July 12 ~ Possible E. coli 0157.H7
• Diamond USA, Inc. ~ Recall ~ 'Dry Apricot Rolled', 1 lb packages, code #01-12-2010 ~ Undeclared Sulfites

• * I Dolce ~ Recall ~ 33.8 oz (1 Liter) Roba Dolce Double Chocolate Chunk Gelato ~ Undeclared Peanuts

FDA MedWatch Notices:

• CONSTELLATION Vision (Eye Surgery) System ~ Recall ~ Software and Hardware Problems
• Vialipro Dietary Supplement ~ Recall ~ Undeclared Drug Ingredient
• Slim- 30 Herb Supplement ~ Recall ~ Undeclared Drug Ingredient
• Advair Diskus ~ Pharmacy/Physician/Consumer Alert ~ Stolen Product Warning
• Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) ~ Ongoing Safety Review ~ Possible Increased Cancer Risk
• Coumadin 1 mg Tablet Blister Packs ~ Recall ~ May Not Meet Specification for Isopropanol
• Drug Safety Labeling Changes ~ June, 2010
• Air- or Gas-Pressurized Spray Devices ~ Adverse Event Report ~ Risk of Air or Gas Embolism

FSIS Recalls & Alerts:

• Perdue Farms, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ 'Great Value' Frozen Chicken Nugget Products ~ Possible Foreign Material ~ Health Risk: Low
• K. Heeps, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Fully Cooked Turkey Breast Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• M&K II Co. ~ Class II Recall ~ Beef Jerky Products ~ Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: Low
• Rocky Mountain Natural Meats ~ Class I Recall ~ Bison Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• San Antonio Packing Company ~ Class I Recall ~ Cervelat Summer Sausage ~ Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Oregon Freeze Dry, Inc. ~ Class III Recall ~ Mountain House Pro-Pak Beef Stroganoff with Noodles ~ Mislabeling ~ Health Risk: None
• Great Kitchens, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ BBQ Chicken Pizza Products ~ May Contain Foreign Materials ~ Health Risk: Low
• Sampco, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Canned and Frozen Cooked Beef Products from Brazil ~ Possible Animal Drug Contaminant ~ Health Risk: Low
• South Gate Meat Co. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ground Beef Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• Recall Completed   Crown I Enterprises, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ground Beef Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• ConAgra Foods Packaged Foods, LLC ~ Class I Recall ~ Marie Callender's Cheesy Chicken and Rice Frozen Meals ~ Possible Salmonella ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Campbell Soup Supply Company, LLC ~ Class I Recall ~ SpaghettiOs with Meatballs ~ Possible Underprocessing ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Montclair Meat Co., Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ground Beef Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• Sampco, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Canned and Frozen Cooked Beef Products from Brazil ~ Possible Animal Drug Contaminant ~ Health Risk: Low
• Vienna Beef Ltd. ~ Class II Recall ~ Vienna Beef Mini Pretzel Dogs ~ Produced Without Inspection ~ Health Risk: Low
• Recall Completed   Boston Salads and Provisions Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Buffalo Style Chicken Salad Products ~ May Contain Foreign Materials ~ Health Risk: Low
• International Gourmet ~ Class I Recall ~ Imported Prosciutto Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Orlando Greco & Son Imports ~ Class I Recall ~ Imported Prosciutto Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Custom Corned Beef, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Fully Cooked Crumbled Pork Sausage Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• The Murphy House ~ Class I Recall ~ Brunswick Stew Products ~ Undeclared Allergens ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Beltex Corporation ~ Class I Recall ~ Beef Trim Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Westlake Food Corporation ~ Class II Recall ~ Assorted Meat Products ~ Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: Low
• Windsor Foods ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Beef Taquito and Chicken Quesadilla Products ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Ruiz Foods, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Tornados Ranchero Beef & Cheese ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Nestlé Professional North America ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Bacon Base ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High

Please visit the above links for complete product information, recommendations, contacts, and return details.

* Some FDA links may not have been functioning at the time of posting. Specific health risk information may be incomplete.

For simplicity, I will let the alert explain:

FDA analysis of Que She found that it contains:

• fenfluramine – a stimulant drug withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1997 after studies demonstrated that it caused serious heart valve damage
• propranolol – a prescription beta blocker drug that can pose a risk to people with bronchial asthma and certain heart conditions
• sibutramine – a controlled substance and prescription weight loss drug, sibutramine was the subject of a recent study whose preliminary findings showed an association between sibutramine use and increased risk of heart attack and stroke in patients who have a history of heart disease
• ephedrine – a stimulant drug that is legally marketed over-the-counter for temporary relief of asthma but can pose a risk to people with certain cardiovascular conditions.

Rather than beat that dead horse again, I will remind everyone ~ "Natural" on the label is never a guarantee of what's inside!

FDA Food Safety Notices:

• Bristol-Myers Squibb ~ Recall ~ Coumadin® 1 mg Tablet Blister Packs ~ May Not Meet Specification For Isopropanol
• Quality Food Center (QFC) ~ Recall ~ Broccoli Raisin Salad sold July 10, 2010 ~ Undeclared Walnuts
• Miravalle Foods, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Chile California & Chile Nuevo Mexico Peppers ~ Possible Salmonella
• J. Hellman Frozen Foods, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Señor Mexicano™ Avocado Pulp ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes
• McNeil Consumer Healthcare ~ Expanded Recall ~ OTC Benadryl, Motrin, Tylenol Products ~ Trace Amounts of 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA)
• Ready Pac Foods, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Baby Spinach variety of 'Spinach Temptations' 6 oz. Bagged Salads ~ Possible Ecoli 0157.H7
• Marjon Specialty Foods, Inc. ~ Recall ~ 'Simply Fresh Fruit' and 'Miller’s Ale House' Sliced Apples ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes
• Merrick Pet Care ~ Recall ~ Beef Filet Squares 10oz Bag ~ Possible Salmonella

• * I Dolce ~ Recall ~ 33.8 oz (1 Liter) Roba Dolce Double Chocolate Chunk Gelato ~ Undeclared Peanuts
• * Domega NY International ~ Recall ~ Fuma Custard Pie ~ Undeclared Milk Powder

FDA MedWatch Notices:

• Arava (leflunomide) ~ Boxed Warning ~ Risk of Severe Liver Injury
• Que She Herbal Supplement ~ Consumer / Pharmacy Alert ~ Undeclared Drug Ingredients
• Qualaquin (Quinine sulfate) ~ New Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy ~ Risk of Serious Hematological Reactions

FSIS Recalls & Alerts:

• K. Heeps, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Fully Cooked Turkey Breast Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• M&K II Co. ~ Class II Recall ~ Beef Jerky Products ~ Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: Low
• Rocky Mountain Natural Meats ~ Class I Recall ~ Bison Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• San Antonio Packing Company ~ Class I Recall ~ Cervelat Summer Sausage ~ Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Oregon Freeze Dry, Inc. ~ Class III Recall ~ Mountain House Pro-Pak Beef Stroganoff with Noodles ~ Mislabeling ~ Health Risk: None
• Great Kitchens, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ BBQ Chicken Pizza Products ~ May Contain Foreign Materials ~ Health Risk: Low
• Sampco, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Canned and Frozen Cooked Beef Products from Brazil ~ Possible Animal Drug Contaminant ~ Health Risk: Low
• South Gate Meat Co. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ground Beef Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• Crown I Enterprises, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ground Beef Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• ConAgra Foods Packaged Foods, LLC ~ Class I Recall ~ Marie Callender's Cheesy Chicken and Rice Frozen Meals ~ Possible Salmonella ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Campbell Soup Supply Company, LLC ~ Class I Recall ~ SpaghettiOs with Meatballs ~ Possible Underprocessing ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Montclair Meat Co., Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ground Beef Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• Sampco, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Canned and Frozen Cooked Beef Products from Brazil ~ Possible Animal Drug Contaminant ~ Health Risk: Low
• Vienna Beef Ltd. ~ Class II Recall ~ Vienna Beef Mini Pretzel Dogs ~ Produced Without Inspection ~ Health Risk: Low
• Boston Salads and Provisions Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Buffalo Style Chicken Salad Products ~ May Contain Foreign Materials ~ Health Risk: Low
• International Gourmet ~ Class I Recall ~ Imported Prosciutto Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Orlando Greco & Son Imports ~ Class I Recall ~ Imported Prosciutto Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Custom Corned Beef, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Fully Cooked Crumbled Pork Sausage Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• The Murphy House ~ Class I Recall ~ Brunswick Stew Products ~ Undeclared Allergens ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Beltex Corporation ~ Class I Recall ~ Beef Trim Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Westlake Food Corporation ~ Class II Recall ~ Assorted Meat Products ~ Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: Low
• Recall Completed   North American Bison Co-Op ~ Class II Recall ~ Whole Beef Head Products ~ Contain Prohibited Materials ~ Health Risk: Low
• Windsor Foods ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Beef Taquito and Chicken Quesadilla Products ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Ruiz Foods, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Tornados Ranchero Beef & Cheese ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Nestlé Professional North America ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Bacon Base ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High

Please visit the above links for complete product information, recommendations, contacts, and return details.

* Some FDA links may not have been functioning at the time of posting. Specific health risk information may be incomplete.

This recent study found that changes in fat cells, not the immune system, may be at the root of insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes. According to the summary and highlights¹, inflammation in fat cells was critical to development of insulin resistance in mice. This inflammation also contributed to hepatic steatosis, or fatty liver disease.

A 2002 study, looking at the relationship between Hepatic Steatosis, Insulin Resistance, and Adipose Tissue Disorders, found a very similar correlation. In the earlier study, researchers found that treatment of fatty liver with leptin replacement also reduced insulin resistance. Although, they were unsure whether fatty liver contributed to development of insulin resistance, or vice versa.

With diabetes and liver disease at the forefront of our daily medical concerns, it is wonderful to see old assumptions being questioned and new ideas getting attention.

First of all, the claim of 100% natural may not be 100% true. It all depends, I suppose, how one defines natural. A couple of the ingredients I checked are synthetic analogs, lab-created.

As a side note: Pronexin shares a very, very similar ingredient list with a product called Zyporex. They both offer to 'disappear' acne in 72 hours and have - word for word - the same testimonials.

Tea tree oil is an essential oil from the Melaleuca alternifolia, a native Australian plant. With reputed antiseptic, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, it has been used topically by aboriginals to treat a variety of conditions and infections. However, full-strength, tea tree oil can cause skin irritation, redness, itching, and blistering.

A single-blind study tested a five-percent tea tree oil solution against a five-percent benzoyl peroxide preparation. Results were comparable, with tea tree oil working more slowly, but causing fewer side effects. It should never be taken internally, due to risk of impaired immune function, diarrhea, and depression of the central nervous system.

Idebenone is an interesting drug. Originally developed to treat Alzheimer's and other cognitive disorders, it has had questionable success. A Swiss pharmaceutical company has recently begun recruiting for clinical trials into its use in treatment of neuromuscular diseases.

According to one article, idebenone is being marketed / promoted commercially as a synthetic analog of coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀). Although there is no clinical evidence to support it, this claim of properties similar to those found in (CoQ₁₀) has led to idebenone's use in topical anti-wrinkle and anti-aging products.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural substance found in high concentrations in the eyes and connective tissue. Medical forms are extracted from rooster combs or created by bacteria in a laboratory. First used to speed tissue healing after eye surgery, it is also administered via injection to treat osteoarthritis in the knee, elbow, and shoulder; although some studies have raised doubts about its effectiveness.

Restylane and Juvederm are brand names for FDA-approved injectible forms used to temporarily fill wrinkles and scars, and plump lips. High levels of HA have been implicated in certain forms of cancer and Vitamin C may reduce metabolism of HA. A documentary ("The Village of Long Life" on 20/20) found that the Japanese villagers experiencing longer lifespans had a diet rich in starchy root vegetables that stimulated production of hyaluronic acid. They did not take supplements.

A large number of ingredients in Pronexin (and Zyporex) are oils: jojoba, avocado, lavendar, bergamot, camelia, rose hip seed, and amaranth; plus glycerin. Then, there is a fat-soluble form of Vitamin C (see impact on HA above) and something called retinol palmitate (I found retinol and retinyl palmitate, but no retinol palmitate), walnut shell as an exfoliant, sulfur to fight bacteria, and several herbs. Nothing clinically proven to improve or treat acne.

And, perhaps most importantly, no idea how much of any ingredient is used.

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most frequently used ingredients in topical acne treatments. It works by reducing Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a common bacteria on the skin that lives on sebum, a fatty, waxy substance exuded by the follicles starting in puberty. Caution should be taken, as this ingredient can cause excessively dry skin and has a bleaching effect on hair, towels, sheets, and clothes.

Resorcinol, common in over-the-counter acne products, is also used to treat other skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis. It works by breaking down hard, rough skin, including existing whiteheads and blackheads. Rarely used alone, it is often combined with sulphur for maximum affect. Like benzoyl peroxide, it can cause irritation and shouldn't be used with other possibly irritating products.

Salicylic acid helps slow down shedding of skin cells, thereby reducing clogged pores. Its ability to help break down blackheads and whiteheads makes it useful for other skin conditions, such as dandruff, psoriasis, calluses, and warts. Because it can also irritate the skin, salicylic acid should not be combined with benzoyl peroxide or resorcinol.

Alcohol and acetone are often combined to treat acne. Alcohol is mildly effective against microbes, similar to antibiotics without the risk of developing resistance. Acetone works to remove grease from the skin, but is not effective by itself.

Sulphur has been used to treat skin conditions for decades. Although it's unclear exactly how it works on acne, it is believed to kill bacteria on the skin. Due to the strong smell and risk of skin staining, it is usually combined with benzoyl peroxide or resorcinol in topical lotions and creams.

Regardless of ingredients, dermatologists frequently remind patients that acne doesn't disappear overnight. It can take weeks to see improvement in skin condition. And some ingredients (benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid) must be used continuously or acne can return.

Pricey lung disease drugs have no benefit: study - describes how expensive treatments for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency¹ don't work. Treatment involves intravenous replacement of the missing protein, at a cost of approximately $150,000 per year. In two studies, lasting 2 and 3 years, no difference in lung disease or quality of life was found between the test group and the group which received placebos.

10,000-plus in U.S. die for lack of cancer screens: CDC - explains that even though more people are being screened for colon and breast cancers, thousands still die because they weren't screened and, one assumes, weren't treated. Additionally, those with health insurance are more likely to get the colonoscopy or mammogram. (Well, duh!?) I do find the last paragraph of the article quite telling:

"Currently, about 46 million Americans, or 15 percent of the population, has no health insurance. A new healthcare law signed in March is projected to extend coverage to 32 million more Americans, mainly by requiring them to buy it."

Blood pressure goals for diabetics -- too tough? - was something that we needed to be aware of, with Mark's diabetes, and tendency to tachycardia and hypertension. I did a post about intensive treatment, back in March. Apparently, not much has changed. Intensive treatment to reduce blood pressure in diabetics seems to offer little benefit, but carries many risks from the medications and overly low blood sugar levels.

There were, however, some health benefits, according to another article.

Given the prevalence of the commercials, there should be quite a bit of interest in this product (translation: lots of web pages, pushing lots of pills). But, the more I think about it, good ol' Bob hasn't been around much lately. Maybe that's the more important information.

The first site I stumbled onto was a one-page blog, set up in 2009, containing one sad little post from April. Oddly enough, it didn't even link to some make-money-now product page. Or bother to remove all of the default 'filler' information from the WordPress template.

Guess they're waiting to see if someone really wants that domain name - enough to pay for it. Given the other sites and pages I've found, I don't think that one-pager is going to get too far. It seems that Enzyte has an outdated formula, uses an auto-ship program, doesn't honor their money-back guarantee, and has been sued by dissatisfied customers.

Of course, that came from one page and could simply be one customer's 'sour grapes'. But it's beginning to look like the world has moved on. Curiosity notwithstanding, perhaps we should join them.

FDA Food Safety Notices:

• United Pet Group ~ Expanded Recall ~ Pro-Pet and Excel Pet Supplements ~ Possible Salmonella
• * Setton International Foods, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Energy Mix and Total Energy Mix ~ Undeclared Peanuts and Chocolate Flavored Chips
• Azteca Linda Corp. ~ Recall ~ Queso Fresco and Queso Hebra ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes
• * I Dolce ~ Recall ~ 33.8 oz (1 Liter) Roba Dolce Double Chocolate Chunk Gelato ~ Undeclared Peanuts
• * Domega NY International ~ Recall ~ Fuma Custard Pie ~ Undeclared Milk Powder
• * Feline Pride ~ Recall ~ Natural Chicken Formula Cat Food ~ Possible Salmonella
• Tri-Union Seafoods ~ Recall ~ 12-Ounce Chicken-of-the-Sea Solid White Tuna in Water ~ Possible Loose Seals or Seams

FDA MedWatch Notices:

• Xpert MRSA/SA Blood Culture Assay for Use with the GeneXpert Dx System (Cepheid) ~ Class I Recall ~ False Negative MRSA Results
• LIFEPAK 20 and LIFEPAK 20e External Defibrillator/Monitors (Physio-Control Inc.) ~ Class I Recall ~ Power Supply Failure

FSIS Recalls & Alerts:

• M&K II Co. ~ Class II Recall ~ Beef Jerky Products ~ Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: Low
• Rocky Mountain Natural Meats ~ Class I Recall ~ Bison Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• San Antonio Packing Company ~ Class I Recall ~ Cervelat Summer Sausage ~ Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Oregon Freeze Dry, Inc. ~ Class III Recall ~ Mountain House Pro-Pak Beef Stroganoff with Noodles ~ Mislabeling ~ Health Risk: None
• Great Kitchens, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ BBQ Chicken Pizza Products ~ May Contain Foreign Materials ~ Health Risk: Low
• Sampco, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Canned and Frozen Cooked Beef Products from Brazil ~ Possible Animal Drug Contaminant ~ Health Risk: Low
• South Gate Meat Co. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ground Beef Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• Crown I Enterprises, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ground Beef Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• ConAgra Foods Packaged Foods, LLC ~ Class I Recall ~ Marie Callender's Cheesy Chicken and Rice Frozen Meals ~ Possible Salmonella ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Campbell Soup Supply Company, LLC ~ Class I Recall ~ SpaghettiOs with Meatballs ~ Possible Underprocessing ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Montclair Meat Co., Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ground Beef Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• Sampco, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Canned and Frozen Cooked Beef Products from Brazil ~ Possible Animal Drug Contaminant ~ Health Risk: Low
• Recall Completed   Galant Food Co. ~ Class I Recall ~ Chicken and Beef Puff Products ~ Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: High
• Vienna Beef Ltd. ~ Class II Recall ~ Vienna Beef Mini Pretzel Dogs ~ Produced Without Inspection ~ Health Risk: Low
• Boston Salads and Provisions Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Buffalo Style Chicken Salad Products ~ May Contain Foreign Materials ~ Health Risk: Low
• International Gourmet ~ Class I Recall ~ Imported Prosciutto Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Orlando Greco & Son Imports ~ Class I Recall ~ Imported Prosciutto Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Custom Corned Beef, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Fully Cooked Crumbled Pork Sausage Products ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High   (No Retail Sales)
• The Murphy House ~ Class I Recall ~ Brunswick Stew Products ~ Undeclared Allergens ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Beltex Corporation ~ Class I Recall ~ Beef Trim Products ~ Possible E. Coli O157:H7 ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Westlake Food Corporation ~ Class II Recall ~ Assorted Meat Products ~ Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: Low
• North American Bison Co-Op ~ Class II Recall ~ Whole Beef Head Products ~ Contain Prohibited Materials ~ Health Risk: Low
• Recall Completed   Lorentz Meats ~ Class I Recall ~ Kowalski's Whole or Half Ham Packages ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes ~ Health Risk: High
• Recall Completed   Perdue Farms, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Fresh Sweet Italian Turkey Sausage Products ~ Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: Low
• Recall Completed   CaiE Foods Limited ~ Class I Recall ~ Assorted Asian-Style Products ~ Produced Without Inspection ~ Health Risk: High
• Recall Completed   Fernando's Food Corporation ~ Class I Recall ~ Enchilada Products ~ Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Recall Completed   N.Y. Gourmet Salads, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Various Chicken Products ~ Produced Without Inspection ~ Health Risk: High
• Windsor Foods ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Beef Taquito and Chicken Quesadilla Products ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Ruiz Foods, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Tornados Ranchero Beef & Cheese ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Nestlé Professional North America ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Bacon Base ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High
• Recall Completed   Rudolph Foods Company, Inc. ~ Class III Recall ~ Baken-ets Fried Pork Skins ~ Packaging Error ~ Health Risk: None

Please visit the above links for complete product information, recommendations, contacts, and return details.

* Some FDA links may not have been functioning at the time of posting. Specific health risk information may be incomplete.

The main difference is that reputable sites offer a biography - with credentials - of the dermatologist. They also tend to be more than one page of 'cookie-cutter' reviews and links to affiliated product order forms. Lastly, authentic, medically-supported websites don't seem to offer the same three or four products that can be found on dozens of other sites.

It isn't necessarily easy to find the 'good' sites. But it is worth the effort. Trust me.

To start, Pfizer has apparently decided that they (unlike all other drug manufacturers) are not required to notify the FDA of adverse events related to their pharmaceuticals. A recent FDA warning letter, twelve pages in length, listed many problems with well-known Pfizer drugs "including impotence drug Viagra, cholesterol pill Lipitor and seizure medicine Lyrica." It took an FDA investigation to uncover documentation and investigation lapses dating back to 2004.

Guidelines are established to ensure that, once a medication is released to the public, problems are quickly identified and properly addressed. Although clinical trials determine efficacy and safety, they do not - naturally - test all segments of the population for side effects and adverse events. There, unfortunately, will always be individuals who are unable to use certain drugs.

Hence, the Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS), "a computerized information database designed to support the FDA's post-marketing safety surveillance program for all approved drug and therapeutic biologic products." Reporting is voluntary, both to the FDA and to drug manufacturers. However, when a pharmaceutical maker is alerted - whether by a medical professional or a consumer - of a problem, they are then required to send the report to the FDA. Pfizer has not done that and the reports of adverse events have, apparently, been increasing since 2004.

How many physicians, if they were given accurate details of problems with Pfizer's medications, would have stopped prescribing them? Or at least given them a lower priority over other treatment options? Hmmm?! Could that be why Pfizer is reluctant to share?

Then, we have Wyeth - now a unit of Pfizer - who has determined that it is perfectly acceptable to promote their medications as they see fit. Sirolimus, trade name Rapamune®, is FDA-approved as an anti-rejection medication for kidney transplant patients. However, it now appears that Wyeth/Pfizer has been marketing the drug for use in "heart, lung, liver, pancreas and islet cell transplants without FDA approval." Not good!

The reason this campaign is so serious relates to differences in transplant tissue compatibility criteria and organ rejection risk. With kidney transplants, tissue matching¹ is only one test used to match donors/patients, and only "10-20% of patients will experience at least one episode of rejection."² Whereas in liver transplants, for example, tissue matching¹ is vital to transplant success and, even with this fine-tuned testing, "up to 75% of all liver-transplant recipients will have at least one rejection episode."³

With this increased risk of rejection in non-kidney transplant procedures, blithely claiming any-old-immunosuppressant-will-do is more than bad marketing. It holds the potential of threatening lives. All for a few more dollars, greater profits?

I certainly hope not.

The articles I read also noted that manufacturing of supplements, including vitamin and mineral products, has increasingly moved overseas - primarily to China. Even were it required, the FDA does not have the resources to inspect these facilities. Thanks to the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), products are considered safe -- until proven harmful; undoing the previous process whereby manufacturers were required to prove that their products did no harm before hitting the marketplace.

As Bottom Line Secrets pointed out earlier this year, this was a move in the wrong direction. Is it any wonder that the market has exploded, since 1994, with a supplement for every situation, condition, or imagined ill?

My readers know that I take issue with the outrageous claims and plain old bad-faith offerings from so many supplement-pushing websites. As an unregulated commodity, supplements are often no better than a billion dollar snake-oil industry. And, unless they claim to treat or cure a condition or illness, they can pretty much say anything to encourage consumers to hand over their hard-earned cash.

Now, I understand that not all manufacturers are out to pull one over on the public. There are companies, I'm sure, operating with the best of intentions. It's just that I have to question their ability to truly and honestly 'advise' consumers on the benefits - and, more importantly, the safe use - of products that rarely provide full disclosure.

It will be interesting to see what comes from today's Senate committee hearing.

Frankly, that makes me a little nervous. The average supplement is an unregulated crap-shoot, filled with ingredients that may be beneficial, possibly aren't, and could be (at the extreme end) dangerous. But prenatal vitamins effect two lives - for better or worse.

A pregnant woman has very specific needs, to ensure proper development of her baby and supporting her own system. Knowing what amounts of which vitamins and minerals are medically recommended makes getting the right supplement much easier. I don't know if there is much variance from product to product, but I certainly would prefer a checklist for comparison, if I were doing the shopping.

Guidelines exist and are fairly easy to find. Personally, I'd trust my doctor over the average this-is-what-you-should-buy website. At the very least, advice from a medical source (Cleveland Clinic, WebMD, and Mayo Clinic come to mind) - with no financial interest in a particular brand - is a good starting point.

What upsets me is the blithe disregard that some site owners have for readers' health and safety. They push pills and detox diets and cleansing rituals that - after reading just a few paragraphs - sound dangerous. Working my way through several posts - this is a blog, not a website per se - I couldn't find any recommendations that didn't scare the daylights out of me.

For those seeking diet and weight loss advice, please talk to your doctor. Or at least visit a site supported by an accredited medical institution, with physician-generated guidelines.

ADHD and pesticides, to start with, is not a new research topic. Studies have been done before, frequently focusing on the children of migrant farm workers who have a higher pesticide exposure risk. Correlations have been made between pre- and post-natal exposure to organophosphates, lower scores on the Bayley MDI¹, and higher incidence of PDD² diagnoses.

However, as other articles point out, this is the first study to look at "the effects of exposure in the population at large." It is, to date, the largest study of its kind - measuring the levels of pesticide byproducts in the urine of 1,139 children, aged 8 to 15. But, this is where I start having a small problem.

The samples were collected during the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted annually by the CDC on about 5,000 people in 15 counties across the United States. Only one sample was collected from these specific participants. One sample, upon which all subsequent conclusions were based, with no follow-up.

Briefly, the study found that children with higher levels of pesticide byproducts in their urine were more likely to be diagnosed with attention-deficit problems. It does not say that pesticide exposure causes ADDs. It also cannot, due to the lack of subsequent sampling, verify that the urine levels may fluctuate, may have been a one-time elevation, or that non-ADD-diagnosed children also experienced periodic higher levels.

Nonetheless, the connection does make sense to me. Organophosphates work by attacking the nervous system of pests. It is believed that they interfere with the function of acetylcholinesterase³, which controls acetylcholine⁴ levels and prevents excessive firing of neurons.

It can, therefore, be extrapolated that inhibited acetylcholinesterase / excess acetylecholine can be expected to negatively impact motor skills, learning, memory, and mood. Obviously, further extended studies are needed.

¹ - The Bayley Mental Development Index (MDI) is one-third of The Bayley Scales of Infant Development and "evaluates several types of abilities: sensory/perceptual acuities, discriminations, and response; acquisition of object constancy; memory learning and problem solving; vocalization and beginning of verbal communication; basis of abstract thinking; habituation; mental mapping; complex language; and mathematical concept formation." The other two scales measure motor skills and behavior. Together they are used to identify children who may be at risk for developmental delay.

² - NINDS (the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) defines Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs) as "a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills." They include Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and Rett's Syndrome.

³ - Acetylcholinesterase, according to MedicineNet.com, is "an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft (the space between two nerve cells) so the next nerve impulse can be transmitted across the synaptic gap. Pesticides of the organophosphate and carbamate types act ... by inhibiting ... acetylcholinesterase."

⁴ - Chemistry Encyclopedia explains that Acetylecholine is a neurotransmitter involved in "skeletal muscle movement ... the regulation of smooth muscle and cardiac muscle ... learning, memory, and mood." For nerve signals to transfer from neuron to neuron or muscle cell, acetylecholine must diffuse; higher levels in neuromuscular junctions inhibits signal movement.

This wasn't a quick little study, thrown together in a rush. Did they really, however, think this through - upfront? Because I am of the opinion that the methodology doomed it to fail.

In a nutshell, the 13,000 study subjects either had brain tumors (cases group) or didn't (control group). These people were not followed as they developed (or didn't) cancer. They were chosen or volunteered because they had cancer, then asked to recall -- seriously, they were asked to remember the level and type of previous cell phone usage.

As the above article points out, there are a number of, they call them potential biases, I call them problems with performing a case-control study. The largest is memory. I can't remember what I had for dinner 3 days ago, how could I possibly - accurately - provide cell phone usage details for a lengthy period?

Secondly, there is the problem created simply by being a part of the case group. If you have a brain tumor and are asked to participate in a study related to cell phone usage and cancer, how long will it take before you start (even unconsciously) remembering facts that aren't completely accurate? Probably, not long.

And what if you already harbored a belief / suspicion that your cell phone contributed to your cancer? Would you be more likely to participate? More importantly, would you be more likely to recall (again, even unconsciously) cell phone usage patterns that supported that belief? Quite possibly.

Luckily, the results of the study didn't support a cell-phones-cause-cancer claim. And the researchers didn't try to say it did.

Don't purchase, unless you:

Oh, wait - there's only one consistent recommendation: rely on reviews! My problem with that is the questionable quality and tendency to simply reuse a manufacturer's hype. The only information the consumer receives is what the maker wants them to know - in order to encourage sales.

In all fairness, there are sites that write their own content. Some even seem to look at the products before they comment. A definite improvement over cookie-cutter, affiliate-driven, give-us-your-money websites.

However, as it is virtually impossible (or at least cost prohibitive) to access clinical trial results and professional articles, product information is still mostly 'borrowed' from company sites and other reviewers. At least the more honest provide valuable help, such as 'outing' auto-ship and you-open-it-you-bought-it product return scams.

The study, being given some exposure in the press, claims that parents, stressed out by their economic situation, are shaking the life out of their infants. "A team of researchers led by child-abuse expert Dr. Rachel Berger at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh reported a significant increase in cases of shaken-baby syndrome." according to Alice Park's article.

Is this an increase in SBS, or an increase in reporting? Are more parents losing their cool or are more CPS teams misdiagnosing the situation? The articles in the press seem to say parents are shaking their infants to death, out of stress.

The other school of thought is that CPS departments around the country, to whom questionable injuries are reported, are designating accidents as SBS, in order to justify their existence and continue their funding. Sites like kidjacked.com and fightcps.com claim that CPS departments are out of control. The truth probably falls somewhere in between - doesn't it always. Yet,

There is a story of a toddler who fell and hit her head on a table. Her mother took her to emergency and was reported to CPS. It took 2 years to have the case dismissed, according to the story, yet the parents were branded child-abusers and never got their kids back. Is this a true story, or one of those urban legend offerings, designed to fire up (my apologies) any idiot who'll jump on the band wagon?

It doesn't really matter what stories are true and what stories are fabricated. If nonsense is given front-page status, the wrong people will respond. And serious threats to our children will be buried in false truths.

They don't discuss that many creams, designed to fight wrinkles, contain ingredients that should not be used near the eyes. If you look at the caveat, don't-do-this, and we-recommend-against-this messages - which are not always easy to find - you'll see that the sites telling you to buy 'this' are not operating in anyone's best interest.

Virtually all of the sites that pop up in a search don't admit that. They simply want you to buy their affiliate's products. It takes investigation into ingredients to find out what's safe. And since the government doesn't require full disclosure, it is not an easy job.

Recently, I started looking into the safety and efficacy of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, formerly called Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, as an anti-wrinkle agent. Or, at least, I tried to. I'd have been happy to find any free, independent, science-based information about the topical use of any peptides in anti-aging creams and sera. But, as a non-professional, my access is very limited.

I did find information about an ongoing study of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 as a treatment of Blepharospasm, a condition caused by excessive contraction of the muscles that close the eye. The clinical trial explains that like botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), the current treatment option, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 works to weaken the muscles. There is no information on safety.

One could presume that the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) would not authorize an unsafe product for a clinical trial. Still, it would be nice to be able to access a broader range of information.

Muscle pull? Been there, done that - a lot, actually. In my experience, I wouldn't be able to lift my arms, turn, move, and/or, basically, dress myself. As I have not been forced to run around naked or have Mark dress me, I'll eliminate that one.

Back out of alignment? This is always a fun one - leading to pains in places that, at first blush, have nothing to do with the location of the problem. Nothing like chest pains to get your attention. But, adjusting my 'spinal attitude' hasn't really helped. Guess we have to eliminate this one.

Bruised rib? (See Muscle Pull) Although the mid-rib area of my left side is occasionally tender to the touch and I do have some minor, occasional issues with movement, I can probably eliminate that one, too. The pain is just not, for lack of a better word, right.

Not happy with where this is leading. I'm starting to see a doctor visit in my future.

Lung problem? Hmmmm? Not so sure. I've had pneumonia, bronchitis, and pleuresy (some more than once) - and this just doesn't feel like how I remember those pains. Which could be selective amnesia, truth be told.

And yet - Can't take a full breath without pain. Smoking just upsets everything. Coughing is something to be avoided, at all costs.

Soooo!? We have interesting options: infection, inflammation, or the big C. Frankly, I'm leaning toward some sort of allergy-related complication, after my recent 2 week bout of something. Either way, it looks like it's time to call the doctor.

I hate it when that happens!

The laundry list of problems attributed to excessive sitting is long and scary: "hypertension, obesity, high blood triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and high blood sugar, regardless of weight." Early on, the article mentions lower back pain, numbness in the lower thigh, and depressed (my word) mood. None of these are good.

In a nutshell, the human body is not built to sit for extended periods of time. The natural S-curve of the spine morphs into a C-shape when sitting. This change also transfers weight-bearing from the hips, knees, and ankles to the spine and pelvis, adding stress to the disks in the back. Good or bad posture doesn't appear to make a difference.

Sadly, that's not the only issue. Walking - moving around, in general - uses the muscles that are built to support the body. These muscles are rich in enzymes that, when we're active, pull fat and cholesterol from the blood. They burn the fat and convert LDL to HDL.

After only a couple of hours, planted in a chair, "enzyme activity drops by 90% to 95%" and "healthy cholesterol plummets by 20%." Then, we get back to numbness and pain in the legs, back, and buttocks. All in all, sitting just isn't a healthy situation and there are those trying to redesign workers out of their seats.

Sure, I'd love to have a 'walking desk' - though typing might be a tad problematic, as would space and cost. As one commenter (a psychotherapist) pointed out - not everyone actually has alternatives.

I'm talking about a report, published yesterday, reversing the original opinion that halted a study into aggressive diabetes treatment and heart disease.

The study was expected to run for 6 years, but was halted in 2008 after only 3 years. It looked at what impact maintaining near-normal A1Cs through intensive treatment would have on heart disease in type 2 diabetics. Subjects in the aggressive treatment group were dying in higher numbers than in the control (normal treatment) group. The knee-jerk response was to stop the study: intensive A1C reduction is killing more people.

Now, after 2 years, researchers have evaluated the data and determined that it wasn't the aggressive therapy at all. Deaths have now been attributed to a lack of reduction in A1Cs; not the other way around. Subjects who successfully lowered their A1Cs were not at greater risk of dying.

Well, duh!? Then again, maybe it's only obvious in hindsight.

When I decided to write about the study, I went searching for the article and found a paper from 2005. In this earlier study at Ege University Medical School in Izmir, Turkey, researchers provided Vitamin E plus C or ursodeoxycholic acid¹ to two small, (28 and 29 subjects, respectively) randomized groups. The goal was to see if vitamin therapy was effective in normalizing liver enzymes.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition, characterized by a build-up of fat in the liver. In milder forms (steatosis), most patients have no symptoms. When the condition worsens (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), inflammation and scarring occur. Approximately 15% of NAFLD sufferers develop cirrhosis, inflammation and scarring so severe that the liver is unable to function.

As the name implies, NAFLD a form of liver disease that is not caused by abuse of alcohol. Currently there is no established, effective treatment for the disease. Hence the need to find therapies that will normalize liver enzymes and reduce fat accumulation in the liver.

The 2005 study found that, after 6 months of therapy, 63% of patients receiving vitamins and 55% of patients receiving ursodoxycholic acid had normal alanine aminotransferase² levels. Aspartate aminotransferase³ levels were significantly reduced in both groups. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase⁴ levels only decreased in the second group.

Published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, the latest study of 247 non-diabetic patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis involved treatment with pioglitazone⁵ and Vitamin E-like placebo (80), Vitamin E and pioglitazone-like placebo (84), or the two placebos (83) for 96 weeks. (Pioglitazone was included, as there is evidence of insulin resistance in patients with NAFLD.)

At the end of the period, 34%, 43%, and 19% of participants (respectively) showed improvement; 48%, 51%, and 25% showed improvement or no worsening. ALT and AST levels dropped in the first two groups, as did fat levels and inflammation. However, the pioglitazone group gained more weight than the Vitamin E and placebo groups; 4.7 kg (10.36 lbs) at week 96 that did not reverse after therapy was stopped.

Both studies, not surprisingly, determined that Vitamin E therapy may benefit patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Which is great news.

Popping a magic pill runs the risk-gamut from a waste of time and money to downright dangerous. But, surgery is, well surgery; not a casual, "I have a couple of hours free, think I'll go have surgery" decision. It should always be offered, and considered, with sufficient details to allow an informed choice.

Three common options appeared in my searches: Gastric Banding, Gastric Bypass, and Sleeve Gastrectomy. With the exception of the last option, the names pretty much describe the procedures. With Banding, a band is placed around the stomach, creating a smaller pouch that holds less food; while a Bypass connects a small stomach pouch to a section of the small intestine, literally bypassing a portion.

Sleeve Gastrectomy, by name, is new to me. It involves stapling the stomach to create a smaller working area, approximately the size of a banana, then removing the rest of the stomach. That seems pretty frightening, from where I'm sitting. Actually removing most of the stomach!?

Admittedly, these are highly simplistic descriptions of some major surgical procedures. But, I was pleased to be able to find some straightforward information, without the hype associated with so many of the products I usually review. Still, these are operations that will temporarily and/or permanently alter the digestive system.

For anyone struggling with their weight, facing or dealing with obesity, options are important. And surgery is certainly an option. But the success rates are quite variable; the risks, quite real.

Learn all you can and talk to a trusted medical professional - at length. There should never be pressure or blind agreement on either side of the equation. Don't make a bad situation worse, by leaping before you look.

To start with, the intent is:

The legislature finds that there is a compelling interest in the cooperative enforcement of federal immigration laws throughout all of Arizona. The legislature declares that the intent of this act is to make attrition through enforcement the public policy of all state and local government agencies in Arizona. The provisions of this act are intended to work together to discourage and deter the unlawful entry and presence of aliens and economic activity by persons unlawfully present in the United States.

Great language, isn't it? Compelling interest in the cooperative enforcement of federal immigration laws. The intent of this act is to make attrition through enforcement; the State of Arizona believes in working with the federal government to discourage and deter ... well, you get the idea.

The actual wording of the Senate Bill (as I understand it) seems fairly toothless in the areas that are causing the most protests. Let's start with (emphasis is mine):

Sec. 2., 11-1051, B. FOR ANY LAWFUL CONTACT MADE BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL OR AGENCY OF THIS STATE OR A COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE WHERE REASONABLE SUSPICION EXISTS THAT THE PERSON IS AN ALIEN WHO IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES, A REASONABLE ATTEMPT SHALL BE MADE, WHEN PRACTICABLE, TO DETERMINE THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF THE PERSON. THE PERSON'S IMMIGRATION STATUS SHALL BE VERIFIED WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PURSUANT TO 8 UNITED STATES CODE SECTION 1373(c).

How is this different? No, really? It requires LAWFUL CONTACT which, to my mind, is about the same as if you can't pull them over for breaking the law, you can't just pull them over for ... the heck of it - just what exists now. Of course, I'm no civil rights attorney and this may be where Arizona is planning to seriously alter the rules of engagement.

Now, we add REASONABLE SUSPICION - the stumbling block for many, many laws. What is reasonable? Where is the line drawn?

The old joke involved yelling "Immigracion! Immigracion!" into a sweatshop or onion field and chasing down everyone who ran. Hardly practical or, probably, acceptable today.

There are many ways to assess whether someone is being less than truthful - failure to make eye contact, excessive blinking; certain nervous gestures are known to be common in people who are bending the truth. Now that the police can stop and question with impunity, would nervousness in any member of Arizona's Hispanic community be an indication of criminal behavior? Or simply a natural reaction to living under a badly-designed, poorly-focused microscope?

Then there is appearance. Personally, I don't know what illegal looks like. (Although, I must admit - after years of life in Colorado and Arizona - I do have an 'educated' opinion.) Anyone out there have a good description?! Something that can be applied - without error - to large portions of the population?! Didn't think so.

How, exactly, does the government plan to design rules for a REASONABLE ATTEMPT, WHEN PRACTICABLE, to determine immigration status? Could (read comment above) the language be a little more vague?! Doubt it!

Yet, Arizona law enforcement is now charged with developing a training program and implementing procedures that comply with this lovely wording, and don't completely trample the civil rights of legal citizens. Good luck with that! Bit of the "camel through the eye of a needle" probability, if you ask me.

Please understand, I believe that anyone who is living in this country illegally does not have the right to invoke / expect any of the rights and privileges afforded to their legal brethren, including: freedom of speech, right to assemble or bear arms or petition the government for redress, healthcare, education, etc., etc., etc. However, our government - federal, state, and local - is so busy trying to not offend these criminals or step on rights that the illegals haven't earned that there are no effective methods for dealing with their crimes.

In Governor Brewer's defense, it has been pointed out by many - including our President - that if Washington had done their job, the states wouldn't have to. Small comfort for those who might bear a passing resemblance to the 460,000 immigrants who choose to live illegally in our state.

* This link is a PDF file, requiring Adobe Reader. Download it here.

Alli works by disabling the enzyme, lipase, which breaks down fat in the digestive system. This allows undigested fat to pass through the intestines. Most weight loss occurs in the first 6 months of use and, once stopped, people tend to regain the lost weight.

One headline I found was accurate and humorous: Diet pill's icky side effects keep users honest. This is, pretty much, the bottom-line with Alli. You are not going to be able to 'fudge' your fat intake - at all. More than 15 grams, and Alli will punish you.

Aside from that obvious issue, there are many other reported problems. They range from respiratory infections and pain in the lower extremities, to headache and dizziness, to itching and dry skin, to clotting problems commonly seen in patients with liver disease. Across all bodily systems, an increase in edema - fluid retention and swelling - has been reported.

Obviously, limiting fat intake is a healthy choice - with or without a supplement. And a less fatty diet isn't going to make your skin itch, your lungs congest, or your feet swell.

I also noticed that there are even more products touting natural ingredients, which is actually a tad disconcerting. The implication being that natural is better and - worse yet - that natural is safe. Anyone who has ever tip-toed through the poison ivy knows that isn't necessarily true.

Taking anything in unknown amounts, over extended periods can be risky. And any product that claims one can (or should) lose 14 pounds in 7 days is not operating in the consumer's best interest. Rapid weight loss is dangerous.

A slow, steady loss of perhaps 2-3 pounds per week is not only safer, it will help ensure that the weight stays off by establishing healthy eating habits and (hopefully) a regular exercise regimen.

• Alcohol Awareness Month
• Autism Awareness Month
• IBS Awareness Month
• National Child Abuse Prevention Month
• National Crime Victims Awareness Week ~ April 18-24, 2010
• National Donate Life Month ~ DonateLife.net
• National Parkinson's Awareness Month ~ Resolution Passed on March 26, 2010
• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
• Stress Awareness Month
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month
• World Habitat Awareness Month [Can't find a dedicated link. :( ]

Go Orange for Animals

DonateLife.net

Puzzle Ribbon

And some of the (perhaps) more frivolous, but (nonetheless) not-to-be-missed days, as well:

• International Pooper Scooper Week ~ April 1-7, 2010
• International Twit Award Month
• Jazz Appreciation Month
• National Decorating Month
• National Humor Month
• National Scoop-the-Poop Week ~ April 25-May 1, 2010
• Straw Hat Month

So, I guess my month is pretty darn full: Throw on my Straw Hat, turn on some great Jazz, Decorate a Humorous Award for my favorite International Twit(s), and avoid the poop that hasn't been scooped. Gonna be a great time!

Hope your month is equally spectacular!

With many thanks to Brownielocks.com who offers amazing, validated holiday and observance information.

FDA Food Safety Notices:

• Modern Products, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Seasonings ~ Possible Salmonella at Basic Food Flavors (HVP Supplier)
• Perfect Candy & Packaging Co. ~ Recall ~ H.D.W. Foods Whole Black Pepper ~ Possible Salmonella at Mincing Overseas Spice Company (Supplier)
• Lance, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Tom's Barbecue Potato Chips ~ Possible Salmonella at Basic Food Flavors (HVP Supplier)
• Natural Wellness, Inc. ~ Recall ~ MasXtreme Capsules ~ Undeclared Aildenafil and Phentolamine
• Binell Bros. Cutlery ~ Recall ~ Black Pepper ~ Possible Salmonella at Mincing Overseas Spice Company (Supplier)

FDA MedWatch Notices:

• MasXtreme Capsules (Natural Wellness) ~ Product Contains Undeclared Drug Ingredient
• Stalevo (Entacapone/Carbidopa/Levodopa) ~ Ongoing Safety Review ~ Possible Increased Risk for Prostate Cancer

FSIS Recalls & Alerts:

• Perdue Farms, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Fresh Sweet Italian Turkey Sausage Products ~ Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: Low
• CaiE Foods Limited ~ Class I Recall ~ Assorted Asian-Style Products ~ Produced Without Inspection ~ Health Risk: High
• Fernando's Food Corporation ~ Class I Recall ~ Enchilada Products ~ Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Recall Completed   N.Y. Gourmet Salads, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Various Chicken Products ~ Produced Without Inspection ~ Health Risk: High
• Windsor Foods ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Beef Taquito and Chicken Quesadilla Products ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Ruiz Foods, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Tornados Ranchero Beef & Cheese ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High   (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Nestlé Professional North America ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Bacon Base ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High
• Rudolph Foods Company, Inc. ~ Class III Recall ~ Baken-ets Fried Pork Skins ~ Packaging Error ~ Health Risk: None

Please visit the above links for complete product information, recommendations, contacts, and return details.

FDA Food Safety Notices:

• The Kroger Co. ~ Amended Recall ~ Kroger California Seasoning Blend Garlic Powder ~ Possible Salmonella at Unnamed Supplier
• John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Snack Mix and Cashew Products ~ Possible Salmonella at Mincing Overseas Spice Company (Supplier)
• McCain Foods USA ~ Recall ~ Frozen Potato Product ~ Possible Salmonella at Mincing Overseas Spice Company (Supplier)
• * C. H. Guenther & Son, Inc. ~ Amended Recall ~ Unspecified Products ~ Possible Salmonella at Mincing Overseas Spice Company (Supplier)
• Walong Marketing, Inc. ~ Expanded Recall ~ Flying Horse Sesame Chewy Candy ~ Undeclared Peanuts
• Blue Line Foodservice Distribution ~ Recall ~ Little Caesars Spice Paks ~ Possible Salmonella at Mincing Overseas Spice Company (Supplier)
• C. H. Guenther & Son, Inc. ~ Amended Recall ~ Season 'n Bake Chicken, Beef Stew, Pork Gravy ~ Possible Salmonella at Mincing Overseas Spice Company (Supplier)
• C. H. Guenther & Son, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Chilli Man Seasoning Mix ~ Possible Salmonella at Mincing Overseas Spice Company (Supplier)

FDA MedWatch Notices:

• Rotarix Vaccine ~ Update to Clinicians and Parents ~ Components of an Extraneous Virus, PCV1, Found
• Boston Scientific Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators ~ Recall ~ Failure to Report Manufacturing Changes to FDA
• Zocor (Simvastatin) ~ Increased Risk of Muscle Injury With High Doses
• Plavix (Clopidogrel) ~ Reduced Effectiveness in Patients who are Poor Metabolizers of the Drug
• Oral Bisphosphonates ~ Ongoing Safety Review of Atypical Subtrochanteric Femur Fractures
• Cleviprex (Clevidipine butyrate) ~ Expanded Recall ~ Possible Presence Particulate Matter

FSIS Recalls & Alerts:

• Perdue Farms, Inc. ~ Class II Recall ~ Fresh Sweet Italian Turkey Sausage Products ~ Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: Low
• CaiE Foods Limited ~ Class I Recall ~ Assorted Asian-Style Products ~ Produced Without Inspection ~ Health Risk: High
• Fernando's Food Corporation ~ Class I Recall ~ Enchilada Products ~ Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergen ~ Health Risk: High (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• N.Y. Gourmet Salads, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Various Chicken Products ~ Produced Without Inspection ~ Health Risk: High
• Windsor Foods ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Beef Taquito and Chicken Quesadilla Products ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Ruiz Foods, Inc. ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Tornados Ranchero Beef & Cheese ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High (Retail Distribution List [PDF])
• Nestlé Professional North America ~ Class I Recall ~ Ready-To-Eat Bacon Base ~ Possible Salmonella at HVP Supplier ~ Health Risk: High
• Rudolph Foods Company, Inc. ~ Class III Recall ~ Baken-ets Fried Pork Skins ~ Packaging Error ~ Health Risk: None

Please visit the above links for complete product information, recommendations, contacts, and return details.

* Some FDA links were not functioning at the time of posting. Specific health risk information may be incomplete.

RA treatment is not simple and is not the same as treatment for Osteoarthritis (OA). A class of drugs called DMARDs (Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) are effective at reducing RA symptoms - just like aspirin and other anti-inflammatories. But, where pain medications stop, DMARDs start; working to slow or stop joint damage.

These prescription medications are not available online. And the treatments / supplements found online are - at best - not effective. For example, studies have failed to prove that glucosamine offers any improvement in joint pain or function. Yet, glucosamine-containing supplements and products continue to be, for lack of a better term, pushed at online consumers.

Worse? Many items on these websites are not even designed to treat RA. But, that doesn't stop supplier affiliates. If a condition is even slightly arthritis-related, they publish their 'recommendation' and tout their product.

Then, there are the mystery pills.

As usual, these are the items that may be the most dangerous. One that I looked at contains a number of ingredients, usually found in homeopathic treatments. They are joint-specific and natural, and may offer relief at very specific dosage amounts. However, they are also quite possibly toxic at high levels and should not be used indiscriminately.

No arthritis medications / treatments should be taken arbitrarily. Even anti-inflammatories can have serious side-effects. Bottom line?

Leave arthritis treatment to the professionals.

I was curious about the Glycemic Impact Diet from eDiets. It sounds like what we need - but, they all do, until you look a little closer. Still, it does bear reviewing; if for no other reason than knowing - for certain - that it's a bad idea.

After some review, information input, and eDiet recommendations, I have to say I'm rather impressed. Naturally, we can't get any actual information or help until we pay the monthly fee (not happening, right now). However, the system is easy and does seem to accurately assess needs, based on profile details.

Oh, it wasn't the Glycemic Impact Diet that was suggested. It was the Living with Diabetes online plan. Which includes dietician support, meal plans, personalized menus, shopping lists, and custom fitness guidance.

Could be a workable idea. We'll just have to see what we can afford - or find some good recipes on our own.

• GFN Foods, LLC ~ Recall ~ Gluten-free Mixes and Flour ~ Salmonella Found at Thumb Oilseed Producers Cooperative (Supplier)
• * Austinuts Of Dallas, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Honey Mustard Pretzels from National Pretzel Co. ~ Possible Salmonella at Basic Food Flavors (Supplier)
• Frontier Natural Products Co-op ~ Recall ~ Products with non-organic Black Pepper ~ Possible Salmonella at Mincing Overseas Spice Company (Supplier)
• Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Crab Creole Spread ~ Possible Salmonella at Unnamed Supplier
• The Kroger Co. ~ Recall ~ Onion Soup & Dip Mixes ~ Possible Salmonella at Unnamed Supplier
• * Emmi - Roth Käse USA ~ Recall ~ Spreadables brand Crab Creole and Shrimp Scampi cheese spreads ~ Possible Salmonella
• * Tastefully Simple ~ Recall ~ Toasted Garlic & Parmesan Cheese Ball Mix ~ Possible Salmonella at Unnamed Supplier
• * Julia's Spices, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Hulled Sesame Seeds ~ Possible Salmonella
• * Spice Industrial Group, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Lian How White Sesame Seeds ~ Possible Salmonella at Specialty Commodities Corp. (Supplier)
• Produce Valley, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Toasted Onion Dip Mix ~ Possible Salmonella at Basic Food Flavors (Supplier)
• Barcel ~ Recall ~ Tostachos 3.17 oz ~ Possible Salmonella at Basic Food Flavors (Supplier)
• Spice Barn, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Two Lots of Black Pepper ~ Possible Salmonella at Mincing Overseas Spice Company (Supplier)
• C. H. Guenther & Son, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Seasoning and Soup Mixes ~ Possible Salmonella at Mincing Overseas Spice Company (Supplier)

Please visit the above links for complete product information, recommendations, contacts, and return details.

* Some FDA links were not functioning at the time of posting. Specific health risk information may be incomplete.

The first thing I noticed was that the intensive blood sugar treatment was stopped after eight years, due to higher risks of heart attack and stroke. Now that the blood pressure and blood-fats information is in, the prognosis isn't much better. None of the fancy drugs were completely effective in reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke in type-2 diabetics.

In the cholesterol study group, all were given a statin - like Lipitor or Zocor. Some were also given TriCor, a fibrate. It seems that adding fibrates, drugs that lower triglycerides and boost 'good' cholesterol, only helped individuals with extremely high blood-fat levels. And, for women, it increased the risk of heart problems.

For the blood pressure participants, the intensive treatment had no effect on the number of heart attacks. The risk of stroke was reduced; although that is a less common problem in diabetics. Either way? The side effects from the intensive treatment were greater.

Bottom line? The researchers don't know what this means for treatment, going forward. They do, however, recommend sticking with tried-and-true medications, healthy diet, and exercise.

For us, it's an interesting dilemma. Mark's blood pressure is a bit high, but he has serious reactions to the meds. His cholesterol is amazingly good.

Guess we stick with carb counting and regular exercise.

Results of a new study, released yesterday and confirming information from other studies, indicate that smokers have a lower risk for developing Parkinson's disease. Now, don't go running out for a pack of smokes. There are a lot of factors to be considered in these results.

Although at least a pack a day was mentioned, it appears that how long someone smokes is more of a consideration than how much. Smoking less than 10 years resulted in a 4% lower risk to develop the disease. With 10 to 19 years showing a 22% reduction; 20 to 29 years, 36%; and 30 years or more, a whopping 40%.

Several questions arise from these results. Will smoking slow the disease? It appears it does not. In addition, it does not reduce the risk of death, once someone has it.

Are those more at risk for Parkinson's also more resistant to the addictive effects of smoking? They may be. When researchers looked at the "early smoking behavior" of the participants who developed Parkinson's, it was found they were "less likely to be smokers at a given age" and more likely to quit sooner.

Finally, what - exactly - is it, in the 4,000+ chemicals that come from cigarette smoking, that may block development of Parkinson's disease? Much more research will need to be done. Into those chemicals, and into alternatives that are less toxic.

So much of what we eat is a mystery, when you get right down to it. We're at the mercy of the growers. Or the manufacturers of the ingredients.

Do we really know what's in pre-packaged meals, sides, or mixes? Or where it comes from? With these product recalls, I found out that we don't have a clue.

Some companies have repeat problems. They are part of numerous recalls, because of their manufacturing practices. It's easy - if you keep an eye on the notices - to simply avoid their foods.

But, how do you avoid an ingredient, shipped to dozens of companies? Appearing in dozens of products? Invisible to even the most savvy consumer?

I don't think you can. And that's what scares me

We spent a lot of time checking his pulse and blood pressure, so the VA furnished a home monitoring unit. Unlike the Wristech blood pressure monitor, which I found online today, the monitor we have goes around the upper arm. It needs to be positioned just right to get an accurate reading.

Under normal circumstances, not a problem. We still use it regularly without any difficulty. But, when you're dealing with a patient who is suffering from balance problems and is almost completely unable to follow directions, simpler is better. Much, much better

Being able to slide a unit over his wrist, hit start, and be done - that would have been a life-saver.

In order of listing, newest first:

• Olde Westport Spice ~ Recall ~ Garden Harvest Special Blend Seasoning ~ Possible Salmonella at Basic Food Flavors (Supplier)
• PepsiCo Inc. ~ Recall ~ Quaker Snack Mix Baked Cheddar ~ Possible Salmonella at Basic Food Flavors (Supplier)
• Ventura Foods, LLC ~ Recall ~ Seven Varieties of Its Dean's® Dip Products ~ Possible Salmonella at Basic Food Flavors (Supplier)
• Publix ~ Recall ~ Four (4) Seasoning Mixes ~ Possible Salmonella at Basic Food Flavors (Supplier)
• The Proctor & Gamble Company ~ Recall ~ Two Flavors of Pringles® ~ Possible Salmonella at Basic Food Flavors (Supplier)
• Nutritional Resources ~ Recall ~ Healthwise Cream of Mushroom Soup ~ Possible Salmonella at Basic Food Flavors (Supplier)
• * Herr Foods Inc. ~ Recall ~ 'Herr's Cracked Pepper and Sea Salt Flavored' Kettle Style Potato Chips
• Dutch Valley Food Distributors, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Black Pepper and Products from Mincing Overseas Spice Company ~ Possible Salmonella
• GNS Foods, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Snack Mixes from National Pretzel Co. ~ Possible Salmonella at Basic Food Flavors (Supplier)
• Nature's Variety ~ Expanded Recall ~ All Raw Frozen Chicken Diets for Dogs and Cats ~ Possible Salmonella
• National Pretzel Co. ~ Recall ~ Honey Mustard Onion Seasoned Pretzels ~ Possible Salmonella at Basic Food Flavors (Supplier)
• Estrella Family Creamery ~ Recall ~ Old Apple Tree Tomme Cheese ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes
• * Ed Roller, Inc. ~ Recall ~ Wegmans 9oz 'Food You Feel Good About® Medium Seafood Sauce ~ Undeclared Soy and Anchovies
• Mincing Overseas Spice Company ~ Recall ~ Black Pepper Lots 3258 and 3309 ~ Possible Salmonella
• Fresh Food Concepts ~ Recall ~ Spinach Dips ~ Possible Salmonella at Basic Food Flavors (Supplier)
• McCormick & Company ~ Recall ~ Dip and Stuffing Mixes ~ Possible Salmonella at Basic Food Flavors (Supplier)
• Creative Contract Packaging Corporation ~ Recall ~ HERB-OX® Bouillon Products ~ Possible Salmonella at Basic Food Flavors (Supplier)
• Concord Foods ~ Recall ~ Seasonings Mixes ~ Possible Salmonella at Basic Food Flavors (Supplier)

Please visit the above links for complete contacts, product information, recommendations, and return details.

* Some FDA links were not functioning at the time of posting. Specific health risk information may be incomplete.

• Climate change may extend allergy season: study ~ Genoa University team studied pollen counts, length of pollen seasons, and sensitivity to types of pollen in Italy's Bordighera region from 1981 to 2007.
• FDA panel backs Bristol transplant drug ~ Medical advisors urge approval, with strict patient registry and long-term data collection.
• Fish oil makers, drugstores, sued over supplements ~ Citing failure to alert consumers to PCBs found in tested fish-oil supplements, California non-profit and others bring suit against makers and sellers.
• Foodborne illness costs $152 billion annually ~ New study shows annual cost, due to contaminated food illness, much higher than previously reported.

Given my 'issues' with supplements and monitoring of product recalls, I expect many of these topics will show up in posts on this blog.

Through February 28, 2010:

• Johnny's Fine Foods ~ Recall ~ Johnny's French Dip Powdered Au Jus ~ Possible Salmonella
• American Pecan Co. ~ Recall ~ 1 lb. Bags of Pecan Pieces ~ Possible Salmonella
• Thumb Oilseed ~ Recall ~ Soy Grits and Flour ~ Possible Salmonella
• Wholesome Spice ~ Voluntary Recall ~ 25 Lb. Boxes Of Crushed Red Pepper ~ Possible Salmonella
• Trader Joe's Company ~ Voluntary Recall ~ Chocolate Chip Chewy Coated Granola Bars ~ Possible Salmonella
• Lovin Oven LLC ~ Voluntary Recall ~ Health Valley® Organic Peanut Crunch, Dutch Apple and Wildberry Chewy Granola Bars ~ Possible Salmonella
• Queseria Bendita ~ Recall ~ Queso Fresco, Panela, and Requeson ~ Possible Listeria monocytogenes
• Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market ~ Voluntary Recall ~ Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars ~ Possible Salmonella

Please visit the above links for complete contacts, product information, recommendations, and return details.

As the name explains, the membrane filters the air going into, and the air coming out of, the pillow. And this is no ordinary filter. The Micrenza bio-filter has the filtering equivalency of an N95-rated surgical mask; the type used in situations where TB exposure protection is required.

If that weren't enough, the pillow fabric is treated with an EPA-registered - permanent - antimicrobial. Definitely above and beyond the average pillow or pillow protector. And certainly more health benefits than a monthly trip through the washer.

Another benefit of these allergy pillows? No trips through the washer. Simply spot clean with a damp cloth and allow to air dry.

Trust me, I have washed pillows, more than once, in hot water with a little bleach. I have also cleaned feathers and fiberfill out of my washing machine! Egads! What a pain in the neck!

Since Mark is also sensitive to bleach, this is not a perfect solution, either. We use anti-allergen carpet shampoo every month and have ionizing air filters in every room. I think it's time to address the quality of the air we breathe while we sleep.

And, to be perfectly honest, I would be very happy to wake up without sinus congestion and headaches.

Ah, yes! The Super Foods pill! I remember Lipovox!

It does everything but wash the dishes and scrub the floors. Yet, who came up with this magic pill?! How do you track down the original? That's the fun part.

If you search "I worked with one of the largest Nutraceautical company's in the world and had them find the HIGHEST Concentrates of All 10 Super Foods." you will find no less than 121 sites sharing this story - complete with the typographical errors. There is one 'official' site, but who knows. Half of them look like copies of each other.

The bottom line?! There is no scientific proof that this pill does anything - except empty your wallet. Although, chances are - if you consumed a sufficient quantity of these 'Super Foods' - you would probably notice a benefit. But does this pill provide it?

If you've actually tried Lipovox - please leave your comments below. (Note: Moderators reserve the right to expose spurious claims.)