Random Musings of a Curious Mind

Blood Pressure Monitors

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:32:33 -0700

It's difficult to pick which was the most frightening symptom / complication of Mark's liver disease. There were ascites (fluid in the abdominal cavity), jaundice (yellow eyes and skin), and clotting problems. He also developed hepatic encephalopathy (reduced brain function), tachycardia (extremely rapid pulse) and high blood pressure. . . .

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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.

FDA Recall Notices ~ March 10, 2010

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:49:11 -0700

The following recalls, market withdrawals, and/or safety alerts have been posted, through today, by the FDA. Note: most of these Voluntary Recalls are related to possible Salmonella contamination in Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP), used by the recalling companies for flavor-enhancement. The HVP was manufactured and supplied by Basic Food Flavors in Las Vegas, Nevada. . . .

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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.

Well, It Started With a Sore Throat

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:33:42 -0700

It started as a really sore throat on Sunday night, with pain shooting up into my right ear. I figured a good night's sleep and I'd be fine. Well, apparently, I figured wrong.

On Monday, the sinus congestion was worse; with a bit of a cough. By Tuesday, it was moving into my lungs at a rapid pace and stubbornly shutting off my sinuses. Today?

All I can say is it's a good thing I'm losing my voice, because the whining is annoying - even to me! Chest hurts. Sinuses are sore, stuffed, and miserable. And don't even get me started about the sandpaper in my lungs every time I cough.

Every time I catch a cold, I tell myself that I don't get sick very often, so I can be a baby about it. Here goes: "Mommy! I'm sick! Fix it!"

Solutions for Acne

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:14:59 -0700

Chasing down reviews of acne solutions isn't exactly a full-time job. But it does seem to occupy more of my time these days. I can't do a product search, without running full speed into someone's review site.

Sadly, some of the sites leave one, shall we say, wanting more. Just today I stumbled across one that has absolutely no information. With curiosity driving me, I went on an investigative trek into the nether-regions of the Internet.

Aftar a couple of hours, I was more confused than when I started. . . .

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At some point in time, there was content on the website. (I know, because I found an old cache of the front page.) Then, magically, everything seemed to vanish.

Other, similar URLs also have little content. But most of those are up for sale. Someone smelled money to be made from a particular domain name, would be my guess. And, since there are different owners, the odor of profit must have been rather strong.

But, the site I was chasing down didn't seem to be for sale, or parked, or intentionally abandoned. It was, in fact, just updated in February. Whether they gave up or lost their host or got hacked (although that seems unlikely), all that is left is the bare-bones beginning of a WordPress blog.

Rather sad.

Reuters Health News ~ March 05, 2010

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:27:12 -0700

I recently subscribed to email news alerts from Reuters Health service. Getting the updates in my mail, saves me a lot of time and energy. Now, instead of chasing all over for information, I can sit down and share what I've read.

Some of the headlines, from this week:

Gene links to celiac disease may help drug search ~ British researchers have scanned 9,400 celiac patients and found areas of immune system 'disturbance' in their genetic maps.
Scientists urge rethink on "narrow" health goals ~ Researchers recommend that, in areas with highest rates of HIV and chronic diseases, focus should be on overall health and interconnected risks.
FDA panel to target menthol cigarettes ~ Meeting March 30-31, outside experts will review how menthol affects smoking, who smokes menthol cigarettes, and the health impact.

Exercise Equipment Needs

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:21:06 -0700

Recently, I've been doing a great deal of online window-shopping for exercise equipment. Because I'm not outfitting a full gym, I've avoided looking at commercial fitness equipment. Size, weight, and cost keep professional machines out of my range. Or so I thought.

While we have space issues, I discovered that price isn't automatically a problem. Refurbished equipment, coming out of the local workout club, can offer features not available on items designed for the home user. And, because the gym is anxious to upgrade their treadmills and stair climbers, the used machines may not be much more expensive.

I can't say how the quality compares. But it might well be worth a closer look.

WooHoo and YeeHaw!

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:22:25 -0700

Yippee! The new Blackberry's got here today!

Out of curiousity, Mark decided to see if we qualified for any phone upgrades a couple of nights ago. Much to our surprise, we did. Not a fully free phone, but a couple of seriously reduced phones.

Since we've both wanted a BlackBerry for - as they say - like, forever, the phone choice was easy. It just came down to what kind of deal we could get on which model.. Suffice to say - it was a good deal.

It certainly pays to stay with a good company. And, for us, T-Mobile has been great. Not perfect, but not AT&T or Verizon, either.

Now, if you'll excuse me - I have to go play!

FDA Recall Notices ~ March 03, 2010

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:43:51 -0700

The following recalls, market withdrawals, and/or safety alerts have been posted, through today, by the FDA. In order of listing, newest first:

Through March 03, 2010:

Reser's Fine Foods Inc ~ Voluntary Recall ~ Ranch Dressing, Dips, Redskin Potatoes ~ Possible Salmonella
Earth Island ~ Voluntary Recall ~ Select 'Follow Your Heart' Products ~ Possible Salmonella
Homemade Gourmet ~ Voluntary Recall ~ Tortilla Soup Mix ~ Possible Salmonella
Tim's Cascade Snacks ~ Nationwide & Canada Recall ~ 'Hawaiian® Kettle Style Potato Chips - Sweet Maui Onion' and 'Hawaiian - Sweet Maui Onion Rings' ~ Possible Salmonella
Castella Imports, Inc. ~ Nationwide Recall ~ Castella Chicken Soup Base ~ Possible Salmonella
T. Marzetti Company ~ Voluntary Recall ~ Veggie Dips, Oak Lake Chip Dips, and Great Value Chip Dips ~ Possible Salmonella
Heartland Foods, Inc. ~ Voluntary Recall ~ Coarse Ground Black Pepper ~ Possible Salmonella

Scanners for Healthcare

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:02:37 -0700

If I mention barcode scanners, most people will think of the grocery store check-out. Or, perhaps, a smaller hand-held unit at the department store register. Our corner convenience stores have scanners these days,as well.

Most people don't think of a hospital when someone says scanner and barcodes. But, for some reason, that was my first thought when I ran across the picture of this Symbol LS2208 today. . . .

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I don't recall, exactly, which hospital Mark was in or which time he was hospitalized. However, I do recall the cart that came around regularly with his medications. The security was high and the nurses couldn't just arbitrarily open it up and hand out meds.

First, they scanned Mark's wrist band. I don't remember if they had to key or scan anything else. Just that, after scanning, the medication drawer would pop open.

In that drawer, were compartments, if I recall correctly. Each room or patient, had a compartment with what drugs the doctor had ordered for that morning, afternoon, or evening. No order; no meds.

Each med in the applicable section was scanned and had to agree with the computer orders. A simple process obviously designed to reduce, if not eliminate, human error. That's a pretty interesting use for a scanner, if you ask me.

Holidays and Observances for March

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:31:06 -0700

Oh, dear! I almost forgot! Let's see what special days await in March.

And now, just for fun:

Employee Spirit Month
Humorists are Artists Month
Irish-American History Month
National Frozen Food Month
Play the Recorder Month
Sing with Your Child Month

So, I guess my month is pretty straight forward: Frozen pizza, green beer, a recorder, and making Frankie sing! Should be a blast! Hope you have a great month, too.

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

TV Stands Aren't Just for TVs

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:58:51 -0700

Three people in a one-bedroom apartment requires creative thinking. Especially when the three people tend to be packrats The level of ... ummmm ... stuff quickly becomes overwhelming.

With the living room doubling as a bedroom, and containing a huge computer desk, we had to think vertical and quick. Using TV stands to get things off the floor was our first step. This had the immediate advantage of creating storage space under, for example, our television. . . .

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By throwing a cover (half of a spare set of draperies) over the stand, we had a hiding place for a myriad of sins not fit for public viewing. A similar cover over the dining table, made another stashing spot. So far, so good. Things were disappearing at a rapid pace.

What I didn't anticipate, however, was how TV viewing would change when we lifted it up off the floor. It's fantastic! Due to the position of the desktop and torchieres, we had been squinting through odd lighting and reflections for months.

Now, every seat in the room has a perfect view - no glare, no reflected monitors! Amazing how solving our storage problem fixed an issue we didn't realize we had.

Loving the New Blog

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:27:08 -0700

Since I've been forced to restart, in essence, my blog, I've made some additional changes that I am really loving.

The first was updating to the lastest Thingamablog release. This one has even more bells and whistles than the previous version I was using. (Granted, that was an early, early interation.) Labels, keywords, post descriptions - all new to me.

Secondly? I have figured out the coding so that I don't have to allow my verbose nature to crowd the front page of the blog. All the long-winded posts, I like to call them full-thoughts, have a break after the first couple of paragraphs. A link takes readers to the full-length article. (Yes, I've been patting myself on the back over that one.)

Lastly, it seems to post much quicker. On the pokey Internet service we have most times, that is critical. Unless I'm down to virtually no connection, I barely have time to pull up the main page and - boom! - posted.

Ahhhh! Blogging is good!

San Diego Homes

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:46:40 -0700

It's that time of year again. When others dream of opening up the house and cleaning out the winter, we dream about moving somewhere cooler. The one stumbling block is the fact that neither of us could tolerate a 'normal' (northern) winter.

So, in my annual gotta-get-out-before-the-heat-arrives exercise, I threw a dart at a map and decided to see if there were any interesting (read: affordable) San Diego homes for sale. Easy enough, right? Wrong! . . .

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Did you know that there are zillions of neighborhoods that are part of San Diego? I didn't! I figured that one moved to San Diego, period. But, oh no!

There is central, downtown, east county, north county coastal, north county inland, San Diego coastal, and - if that weren't enough to consider - south county real estate. Then, there are the areas within these areas. Vista, Rancho Santa Fe, La Mesa, Little Italy, Columbia, San Carlos - they just go on and on.

How, in the world, is a person supposed to know where to look?! North and move south? East and move west? Central and fan out from there? My head is spinning already!

Guess I'd better make another pot of coffee and a big breakfast. I'm gonna be at this for a good long while.

Fighting Wrinkles

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:33:41 -0700

An evening spent reading wrinkle cream reviews ends up creating more questions than answers. All products claim to work wonders; that their ingredients are the best. But are they?

There's no argument that collagen, which the young have in abundance, is what keeps skin smooth and supple. Where to get it, or more accurately, how to increase collagen production is the real issue. It's also where opinions, products, and web sites diverge - dramatically. . . .

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From what I've read, using products with collagen in them doesn't do any good. The skin can't absorb collagen, so it simply sits on the face. Stimulating production is the key, and there are - actually - many ways to do it. At a variety of prices.

Dermatologists use laser treatments, peels, and microdermabrasion to stimulate the dermis, the middle layer of the skin where collagen lives. Naturally, these are not inexpensive treatments, but they are going to be more effective than department store versions. On the plus side, some of these treatments, which require more than one visit, are effective for years.

Topical solutions vary as well, from source to source. Consistently, however, articles mention creams containing peptides to be effective. And, typically, no two articles agree on which peptides are best.

My favorite? The article that lists dozens of foods that stimulate collagen and elastin production. It helps that I happen to love greens, cantaloupe, citrus, asparagus, cashews, pecans, almonds, and avocado.

Darn it! Now I'm hungry!

Oddly Enough Blog

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:12:59 -0700

As often as I go through 'odd news' reports, I don't know how I missed the Oddly Enough Blog on Reuters. The tagline says it all: "News, but not the serious kind"

I've been catching up on some of the recent posts and just had to cringe over the "Five reasons to just go barefoot ..." from February 24th. Oh, my gawd! Who in the world could/would wear these things?!

Me?! I'm gonna shuffle - barefoot - back to more columns. I love a good laugh.

Treadmills

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:01:32 -0700

Here it is, the beginning of March, and we're already thinking about summer heat. In Arizona, it gets warm early, and stays warm (okay, hot) for a long time. Makes me wish I had a treadmill about now.

There are dozens of sizes, speeds, and models to choose from. Some aren't nearly as expensive as others. Which may or may not be a good thing.

I know I wouldn't enjoy having my equipment crumble under my feet - in mid run. Just imagine - like a comedy routine - flying off the running surface and into the nearest wall! Definitely in the not-a-good-thing category.

How Could 28 Days Last So Long?

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:13:56 -0700

I don't know about you, but for us this has been one incredibly long month. Twenty-eight little days have dragged on forever.

Usually, February flies by so quickly that I end up, on the 28th, wondering where it went and why I didn't get anything done. Not this year. I wonder if that means the whole of 2010 is going to last for about a decade in my mind.

Hmmm?! That might not be so bad. Maybe I'll get the closets organized and the morons chased out of the Senate and the mending done and the bathroom painted and the ironing addressed and the kitchen cupboards reorganized and world hunger ended and the DVDs alphabetized and the novel finished (or started) and the Middle East crisis resolved and an organizer ordered and my hair color changed and the carpets shampooed and the windows washed and the ...

Aw heck. Maybe I'll just have another cup of coffee and hope that March doesn't last 60 days.

Pneumococcal Vaccine

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:06:31 -0700

A brief article in Reuters Health today, reported that the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that children, previously vaccinated with Prevnar®, receive a 5th booster shot using the new version. To whom this recommendation was given isn't noted.

I can't say that I am fully aware of the interaction (read: symbiotic relationship) between all of the players in this game. But, I do know that, just minutes before the recommendation was proffered, the FDA approved the updated vaccine. Makes me wonder. . . .

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Recommending a new-and-improved version of a vaccine is nothing bad, in and of itself. The original Prevnar® was designed to protect against the seven most common serotypes (strains) of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Six additional strains have been added to the updated vaccine.

Again, not bad news. Unless, of course, you are of the opinion that we are over-vaccinating our children. (I am of two minds on that one, and must save that (lengthy) opinion for another day.) Or unless you question the validity of recommendations and approvals that occur almost simultaneously. Wonder who was on the phone with whom? "Stall, stall! We've almost got approval!"

I just don't know. How much faith can we put in the approval process, when things like this happen? And, what is - really - in these vaccines?

The standard warning / disclaimer for any medication: this {insert function here} is contraindicated (should not be used) by anyone with hypersensitivity to any component, is included in the information about Prevnar®. Not unexpected. Highly unexpected: diphtheria toxoid is one of the components in the original version. There is no reason to believe that it isn't, also, in the revised version.

This concerns me. Diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection of the mucous membranes in the nose and throat, is not caused by or, as far as I can tell, related to Streptococcus pneumoniae. According to the Mayo Clinic, and the National Institutes of Health, Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes Diphtheria.

What - exactly - is the purpose behind including a Diphtheria toxin in a streptococcal / pneumonia vaccine? How does this interact with the DPT shots that kids are getting at about the same time?

Baby Black Panther Picture

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:48:35 -0700

In July 2007 - July 14, 2007 to be exact - I wrote a post which I called Some 'Interesting' News Stories. One of the stories was about a newborn panther at the Belgrade zoo, being mothered by a Rhodesian Ridgeback. The cub's mother, traumatized by NATO airstrikes, had tried to kill it.

A cute story, accompanied by a picture I found online. It didn't seem like much and, at the time, didn't garner much attention. Boy have things changed!

In the last couple of months, however, that photograph has become tremendously popular. It keeps showing up in the keyword results for my website. Oddly enough, for the 2 years and 5 months prior to that, no one seemed to notice it.

I wonder what triggered this renewed interest in a story that may or may not, after all this time, be true?

Branson Vacation

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:23:48 -0700

Being a curious sort, I was wondering about what a Branson vacation would offer. It's a place I've always wanted to visit. But, was fairly certain that I wouldn't find much to keep me occupied.

I knew there would be musical shows, of course. In my mind, that's what Branson was all about - great concerts. Boy was I wrong. Well, not wrong as much as seriously uninformed. Seriously! . . .

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Yes, there are over 100 shows, but not just musicals. Entertainment options include magic and comedy. Remember Yakov Smirnov? Well, he performs in Branson.

Then, there are dinner cruises, tours, a water park, a permanent Titanic exhibit, museums, and a zoo. For the outdoorsy types, the area offers trails, golf courses, and three lakes.

Much more than just concerts, isn't it?

The Big Apology

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:13:07 -0700

Admittedly, I didn't watch Tiger Woods' big apology yesterday. Not because I don't care. Well, okay, I really don't care. In fact, I believe that I can, quite probably, predict how it went.

"I cheated on my wife"

This is pretty standard stuff for a public confession. Nothing earthshattering. The whole world knew it already.

"I had multiple affairs"

Again!? This would be stating the obvious. We've been reading about them forever.

And, the way I imagine it, it just gets more interesting from there. . . .

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"I am sorry"

Sorry for ... getting caught?!
- Chalk it up to cynicism, but I don't really think that anyone who gets busted is truly sorry for the cheating. They are, in my humble opinion, really really sorry that they got caught. The good old It-isn't-illegal-unless-you-get-caught mentality.
  
  There are indications that his wife was figuring things out, long before she (the way I see it) went after him with a nine-iron. Did that slow him down or stop him? No.
  
  Note to Tiger: When the missus starts checking your cell phone? The secret's out. Don't leave messages for the girlfriend. Start preparing for big trouble.

"I will never do it again"

Never do what again? My Guess? Get caught.
- Although, this time around, Tiger's handlers and toadies (and the sports press) may be less likely to throw cash at the situation and look the other way. It reflects badly on everyone who knew about the affairs and did or said nothing.
  
  Bottom line? I question the 'addiction' portion of the mea culpa. To me, it's more about power and immunity. This man was in a position of immense power in the sports world.
  
  He was the hero who could have and do anything he wanted. So he did. "Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely."

There is, however, a bottom line that I hope people remember. This was a private problem - between a man and his wife - that, under any other circumstances, would have stayed that way. Should have stayed that way.

Yes, Tiger Woods is a public figure and role model. His behavior is expected to be above reproach. He's also human, fallible, and - apparently - more image than substance.

I Hate Weekends

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 08:25:46 -0700

I know it sounds odd to say that I hate weekends. Most everyone looks forward to their two days off. Not me.

First, I work seven days a week or two or four. Whatever my schedule calls for. So, to me, each day is pretty much the same as the other.

Except for news and television: That's where the similarities end. . . .

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I read a lot of news on my phone, late at night, as I'm relaxing to go to sleep. Every day of the week, news services update their websites and provide lots of reading material. On the weekend? Not so much.

Judging by the listings on virtually every mobile news site, nothing much happens in the world from Friday night through Monday morning. No new news; no email; lots and lots of nothing I haven't already read.

The one exception, that I've found, is Reuters. Thank heaven! And, unlike many other mobile versions, their website works well on and with my phone.

Now, I am quite certain that the world does not stop for the weekend. But you certainly couldn't tell it by the news.

Ordering Wrinkle Creams

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:12:46 -0700

One common complaint I've read about ordering some acne treatments and weight-loss supplements is the automated ordering process. The customer opts for a (usually) 14-day free trial; just pay shipping and handling. Websites may or may not explain that, unless the account is cancelled within that 14 days, the product will automatically ship at full price.

They also don't mention that the 14 days starts from the moment the order is placed. And full price is never cheap.

Although more common with other products, some wrinkle creams pull the same tricks. I know. They got me a couple of years ago. . . .

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Now, don't get me wrong. It's a perfectly good product. Two steps, applied right after cleansing, you can actually feel the skin on your face firm up.

Or maybe it's just an astringent in the mix, tightening up the pores. But, I could feel it work - the few times I remembered to use it. All in all, I was rather impressed ... until I got the charges on my card.

Then, I was simply angry.

When I contacted customer service, they insisted that I had agreed to all of their fine print when I place my trial order. Nope; sure didn't. In fact, I will go to my grave confident that there was zero warning of the automatic shipping policy.

Happily, they did refund the charges quite quickly. And I learned a valuable lesson. Ain't no such thing as free.

FDA Recall Notices ~ February 18, 2010

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:40:12 -0700

The following recalls, market withdrawals, and/or safety alerts have been posted, through today, by the FDA. In order of listing:

Giant Food ~ Recall ~ 24 oz. Party Platter Cookies ~ Undeclared Allergen
Stop & Shop ~ Removed from Sale ~ 24oz. Party Platter Cookies ~ Undeclared Allergen
Estrella Family Creamery ~ Recall ~ Red Darla Cheese ~ Possible Listeria
Nature’s Variety ~ Nationwide Recall ~ Raw Frozen Chicken Diets for Cats and Dogs ~ Possible Salmonella
Trader Joe's Company ~ Recall ~ Chocolate Chip Chewy Coated Granola Bars ~ Possible Salmonella
Walong Marketing, Inc. ~ Nationwide Recall ~ Flying Horse Black and White Sesame Chewy Candy ~ Undeclared Peanuts
Estrella Family Creamery ~ Expanded Recall ~ Various Cheeses ~ Possible Listeria

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

Germ-Fighter Pillows

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:20:04 -0700

Our household is perhaps more sensitive to pollutants than the average family. With Mark on immunosuppressants, missing most of his left lung, and suffering from diabetes and seasonal asthma - dust, dander, germs, and allergens are a big no-no for us. After seeing these allergy pillows, I realized that we aren't doing everything we can to help him breathe more easily.

To start with, our pillows don't have anything to keep us from exhaling moisture into them, giving germs and bacteria a nice moist environment. Worse yet, we're inhaling any mold, dust, and allergens that are in them. Healthy Dreams Germ-fighter pillows, on the other hand, have a bio-filter membrane and permanently treated fabric. . . .

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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.

Odd Uses for Hemorrhoid Creams

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:16:09 -0700

The first time I heard about using hemorrhoid treatment for puffy eyes, I thought it was a joke. After all, I was watching 'Miss Congeniality.' And they were doing all sorts of interesting things to Sandra Bullock and her bathing suit at the time.

Imagine my surprise when I read that not only do people do this, it's so prevalent that U.S. manufacturers changed their formulas. They have actually removed two of the ingredients that are reputed to reduce puffiness. Which means they're less attractive to people with bags under their eyes.

But, now, the products aren't as effective for those applying them where they belong, either.

Proposed DSM Reclassification for Asperger's

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:41:23 -0700

For several years now, since Mark's youngest moved in with us, I have been researching developmental disorders. We were told he had been diagnosed with ADHD, but so many of his behaviors were more inline with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).

A friend of ours has a son with Asperger's and much of his behavior was very similar to what we were living with. Perhaps there was a cross-over. I didn't know.

Now, for DSM-V, the American Psychiatric Association is proposing a merger of conditions, so to speak. As I understand it, there would be no diagnosis of Asperger's or Pervasive Development Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified. Everything would fall under ASDs, with a differentiation as to severity of symptoms.

Needless to say, this proposal has caused an uproar from both sides of the issue. . . .

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Understandably, higher functioning Aspies are not thrilled with the idea of being 'renamed' Autistic. In the world in general, there is a huge difference in the two labels. One being more positive than the other or, at the very least, less negative.

Their fear, which may or may not be justified, is that they and their affected children will no longer receive the services they need, due to that higher functioning. Parents of children at the other end of the spectrum (pardon the phrase) share the concerns over reduced services.

Believing that higher functioning Autistics provide better success stories, these parents fear that their children will be shunted aside in favor of 'good press' for management therapies. I can see both sides. And I understand the concerns.

I guess only time will tell if patient care improves or worsens - for all involved.

Colon Cleansing: Good Idea?

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:14:26 -0700

Okay, I'm all for anything that will keep me healthy - or get me healthier. But a colon cleanse detox may just be a bit much. Then again, who knows?

In the spirit of open-mindedness, let's look at the claims and - if possible - the facts. Not much is really known about the benefits of colon cleansing. Although, if I recall correctly Dr. John Kellogg (as in the cereal family) was an almost rabid proponent of colonics and enemas at the sanitarium where he practiced.

The basic purpose of these cleansings, then and now, is to eliminate toxins in the intestines. It was and is believed that these toxic byproducts of the digestive process are reabsorbed into the system, causing a variety of health problems. Logically, it's a valid concept. In actuality, less so. . . .

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Physically, cleansing doesn't appear to be necessary. The colon and the liver already work to detoxify waste from food. There are mucus membranes in the colon that block substances from getting back into the body. And, according to a couple of sources, the colon sheds old cells every three days or so.

As with anything else, there are risks. Taking laxatives can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Irrigation has its own risks. Anything used long-term can alter the balance of good bacteria in the system and create more problems than it solves.

That said, I have to admit that I don't always feel well when I'm not regular. But, frankly, I think I'll just drink more water and go for the whole grains.

Westminster Dog Show

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:14:50 -0700

Is it me, or did they move the Westminster Dog Show this year? I thought it was a Valentine's Day staple, until I couldn't find it on TV yesterday. Turns out, I didn't miss it; I was just a day early. Whew!

Looking forward to seeing the three 'new' breeds. Two from the herding group and one from the sporting group. Anyone think a new breed could actually take Best in Show?

Nah, me neither. But it will still be a great show. It always is.

Skin Care Options

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:46:29 -0700

Even though I know that foods do not contribute to breakouts, I also know that massive quantities of chocolate aren't good for my skin. Not because chocolate is bad, but because the caffeine and sugar combination tends to bother my system. I get edgy; I get pimples.

Since I was thinking about the ramifications of (really, really) enjoying Valentine's Day goodies, I decided to do a little investigation into best skin care advice. I've been thinking about getting some kind of toner or astringent for the good ol' oil factory on my forehead and chin. What I used as a teenager, is just too strong (if they even make it anymore) for my aging skin.

Sadly, the first place I found - which seemed to cover everything from day creams to toners to eye creams - had no content. Nothing. All of the links went nowhere.

The site had been revised / changed / moved last May, but was apparently never updated. Very sad. It looks like a great start.

Oh, well. Guess I'll just have to push on and find what I'm looking for somewhere else.

Happy Valentine's Day

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:09:32 -0700

Although many people tout Valentine's Day as a 'Hallmark holiday,' it truly isn't. Since I didn't really know the origins of the holiday, I decided to do a little research. Easier said than done, let me tell you.

The Roman Catholic church recognizes three different martyred saints named Valentine, or Valentinus, and about as many legends exist regarding the beginnings of the holiday. They range from the romantic to the political.

A prevalent one has Valentine, a third century priest, performing marriages against the orders of Claudius II, who felt single men made better soldiers and outlawed marriage. The emperor had Valentine put to death for his actions. . . .

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It is believed that the February celebration of love and romance began as an homage to his works on the anniversary (or thereabouts) of his death or burial.

Another legend has Valentine helping prisoners, who were frequently beaten and tortured, escape from Roman prisons. In love with a young girl, possibly his jailer's daughter, he is often credited with sending the first message signed 'From Your Valentine.' Whether this is the same Valentine who performed marriages against the orders of Claudius II, isn't clear.

Some put forth the theory that the church decided to celebrate St. Valentine's feast day in mid-February to counteract the influence of Lupercalia, a pagan fertility ritual celebrated on the ides of February. Pope Gelasius officially made February 14th St. Valentine's Day somewhere around 498 A.D.

There is even a story from the Middle Ages, that February 14th was believed to be the start of birds' mating season which indicated to the British and French that the middle of February was a time for romance.

Whatever the truth, and I suspect that all of the pieces fit together somehow, have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Weight Loss Product Reviews

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 07:54:41 -0700

It isn't difficult to find a website offering weight loss product reviews. (Or any kind of product review, for that matter.) The real question is: Are they honestly reviewing products? Or are they affiliate marketers of those same supplements?

(Don't get me wrong - I have nothing against affiliate marketing. There are several companies with which I do business as an affiliate. But, then, I'm not offering unbiased reviews of their products. I just like what they sell and offer their products to my customers, as well.)

Over time, I've run across several 'review' sites that are more than a little misleading. My all-time favorites, and there are a bunch, are the ones that mirror each other - down to typos and misprints. The top 3 or 5 or whatever combination they choose are always the same few products. . . .

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I suppose you could say that they're the top supplements across the board, because they are the best. You could. I probably wouldn't, but I'm funny that way.

My problem is that so many weight loss products don't have any supporting clinical trials to back up their claims. The best I've found is that some of the ingredients listed may have some valid claim to supporting fat-burning or weight loss. The ingredients themselves - not the combination in any particular product.

There is no monitoring or control over how much of what is included in a particular formula. And, when you're buying something over-the-counter, there is no medical support to ensure safe usage. Unless the consumer actually works with their doctor to monitor weight loss and side effects. I doubt many people do.

Take what you read with a grain of salt, as it were. Some sites do offer, what appear to be, unbiased reviews of certain products. It is certainly conceivable, though, that those are not the products they are (possibly) being paid to promote.

Focus, Woman, Focus!

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:42:12 -0700

I have managed to update the templates for my blog to let me create expandable posts. Now - the problem! It is soooo distracting!

They work - and look - so great that I just keep focusing on how do I use this, when do I use this, I gotta use this! So embarrassing!

It is a great thing for me, distractions notwithstanding. I want more posts on my front page, without forcing readers to scroll, and scroll, and scroll, and ...

Well, you get the idea. Let me know what you think. Please?!

Wrinkle Removers

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:27:38 -0700

Since my last birthday, I've been making lots of jokes about wrinkle creams. It's tough to get up in the morning, look in the mirror, and not see the 20- or even 30-year-old face I (for some reason) still expect to see. But wrinkle cream?

Admittedly, not all moisturizers are the same. They run the gamut from simple face cream to instant wrinkle remover, and everything in between. But which work? Which are safe?

It's tough to know. And, since there are new products every day (or at least new websites promoting products), I try to review regularly. Imagine my surprise when I saw a product, previously touted as the best weight-loss pill, offered as a skin treatment. You know I had to check it out. . . .

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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.)

Just Look at This! It's Getting Done!

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:09:54 -0700

It has taken me all day, but I have managed to update the comments coding. Not only that - I managed to actually updated the appearance to complement the colors of the blog. It's a little bluer and definitely uses different background, but I rather like the difference.

Tomorrow, lucky me, I'll be updating the coding to allow what are called expandable posts.

Undoubtedly you've seen a post that, after a few sentences, has a link to Read More of the article or story. The format is common in blogging, especially people (like me) who enjoying writing lots of long-winded posts. By using these expandable formats, we can have more individual posts on the main page and our readers aren't scrolling for hours to see them.

When I had my blog on Blogger, they had the coding all set up for their users. Now that I'm hosting my blog on my website, I had to figure out how to code it myself. It took a while, but I managed to figure it out - as you can see on my other blog.

In truth, it's rather fun to try something new. I would prefer, though, to be doing it by choice, rather than necessity. Oh, well. That's what keeps life interesting.

Setting Up New Blog

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:21:32 -0700

Sadly, in mid-post tonight, the laptop lost power and trashed my access to the database that held my blog.

This is my attempt to recreate the blog - going forward - in a fairly transparent way. All previous files still exist on the Internet. It's just that the basic posting information is gone, so I can't post anything new.

Wish me luck. It's going to be a long few days.