U.S. report: More nicotine in cigarettes
By STEVE LeBLANC, Associated Press Writer2 hours, 57 minutes ago
The level of nicotine that smokers typically consume per cigarette has risen about 10 percent in the past six years, making it harder to quit and easier to get hooked, according to a new report released Tuesday by the Massachusetts Department of Health.
The study shows a steady climb in the amount of nicotine delivered to the lungs of smokers regardless of brand, with overall nicotine yields increasing by about 10 percent.
Massachusetts is one of three states to require tobacco companies to submit information about nicotine testing according to its specifications and the only state with data going back to 1998.
Public Health Commissioner Paul Cote Jr. called the findings "significant."
The study found the three most popular cigarette brands with young smokers — Marlboro, Newport and Camel — delivered significantly more nicotine than they did six years ago. Nicotine consumed in Kool, a popular menthol brand, rose 20 percent, for example.
Jennifer Golisch, a spokeswoman for Altria Group Inc.'s Phillip Morris USA, the nation's largest cigarette maker and manufacturer of Marlboro cigarettes, declined to comment. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., manufacturer of Kool and Camel cigarettes, also declined. Reynolds is part of Reynolds American Inc.
The study has always measured nicotine levels based on the way smokers actually use cigarettes, health officials said, for example by partially covering ventilation holes as they smoke and taking longer puffs. Traditional testing methods, which don't take real-life smoking habits into account, typically report lower nicotine contents, researchers said.
"The amount of nicotine in a cigarette has increased steadily over the past six years," the department said, indicating in its reports that the smoking habits simulated had not changed in that period.
Of the 179 cigarette brands tested in 2004 for the report, 93 percent fell into the highest range for nicotine. In 1998, 84 percent of 116 brands tested fell into the highest range.
"We want health care providers to know that smokers are getting more nicotine than in the past and may need additional help in trying to quit," Cote said.
Smokers who choose "light" brands hoping to reduce their nicotine intake are out of luck, according to the report that found for all brands tested in 1998 and 2004, there was no significant difference in the total nicotine delivered between "full flavor," "medium," "light," or "ultra-light" cigarettes.
The finding means that health care providers trying to help smokers quit may have to adjust the strength of nicotine replacement therapies like nicotine patches and gums, according to Department of Public Health Associate Commissioner Sally Fogerty.
___
Massachusetts Department of Health: http://trytostop.org/
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Diabetic? This natural helper is already here.
Berberine is a natural plant substance used in Traditional Western Herbalism. Not only has it been used successfully in many situations, it is highly researched in the herbal literature. (Try the Lloyd Library in Cincinnati for starters.)
Berberines work on the liver. If, from a natural treatment perspective, you wish to help a person with diabetes improve their state of health, the experienced medical herbalist, like the Leaflady, would offer liver herbs in the program.
Those working with TCM, Oriental Medicine, American Indian medicine and those of us who are Western Tradition medical herbalists, along with medical doctors of past decades, know that in ANY endocrine dis-order, you treat the liver.
Wake up you folks at Diabetes!
And for those of you who are skeptics, why wait for "one day". The truth, like berberine's deep yellow color, comes out in the wash!
Berberines work on the liver. If, from a natural treatment perspective, you wish to help a person with diabetes improve their state of health, the experienced medical herbalist, like the Leaflady, would offer liver herbs in the program.
Those working with TCM, Oriental Medicine, American Indian medicine and those of us who are Western Tradition medical herbalists, along with medical doctors of past decades, know that in ANY endocrine dis-order, you treat the liver.
Wake up you folks at Diabetes!
And for those of you who are skeptics, why wait for "one day". The truth, like berberine's deep yellow color, comes out in the wash!
(Ivanhoe Newswire)
-- A natural plant product found in the roots and bark of plants common to China may one day help treat people with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from China, Korea and Australia have found berberine is effective in
lowering blood sugar, which is key to controlling the disease.
"Our studies in animal models of diabetes show that berberine acts in part by activating an enzyme in the muscle and liver that is involved in improving sensitivity of the tissue to insulin -- this in turn helps lower blood sugar levels," says study author Jiming Ye, Ph.D., from the Garvan Institute in Sydney, Australia. "In addition, it seems berberine can help reduce body weight."
Berberine has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many years to treat
everything from wounds to diarrhea. These researchers decided to test its effects on blood sugar after noting Chinese literature documented its ability to lower glucose levels. If berberine proves effective in additional studies involving humans, researchers hypothesize it could add an important treatment to the diabetes arsenal because standard drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes are either poorly tolerated in many patients or cause undesirable weight gain.
"Berberine has been used for decades, if not centuries, with few reported side effects," says David E. James, Ph.D., another study author. "Given the limitations
of existing medicines we are excited to have evidence that berberine may be a helpful new treatment for type 2 diabetes; however, despite its widespread use in traditional medicine practices, it will still have to be evaluated properly following the defined clinical trials process."
SOURCE: Diabetes, published online Aug. 1, 2006
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
New Warnings on ADHD Drugs
Many would argue that there is no such disorder as ADD and ADHD. Drug companies, however, would have you believe otherwise.
Once again showing the way the FDA works, proving that the health of those whom they are supposed to protect means little.
Once again showing the way the FDA works, proving that the health of those whom they are supposed to protect means little.
By Susan Heavey, Mon Aug 21.
Several drugs to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder must include new warning information about the risk of heart problems and psychotic behavior, U.S. health officials said on Monday.
The drugs, which include GlaxoSmithKline Plc's Dexedrine and Novartis AG's Ritalin, must include a warning about the possible risk of sudden death and serious heart problems, Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman Susan Bro told Reuters.
The drugs, stimulants that can raise blood pressure, must also include warnings about the risk of behavioral problems such as aggression and mania, she said.
Bro could not confirm whether other ADHD drugs -- Johnson & Johnson's Concerta and Eli Lilly and Co.'s Strattera -- also were ordered to carry the warnings.
Strattera already includes a caution about suicidal thoughts, while Shire Plc's Adderall already carries a warning that misuse can cause heart problems.
The FDA's decision comes months after two separate panels of outside experts offered conflicting opinions on whether the risks warranted the strongest warnings possible -- a so-called black box.
FDA's Bro could not confirm whether the heart warning was boxed. But a letter from Glaxo made public earlier on Monday advising doctors about the new warnings said the heart caution was a boxed warning.
Other non-boxed warnings about psychotic behavior, stunted growth, seizures and vision problems also were included, Glaxo's letter said.
Holly Russell, spokeswoman for the British drugmaker, said Glaxo agreed with the FDA's request to add the warning language and complied with the agency's recommended wording.
Other drugmakers did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
In March, FDA advisers said new information about the risks should be added to the labels for attention deficit drugs. The outside experts stopped short of supporting a boxed warning, saying they did not want to scare off patients or their parents.
A different FDA panel in February recommended black box heart-related warnings but said it was unclear if the drugs caused heart-related complications.
Some doctors have expressed concern that new warnings could dampen use of the medicines, which the FDA has estimated see about 1 million prescriptions for adults and 2 million for children each month.
Critics say many of the prescriptions are unnecessary and that the drugs are over used.
FDA's Bro said the agency began contacting Glaxo and Novartis about the new warning requirements in May.
That same month, Canadian health authorities publicly warned people with high blood pressure, heart disease and other medical problems to avoid taking medications for ADHD.
Monday, August 21, 2006
100,000 deaths in hospitals each year are attributed to properly prescribed drugs
A few posts ago I talked about The Senior Medicare Drug Scam. Here is a brief follow up on the drugs mentioned in that article. Again we ask you to think (and see) for yourself.
Lipitor and Zocor - Statin Class of drugs used to allegedly lower cholesterol. Of course there is not a very real need to do this because cholesterol is a necessary substance. See the scientific work of many doctors such as Uffe Ravnskov.
The Active ingredient in Lipitor costs $5.80. The profit on an average prescription is 4,696%. Zocor cost is $8.63, profit margin is 4,059%.
more here
These drugs are known to lead to liver failure and this is the reason you should be getting liver function tests frequently while taking the drugs.
Remember Baychol? These drugs also can cause a fatal side effect called rhabdomyolysis. This is a disorder leading to kidney failure caused by the breakdown of muscle tissue and cells. The pigments released from cells during this process overload the kidneys and can lead to problems.
These drugs cause the liver to be unable to make CoEnzymeQ10, necessary for heart health and cellular respiration. They also cause depletion of a several key
nutrients, such as folic acid, needed for heart health.
Zoloft - Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)are usually used for depression,
yet may cause many serious side effects. Side effects may include suicide, aggressive behavior, weight gain or loss, mania and other very serious side effects.
Cost of the active ingredient, $1.75, profit per average prescription 11,821%.
Actonel, Fosamax - please refer to previous BLOG post for comments.
Aricept - used for Alzheimer's disease
Cardiovascular Conditions
Because of their pharmacological action, cho-linesterase inhibitors may have vagotonic effects on the sinoatrial and atrioven-tricular nodes. This effect may manifest as bradycardia or heart block in patients both with and without known underlying cardiac conduction abnormalities. Syncopal episodes have been reported in association with the use of ARICEPT®.
May cause gastrointestinal bleeding because it tends to increas secretion of acid in the stomach. (And then they can give an Rx for another dangerous drug.)
Adverse effects are numerous and since this drug is used to treat Alzheimer's, perhaps more studies are in order.
Celebrex - Active ingredient $0.6, profit 21,712%
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/coxib_wcp.htm
CELEBREX may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. All NSAIDs may have a similar risk. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be at greater risk (see WARNINGS and CLINICAL TRIALS).
CELEBREX is contraindicated for the treatment of peri-operative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (see WARNINGS).
Gastrointestinal Risk
NSAIDs, including CELEBREX, cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events (see WARNINGS).
Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix - These drugs can do some real > damage to your health by interfering with the P450 cytochrome detoxification pathways needed to protect you from invading organisms. Protonix was found to be carcinogenic in lab animals but this was never tested in humans. They also lower stomach acid which is necessary for protection as it is for protein digestion. There are many safe and effective natural remedies for so-called acid reflux.
Prevacid's active ingredient costs $1.01, or 34,136% profit
Stomach Acid Suppression and Increased Risk of Pneumonia - Risk of Community-Acquired Pneumonia and Use of Gastric Acid-Suppressive Drugs. Laheij, RJF, et al. JAMA 292,16, 2004
Norvasc (ingredients$0.14, profit 134,493%), Toprol XL
Norvasc is a calcium channel blocker. Increased Angina and/or Myocardial Infarction may occur as might severe peripheral hypotension. Not for use with persons who have any degree of liver impariment. Elderly persons whould receive a low dose because Norvasc is not excreted well in this population.
Many urged the FDA to take this class of drug off the market some years ago but money won in the end.
Toprol can cause heart failure and serious bronchospasm.
Plavix - Risk of prolonged bleeding and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
TTP is a dangerous condition and requires emergency treatment. GI (mainly stomach), brain, liver and kidney bleeding are a concern.
Xalatan - used to relieve high pressure within the eye (a hallmark of the condition known as open-angle glaucoma). This drug may lead to changes in chromosomes, changes in pigment of eyelids, eye color and other effects on melanocytes, macular edema,
intraocular inflammation and other complaints.
Now you may begin to understand the danger in drugs and search for safe and sound ways to get and stay healthy.
Lipitor and Zocor - Statin Class of drugs used to allegedly lower cholesterol. Of course there is not a very real need to do this because cholesterol is a necessary substance. See the scientific work of many doctors such as Uffe Ravnskov.
The Active ingredient in Lipitor costs $5.80. The profit on an average prescription is 4,696%. Zocor cost is $8.63, profit margin is 4,059%.
more here
These drugs are known to lead to liver failure and this is the reason you should be getting liver function tests frequently while taking the drugs.
Remember Baychol? These drugs also can cause a fatal side effect called rhabdomyolysis. This is a disorder leading to kidney failure caused by the breakdown of muscle tissue and cells. The pigments released from cells during this process overload the kidneys and can lead to problems.
These drugs cause the liver to be unable to make CoEnzymeQ10, necessary for heart health and cellular respiration. They also cause depletion of a several key
nutrients, such as folic acid, needed for heart health.
Zoloft - Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)are usually used for depression,
yet may cause many serious side effects. Side effects may include suicide, aggressive behavior, weight gain or loss, mania and other very serious side effects.
Cost of the active ingredient, $1.75, profit per average prescription 11,821%.
Actonel, Fosamax - please refer to previous BLOG post for comments.
Aricept - used for Alzheimer's disease
Cardiovascular Conditions
Because of their pharmacological action, cho-linesterase inhibitors may have vagotonic effects on the sinoatrial and atrioven-tricular nodes. This effect may manifest as bradycardia or heart block in patients both with and without known underlying cardiac conduction abnormalities. Syncopal episodes have been reported in association with the use of ARICEPT®.
May cause gastrointestinal bleeding because it tends to increas secretion of acid in the stomach. (And then they can give an Rx for another dangerous drug.)
Adverse effects are numerous and since this drug is used to treat Alzheimer's, perhaps more studies are in order.
Celebrex - Active ingredient $0.6, profit 21,712%
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/coxib_wcp.htm
CELEBREX may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. All NSAIDs may have a similar risk. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be at greater risk (see WARNINGS and CLINICAL TRIALS).
CELEBREX is contraindicated for the treatment of peri-operative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (see WARNINGS).
Gastrointestinal Risk
NSAIDs, including CELEBREX, cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events (see WARNINGS).
Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix - These drugs can do some real > damage to your health by interfering with the P450 cytochrome detoxification pathways needed to protect you from invading organisms. Protonix was found to be carcinogenic in lab animals but this was never tested in humans. They also lower stomach acid which is necessary for protection as it is for protein digestion. There are many safe and effective natural remedies for so-called acid reflux.
Prevacid's active ingredient costs $1.01, or 34,136% profit
Stomach Acid Suppression and Increased Risk of Pneumonia - Risk of Community-Acquired Pneumonia and Use of Gastric Acid-Suppressive Drugs. Laheij, RJF, et al. JAMA 292,16, 2004
Norvasc (ingredients$0.14, profit 134,493%), Toprol XL
Norvasc is a calcium channel blocker. Increased Angina and/or Myocardial Infarction may occur as might severe peripheral hypotension. Not for use with persons who have any degree of liver impariment. Elderly persons whould receive a low dose because Norvasc is not excreted well in this population.
Many urged the FDA to take this class of drug off the market some years ago but money won in the end.
Toprol can cause heart failure and serious bronchospasm.
Plavix - Risk of prolonged bleeding and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
TTP is a dangerous condition and requires emergency treatment. GI (mainly stomach), brain, liver and kidney bleeding are a concern.
Xalatan - used to relieve high pressure within the eye (a hallmark of the condition known as open-angle glaucoma). This drug may lead to changes in chromosomes, changes in pigment of eyelids, eye color and other effects on melanocytes, macular edema,
intraocular inflammation and other complaints.
Now you may begin to understand the danger in drugs and search for safe and sound ways to get and stay healthy.
You Do Get What You Pay For, Maybe?
Some many years ago now I did a cost comparison on Centrum vitamins compared to three or four other brands. Centrum, by and far, was the loser: High Cost and Low Quality.
I recently learned from one of my clients using the new Medicare Drug Plan that Centrum is on the schedule. Well of course this makes sense because it is manufactured by a pharmaceutical company. One with Carte Blanche to rip off our Elders.
Now here you have the opinion of a colleague of mine, and I couln't have said it better.
I recently learned from one of my clients using the new Medicare Drug Plan that Centrum is on the schedule. Well of course this makes sense because it is manufactured by a pharmaceutical company. One with Carte Blanche to rip off our Elders.
Now here you have the opinion of a colleague of mine, and I couln't have said it better.
***
Cheap Vitamin Crap-Tasties By Alan Graham (with Alfred Lehmberg)
AlienView.net 8-21-6
I've written extensively explaining how Centrum, Theragram, et al, are nearly worthless, so the latest Centrum TV commercials belching forth from the tube I find particularly insulting. Insulting, and, in my opinion, dangerous to the vitamin consumer if it entices them to purchase this junk instead of something that might actually work.
...Just to refresh your memory? Virtually all grocery-store Multi-Vitamins like Centrum (by way of ready example), are, absolutely, the cheapest, the least absorbable, and the most non-absorbable. They are artificial, chock full of chemical binders & fillers, and are harmful (as I see it), hard-pressed "Nuggets of Crap"!
...Gee, I hope that wasn't too harsh.
Read my paper "The Ballad of Cheap Vitamins and Motor Oil" at http://www.alienview.net/ALLT1.html#badVit ...for a complete scientific explanation of the lies & obfuscation associated with Centrum, Flintstones, etc.
Anyway, reader, if you watch TV at all, I'm sure you've seen the new Centrum commercial. The word "inundated" comes to mind.
Lets take a closer look at their "dazzling Scientific sounding Crap" ...that is a hypocritical, insulting JOKE... oh yeah, and by the way... ...I'm not laughing.
Scene Opens -- Hundreds of different brands of Vitamin bottles come spilling out of this giant, clear-plastic, silo-looking thing and go rolling across the floor. The narrator steps forward and says something to the effect "There are lots of Multi-Vitamins out there... that are only about the NUMBER OF INGREDIENTS..."
Wait a minute there, "Devil Spawn"! Hasn't that been the "Advertising Theme" of Centrum propounded and patronized for decades... "Complete From A to Zinc", thus emphasizing the number of ingredients?
Wow, and speaking of "number of Ingredients" - look at the panoply of chemical crap in Centrum Silver currently:
INGREDIENTS: Calcium Carbonate, Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Magnesium Oxide, Potassium Chloride, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Ascorbic Acid, Dl-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Gelatin, Pre Gelatinized Starch, Crospovidone, Acacia Senegal Gum Contains 2% or less of the Following: (, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Beta Carotene, Biotin, Boron, Butylated Hydroxytoluene BHT, Calcium Pantothenate, Chromic Chloride, Citric Acid, Collodial Silicon Dioxide, Cupric Oxide, Cyanocobalamin, Ergocalciferol, Blue 2 Aluminum Lake, Red 40 Aluminum Lake, Yellow 6 Aluminum Lake, Folic Acid, Hypromellose, Lutein, Lycopene, Magnesium Stearate, Manganese Sulfate, Niacinamide, Nickelous Sulfate, Phytonadione, Polysorbate 80, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (HCL), Riboflavin, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium Ascorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Metavanadate, Sodium Molybdate, Sodium Selenate, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Sorbic Acid, Starch, Sucrose, Thiamine Mononitrate, Titanium Dioxide, Tocopherols, Tribasic Calcium Phosphate, Triethyl Citrate, Vitamin A Acetate, Zinc Oxide, May contain : Calcium Stearate, Glucose, Lactose Monohydrate
Yikes... Please, NONE of the preceding for me, especially: Butylated Hydroxytoluene (Vit. E works better & is safe, unlike BHT), Polysorbate 80 (...Cleanser in hair stuff like the Helsinki Formula...), Yellow 6 Aluminum Lake (...Banned in Norway...), Sodium Benzoate (...Known to cause rashes, headaches & Asthma...)... ...but thanks anyway.
The preceding four iterated are the really "bad" ones, but believe me, I could write a small book explaining how most of the remaining items above, are unnecessary, unhealthful & are the cheapest, most inferior form, when there's more than one form available...
C'mon kiddies... finish up your "Snackie Cakes" or "Cheezy Poofs" so you can have your "Flintstones Vitamin"...and Kids, don't worry about that Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake & Blue 2 Lake -- All banned in Norway.
Also, while on the subject of kid's vitamins... ...why in the Hell would they need to put TOXIC TransFat from Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in Flintstones? This one simple act confirms that Flintstone's Executives will "bend-over" for Satan...I digress.
Continuing on :
"...LIKE 'C' RECHARGING 'E'..."?
This is the provenance of the Crap-tastics alluded to in the title, reader.
The aforementioned narrator tells us how Centrum has 8 *combinations* of ingredients "...like 'C' recharging 'E'..."
Uh, OK... ...this sounds great that Centrum's Vitamin 'C' recharges their Vit. 'E' ...so I guess that means that Centrum is "special" and that most other multi's don't do that neat 'C' recharging 'E' thing... Well, No!
Actually Folks, in EVERY Multi-Vitamin in the whole Freaking World, the 'C' recharges the 'E'! As long as the Multi has C & E, this recharging will happen. Moreover, I've never seen a Multi that didn't have C & E , have you?
Truth in advertising is lost under a cowl of Centrum doing nothing special at all to fraudulently indicate that they do! All "C's" recharge the "E's"! That's what 'C's do to 'E's without regard to brand name, trademark, or quality! See?
They LIE! Surprised?
Reader, in all those higher quality Multi's much superior to Centrum (like virtually EVERY brand you would find in a health food store), the 'C' will even do a BETTER job of recharging the 'E' because the artificial "DL" form of Vit.E in Centrum is only about 60% usable (unlike the natural "D" form of Vit.E that is 100% usable). This is because the "L" portion of the "DL" is a "backwards molecule" that is unusable to humans.
Moreover, that 60% is further eroded because, even though it's unusable to us, the "L" molecule fits nicely, still, into the Vit.E receptor site, blocking it so the usable "D" can't get in to turn the chemical key! This means you are likely using much less than 50% of the "DL" Vit. E listed on the label.
See how that works? Centrum is bubble gum in the coin slot of your body chemistry at many of these aforementioned receptor sites!
Consider: These soulless corporatists spend millions of dollars to make a commercial fraudulently implying that their brand of Vitamin is singular with regard to something that ALL Multi-Vitamins do automatically anyway... obscuring the fact that other brands actually perform this function better than they do! That's not only deceptive, it's a mis-utilization of Mother-Nature's limited resources... resources like your TIME and your quality of life.
Why don't they spend their money to tell you truthfully about something that makes their product superior to the others? Well...they would, you see... ...if they could... ...but they (um... ah...) CAN'T!
They can't because, as I've said, "Centrum and cheap grocery store vitamins like them are inferior, duplicitous, and mendacious CRAP." Be not fooled.
Well be!
Alan D. Graham
E-mail -- alan068@centurytel.net
alienview@adelphia.net
www.AlienView.net
AVG Blog -- http://alienviewgroup.blogspot.com/
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Remember Dr. Graham?
I know the whistleblower conundrum, being one several times in my life. Holding that integrity is important, patient safety and adherence to the rule of law are as well, I probably think that Graham and his colleagues that are willing to take a stand are heroes.
Can 600 scientists be wrong?
Ever wonder how things are going at work for Dr. David Graham.
Dr. Graham is the associate science director of the FDA's Office of Drug Safety and for several years now he's been an outspoken critic of the drug approval process at the FDA.
In 2004, Dr. Graham testified before a Senate committee, naming five popular drugs that he said should be avoided because of safety concerns. He added that the FDA was largely ignoring those concerns.
Since then, Dr. Graham has also been an outspoken critic of the agency's involvement in the Vioxx fiasco.
So I wonder what a normal workday is like for someone who publicly berates the policies of the top officials in his agency? You've got to imagine there's plenty of friction there. On the other hand, a surprising new survey reveals that Dr. Graham is not exactly a lone wolf.
"I have been asked, for non-scientific reasons, to inappropriately exclude or alter technical information or my conclusions in an FDA scientific document."
That's a remarkably candid statement, coming from a scientist employed by the FDA. But that statement wasn't made by a single scientist; about 180 FDA scientists agreed that they could honestly make that astonishing claim.
Last month, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) released the results of a survey sent to nearly 6,000 FDA scientists. About 1,000 replied. Here's a sampling of their responses:
* 20 percent said they had been "asked explicitly by FDA decision makers to provide incomplete, inaccurate or misleading information to the public, regulated industry, media, or elected/senior government officials."
* 61 percent said, "Department of Health and Human Services or FDA political appointees have inappropriately injected themselves into FDA determinations or actions."
* 60 percent said they were aware of instances "where commercial interests have inappropriately induced or attempted to induce the reversal, withdrawal or modification of FDA determinations or actions."
* 40 percent said they would fear retaliation if they publicly expressed "concerns about public health"
When asked if the FDA "routinely provides complete and accurate information to the public," less than half agreed.
In a press release about the survey, the UCS offered these three steps to address the deplorable situation revealed by the 1,000 participating scientists.
1) Accountability: FDA leadership must face consequence if they side with commercial or political interests and not with the American people.
2) Transparency: Scientific research and reviews should be open so any undue manipulation is immediately apparent.
3) Protection: Safeguards must be put in place for all government scientists who speak out.
Hard to argue with those measures. But until the day comes when greed and cronyism can be controlled by bureaucrats with hearts of gold, you can be sure the current drug approval process will continue, business as usual.
As the UCS survey implies, the dirty little secrets regarding FDA operating practices rarely see the light of day. As a result, many people still believe the agency is dedicated to protecting Americans from evil vitamins and one or two dangerous drugs. So we need to spread the word that fear and intimidation are typical elements of the regular drug approval process.
Science and safety? They come in a distant second, at best.
Beta Blocker Risks and Options
A BLOG visitor was seeking information on alternatives to Toprol or Metoprolol. This is a drug usually prescribed for hypertension and/or angina. It has many risks which include angina and cardiac failure, bronchospasm, thyroid toxicity, and possible problems with diabetes and blood sugar balance. Liver disease is a risk as well as use in pregnancy or for young children.
Since each person's health status is unique, and no medication should be discontinued abruptly unless advised by the prescribing physician, no specific herb or supplement is suggested.
Historically Hawthorne berry is the herbalist's choice for hypertension. High quality Vitamin E, Garlic, and Cayenne may be of help. Vitamin C and Magnesium can also be helpful, however, these choices should be made with educated advice based on your specific issues.
Dietary and lifestyle changes are usually needed.
For more information you may wish to purchase 'Blood Pressure Care Naturally' from The Road to Health Series published by Creating Health Institute Press. This book is also available at Hastings.
Since each person's health status is unique, and no medication should be discontinued abruptly unless advised by the prescribing physician, no specific herb or supplement is suggested.
Historically Hawthorne berry is the herbalist's choice for hypertension. High quality Vitamin E, Garlic, and Cayenne may be of help. Vitamin C and Magnesium can also be helpful, however, these choices should be made with educated advice based on your specific issues.
Dietary and lifestyle changes are usually needed.
For more information you may wish to purchase 'Blood Pressure Care Naturally' from The Road to Health Series published by Creating Health Institute Press. This book is also available at Hastings.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Might Something Be Missing Here?
One of my favorite commercials is the chimpanzee take-off on the "Can You Hear Me Now" campaign for those physiologically altering cell phones. I'm not a fan of cell phones but it's the the banana phone that makes me lighten up my day!
It's not that I think diabetes is something to laugh at. Not at all.
What I think is more tragic is the well known fact that diabetes, and carpal tunnel, or any neuropathy for that matter, is directly related to a deficiency of B vitamins.
And don't you recall that years ago when they started refining grain, all the B vitamins went the way of the waste pile. Then diabetes started to rise on the charts, just like atherosclerosis did after they homogenized milk.
If you recall this then you might remember all the scientic/medical studies done decades ago that proved B complex with some extra B6 let you recover from carpal tunnel, with a measure of magnesium thrown in for good nerve health.
Now that they push so many drugs for diabetes, might this be beating down the well trodden path used to try to convince you that you need a statin to lower your cholesterol?
Been there? Done That?
Can you see me now? Or is it that you haven't yet fallen for a photo phone?
It's not that I think diabetes is something to laugh at. Not at all.
What I think is more tragic is the well known fact that diabetes, and carpal tunnel, or any neuropathy for that matter, is directly related to a deficiency of B vitamins.
And don't you recall that years ago when they started refining grain, all the B vitamins went the way of the waste pile. Then diabetes started to rise on the charts, just like atherosclerosis did after they homogenized milk.
If you recall this then you might remember all the scientic/medical studies done decades ago that proved B complex with some extra B6 let you recover from carpal tunnel, with a measure of magnesium thrown in for good nerve health.
Now that they push so many drugs for diabetes, might this be beating down the well trodden path used to try to convince you that you need a statin to lower your cholesterol?
Been there? Done That?
Carpal tunnel may be sign of impending diabetes
Fri Aug 18,2006
In more cases than would normally be expected, people who develop type 2 diabetes have a history of carpal tunnel syndrome. The wrist nerve problem sometimes predates the onset of diabetes by up to 10 years, according to a UK study.
Led by Dr. Martin C. Gulliford, a team at King's College in London examined medical records for 644,495 patients in England and Wales. They identified 2647 patients diagnosed with diabetes between November 2003 and October 2004, and selected a comparison group of 5,294 "control" subjects matched for age, gender, and location.
Medical records for up to 10 years before diabetes was diagnosed were reviewed for the first occurrences of carpal tunnel syndrome. Also, according to their report in the medical journal Diabetes Care, the researchers identified subjects diagnosed with Bell's facial palsy, a nerve disorder causing temporary paralysis of facial muscles.
Results showed that, after accounting for other risk factors, the pre-diabetes group was 36 percent more likely to have had carpal tunnel syndrome in the past than the control group.
Similarly, Bell's facial palsy occurred more often in the pre-diabetes group than in the control, but this turned out to be not significant from a statistical standpoint.
Gulliford and his team suggest that high blood sugar levels "and associated metabolic abnormalities may contribute to causing these important focal peripheral nerve disorders before the diagnosis of diabetes."
SOURCE: Diabetes Care, August 2006.
Can you see me now? Or is it that you haven't yet fallen for a photo phone?
Just How Safe is Your Food ? or Will You Find This Listed on the Label ?
Maybe the best approach is to avoid the purchase of these products to protect your health. I haven't come up with any long term studies on safety from this treatment, but then the FDA is not known to be interested in what happens after a product leaves the manufacturer it seems, based on drug death statistics. You might also wonder if this does not cross the same line as adding fertilizer waste to the water supply in the name of protecting teeth from cavities with fluoride (from hydroflurocilicic acid). Or might it be the same for the neurotoxin aspartame?
They call this medication without consent.
Do you think this might attack all the healthy bacteria in your stomach that acts to protect your health, and run amuck? Or perhaps this is really a germ warfare test on unsuspecting humans, eh?
and here is what you'll need to know
Get your copy of our Safe Food Soak with a donation to Creating Health Institute
They call this medication without consent.
Do you think this might attack all the healthy bacteria in your stomach that acts to protect your health, and run amuck? Or perhaps this is really a germ warfare test on unsuspecting humans, eh?
FDA Says Viruses Safe For Treating Meat
By Joanna Francis, Crescent and Cross, 8-18-6
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A mix of bacteria-killing viruses can be safely sprayed on cold cuts, hot dogs and sausages to combat common microbes that kill hundreds of people a year, federal health officials said Friday in granting the first-ever approval of viruses as a food additive.
The combination of six viruses is designed to be sprayed on ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, including sliced ham and turkey, said John Vazzana, president and chief executive officer of manufacturer Intralytix Inc.
The special viruses called bacteriophages are meant to kill strains of the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium, the Food and Drug Administration said in declaring it safe to use on ready-to-eat meats prior to their packaging.
The viruses are the first to win FDA approval for use as a food additive, said Andrew Zajac, of the regulatory agency's office of food additive safety.
The bacterium the viruses target can cause a serious infection called listeriosis, primarily in pregnant women, newborns and adults with weakened immune systems. In the United States, an estimated 2,500 people become seriously ill with listeriosis each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those, 500 die.
Luncheon meats are particularly vulnerable to Listeria since once purchased, they typically aren't cooked or reheated, which can kill harmful bacteria like Listeria, Zajac said.
The preparation of bacteriophages - the name is Greek for "bacteria-eater" - attacks only strains of the Listeria bacterium and not human or plant cells, the FDA said.
"As long as it used in accordance with the regulations, we have concluded it's safe," Zajac said. People normally come into contact with phages through food, water and the environment, and they are found in our digestive tracts, the FDA said.
Consumers won't be aware that meat and poultry products have been treated with the spray, Zajac added. The Department of Agriculture will regulate the actual use of the product.
The viruses are grown in a preparation of the very bacteria they kill, and then purified. The FDA had concerns that the virus preparation potentially could contain toxic residues associated with the bacteria. However, testing did not reveal the presence of such residues, which in small quantities likely wouldn't cause health problems anyway, the FDA said.
"The FDA is applying one of the toughest food-safety standards which they have to find this is safe," said Caroline Smith DeWaal, director of food safety for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a consumer advocacy group. "They couldn't approve this product if they had questions about its safety."
Intralytix, based in Baltimore, first petitioned the FDA in 2002 to allow the viruses to be used as a food additive. It has since licensed the product to a multinational company, which intends to market it worldwide, said Intralytix president Vazzana. He declined to name the company but said he expected it to announce its plans within weeks or months.
Intralytix also plans to seek FDA approval for another bacteriophage product to kill E. coli bacteria on beef before it is ground, Vazzana said.
Scientists have long studied bacteriophages as a bacteria-fighting alternative to antibiotics.
and here is what you'll need to know
Get your copy of our Safe Food Soak with a donation to Creating Health Institute
Drug Activity
On the tail of the recent multi-million dollar verdict against VIOXX (heart attack, stroke, and death), more to ponder on how the FDA protects you.
Drugs and Pending Litigation
ACE Inhibitors (linked to birth defects)
Diethylstilbestrol (breast cancer in offspring)
Fen Phen (heart valve damage)(NOW OFF THE MARKET)
Fosamax (Osteonecrosis of the Jaw)
Ketek (severe side effects, liver damage or death)(NOW OFF THE MARKET)
Natrecor (low blood pressure, kidney damage, and death)
Ortho Evra (fatal blood clots, heart attack, and stroke)
Paxil (birth defects and infant death)
Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (caused by Fen Phen and other drugs)
Redux (life threatening pulmonary hypertension)
Zyprexa (diabetes and hyperglycemia)
Drugs and Pending Litigation
ACE Inhibitors (linked to birth defects)
Diethylstilbestrol (breast cancer in offspring)
Fen Phen (heart valve damage)(NOW OFF THE MARKET)
Fosamax (Osteonecrosis of the Jaw)
Ketek (severe side effects, liver damage or death)(NOW OFF THE MARKET)
Natrecor (low blood pressure, kidney damage, and death)
Ortho Evra (fatal blood clots, heart attack, and stroke)
Paxil (birth defects and infant death)
Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (caused by Fen Phen and other drugs)
Redux (life threatening pulmonary hypertension)
Zyprexa (diabetes and hyperglycemia)
Thursday, August 17, 2006
"Ragweed Season To Last Longer..." "...Expected To Be More Brutal"
Late August begins the unofficial start of ragweed season, however the recent weather pattern in some parts of the U.S. have meant an earlier start to the misery for many allergy sufferers. What can you do to prepare yourself for yourself for what promises to be a long, intense fall allergy season?
Pollen Allergy Survival Tips
Even though ragweed is found primarily in the Northeastern, Southern and Midwestern United States, the fact is, some form of the plant can be found in all areas of the country. Therefore, since exposure to ragweed is virtually impossible to avoid, here are some simple survival tips for allergy sufferers:
Minimize outdoor activities when pollen count is highest, usually between 10 am - 4 pm.
Keep the windows closed while traveling in the car to reduce exposure to pollens.
Wash body, hair and clothes as soon as possible after coming from the outside.
Avoid hanging sheets or clothing outside as pollen can collect on them.
Start your allergy treatment program now and get Powerful, Effective, Comprehensive Allergy Relief
Getting control of your allergies today mean and less risk of sinus infections and other respiratory distresses tomorrow. The allergy-soothing herbs of Nettle and Mullein PLUS the allergy-fighting, antioxidant action of Vitamin C, and for some the very helpful support provided by local Bee Pollen.
Another helper for healthy mucous membranes is the Vitamin A complex.
Some herbalists suggest the use of Sage. While Sage is an excellent herb for eliminating mucus congestion, it should be used in smaller amounts. Sage should be used with caution or avoided by people with a history of seizures.
Together these herbs and vitamins:
Soothe sinus, hay fever and allergy symptoms
Relieve cold symptoms
Boost immune system to help prevent and build resistance to infections
Reduce effects of allergens and allergic symptoms such as runny nose and watery eyes
Natural healthcare professionals like The Leaflady suggest taking at least 1,000 mg of vitamin C with bioflavonoids three times a day.
Vitamin C reduces the effects of not just pollen, but a wide variety of allergens.
Vitamin C blocks the release of histamine, the substance released by the body that causes bothersome sneezing, itching and nasal congestion.
Pollen Allergy Survival Tips
Even though ragweed is found primarily in the Northeastern, Southern and Midwestern United States, the fact is, some form of the plant can be found in all areas of the country. Therefore, since exposure to ragweed is virtually impossible to avoid, here are some simple survival tips for allergy sufferers:
Minimize outdoor activities when pollen count is highest, usually between 10 am - 4 pm.
Keep the windows closed while traveling in the car to reduce exposure to pollens.
Wash body, hair and clothes as soon as possible after coming from the outside.
Avoid hanging sheets or clothing outside as pollen can collect on them.
Start your allergy treatment program now and get Powerful, Effective, Comprehensive Allergy Relief
Getting control of your allergies today mean and less risk of sinus infections and other respiratory distresses tomorrow. The allergy-soothing herbs of Nettle and Mullein PLUS the allergy-fighting, antioxidant action of Vitamin C, and for some the very helpful support provided by local Bee Pollen.
Another helper for healthy mucous membranes is the Vitamin A complex.
Some herbalists suggest the use of Sage. While Sage is an excellent herb for eliminating mucus congestion, it should be used in smaller amounts. Sage should be used with caution or avoided by people with a history of seizures.
Together these herbs and vitamins:
Soothe sinus, hay fever and allergy symptoms
Relieve cold symptoms
Boost immune system to help prevent and build resistance to infections
Reduce effects of allergens and allergic symptoms such as runny nose and watery eyes
***
Over 40 studies show that those taking Vitamin C regularly had fewer allergy problems, respiratory infections and asthma attacks.Natural healthcare professionals like The Leaflady suggest taking at least 1,000 mg of vitamin C with bioflavonoids three times a day.
Vitamin C reduces the effects of not just pollen, but a wide variety of allergens.
Vitamin C blocks the release of histamine, the substance released by the body that causes bothersome sneezing, itching and nasal congestion.
ORDER QUALITY HERBS AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS ON LINE FROM
N22 NUTRITION
N22 NUTRITION
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
WE TOLD YOU SO
Back when the Senior Drug Benefit rip-off was being proposed as the largest ever corporate welfare program for those Bush "Pioneers" we warned you on our websitethat the only benficiaries in this deal would be Big Pharma. Now folks, you bit the apple and now you have it!
The Pharmaceutical Industry is overall the greatest contributor to the Bush WAR Chest, and that is literal and figurative.
Can you hear me now?
Where are the terrorists?
I will shortly post the risks of the drugs named in this article, because I am sure your doctor doesn't know!
Fosamax is another in long list of fluoride based drugs. Fluoride suppresses thyroid function by bloking iodine from being absorbed by the iodine (food of the thyroid)receptor sites. This impacts metabolism and immunity among other things physiologically. In addition Fosamax and related drugs such as Actonel et al, cause the interruption of the natural action of osteoclast cells.
"Waste Not, Want Not" Actonel is a 'bisphosphonate'. Proctor & Gamble reportedly state, in corporate confidential memos, that Actonel is manufactured from by-products of TIDE.
The Pharmaceutical Industry is overall the greatest contributor to the Bush WAR Chest, and that is literal and figurative.
Can you hear me now?
Where are the terrorists?
I will shortly post the risks of the drugs named in this article, because I am sure your doctor doesn't know!
AUGUST 15, 2006
CONTACT: Center for Economic and Policy Research
Lynn Erskine, 202-293-5380 x115
Drug Companies Making Billions in Excess Profits Under Medicare Plan
WASHINGTON - August 15 - Pharmaceutical companies are making billions in excess profits under the new Medicare drug benefit, according to a report by the Center for Economic and Policy Research. In the first year of the Medicare Part D program, Pfizer will make $1.2 billion in excess profits on Lipitor and $585 million on Zoloft; Wyeth will make nearly $1 billion on Protonix; and Merck will make $1.6 billion on Zocor.
The report, "The Origins of the Doughnut Hole: Excess Profits on Prescription Drugs," by economist Dean Baker, calculated the difference between the average cost of 20 common drugs used by seniors and the cost when obtained through the Veterans Administration. It found excess profits totaling more than $7 billion in the first year of the program. The study also calculated prices for prescription drugs such as Actonel, Aricept, Celebrex, Fosamax, Nexium, Norvasc, Plavix, Prevacid, Toprol XL, and Xalatan. To read the report, see: http://www.cepr.net/publications/part_d_drug_profits_2006_08.pdf
Thousands of drugs cost more than necessary under the Medicare drug plan because Congress prohibited Medicare from negotiating drug prices directly with the pharmaceutical industry, as is done by the Veterans Administration. In the case of many drugs, the prices paid by insurers participating in the plan are more than twice as high as the prices paid by the Veterans Administration.
Millions of seniors and disabled Americans enrolled in Medicare Part D drug plans are discovering the "doughnut hole" - the $2,850 gap placed into the plan in order to save the government money. The Center for Economic and Policy Research has pointed out that this gap was only necessary because the plan's overall design added significant costs and complexity.
"The excess profits from just a small number of drugs account for a very large portion of the doughnut hole," said Baker. "The excess profits for the drug industry as a whole will be close to $50 billion in the first full year of Medicare drug benefit program. This is more than twice the size of the doughnut hole."
Fosamax is another in long list of fluoride based drugs. Fluoride suppresses thyroid function by bloking iodine from being absorbed by the iodine (food of the thyroid)receptor sites. This impacts metabolism and immunity among other things physiologically. In addition Fosamax and related drugs such as Actonel et al, cause the interruption of the natural action of osteoclast cells.
"Waste Not, Want Not" Actonel is a 'bisphosphonate'. Proctor & Gamble reportedly state, in corporate confidential memos, that Actonel is manufactured from by-products of TIDE.
Fosamax: A drug with Many Unknowns News
August 14, 2006. By Heidi Turner
Although Merck, makers of Fosamax, claims that the drug is safe it seems that there is still a lot that is not known about Fosamax and a group of drugs known as bisphosphonates.
This is why bone specialists assembled a task force in July to investigate the link between Fosamax and osteonecrosis (rotting) of the jaw (also known as ONJ). Specifically, they want to know why osteonecrosis occurs in people taking Fosamax intravenously, how it occurs, and how to prevent and treat it.
Unfortunately, not a lot is known about the link between osteonecrosis of the jaw and Fosamax. The first case was reported in 2003. Since then, between 400 - 700 new cases of osteonecrosis have been reported. Why osteonecrosis occurs is unclear - although it generally appears after dental surgery or tooth extraction, in some cases it develops spontaneously.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw can be an incredibly painful problem. It often causes ulcers of the mouth and skin sores, infections, exposed bone, and disfigurement. In some cases it leads to a loss of function.
Included on the panel of specialists are experts in bone disease and dentistry. They were convened by the Bone and Mineral Research Society. Another group investigating the link between bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis is the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
There are some theories as to why osteonecrosis occurs in patients taking Fosamax. One theory is that bisphosphonates prevent the jaw from repairing itself after injury because of the suppression of chum.
Unfortunately, experts are not sure how to treat osteonecrosis once it has developed. One possibility is long-term antibiotics.
Fosamax is a type of drug known as a bisphosphonate. Bisphosphonates are regularly prescribed for patients suffering from osteoporosis. Cancer patients use drugs such as Fosamax to manage bone pain and control malignancies that have spread to the bones. In such cases, Fosamax is taken intravenously. It can also be taken orally to prevent painful fractures.
In April, 2006, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Merck alleging that the drug maker failed to warn patients about the risks associated with taking Fosamax.
Because Fosamax and bisphosphonates are relatively new drugs, it is not clear what the risks of long-term use are.
If you are taking bisphosphonates such as Fosamax, avoid having invasive dental work done if at all possible. Follow a careful oral hygienic plan. If you must have dental work, talk to your doctor. It is not yet clear whether ceasing to take the medication before dental procedures will prevent the development of osteonecrosis.
(Merck, the manufacturer of Fosamax, is currently involved in thousands of lawsuits involving its drug Vioxx which is no longer on the market. Vioxx was pulled after a study revealed that people taking the drug had an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.)
Monday, August 14, 2006
The Trouble With PINK
General Mills is known for it's confection-style product Yoplait.
I would never refer to it as yoghurt. This is because it really is not yoghurt, but it is marketed to gullible Americans as such. It also is far from health promoting when it contains neuro-taxic and carcinogenic artificial sweeteners and in the no-fat/low-fat versions.
General Mills also refuses to allow our health education oriented non-profit organiztion, Creating Health Institute, from participating in the annual pink lid promotion.
Now today we get a little bit more insight into PINK. You be the judge.
from Business Week
I would never refer to it as yoghurt. This is because it really is not yoghurt, but it is marketed to gullible Americans as such. It also is far from health promoting when it contains neuro-taxic and carcinogenic artificial sweeteners and in the no-fat/low-fat versions.
General Mills also refuses to allow our health education oriented non-profit organiztion, Creating Health Institute, from participating in the annual pink lid promotion.
CHI does a very great amount of public health education through its publications in the Health Matters(c) family and through this BLOG, and our website. Financial support helps us to more effectively and more widely provide this educational material.
Now today we get a little bit more insight into PINK. You be the judge.
What's in My Food?
By Pallavi Gogoi
Few people know that the food coloring listed as cochineal extract comes from female beetles. Food activists want to spread the word.
When you dig into a strawberry Yoplait yogurt, take a moment to contemplate where the beautiful pink color comes from. Strawberries? Think again. It comes from crushed bugs. Specifically, from the female cochineal beetles and their eggs. And it's not just yogurt. The bugs are also used to give red coloring to Hershey Good & Plenty candies, Tropicana grapefruit juice, and other common foods.
What Companies Do to Improve the Look & Taste of Your Food
You won't find "crushed bugs" on the list of ingredients for any of these foods, however. Companies have a bit of latitude in describing exactly what they put in our food. Many larger companies, such as General Mills, the manufacturer of Yoplait and Pepsi, the maker of Tropicana, identify the dye in their products as either carmine, or cochineal extract. Still, many companies simply list "artificial color" on their ingredients list without giving any details.
Food activists are trying to change disclosure requirements. The Food & Drug Administration has received numerous complaints over the issue and is now in the process of considering a proposal to require color additives like the cochineal extract to be disclosed on the labels of all foods that use them. "Hopefully we'll see something by the end of the year," says Michael Jacobson, executive director at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a food advocacy group in Washington, D. C.
ALLERGIC REACTIONS. Jacobson says that consumers want to know what they're eating. Some are allergic to bug extract; others are vegetarians. "The food product should indicate that it comes from insects so that vegetarians at least can avoid the product," he says.
Carmine may be the least of food activists' worries. It is known to cause allergic reactions in just a small percentage of the population. Food producers sometimes add much more dangerous chemical additives to make their products look attractive (see BusinessWeek.com, 3/27/06, "Hershey: A Sweeter Bid").
Indeed, who would think that chicken, eggs, and salmon are often artificially enhanced to look more appetizing to consumers? The plump, juicy chicken sitting on the supermarket shelf is likely to have been fed canthaxanthin, a pigment added to chicken feed to enhance poultry's yellow color and make it look palatable. And egg-laying hens are also given a dye along with their feed, making egg yolks vary in color from light yellow all the way to bright orange.
IN THE PINK. Farmers can have their pick from a color chart that goes from the numbers 1 to 15, coinciding with colors from yellow to red. The yellow color comes from xanthophyll and carotenoids in the feed absorbed through the intestine, metabolized, and deposited in the egg yolk. In an article published last year, R. Scott Beyer, a poultry specialist from the Kansas State University, recommended different levels of xanthophylls, depending on what color of yolk is desired. He says 23 mg of xanthophyll per pound of feed results in a "medium orange" color.
The fresh, farm-raised salmon that shoppers buy also get their orange-red hue from eating the chemicals astaxanthin and canthaxanthin. Wild salmon are pink because they eat shrimp-like creatures called krill. But to achieve the same pink color, farmed salmon need chemicals, which are mixed with their feed. In the past couple of years, the European Union significantly reduced the level of such dyes that can be fed to salmon because of concerns that the dyes, at high levels, can affect people's eyesight.
Two years ago, in the U.S., Seattle law firm Smith & Lowney filed two class actions against grocers Kroger and Safeway in Washington and California, contending that they should disclose that their salmon are dyed pink. Both lawsuits got thrown out of court. However, Knoll Lowney, a partner at the law firm, says that the lawsuits raised enough public awareness that many grocers voluntarily use "color added" labels to their salmon.
Still, Lowney says that such dyes are totally unnecessary. "This is a growing problem because the food companies are using more artificial means to enhance the appearance of the product and make it appear like something that it is not," he says. A walk down the grocery aisle for processed food is an eye opener—the bacon and ham get their red tint from sodium ascorbate, an antioxidant and color stabilizer, and the Betty Crocker icing gets its bright white color not from natural cream and egg whites but from titanium dioxide, a mineral that is also used in house paints. Betty Crocker manufacturer General Mills didn't return phone calls seeking comment.
from Business Week
Friday, August 11, 2006
The Need for Effective and Thorough Health Detectives
Perhaps they forgot to ask this question or rushed to publish without their MPH hat on -
Do you realize that in the past twenty years more and more vaccines have been added to the list of alleged necessary vaccines, including the outrageous claims for Hepatitis vaccine?
and
Do you realize that it has been clearly established that the Hepatitis vaccine is known to cause liver shutdown in infants for at least 14 days, and this is highly correlated with the development of diabetes and concommitant obesity?
For more vaccine information click here.
These are the same doctors prescribing children's Amoxicillin for earaches that come from lowered immune function following vaccination. Children's Amoxicillin has contained aspartame as an artificial sweetener for many decades, along with red food coloring. Add this up and you are contributing more factors to the issue of obesity. It is well established that aspartame brings on obesity. Food coloring can cause brain allergy and related food cravings linked to the same issue.
And now the question can be rephrased so it is ready to be asked the next time you visit your baby's doctor.
Just what contributes to obesity?
Do you realize that in the past twenty years more and more vaccines have been added to the list of alleged necessary vaccines, including the outrageous claims for Hepatitis vaccine?
and
Do you realize that it has been clearly established that the Hepatitis vaccine is known to cause liver shutdown in infants for at least 14 days, and this is highly correlated with the development of diabetes and concommitant obesity?
Obesity epidemic hits U.S. infants
CBC News, Wed, 09 Aug 2006 18:03:22 EDT
Young children, especially infants, are now more likely to be overweight than two decades ago, according to a U.S. study.
"The obesity epidemic has spared no age group, even our youngest children," said Dr. Matthew Gillman, the senior author of the study and a professor at Harvard Medical School.
Over 22 years in Massachusetts, the number of overweight infants increased by 74 per cent, the researchers reported Wednesday.
The results are important for public health because studies show faster weight gain in the first few months after birth is associated with obesity later in life.
"These results show that efforts to prevent obesity must start at the earliest stages of human development, even before birth," Gillman said.
These efforts, he said, should include avoiding smoking and excessive weight gain during pregnancy, preventing gestational diabetes, and promoting breastfeeding.
Average weight gain during pregnancy should be between 25 to 30 pounds, according to Health Canada.
The American researchers collected height and weight measurements from the electronic medical records of more than 120,000 children younger than six years old in the state.
Between 1980 and 2001, the prevalence of overweight children increased from 6.3 per cent to 10 per cent, while the proportion at risk of becoming overweight grew from 11.1 per cent to 14.3 per cent overall.
The study appears in the July issue of the Journal Obesity.
For more vaccine information click here.
These are the same doctors prescribing children's Amoxicillin for earaches that come from lowered immune function following vaccination. Children's Amoxicillin has contained aspartame as an artificial sweetener for many decades, along with red food coloring. Add this up and you are contributing more factors to the issue of obesity. It is well established that aspartame brings on obesity. Food coloring can cause brain allergy and related food cravings linked to the same issue.
And now the question can be rephrased so it is ready to be asked the next time you visit your baby's doctor.
Just what contributes to obesity?
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Jogging Your Memory
In yesterday's mail I received the most recent PR rag from the local hospital where I live. I have actually twice in four years called this hospital and asked that my address be removed from their mailing list, and as you can see they have failed once again to honor my request.
Since, even as a medical professional, I am not enamored with the medical model, I wonder why this is all so difficult. After all, this hospital, or maybe I should say rural regional medical center as they seem to prefer, has been the one over the last four years that has not had the common courtesy to respond to my efforts to connect with them, in the name of healthy options. (If you recall your lesson in Chaos Theory you will know that in nature things require movement from chaos to order in the name of survival. This is called negative entropy. Around here the system is so closed and linked to "the way we have always done it" mentality that little growth occurs. Grow or Die, the title of a cherished book from grad school days, is a very meaningful phrase.)
I guess what bugged me now is their promotion of a "wellness" model. I haven't figured this out because their idea of "integrative care" is massage therapy.
Even the doctors here are so resistant to folks wanting natural treatments that I am not quite sure how they believe this will become an effective system.
Now, wait a minute, could it just be a PR stunt because they now have a government grant?
Ah Ha! Or maybe I should say Eureka!
Now then what caught my eye happened to be their sort of "friendly" plan to observe people, just in case. It is not a bad idea in the generic sense, but it is geared toward Alzheimer's. So now your postman can call in and suggest you might have it and off you'd go to the drug pushing side of things.
Let's not forget that at least 67% of all those diagnosed with Alzheimer's have thyroid glands that are flat out not working! Here the best you can get from the docs is a TSH, and if you are lucky you might also get a T4.
Now of course if you know your endocrinology you know that the TSH cannot tell you about the functioning of the thyroid gland. And the T4 along with the TSH really can't help you know about the T3 part of the equation.
On top of that the Palouse region is part of the down-winder impact area from the Hanford Nuclear Plant and the area water contains natural, and in some places artificial, fluoride.
Lesson Number One: Radiation and Fluoride seriously impact the thyroid gland.
Lesson Number Two: All the pesticide and herbicide sprayed around here adds to thyroid impact as well.
Moving right along, we find a few pages later the dietician's propaganda on the New Food Pyramid.
We can say that the food industry generally controls the USDA, just like the drug companies control the FDA.
Then of course it is the USDA that controls dieticians. Remember dieticians are not nutritionists. And therein lies the difference!
Dr. Louise Light, closely involved in developing the first Food Pyramid, that was scrapped and altered because of food industry pressure on the FDA gives you a real eye view of why the dietician, propagandizing locally, might be harming health. She might also need a direct order to go for remedial education.
Don't forget too that in the old days when you could actually get real milk with cream on the top, there was little in the way of arteriosclerosis.
Then along came homogenization and cardiovascular disease started to go through the roof.
The along came the no-fat and low-fat diet schemes, so along came behavioral and glandular problems because we had not fat to feed the brain, hormone production and strong healthy cell walls (yes indeed, these are made from fat!)
Then along came food additives, prepared and boxed food (and it has taken over the organic food market place too these days, yuk!), and the promotion of processed grains. With a little room for all the toxic artificial sweeteners that are used to try and make the food palatable, added to the GMOs.
Well, around here it is a tough thing to try and educate people. They think they know and are very closed minded to conceiving that the government just might not be on target.
Dr. Light has some good points, read and consider them carefully. Or as my favorite bumper sticker is known to say: "Question Authority".
Since, even as a medical professional, I am not enamored with the medical model, I wonder why this is all so difficult. After all, this hospital, or maybe I should say rural regional medical center as they seem to prefer, has been the one over the last four years that has not had the common courtesy to respond to my efforts to connect with them, in the name of healthy options. (If you recall your lesson in Chaos Theory you will know that in nature things require movement from chaos to order in the name of survival. This is called negative entropy. Around here the system is so closed and linked to "the way we have always done it" mentality that little growth occurs. Grow or Die, the title of a cherished book from grad school days, is a very meaningful phrase.)
I guess what bugged me now is their promotion of a "wellness" model. I haven't figured this out because their idea of "integrative care" is massage therapy.
Even the doctors here are so resistant to folks wanting natural treatments that I am not quite sure how they believe this will become an effective system.
Now, wait a minute, could it just be a PR stunt because they now have a government grant?
Ah Ha! Or maybe I should say Eureka!
Now then what caught my eye happened to be their sort of "friendly" plan to observe people, just in case. It is not a bad idea in the generic sense, but it is geared toward Alzheimer's. So now your postman can call in and suggest you might have it and off you'd go to the drug pushing side of things.
Let's not forget that at least 67% of all those diagnosed with Alzheimer's have thyroid glands that are flat out not working! Here the best you can get from the docs is a TSH, and if you are lucky you might also get a T4.
Now of course if you know your endocrinology you know that the TSH cannot tell you about the functioning of the thyroid gland. And the T4 along with the TSH really can't help you know about the T3 part of the equation.
On top of that the Palouse region is part of the down-winder impact area from the Hanford Nuclear Plant and the area water contains natural, and in some places artificial, fluoride.
Lesson Number One: Radiation and Fluoride seriously impact the thyroid gland.
Lesson Number Two: All the pesticide and herbicide sprayed around here adds to thyroid impact as well.
Moving right along, we find a few pages later the dietician's propaganda on the New Food Pyramid.
We can say that the food industry generally controls the USDA, just like the drug companies control the FDA.
Then of course it is the USDA that controls dieticians. Remember dieticians are not nutritionists. And therein lies the difference!
Dr. Louise Light, closely involved in developing the first Food Pyramid, that was scrapped and altered because of food industry pressure on the FDA gives you a real eye view of why the dietician, propagandizing locally, might be harming health. She might also need a direct order to go for remedial education.
Don't forget too that in the old days when you could actually get real milk with cream on the top, there was little in the way of arteriosclerosis.
Then along came homogenization and cardiovascular disease started to go through the roof.
The along came the no-fat and low-fat diet schemes, so along came behavioral and glandular problems because we had not fat to feed the brain, hormone production and strong healthy cell walls (yes indeed, these are made from fat!)
Then along came food additives, prepared and boxed food (and it has taken over the organic food market place too these days, yuk!), and the promotion of processed grains. With a little room for all the toxic artificial sweeteners that are used to try and make the food palatable, added to the GMOs.
Well, around here it is a tough thing to try and educate people. They think they know and are very closed minded to conceiving that the government just might not be on target.
Dr. Light has some good points, read and consider them carefully. Or as my favorite bumper sticker is known to say: "Question Authority".
A Fatally Flawed Food Guide
by Luise Light, Ed.D
As a new Food Guide to replace the Food Pyramid is being considered, it appears our nutritional needs are being sold to the highest bidder ... again! Nutritionist Luise Light, a former USDA insider and an architect of the original version of the Food Pyramid — that never saw the light of day — describes the fatal flaws of a government bowing to industry interests.
A former vice president of the National Pork ProducersÂ’ Council is looking for new ways to educate us on how to eat right. As the director of nutrition and health promotion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Eric Hentges, PhD, is considering catchy jingles and website information to replace the Food Pyramid guide next year. The USDA says that too many consumers are confused by the governmentÂ’s Food Pyramid and canÂ’t figure out how to implement the recommendations in the guide, citing the fact that two out of three Americans are too fat.
But perhaps many Americans did follow the Food Pyramid and thatÂ’s why they ended up overweight! Let me explain.
Back in the early ‘80s, I was the leader of a group of top-level nutritionists with the USDA who developed the eating guide that became known as the Food Guide Pyramid. Carefully reviewing the research on nutrient recommendations, disease prevention, documented dietary shortfalls and major health problems of the population, we submitted the final version of our new Food Guide to the Secretary of Agriculture.
When our version of the Food Guide came back to us revised, we were shocked to find that it was vastly different from the one we had developed. As I later discovered, the wholesale changes made to the guide by the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture were calculated to win the acceptance of the food industry. For instance, the Ag Secretary’s office altered wording to emphasize processed foods over fresh and whole foods, to downplay lean meats and low-fat dairy choices because the meat and milk lobbies believed it’d hurt sales of full-fat products; it also hugely increased the servings of wheat and other grains to make the wheat growers happy. The meat lobby got the final word on the color of the saturated fat/cholesterol guideline which was changed from red to purple because meat producers worried that using red to signify “bad” fat would be linked to red meat in consumers’ minds.
Where we, the USDA nutritionists, called for a base of 5-9 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day, it was replaced with a paltry 2-3 servings (changed to 5-7 servings a couple of years later because an anti-cancer campaign by another government agency, the National Cancer Institute, forced the USDA to adopt the higher standard). Our recommendation of 3-4 daily servings of whole-grain breads and cereals was changed to a whopping 6-11 servings forming the base of the Food Pyramid as a concession to the processed wheat and corn industries. Moreover, my nutritionist group had placed baked goods made with white flour — including crackers, sweets and other low-nutrient foods laden with sugars and fats — at the peak of the pyramid, recommending that they be eaten sparingly. To our alarm, in the “revised” Food Guide, they were now made part of the Pyramid’s base. And, in yet one more assault on dietary logic, changes were made to the wording of the dietary guidelines from “eat less” to “avoid too much,” giving a nod to the processed-food industry interests by not limiting highly profitable “fun foods” (junk foods by any other name) that might affect the bottom line of food companies.
But even this neutralized wording of the revised Guidelines created a firestorm of angry responses from the food industry and their Congressional allies who believed that the “farmers’ department” (USDA) should not be telling the public to eat less of anything, including saturated fat and cholesterol, meat, eggs and sugar.
I vehemently protested that the changes, if followed, could lead to an epidemic of obesity and diabetes — and couldn’t be justified on either health or nutritional grounds. To my amazement, I was a lone voice on this issue, as my colleagues appeared to accept the “policy level” decision. Over my objections, the Food Guide Pyramid was finalized, although it only saw the light of day 12 years later, in 1992. Yet it appears my warning has come to pass.
Déjà vu All Over Again
Here we are again, poised to be served up another helping of Dietary Guidelines in 2005 and a possible replacement for the failed Food Pyramid. This time, can we expect something less compromised and more reflective of what Americans need to achieve good health?
I think not. Ultimately, the food industry dictates the governmentÂ’s food advice, shaping the nutrition agenda delivered to the public. In fact, to the food industry, the purpose of food guides is to persuade consumers that all foods (especially those that theyÂ’re selling) fit into a healthful diet.
The government readily complies. The newly recommended Dietary Guidelines, delivered to the government last September by its handpicked advisory committee will almost assuredly be categorically endorsed. The Guidelines include meaningless — even deceptive — recommendations like: “Choose carbohydrates wisely for good health” (is a breakfast cereal that’s 38 percent sugar a “wise” choice?) and “Choose fats wisely for good health” (are fast food French fries cooked in artery-clogging, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, a powerful promoter of heart disease, a “wise” choice?). Further, in an apparent attempt to make no foods off-limits, the Guidelines give the nod to “discretionary calories” from added sugars and fats, once basic nutritional needs have been met.
These statements, which will form the basis of all national food and nutrition policy (including all of the U.S. school meal programs), protect every interest group in the food industry by basically setting no limits on any type or amount of fat and carbohydrate consumed. And all of this with the directive to “control calorie intake to manage body weight.” Say what?
How and why does the government allow this to happen? As I learned from my days as a USDA nutritionist, nutrition for the government is primarily a marketing tool to fuel growth in consumer food expenditures and demand for major food commodities: meat, dairy, eggs, wheat. ItÂ’s an economics lesson that has very little to do with our health and nutrition and everything to do with making sure that food expenditures continue to rise for all interests involved in the food industry.
Moreover, the USDA has had a long and cozy relationship with the food industry, whose executives often end up in USDA leadership positions (for instance, Mr. Hentges, formerly of the National Pork Producers’ Council and mentioned earlier). In fact, consumer groups requested (unsuccessfully) last year that seven of the 13 panel members who were writing the Food Guidelines, be removed because of their close ties to the food industry. Additionally, hundreds of food industry lobbyists keep the USDA in line — their line. Agriculture is among the top 10 industries that spend most on lobbying efforts.
ItÂ’s evident that the government canÂ’t be relied on to provide objective, health-promoting food and nutrition advice. In the 25 years since the initial Food Guide was developed, we face an unprecedented nutrition crisis. A majority of Americans have poor-quality diets and the rates of diet-related chronic diseases, from cancer, diabetes and heart disease to digestive diseases and arthritis, are soaring. The latest research blames commercial food ingredients, imbalanced diets, excessive calories and too few nutrient and antioxidant-rich vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Given our national nutrition crisis, it’s vital that the government deliver state of the art nutrition advice that is unfettered by special interests. Being intimately aware of the government’s internal workings, I suggest the responsibility be moved totally to the Department of Health and Human Services where nutritionists don’t have ties to the food industry and officials are less likely to knuckle under to pressures from food lobbies. The USDA’s built-in conflicts of interest must be openly acknowledged so that we can make the shift. Nutrition is too important to leave to anyone who’s interest is convincing us to “just eat more.”
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Ramblings of an old Woody Guthrie song in my brain
So, Dr. Strangelove, I presume?
Not so strange when you hear melodious threads in your mind calling "here bushy, bushy, bushy; here ricey, ricey, ricey; here rummy, rummy, rummy; here dicky-chickey, chicky...
oh yes, aren't they out running around(the spin campaign)like chickens with their heads cut off claiming to be acting in the name of PEACE...
"Where's the war" or is it beef for plutonium?
No WMDs you say,
but soon the sky may be falling if this keeps up.
NOW -
This is your opportunity to help protect us from the scourges of a nuclear weapons pit facility. Pete Dominici calls Los Alamos "The Crown Jewel of New Mexico". In the coming year, Los Alamos National Laboratories plans to quadruple plutonium pit production. The United States already possesses 23,000 nuclear pits, (the plutonium triggers for nuclear warheads). Senior scientists now concur these pits will be
reliable for another 60-90 years without a determined end date. We cannot allow our bio-region to be any further degraded by the scourge of this insane nuclear industry. They have lost their minds.
You now have the ability and opportunity to influence the decisions made about future operations at LANL by either sending your written comments or coming in person to testify.
The Department of Energy has issued a draft Site-Wide Environmental Impact Statement for Los Alamos National Laboratory, describing future operations and their impacts.
This document is open for public comment.
www.doeal.gov/laso/nepa/sweis.html.
Please come - if only to stand witness to the hearings between 6:30 and
9:30 pm:
Los Alamos - Tuesday, August 8
Fuller Lodge, 2132 Central Avenue;
Espanola - Wednesday, August 9
Northern New Mexico Community College, 921 Paseo de Onate;
Santa Fe -Thursday, August 10
Santa Fe Community College, 6401 Richards Avenue.
Written comments can be e-mailed to: LANL_SWEIS@doeal.gov .
The public comment period ends on September 5th.
For more information go to www.nukewatch.org or call (505) 989-7342
www.nuclearactive.org or call (505) 986-1973
www.peace-actionnm.org or call (505) 989-4812
__________________________________________________________________
"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, if you listen carefully, you can hear her breathing,"
Arundhati Roy
Not so strange when you hear melodious threads in your mind calling "here bushy, bushy, bushy; here ricey, ricey, ricey; here rummy, rummy, rummy; here dicky-chickey, chicky...
oh yes, aren't they out running around(the spin campaign)like chickens with their heads cut off claiming to be acting in the name of PEACE...
"Where's the war" or is it beef for plutonium?
No WMDs you say,
but soon the sky may be falling if this keeps up.
NOW -
This is your opportunity to help protect us from the scourges of a nuclear weapons pit facility. Pete Dominici calls Los Alamos "The Crown Jewel of New Mexico". In the coming year, Los Alamos National Laboratories plans to quadruple plutonium pit production. The United States already possesses 23,000 nuclear pits, (the plutonium triggers for nuclear warheads). Senior scientists now concur these pits will be
reliable for another 60-90 years without a determined end date. We cannot allow our bio-region to be any further degraded by the scourge of this insane nuclear industry. They have lost their minds.
You now have the ability and opportunity to influence the decisions made about future operations at LANL by either sending your written comments or coming in person to testify.
The Department of Energy has issued a draft Site-Wide Environmental Impact Statement for Los Alamos National Laboratory, describing future operations and their impacts.
This document is open for public comment.
www.doeal.gov/laso/nepa/sweis.html.
Please come - if only to stand witness to the hearings between 6:30 and
9:30 pm:
Los Alamos - Tuesday, August 8
Fuller Lodge, 2132 Central Avenue;
Espanola - Wednesday, August 9
Northern New Mexico Community College, 921 Paseo de Onate;
Santa Fe -Thursday, August 10
Santa Fe Community College, 6401 Richards Avenue.
Written comments can be e-mailed to: LANL_SWEIS@doeal.gov .
The public comment period ends on September 5th.
For more information go to www.nukewatch.org or call (505) 989-7342
www.nuclearactive.org or call (505) 986-1973
www.peace-actionnm.org or call (505) 989-4812
__________________________________________________________________
"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, if you listen carefully, you can hear her breathing,"
Arundhati Roy
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Prevent Disaster
The Reason to get a consultation or second opinion with the Leaflady
Alan Jones, whistleblower from the Inspector General's office said in Prescription For Disaster - "you're on your own - there is no longer any safety". The FDA is the agency most responsible for unsafe food and drugs.
Creating Health Institute has been offering natural health solutions, blending science and natural health, for more than 35 years.
Worth Your Consideration
Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind...
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy
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