Tuesday, April 03, 2007
One More Opinion
Sleep aids can have unexpected consequences:
By Phillip T. Alden – San Mateo Daily Journal
For publication April 3, 2007
The recent development of new sleep aids like Ambien and Lunesta have been a boon to people who have a hard time getting a good night's sleep, but recent warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about unexpected side-effects mean those taking these new drugs have to do so with caution.
There is a term in medicine that everyone should know. It's called an Adverse Drug Reaction, or ADR for short. An ADR can range from a slight rash to sudden death, and they are one of the greatest concerns doctors have when prescribing a new drug for a patient. Doctors and their families tend to be notorious for avoiding pills of any kind because they know how dangerous even highly-refined pharmaceutical drugs can be.
And there have been a great number of ADR reports among people taking this new generation of sleep aids, although most seem to be behavior related. Sleepwalking, hallucinations and nocturnal binge eating are some of the reported side-effects. While these are serious, there have also been reports of violent outbursts and driving while asleep.
Last May in Washington, Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-Rhode Island) blamed Ambien when he crashed his car near the Capitol building in the middle of the night. At the time he stated he was on his way to cast a vote on a crucial bill.
The FDA has also had reports of people making phone calls, purchasing items over the Internet and even having sex. (How much fun can that be? You have sex and don't even remember it afterwards!)
Seriously though, aside from sleepwalking these effects are mostly unique to these sleep aids, and they are quite worrisome to both patients and their doctors. That people can do all kinds of things under the influence of these drugs opens the door to a myriad of possibilities. What if a person commits a serious crime? Can they be held to account for their actions under those circumstances?
So far, the scariest reported effect has been driving while asleep. Like an alcoholic blackout, there is no control over the vehicle, and a serious accident could occur. Most of us don't think about the fact we're pushing two tons of metal around when we get behind the wheel, or just how much damage we could do.
(As an aside, one of the most worrying behaviors among law enforcement and other authorities is talking on a mobile phone while driving, which has a level of distraction comparable to driving while drunk.)
Some of these cases involve both a sleep aid and alcohol, prompting doctors to warn people away from drinking while taking these drugs.
If you're starting one of these drugs there are a few things you should do. The first is to warn your spouse or partner that you're starting on this drug. The second is to only take these drugs if you're getting at least eight hours of sleep – every time. You should also take your first dose on a weekend so you don't have to be anywhere the next morning. Be aware that you may experience serious psychoactive side-effects and don't be afraid to call the paramedics if you feel you may be a danger to yourself or others.
These are wonderful medications. I personally take Ambien on occasion and it really helps me sleep. But aside from these strange side-effects, these drugs can be habit-forming or even addictive, so use them with wisdom and caution.
Sleep aids can have unexpected consequences:
By Phillip T. Alden – San Mateo Daily Journal
For publication April 3, 2007
The recent development of new sleep aids like Ambien and Lunesta have been a boon to people who have a hard time getting a good night's sleep, but recent warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about unexpected side-effects mean those taking these new drugs have to do so with caution.
There is a term in medicine that everyone should know. It's called an Adverse Drug Reaction, or ADR for short. An ADR can range from a slight rash to sudden death, and they are one of the greatest concerns doctors have when prescribing a new drug for a patient. Doctors and their families tend to be notorious for avoiding pills of any kind because they know how dangerous even highly-refined pharmaceutical drugs can be.
And there have been a great number of ADR reports among people taking this new generation of sleep aids, although most seem to be behavior related. Sleepwalking, hallucinations and nocturnal binge eating are some of the reported side-effects. While these are serious, there have also been reports of violent outbursts and driving while asleep.
Last May in Washington, Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-Rhode Island) blamed Ambien when he crashed his car near the Capitol building in the middle of the night. At the time he stated he was on his way to cast a vote on a crucial bill.
The FDA has also had reports of people making phone calls, purchasing items over the Internet and even having sex. (How much fun can that be? You have sex and don't even remember it afterwards!)
Seriously though, aside from sleepwalking these effects are mostly unique to these sleep aids, and they are quite worrisome to both patients and their doctors. That people can do all kinds of things under the influence of these drugs opens the door to a myriad of possibilities. What if a person commits a serious crime? Can they be held to account for their actions under those circumstances?
So far, the scariest reported effect has been driving while asleep. Like an alcoholic blackout, there is no control over the vehicle, and a serious accident could occur. Most of us don't think about the fact we're pushing two tons of metal around when we get behind the wheel, or just how much damage we could do.
(As an aside, one of the most worrying behaviors among law enforcement and other authorities is talking on a mobile phone while driving, which has a level of distraction comparable to driving while drunk.)
Some of these cases involve both a sleep aid and alcohol, prompting doctors to warn people away from drinking while taking these drugs.
If you're starting one of these drugs there are a few things you should do. The first is to warn your spouse or partner that you're starting on this drug. The second is to only take these drugs if you're getting at least eight hours of sleep – every time. You should also take your first dose on a weekend so you don't have to be anywhere the next morning. Be aware that you may experience serious psychoactive side-effects and don't be afraid to call the paramedics if you feel you may be a danger to yourself or others.
These are wonderful medications. I personally take Ambien on occasion and it really helps me sleep. But aside from these strange side-effects, these drugs can be habit-forming or even addictive, so use them with wisdom and caution.
One More Opinion
Facing up to HIV infection:
By Phillip T. Alden
San Mateo Daily Journal (for publication, March 13, 2007)
There are 40,000 new HIV infections in the United States every year, and young people 25 years of age and younger, (roughly 13-25,) are the highest risk group for contracting the virus, so when a young person tests positive it can seem like the end of the world.
And although San Mateo County does nearly everything possible to prevent new infections here, they still happen. Even with the number of innovative programs that have been initiated by the county and various advocacy groups, that fact remains.
But testing positive for HIV no longer means what it did before the advent of highly advanced antiviral therapy, especially since the invention of Protease Inhibitors in 1995. Since then antiretroviral therapy (ART) has come a long way and people who test for the virus today still have the chance to live a long and productive life.
That's not to say that HIV is anything to fool around with, or that contracting the virus is not a serious matter, but when it happens it's important to put it in perspective. There's no escaping the trauma that comes with a diagnosis of any life-threatening illness and the emotional impact it has on the patient and those around them.
But there's reason for hope, and in San Mateo County there is ample reason for optimism. We have one of the finest HIV clinics in the country and the entire staff of the Edison Clinic are devoted to easing the difficult path that is living with HIV/AIDS. In addition, California has one of the best AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP) in the country.
Anyone in a high-risk group for HIV who is sexually active should test, as should those using certain recreational drugs, and anyone who suspects they may have been exposed should get tested right away. Catching the virus early, before it has the chance to significantly weaken the immune system, can make a difference in long-term health and overall prognosis. It's better to know and get treated than to walk around with the fear of the unknown, and much safer as well.
As with most illnesses, an ounce of prevention is still worth a pound of cure, and anyone who is sexually active should take measures to protect themselves and their partner. This means using a condom every single time, including and especially the first time.
Anyone intending to get pregnant should test not only for HIV, but also for other infectious agents like Hepatitis C, (HCV.) There are more things than HIV to take into account before engaging in any risk activity.
Every drug addict should seek treatment whenever possible and NEVER share needles with anyone. People in this group are at the highest risk for HIV and HCV infection, (as well as the many other health risks associated with this kind of drug use.)
A person may fear being judged or even rejected. They may not want to disappoint their partner by insisting on condom use every time, but they owe it to themselves to do so. We all need to stay safe and keep those we care for safe as well.
Facing up to HIV infection:
By Phillip T. Alden
San Mateo Daily Journal (for publication, March 13, 2007)
There are 40,000 new HIV infections in the United States every year, and young people 25 years of age and younger, (roughly 13-25,) are the highest risk group for contracting the virus, so when a young person tests positive it can seem like the end of the world.
And although San Mateo County does nearly everything possible to prevent new infections here, they still happen. Even with the number of innovative programs that have been initiated by the county and various advocacy groups, that fact remains.
But testing positive for HIV no longer means what it did before the advent of highly advanced antiviral therapy, especially since the invention of Protease Inhibitors in 1995. Since then antiretroviral therapy (ART) has come a long way and people who test for the virus today still have the chance to live a long and productive life.
That's not to say that HIV is anything to fool around with, or that contracting the virus is not a serious matter, but when it happens it's important to put it in perspective. There's no escaping the trauma that comes with a diagnosis of any life-threatening illness and the emotional impact it has on the patient and those around them.
But there's reason for hope, and in San Mateo County there is ample reason for optimism. We have one of the finest HIV clinics in the country and the entire staff of the Edison Clinic are devoted to easing the difficult path that is living with HIV/AIDS. In addition, California has one of the best AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP) in the country.
Anyone in a high-risk group for HIV who is sexually active should test, as should those using certain recreational drugs, and anyone who suspects they may have been exposed should get tested right away. Catching the virus early, before it has the chance to significantly weaken the immune system, can make a difference in long-term health and overall prognosis. It's better to know and get treated than to walk around with the fear of the unknown, and much safer as well.
As with most illnesses, an ounce of prevention is still worth a pound of cure, and anyone who is sexually active should take measures to protect themselves and their partner. This means using a condom every single time, including and especially the first time.
Anyone intending to get pregnant should test not only for HIV, but also for other infectious agents like Hepatitis C, (HCV.) There are more things than HIV to take into account before engaging in any risk activity.
Every drug addict should seek treatment whenever possible and NEVER share needles with anyone. People in this group are at the highest risk for HIV and HCV infection, (as well as the many other health risks associated with this kind of drug use.)
A person may fear being judged or even rejected. They may not want to disappoint their partner by insisting on condom use every time, but they owe it to themselves to do so. We all need to stay safe and keep those we care for safe as well.
One More Opinion
Unexpected results from the gym workout – nerve injuries:
By Phillip T. Alden
San Mateo Daily Journal
For publication: February 27, 2007
If you're like me, a person in their early 40's who maintains a healthy lifestyle, then you're likely among the thousands of us filling every gym on the Peninsula to stay physically strong and healthy. The health movement among people in my generation has changed the nature of aging, yet there are many things that can injure us in our pursuit of good health and longevity; knee, shin and ankle injuries that stop runners for good; torn ligaments that have to be surgically repaired after a skating or skiing accident that puts us out of that game; or nerve and muscle injuries that restrict our use of free-weights and weight machines.
Among those in the last group who use free-weights and weight machines as part of their workout routine, nerve injuries in the back and neck are becoming more common. My pain specialist, (a doctor with a lot of additional training and knowledge,) has seen "an explosion" in the number of gym-related nerve injuries.
Part of the reason comes from the fact that it is extremely easy to cause one of these injuries, some of which become permanent. Many patients are not even aware of the source of their injury as the first symptoms can appear hours or even days after the damage was done. It's quite common for the exact cause of the injury to remain unknown.
And while free weights may cause some of these injuries they are not the only cause by any means. Nerve and disk injuries may occur in nearly every type of physical exercise with the possible exception of swimming.
And very often the root cause is the person pushing themselves too hard. It's common for people to take on more weight than they need to work a specific muscle group, or to overdo in repetitions, (number of movement sets.) Some people also exercise too much, going to the gym nearly every day. This goes for non-gym exercise as well. Most of us don't need to workout more than three-four times per week. The one exception to this is walking, which is an exercise that can be done on a daily basis.
In my case, whatever caused the initial injury requires daily use of pain-killing medication combined with trans-dermal patches that deliver a constant supply of Lidocaine to my lower back through the skin. (Lidocaine is a local numbing agent.) I cannot lift or carry very heavy or awkward things. There is no surgical option at the moment. And it all happened without my even knowing it.
The best way to prevent such injuries is to avoid putting yourself in situations that set up the potential for them. When working with free weights or free weight machines, for example, it's crucial that you isolate your back from the muscle group you are working. A good personal trainer can be an immense help to both beginners and gym veterans.
But even that is no guarantee. Even people who have worked extensively with personal trainers and physical therapists can injure themselves. Losing concentration, forgetting to fully stretch before starting a workout, and even a simple mistake can cause these types of injuries.
My pain specialist told me he has seen an exponential jump in these types of injuries, and that today they make up much of his practice. And while there are many potential causes, he claimed that "people pushing themselves too hard" is the prevalent reason his practice is growing.
Unexpected results from the gym workout – nerve injuries:
By Phillip T. Alden
San Mateo Daily Journal
For publication: February 27, 2007
If you're like me, a person in their early 40's who maintains a healthy lifestyle, then you're likely among the thousands of us filling every gym on the Peninsula to stay physically strong and healthy. The health movement among people in my generation has changed the nature of aging, yet there are many things that can injure us in our pursuit of good health and longevity; knee, shin and ankle injuries that stop runners for good; torn ligaments that have to be surgically repaired after a skating or skiing accident that puts us out of that game; or nerve and muscle injuries that restrict our use of free-weights and weight machines.
Among those in the last group who use free-weights and weight machines as part of their workout routine, nerve injuries in the back and neck are becoming more common. My pain specialist, (a doctor with a lot of additional training and knowledge,) has seen "an explosion" in the number of gym-related nerve injuries.
Part of the reason comes from the fact that it is extremely easy to cause one of these injuries, some of which become permanent. Many patients are not even aware of the source of their injury as the first symptoms can appear hours or even days after the damage was done. It's quite common for the exact cause of the injury to remain unknown.
And while free weights may cause some of these injuries they are not the only cause by any means. Nerve and disk injuries may occur in nearly every type of physical exercise with the possible exception of swimming.
And very often the root cause is the person pushing themselves too hard. It's common for people to take on more weight than they need to work a specific muscle group, or to overdo in repetitions, (number of movement sets.) Some people also exercise too much, going to the gym nearly every day. This goes for non-gym exercise as well. Most of us don't need to workout more than three-four times per week. The one exception to this is walking, which is an exercise that can be done on a daily basis.
In my case, whatever caused the initial injury requires daily use of pain-killing medication combined with trans-dermal patches that deliver a constant supply of Lidocaine to my lower back through the skin. (Lidocaine is a local numbing agent.) I cannot lift or carry very heavy or awkward things. There is no surgical option at the moment. And it all happened without my even knowing it.
The best way to prevent such injuries is to avoid putting yourself in situations that set up the potential for them. When working with free weights or free weight machines, for example, it's crucial that you isolate your back from the muscle group you are working. A good personal trainer can be an immense help to both beginners and gym veterans.
But even that is no guarantee. Even people who have worked extensively with personal trainers and physical therapists can injure themselves. Losing concentration, forgetting to fully stretch before starting a workout, and even a simple mistake can cause these types of injuries.
My pain specialist told me he has seen an exponential jump in these types of injuries, and that today they make up much of his practice. And while there are many potential causes, he claimed that "people pushing themselves too hard" is the prevalent reason his practice is growing.
One More Opinion
Understanding Anxiety Disorders and Treating Them:
By Phillip T. Alden – San Mateo Daily Journal
For publication March 27, 2007
We live in anxious times. We're currently engaged in two wars and a number of smaller conflicts, the traditional sense of community has been declining and new types are still in their infancy, and families are not as close-knit and localized as they used to be. We are less likely to know our neighbors and interact with them on a significant level. Recent studies have shown that people have less close friends they can count on when in need, as outlined in the book "Bowling Alone," by Robert D. Putnam.
In addition, recent advances in the field of emotional health have shed new light on the root causes of anxiety and panic disorders.
Acute anxiety is the most common emotional illness in the United States and conservative estimates place the number of cases reported each year between 19 million and 25 million.
"Anxiety" is actually a blanket term for a wide range of emotional disorders whose common denominator is fear; including obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic attacks and phobias.
The most common symptoms are; excessive worry, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, irritability, tension in the muscles and sometimes the jaw, sleep disorders, changes in appetite and libido, increased desire to drink alcohol and use drugs, rapid heart-rate and sweating – and there are many others. Sometimes anxiety can be so acute the patient can feel like they are suffocating, unable to get enough air – which only increases the level of fear and makes the situation worse. When these symptoms drive a person to the emergency room there may be a lot of time wasted looking for cardiac problems unless both patient and doctor are clear regarding the root cause of the symptoms.
Some acute anxiety disorders are the result of trauma and are related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD.) This level of PTSD is usually not as intense as that caused by combat stress, but PTSD is much more common in widely varying degrees than we used to think. It's not just for soldiers anymore.
When anxiety is extreme enough it can interfere with a person's ability to function. This can cause avoidance behavior, and in some cases render a person unable to leave their house or deal with groups of people. It can get worse over time, starting with mild symptoms that grow in intensity.
The good news is there are treatment options today that didn't exist 20-30 years ago. In addition to the growing number of medications that can help treat the symptoms, there are therapists who can help address the underlying causes of the anxiety. As long as a patient is open and willing to honestly examine their lives, the therapeutic process can get to the root of the problem and greatly alleviate their suffering.
People who have suffered an acute anxiety attack need no description to understand the hellish nightmare they cause, and those who haven't will hard pressed to understand just how unbearable they can be. Even though there is greater understanding of emotional illness, and a greater number of diagnosed cases, there are still some ignorant people who fail to understand the reality and react in unkind ways. The idiotic remarks made by Tom Cruise recently on the daytime talk-show circuit are a prime example of this ignorance and bias.
The truth is there are millions of Americans with anxiety problems, there are highly effective medications to treat the symptoms, and there are trained therapists that can help a person understand the causes and alleviate the suffering. It all begins with an honest and straightforward talk with your doctor.
Understanding Anxiety Disorders and Treating Them:
By Phillip T. Alden – San Mateo Daily Journal
For publication March 27, 2007
We live in anxious times. We're currently engaged in two wars and a number of smaller conflicts, the traditional sense of community has been declining and new types are still in their infancy, and families are not as close-knit and localized as they used to be. We are less likely to know our neighbors and interact with them on a significant level. Recent studies have shown that people have less close friends they can count on when in need, as outlined in the book "Bowling Alone," by Robert D. Putnam.
In addition, recent advances in the field of emotional health have shed new light on the root causes of anxiety and panic disorders.
Acute anxiety is the most common emotional illness in the United States and conservative estimates place the number of cases reported each year between 19 million and 25 million.
"Anxiety" is actually a blanket term for a wide range of emotional disorders whose common denominator is fear; including obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic attacks and phobias.
The most common symptoms are; excessive worry, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, irritability, tension in the muscles and sometimes the jaw, sleep disorders, changes in appetite and libido, increased desire to drink alcohol and use drugs, rapid heart-rate and sweating – and there are many others. Sometimes anxiety can be so acute the patient can feel like they are suffocating, unable to get enough air – which only increases the level of fear and makes the situation worse. When these symptoms drive a person to the emergency room there may be a lot of time wasted looking for cardiac problems unless both patient and doctor are clear regarding the root cause of the symptoms.
Some acute anxiety disorders are the result of trauma and are related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD.) This level of PTSD is usually not as intense as that caused by combat stress, but PTSD is much more common in widely varying degrees than we used to think. It's not just for soldiers anymore.
When anxiety is extreme enough it can interfere with a person's ability to function. This can cause avoidance behavior, and in some cases render a person unable to leave their house or deal with groups of people. It can get worse over time, starting with mild symptoms that grow in intensity.
The good news is there are treatment options today that didn't exist 20-30 years ago. In addition to the growing number of medications that can help treat the symptoms, there are therapists who can help address the underlying causes of the anxiety. As long as a patient is open and willing to honestly examine their lives, the therapeutic process can get to the root of the problem and greatly alleviate their suffering.
People who have suffered an acute anxiety attack need no description to understand the hellish nightmare they cause, and those who haven't will hard pressed to understand just how unbearable they can be. Even though there is greater understanding of emotional illness, and a greater number of diagnosed cases, there are still some ignorant people who fail to understand the reality and react in unkind ways. The idiotic remarks made by Tom Cruise recently on the daytime talk-show circuit are a prime example of this ignorance and bias.
The truth is there are millions of Americans with anxiety problems, there are highly effective medications to treat the symptoms, and there are trained therapists that can help a person understand the causes and alleviate the suffering. It all begins with an honest and straightforward talk with your doctor.
One More Opinion
The not-so-great American diet:
By Phillip T. Alden
San Mateo Daily Journal –
Publication Date: February 5, 2007
There have been recent books and movies, as well as numerous medical studies and news shows that call attention to the epidemic of poor health caused by the American diet. A good example is Eric Schlosser's "Fast Food Nation," a modern-day version of "The Jungle," by Upton Sinclair.
Yet even with the popularity of the human experiment detailed in "Supersize Me," fast-food companies like McDonalds and Pizza Hut are making a killing.
There is an alarming rate of obesity and diabetes among American children, and some are even experiencing cardiac problems due to poor diet and lack of exercise.
A teenager with congestive heart problems. What's wrong with this picture?
The first and foremost problem is Americans are addicted to sugar to the point that our foods are loaded with it. The second is we eat too much of the wrong foods, and the third is we have a sedentary lifestyle that makes the first two problems worse.
Part of the fault lies with our government and part with our food producers, but a large part lies with us. One of the country's leading nutritionists, Professor Marion Nestle, lays out this complex problem in her recent book, "Food Politics." (Professor Nestle is not related to the food conglomerate of the same name or associated with them in any way.)
We have a government that is heavily influenced by the food producers, a system that allows unhealthy food into our schools, and a populace that is purposely kept ignorant of the true facts around American nutrition.
Of course, we don't need the government or a nutritionist to tell us that a "Big Gulp" contains more sugar than is good for us. Part of the problem is we don’t want to change. We want to eat food we know is bad for us while spending much of our day sitting in front of the computer and/or the television. We resist exercise and avoid foods that are good for us.
The problem is we are teaching these bad habits to our kids, and their young bodies pay the price. Part of the problem lies in the way we've changed our involvement in the world. When I was a kid growing up in Palo Alto I rode my bike everywhere, even up to Skyline at the top of the Santa Cruz Mountains, (because it was so much fun coming back down.) I played Frisbee and hiked with my friends, and spent most summers swimming at the local pool.
We need to educate ourselves and our kids, exercise and make sure they do the same, and put down the giant soda. We need to get unhealthy foods out of our schools, and sugar out of our diet. There's a place for sugar and it's called dessert. We need to stop letting food industry executives determine governmental diet policy and education through political appointments.
Mostly we need to take responsibility for what we put in our bodies and teach our children the same discipline. Many parents are surprised when they discover their children have dangerous sugar imbalances, and it's important to remember your child does not have to be obese to develop conditions like Hyperglycemia or Diabetes. We need to make sure our schools have daily physical education classes. If your child is overweight you need to do something about that, including leading by example. Sometimes the whole family needs to go on a diet, which is more about making permanent eating changes than short-term weight loss.
The not-so-great American diet:
By Phillip T. Alden
San Mateo Daily Journal –
Publication Date: February 5, 2007
There have been recent books and movies, as well as numerous medical studies and news shows that call attention to the epidemic of poor health caused by the American diet. A good example is Eric Schlosser's "Fast Food Nation," a modern-day version of "The Jungle," by Upton Sinclair.
Yet even with the popularity of the human experiment detailed in "Supersize Me," fast-food companies like McDonalds and Pizza Hut are making a killing.
There is an alarming rate of obesity and diabetes among American children, and some are even experiencing cardiac problems due to poor diet and lack of exercise.
A teenager with congestive heart problems. What's wrong with this picture?
The first and foremost problem is Americans are addicted to sugar to the point that our foods are loaded with it. The second is we eat too much of the wrong foods, and the third is we have a sedentary lifestyle that makes the first two problems worse.
Part of the fault lies with our government and part with our food producers, but a large part lies with us. One of the country's leading nutritionists, Professor Marion Nestle, lays out this complex problem in her recent book, "Food Politics." (Professor Nestle is not related to the food conglomerate of the same name or associated with them in any way.)
We have a government that is heavily influenced by the food producers, a system that allows unhealthy food into our schools, and a populace that is purposely kept ignorant of the true facts around American nutrition.
Of course, we don't need the government or a nutritionist to tell us that a "Big Gulp" contains more sugar than is good for us. Part of the problem is we don’t want to change. We want to eat food we know is bad for us while spending much of our day sitting in front of the computer and/or the television. We resist exercise and avoid foods that are good for us.
The problem is we are teaching these bad habits to our kids, and their young bodies pay the price. Part of the problem lies in the way we've changed our involvement in the world. When I was a kid growing up in Palo Alto I rode my bike everywhere, even up to Skyline at the top of the Santa Cruz Mountains, (because it was so much fun coming back down.) I played Frisbee and hiked with my friends, and spent most summers swimming at the local pool.
We need to educate ourselves and our kids, exercise and make sure they do the same, and put down the giant soda. We need to get unhealthy foods out of our schools, and sugar out of our diet. There's a place for sugar and it's called dessert. We need to stop letting food industry executives determine governmental diet policy and education through political appointments.
Mostly we need to take responsibility for what we put in our bodies and teach our children the same discipline. Many parents are surprised when they discover their children have dangerous sugar imbalances, and it's important to remember your child does not have to be obese to develop conditions like Hyperglycemia or Diabetes. We need to make sure our schools have daily physical education classes. If your child is overweight you need to do something about that, including leading by example. Sometimes the whole family needs to go on a diet, which is more about making permanent eating changes than short-term weight loss.
One More Opinion
Medicated Water:
By Phillip T. Alden
San Mateo Daily Journal
Today we find ourselves confronted with many ecologic threats; global warming, toxic waste, global disease pandemics like HIV/AIDS, "Mad Cow" disease, (BSE/CJD,) and the extinction of many animals that are an integral part of our ecosystem; but one of the greater ecological threats is the presence of human medications in our water supply and aquatic ecosystem.
Of all the things we depend upon for our survival on this planet, none is more essential than water. The human body is comprised mostly of this one element. Every naturalist knows the Rule of Threes; three minutes without air, three days without water, three weeks without food – and we die. Without access to clean water there's nothing in this world that will save us from extinction.
Our planet runs on a global system of recycling water. 75% of the earth is covered by water. Every single thing that lives on this planet depends upon access to fresh water to continue, and to the constant and complete recycling of all the water on Earth.
Yet we have treated our oceans like giant dumping grounds for every kind of toxic waste imaginable, from jet fuel to synthetic toxins of every conceivable variety. It's almost like a prolonged suicide, one fueled by denial of the damage we do in our rush to create a better world for ourselves and our children.
Millions of people all over the globe are grateful for the human ingenuity that allows us to create life-saving and life-enhancing medications, but when these drugs get into our water supply the pose a serious health hazard to everyone.
According to a number of recent reports, pharmaceutical and personal care products, (PPCPs,) are leaching from septic tanks and escaping intact from sewage treatment plants, and back into our drinking water. Germany has been on the forefront of PPCP monitoring and they have found the most common medications that end up back in our water supply are; anti-inflammatory and pain-killing drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, anticonvulsants, and sex hormones from oral contraceptives.
Samples from 40 German rivers and streams turned up residues of 31 different PPCPs, according to a report presented at the March 2000 American Chemical Society meeting in San Francisco, by Thomas Ternes, a chemist at the Institute for Water Research and Water Technology in Wiesbaden.
Worldwide there have been over 60 different PCPPs discovered in water systems, according to the EPA in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to the drugs mentioned above, the list is expanded to include; antineoplastics, beta-blockers, bronchodilators, lipid regulators, hypnotics, antibiotics, antiseptics, x-ray contrast agents, sunscreen agents, caffeine, and fragrances such as synthetic musks.
Some of these drugs can interfere with the reproduction and development of fish populations located downstream from water treatment plants in the U.S. One of the largest offenders in this category is estrogen, most likely from discarded birth-control pills. Some early lab results showed that exposure to human estrogen feminized male fish in these populations and disrupted the development of circulatory systems, eyes and bladders.
PCPPs have been found in the Mississippi River by college student researchers, and in every major waterway that has been tested since then. Today there is ample evidence of contamination in our oceans. These drugs could disrupt not only the cycle of animal life, (which would be catastrophic enough,) but the cycle of human life as well.
Medicated Water:
By Phillip T. Alden
San Mateo Daily Journal
Today we find ourselves confronted with many ecologic threats; global warming, toxic waste, global disease pandemics like HIV/AIDS, "Mad Cow" disease, (BSE/CJD,) and the extinction of many animals that are an integral part of our ecosystem; but one of the greater ecological threats is the presence of human medications in our water supply and aquatic ecosystem.
Of all the things we depend upon for our survival on this planet, none is more essential than water. The human body is comprised mostly of this one element. Every naturalist knows the Rule of Threes; three minutes without air, three days without water, three weeks without food – and we die. Without access to clean water there's nothing in this world that will save us from extinction.
Our planet runs on a global system of recycling water. 75% of the earth is covered by water. Every single thing that lives on this planet depends upon access to fresh water to continue, and to the constant and complete recycling of all the water on Earth.
Yet we have treated our oceans like giant dumping grounds for every kind of toxic waste imaginable, from jet fuel to synthetic toxins of every conceivable variety. It's almost like a prolonged suicide, one fueled by denial of the damage we do in our rush to create a better world for ourselves and our children.
Millions of people all over the globe are grateful for the human ingenuity that allows us to create life-saving and life-enhancing medications, but when these drugs get into our water supply the pose a serious health hazard to everyone.
According to a number of recent reports, pharmaceutical and personal care products, (PPCPs,) are leaching from septic tanks and escaping intact from sewage treatment plants, and back into our drinking water. Germany has been on the forefront of PPCP monitoring and they have found the most common medications that end up back in our water supply are; anti-inflammatory and pain-killing drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, anticonvulsants, and sex hormones from oral contraceptives.
Samples from 40 German rivers and streams turned up residues of 31 different PPCPs, according to a report presented at the March 2000 American Chemical Society meeting in San Francisco, by Thomas Ternes, a chemist at the Institute for Water Research and Water Technology in Wiesbaden.
Worldwide there have been over 60 different PCPPs discovered in water systems, according to the EPA in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to the drugs mentioned above, the list is expanded to include; antineoplastics, beta-blockers, bronchodilators, lipid regulators, hypnotics, antibiotics, antiseptics, x-ray contrast agents, sunscreen agents, caffeine, and fragrances such as synthetic musks.
Some of these drugs can interfere with the reproduction and development of fish populations located downstream from water treatment plants in the U.S. One of the largest offenders in this category is estrogen, most likely from discarded birth-control pills. Some early lab results showed that exposure to human estrogen feminized male fish in these populations and disrupted the development of circulatory systems, eyes and bladders.
PCPPs have been found in the Mississippi River by college student researchers, and in every major waterway that has been tested since then. Today there is ample evidence of contamination in our oceans. These drugs could disrupt not only the cycle of animal life, (which would be catastrophic enough,) but the cycle of human life as well.
