LEAD-TAINTED PRODUCTS - Check your pantry for these items

Are you concerned about bone health?  If you watch television you have certainly seen the ads regarding women's fragile bones; we been inundated with ads that proclaim that menopausal women (that is, women of a certain age) needs to incorporate certain drugs to build our bones. After reading the following from Jenny Thompson, I am highly skeptical that the drugs are safe at all.

HSI - Jenny Thompson [hsiresearch@healthiernews.com]

Dear Reader,

I'm infuriated. I'm beyond livid! All because of one word.

One little word.

And if you're a woman who's concerned about bone health, I think you'll be angry too.

We'll start with a recent FDA announcement about bisphosphonate drugs--better known by familiar brand names such as Fosamax, Boniva, Reclast, and Actonel.

I'm sure you're aware that this class of drugs is supposed to strengthen bones in women at risk of osteoporosis. But the fact is, these drugs are actually linked to INCREASED fracture risk.

Nevertheless, after a review of bisphosphonate studies, FDA officials announced that they could find no evidence that the drugs increase risk of fractures to the thighbone (femur) below the hip joint.

Too bad those officials couldn't make it to the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in New Orleans earlier this month. Because two different studies presented at that meeting completely contradict the FDA announcement.

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Wonderful things
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Take 112 post-menopausal women with osteoporosis. Give half of them a bisphosphonate drug. Give the other half daily calcium and vitamin D supplements. Four years later take bone scans of their thighbones. Results: On average, subjects in the drug group had increased buckling ratio compared to non-drug subjects. Higher buckling ratio equals higher risk of fracture.

That's study number one.

In the second study, bone biopsies were taken from 21 post- menopausal women who had broken their femur. Twelve of the women had taken bisphosphonates for an average of more than eight years.

Lead researcher, Dr. Joseph Lane of Weill Cornell Medical College, explained to HealthDay News that normally about 20 percent of a bone is new, about 60 percent is middle-aged, and about 20 percent is old.

In the women taking the drugs, 90 percent of the bone was old.

Dr. Lane added that when too much of the bone is old, microdamage to the bone can't be repaired. Dr. Lane: "What I think is happening is, women keep doing microdamage to the bone."

And there's the word that set me off: women.

Women keep doing microdamage to the bone. Bisphosphonates don't hurt the bone. Women hurt the bone.

Should I cut Dr. Lane some slack? After all, maybe he just carelessly misspoke. Or maybe he was even misquoted. Maybe. But two years ago, Dr. Lane led another similar study that found a very specific type of thighbone fracture that occurred in women who used Fosamax. And here was his comment to HealthDay News in 2008: "This is a great drug that does wonderful things."

Great drug. Fantastic drug! The problem with the drug, obviously, is women. If they would just not take the drug, there would be no fractures!

Speaking of women...when ABC News reported on the bisphosphonate link to femur fracture risk, scores of women went to the ABC website and shared their experiences. Here are just a few of the typical comments from bisphosphonate users:

"...developed aches in my hips, and weakness in the legs..."

"...my femur broke worst pain in the world..."

"...my mother's femur fractured..."

"...had a slight fall and my left femur shattered..."

"...my right leg just gave out and I fell..."

"...had compression fractures of the spine..."

"...fell and broke my right femur bone..."

"...fell to my knees splitting my femur..."

These painful testimonials about this "great drug" go on and on and on.

In one comment, however, a woman breaks the pattern. She notes that it's good to vent in this spontaneous ABC forum, but the next stop for all these women should be the FDA website (fda.gov). There, they can file a formal complaint that will become part of the permanent record of these drugs that are really NOT great at all. Not even close.

Women who want to protect their bones without prescription drugs can find suggestions about key nutrients necessary for optimal bone health in the e-Alert "Rags to Riches" (1/25/07).

To start receiving your own copy of the HSI e-Alert, visit:
http://clicks.hsibaltimore.com//t/AQ/AAE7uQ/AAFB3A/C4U/Ag/AlpDeg/8SHa

The following was sent to me by H. Harmon - Torrance, CA

The following was sent to me by S. Abbott - Denver, CO

Helpful H1N1 Flu Information

Tami flu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation till the virus limits itself in about 1-2 weeks (its natural cycle). H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper respiratory tract and proliferates (only) there. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and 
mouth/ throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps - not fully highlighted in most official communications - can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tami flu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or sleep).

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tami flu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.

5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc/bioflavonoid to boost absorption.

6. Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

7.  Cough or sneeze into the elbow instead of your hands.  Less likely to spread the virus this way.

All these are simple ways to prevent, within means of most households, and certainly much less painful than to wait in long queues outside public hospitals.

Asparagus

The following was sent to me by my friend Aimee S.  The information is compelling and here is the same version on Snopes.

Asparagus
 
 My Mom had been taking the full-stalk canned style asparagus that she pureed and she took 4 tablespoons in the morning and 4 tablespoons later in the day. She did this for over a month. She is on chemo pills for Stage 3 lung cancer in the pleural area and her cancer cell count went from 386 down to 125 as of this past week. Her oncologist said she does not need to see him for 3 months.
 
 THE ARTICLE: Several years ago, I had a man seeking asparagus for a friend who had cancer. He gave me a photocopied copy of an article, entitled, `Asparagus for cancer' printed in Cancer News Journal, December 1979. I will share it here, just as it was shared with me: 'I am a biochemist, and have specialized in the relation of diet to health for over 50 years. Several years ago, I learned of the discovery of Richard R.Vensal, D.D.S. that asparagus might cure cancer. Since then, I have worked with him on his project. We have accumulated a number of favorable case histories. Here are a few examples:
 
 Case No. 1, A man with an almost hopeless case of Hodgkin's disease (cancer of the lymph glands) who was completely incapacitated. Within 1 year of starting the asparagus therapy, his doctors were unable to detect any signs of cancer, and he was back on a schedule of strenuous exercise.
 
 
 Case No. 2, A successful businessman 68 years old who suffered from cancer of the bladder for 16 years. After years of medical treatments, including radiation without improvement, he went on asparagus. Within3 months, examinations revealed that his bladder tumor had disappeared and that his kidneys were normal.
 
 
 Case No. 3, A man who had lung cancer. On March 5th 1971, he was put on the operating table where they found lung cancer so widely spread that it was inoperable. The surgeon sewed him up and declared his case hopeless. On April 5th he heard about the asparagus therapy and immediately started taking it. By August, x-ray pictures revealed that all signs of the cancer had disappeared. He is back at his regular business routine.
 
 
 Case No. 4, a woman who was troubled for a number of years with skin cancer. She finally developed different skin cancers which were diagnosed by the acting specialist as advanced. Within 3 months after starting on asparagus, her skin specialist said that her skin looked fine and no more skin lesions. This woman reported that the asparagus therapy also cured her kidney disease, which started in 1949. She had over 10 operations for kidney stones, and was receiving government disability payments for an inoperable, terminal, kidney condition. She attributes the cure of this kidney trouble entirely to the asparagus..
 
 I was not surprised at this result, as `The elements of materia medica', edited in 1854 by a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and stated that asparagus was used as a popular remedy for kidney stones.. He even referred to experiments, in 1739, on the power of asparagus in dissolving stones. Note the dates!
 
We would have had other cases but the medical establishment has interfered with our obtaining some of the records. I am therefore appealing to readers to spread this good news and help us to gather a large number of case histories that will overwhelm the medical skeptics about this unbelievably simple and natural remedy.
 
For the treatment, asparagus should be cooked before using, and therefore canned asparagus is just as good as fresh. I have corresponded with the two leading canners of asparagus, Giant and Stokely, and I am satisfied that these brands contain no pesticides or preservatives.
  
Place the cooked asparagus in a blender and liquefy to make a puree, and store in the refrigerator. Give the patient 4 full tablespoons twice daily, morning and evening.
  
Patients usually show some improvement in from 2-4 weeks. It can be diluted with water and used as a cold or hot drink. This suggested dosage is Based on present experience, but certainly larger amounts can do no harm and may be needed in some cases.
 
As a biochemist I am convinced of the old saying that `what cures can prevent'. Based on this theory, my wife and I have been using asparagus puree as a beverage with our meals.
 
 We take 2 tablespoons diluted in water to suit our taste with breakfast and  with dinner. I take mine hot and my wife prefers hers cold. For years we have made it a practice to have blood surveys taken as part of our regular checkups.
 
 The last blood survey, taken by a medical doctor who specializes in the nutritional approach to health, showed substantial improvements in all categories over the last one, and we can attribute these improvements to nothing but the asparagus drink.
 
As a biochemist, I have made an extensive study of all aspects of cancer, and all of the proposed cures. As a result, I am convinced that asparagus fits in better with the latest theories about cancer.
 
Asparagus contains a good supply of protein called histones, which are believed to be active in controlling cell growth. For that reason, I believe asparagus can be said to contain a substance that I call cell growth normalizer. That accounts for its action on cancer and in acting as a general body tonic..
 
In any event, regardless of theory, asparagus used as we suggest, is a harmless substance. The FDA cannot prevent you from using it and it may do you much good. It has been reported by the US National Cancer Institute, that asparagus is the highest tested food containing glutathione, which is considered one of the body's most potent anti-carcinogens and antioxidants.

Are You a Mermaid or a Whale?

Recently, in large French city, a poster featuring a young, thin and tan woman appeared in the window of a gym. It said:

¨THIS SUMMER DO YOU WANT TO BE A MERMAID OR A WHALE?¨

A middle aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of  the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the questi on posed by the gym.

To Whom It May Concern:

Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions, curious  humans).  They have an active sex life, they get pregnant and have adorable baby whales. =2 0They have a wonderful time with dolphins ,    stuffing themselves with shrimp.  They play and swim in the seas, seeing wonderful places like Patagonia, the Bering Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia. Whales are  wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs.  They are incredible creatures and have  virtually no predators other than humans. They are  loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in=2 0the world.

Mermaids don’t exist.  If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of  Argentinean   psychoanalysts due to identity crisis.  Fish or  human?  They don’t have a sex life because they kill men who get close to  them --  not to mention ,  how could they have sex?  Therefore they do not have kids. Not to mention ,  who wants to get close to a girl who smells  like a fish store? 

The choice is perfectly clear to me; I want to be a whale.

P.S. We are in an age when media puts into our heads the idea that only  skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my  kids, a good dinner with a man who makes me shiver and a coffee with my  friends.  With time ,  we gain weight because we accumulate so much  information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room it  distributes out to the rest of our bodies.  So we aren’t heavy, we are  enormously cultured, educated and happy.  Beginning today, when I look at  my butt in the mirror I will think,   "Good gosh, look how smart I am !!"   Submitted by Candace - Edmond, OK

'Good friends are like stars.........You don't always see them, but you know they are always there' ... 'Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live for today'.

Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle
Get Money at Best Buy®

Best Buy has developed a recycling opportunity so that you can easily get rid of old computers, monitors, cell phones and more.  The program accepts most electronics, including TVs, computers and DVD players. A few caveats: Best Buy does not accept electronics containing Freon (like air conditioners and refrigerators), major appliances (e.g., microwaves), or TVs and monitors larger than 32 inches. Also, you must pay $10 to recycle a TV, CRT, monitor or laptop. In exchange, however, Best Buy gives you a free $10 gift certificate. Not so bad, right?

There's lots more info and you can read more about how to get rid of your tech cast-offs here.

A note from Cynthia:  We took several office items to Best Buy and they indeed took them without a hassle!  YAY!

Layoff, Laid off, Laid-off, Layed off, or Layed-off

It doesn’t matter how you spell it – with an “i” or a “y” using a hyphen or not –it still is a word that instantly dissolves our confidence and our financial security.  There are many links and suggestions about “how to cope with losing your job” or “how to make it through this recession or hard times”.  Surely someone, somewhere has the perfect solution.  Here’s a simple idea that might help you through hard times.  This idea won’t save the house or make a cloudy day sunny, but it is easy, fun, beneficial, and has been recommended on television shows like The Today Show and CBS in the San Francisco Bay Area.  What is this solution for the lay-off blues?  Join a market research panel!  MORE

ICE On Your Cell Phone

Paramedics will turn to a victim's cell phone for clues to that person's identity. You can make their job much easier with a simple idea that they are trying to get everyone to adopt: ICE.

ICE stands for In Case of Emergency. If you add an entry in the contacts list in your cell phone under ICE, with the name and phone number of the person that the emergency services should call on your behalf, you can save them a lot of time and have your loved ones contacted quickly. It only takes a few moments of your time to do.

Paramedics know what ICE means and they look for it immediately. ICE your cell phone NOW!  For more than one contact name  ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc.

COFFEE FILTERS

Coffee  filters ..who knew!   And you can buy 1,000 at the Dollar Tree for almost nothing. 
 
1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave.
Coffee filters make excellent covers.  
2. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.
3.  Protect China.
 Separate your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish.
4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.  
5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.
6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.  
7.  Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.
8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.
9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.
10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes.
11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter.
12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters.
13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc, on them. Soaks out all the grease.  
14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers."

Submitted by Aimee S.

I love having this e-mailbag because we receive some pretty amazing contributions.  Please feel free to share with us those items that catch your eye.

http://www.carefair.com/html/Website_Names_10_Worst_Celebrity_Plastic_Surgery_Victims_6756.html

http://www.makemeheal.com/news/top-10-best-celebrity-plastic-surgery/661

***Fun Facts***

==================================

*  A rat can last longer without water than a camel.

*  Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two

   weeks or it will digest itself.

*  The dot over the letter "i" is called a tittle.

*  A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will bounce

   up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the

   top.

*  A female ferret will die if it goes into heat and cannot   

   find a mate.

A duck's quack doesn't echo. No one knows why.

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