Piling on the Roids

When a couple suffer from the same malady it makes you concerned that there's something in the food, water or environment that affects or has affected them both. When two (2) different colonoscopies on two (2) different weeks produces the same diagnosis we get concerned. Again the instinct is more reactionary than scientific but we had to investigate. We can't recall whether it was ever known if PearlieMae suffered from the "piles" as its sometimes called by the "ole folks." We only thought we'd do the investigation our selves.

"Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins around the anus or lower rectum. They are either inside the anus or under the skin around the anus. They often result from straining to have a bowel movement. Other factors include pregnancy, aging and chronic constipation or diarrhea. Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women. About half of all people have hemorrhoids by age 50. The most common symptom of hemorrhoids inside the anus is bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. Symptoms usually go away within a few days." - MedlinePlus (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

What we found out was that the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH) suggestion for treatment was surgical and the alternative to surgery is the nature or homeopathic treatment called horse chestnut but only the prepared variety. It's not a do it yourself treatment, unless you buy the pills and take them. What concerns is is that surgery is an external solution to a largely external problem from the government. We thought made the "alternative" suggestion would be a cream like petroleum jelly or aloe vera gel to be applied directly to the inflammation.

"If you have rectal bleeding you should see a doctor. You need to make sure bleeding is not from a more serious condition such as colorectal or anal cancer. Treatment may include warm baths and a cream or other medicine. If you have large hemorrhoids, you may need surgery and other treatments." - MedlinePlus (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

We were looking for a cream applicable solution to the "roids" problem. When we found the horse chestnut under "Alternative Therapy" that's what we believed it to be. "Over-the-counter creams and suppositories may temporarily relieve the pain and itching of hemorrhoids. These treatments should only be used for a short time because long-term use can damage the skin." Which was the federal recommendation and again confuses us. Surgery can not only damage the skin but on such a sensitive area we would imagine would be really uncomfortable. Banding might not usually be painful. We just can't imagine how putting a rubber band around a painful infection would not be painful.

"If at-home treatments do not relieve symptoms, medical treatments may be needed. Outpatient treatments can be performed in a doctor’s office or a hospital. Outpatient treatments for internal hemorrhoids include the following:
* Rubber band ligation. The doctor places a special rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off circulation, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink. This procedure should be performed only by a doctor.
* Sclerotherapy. The doctor injects a chemical solution into the blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid.
* Infrared coagulation. The doctor uses heat to shrink the hemorrhoid tissue.
Large external hemorrhoids or internal hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments can be surgically removed." - National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse (Medical Treatment)

Warm baths always feel good to us as they're warm baths. Unfortunately you usually have to sit on your roids to treat them in a bathtub. We admit we can't imagine everything that is possible in the world. Its just that if we treat ourselves with a warm bath won't the drying no matter how tend we are inflame the infections? Why not pure aloe vera gel as a cool treatment for an inflamed area? The problem we believe (again without scientific substance) is a cool natural compress that won't spread the infection or cause greater inflammation. That's our speculation based on nothing more than our own experiences.

"Pycnogenol relieves symptoms of acute hemorrhoids - A study published in a recent issue of Phytotherapy Research revealed Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract, from Natural Health Sciences, has important anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic properties that may be beneficial in patients with hemorrhoids, both for acute and chronic treatment, and in preventing new attacks. The randomized, controlled study conducted by G D'Annunzio University in Italy investigated 84 patients suffering from an acute episode of external hemorrhoids, lasting 24 to 48 hours prior to inclusion in the study. The most frequently observed signs and symptoms, including hemorrhoidal bleedings, severe perineal pain and intravascular intravascular thrombus, were evaluated during the study period of two weeks." - Nutraceuticals World (Mar 1, 2010)

You might remember how we championed the idea of French pine bark extract and how it should be differentiated from the Japanese variety that failed in test showing its effectiveness in other uses and treatment. We love the idea of combining cream and pills that the "study indicates that Pycnogenol, both in oral and in topical form, is effective for controlling this common, disabling health problem. The application of Pycnogenol eases the management of acute hemorrhoidal attacks and help avoid bleedings." We thought so and we told you we thought so. The Japanese might have found that pine bark extract might not be the "be all to end all" for every disease but it sure beats, in our opinion, surgery or banding. We admit that the results were from a study of less than one hundred (100) individuals but come on - how many results do you need when the alternative is surgery or a rubber band around your infections?

Cancer's End

Don't they know it's the end of the world.... Skeeter Davis sings in one of our favorite songs of loss and heartbreak. The End of the World can also be considered a song about end of life care. The headlines about the new report from Dartmouth University looks at the records of over two hundred and thirty thousand (235,821) patient records at their end of life. When its you or your loved ones. The end of the world is the end of life. It was her end of life care of PearlieMae that resulted in the creation of this site. What PearlieMae didn't want was to die in a nursing home or a hospital unfortunately that fear was realized to our great regret.

"Most patients with serious illness prefer to be at home at the end of life, in familiar settings and close to family. However, across the United States, about 29% of cancer patients who died during the period from 2003 to 2007 did so in a hospital." - The Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care (Percent of Patients Dying in Hospital)

PearlieMae was like most patients. Unfortunately where she lived determined where she'd die. We knew this but she succumbed to her cancer before relocating to the region's least likely areas (Asheville, NC area). The Carolinas are also the areas most know for producing tobacco long considered responsible for cancer. The region's most likely areas (Columbia, SC area) to succumb to the disease in a hospital. The metropolitan area is often considered the "tri-state." However for the purposes of the Dartmouth data the District of Columbia is composed of a different "tri-state." For the purposes of this study, rather than as it's residents, DC's data is drawn from Annapolis to West Virginia but excludes Virginia.

"The use of health care resources in the United States is highly localized. Most Americans use the services of physicians whose practices are nearby. Physicians, in turn, are usually affiliated with hospitals that are near their practices. As a result, when patients are admitted to hospitals, the admission generally takes place within a relatively short distance of where the patient lives. This is true across the United States. Although the distances from homes to hospitals vary with geography – people who live in rural areas travel farther than those who live in cities – in general most patients are admitted to a hospital close to where they live that provides an appropriate level of care. Data for all Dartmouth Atlas regional data reflect the experience of Medicare patients living in the region, regardless of where the care was actually delivered." - The Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care (Data By Region)

PearlieMae's older sister, Alice, did live and use the services of a physician nearby her in North Carolina. Alice was able with family and community support to receive care at her home where she was able to succumb to her non-cancerous illness. The concern with cancer is the use of sufficient pain relieving medications. In this time and in this current atmosphere of drug abuse the concern for receiving medications that can and often are abused is more of a concern than insuring that patients have enough to "succumb" comfortably in their home. That's more speculation than the results of the research from the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care.

Pneumonia Prevention

Stay warm, keep your head and feet covered, to stay healthy. That's the advice from our newest contributing writer. That's the way to stay healthy and avoid getting ill from pneumonia. Not that the research agrees with that assessment. However just as there are studies, three (3) on the issue of cold catching illnesses. Only the oldest Army study says that heat is released mostly through your head hands or feet. The biggest current stories on the disease are concerning Montana sheep, catching a virus from a monkey (in 2009) and Zyvox (Linezolid) from Pfizer to treat pneumonia.

"FWP will let Pneumonia Run its Course in Anaconda Bighorns - Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) reports that the pneumonia outbreak it confirmed in Anaconda area bighorn sheep on August 19th has spread beyond management control, and wildlife officials say they will let the disease run its course. FWP killed sick sheep this fall in an attempt to eradicate the infection before it spread to healthy sheep.  But, officials decided last week to cease further culling efforts after evidence mounted that the pneumonia was already widespread." - Montana's Office State Website (News Article)

That's not the only animal story concerning a virus. Though it isn't in our region and is on the other side the country. It's an old story in that the incident occurred in 2009 and there was only one person affected and only one animal involved and none other. The incident is interesting in that the impossible appears to have become possible. Illness have either passed from animals to humans. Though even those at the University of California at Davis doubt the finding. Who are we to argue.

"New virus caused 2009 outbreak at California National Primate Research Center - This would be the first time an adenovirus had been shown to jump species, (UC San Francisco virologist Charles) Chiu said. His findings have not been published in a peer-reviewed journal. An adenovirus is a type of virus that commonly causes respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. The employee had experienced a flulike illness around the same time that the monkeys fell ill. The employee recovered uneventfully without medical treatment. No other employees who worked with the Titi colony were found to have developed antibodies showing that they had been exposed to the virus. Nor did any monkeys outside the colony." - University of California, Davis (News and Information)

What are the federally sanctioned ways to preventing pneumonia? There are medications that can be taken but even that information is disputed by professionals in the field. That the research is disputed without the research to support their conclusions means to us that they have to be ignored. Our concerns to to keep people alive and well and if the suggestions or disputes do not advance that reality its not of much use. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) how do you prevent pneumonia?

"Pneumonia Can Be Prevented – Vaccines Can Help - Reduce Your Risk - Pneumonia can be prevented with vaccines. Following good hygiene practices can also help prevent respiratory infections. This includes washing your hands regularly, cleaning hard surfaces that are touched often (like doorknobs and countertops), and coughing or sneezing into a tissue or into your elbow or sleeve. You can also reduce your risk of getting pneumonia by limiting exposure to cigarette smoke and treating and preventing conditions like diabetes and HIV/AIDS." - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Current Features) 

PearlieMae died from a respiratory failure as a result of complications to her cancer. She was in an institution before being revived to succumb within the nearby hospital. When you're in an institution its difficult too not follow good hygiene practices. It's certainly important for the institution's personnel to practice good hygiene. Indeed it is critical and a matter of life and death. For prevention within an institution we found this information from local John Hopkins University Hospital (JHUH) for the prevention of infection. What we didn't expect to find as a preventive measure against pneumonia was the suggestion of the simple act of coughing and breathing deeply. 

"Incentive Spirometry: You will be expected to do some very simple breathing exercises to help prevent respiratory infections by using an incentive spirometry device (these exercises will be explained to you during your hospital stay). Coughing and deep breathing is an important part of your recuperation and helps prevent pneumonia and other pulmonary complications. " - Johns Hopkins University (WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY)

We do remember the urban legend email that you'll see every now and then claiming that coughing can prevent a heart attack. Fortunately almost every debunking website has discredited the claim and though we haven't searched for the actual research or study to disprove the claim we do know that the information isn't "endorsed by Rochester General Hospital and Mended Hearts" as the message claims. 

"This coughing technique to maintain blood flow during brief arrhythmias has been useful in the hospital, particularly during cardiac catheterization. In such cases the patient's ECG is monitored continuously, and a physician is present." American Heart Association (Cough CPR)

John Hopkins is also our source for research on the issue of vaccination to prevent pneumonia. Which while presenting the information and research on the effectiveness of vaccination isn't the source that physicians tend to quote. While the myth is that the vaccines are more effective, often doubling the effectiveness percentages even among their own physicians. Even on their very own website. What's true today isn't necessarily true tomorrow. Taking that into consideration we'll allow that what was thought to be true then isn't statistically true today.

"PREVENTABLE PNEUMONIA - One vaccine, developed 20 years ago, is ninety per cent effective against these afflictions. Yet for some reason only about 30 per cent of people who ought to get the pneumococcal vaccine actually do. Johns Hopkins professor of International Health Dr. Mark Steinhoff says it could be because people assume antibiotics will clear up any health problems, especially pneumonia. But that's a mistake." - The Johns Hopkins University InteliHealth (Health Newsfeed # 941)

The most current research from a different wing of the largely same institution has found that the most recent studies are substantially different. Again we think that the sites differ only because the information that might have been considered true at the time the information was release was true at the time of publication. So while the information from the same institution differs in content and contradicts the earlier info we attribute it to time and more research.

"Pneumococcal Vaccine: Vaccinate! Revaccinate?? - It should be noted that vaccination does NOT reduce pneumonia.  A meta-analyses shows no decrease in pneumonia incidence as a result of vaccination, however it has been shown to be about 60-70% effective in preventing invasive disease (meningitis, bacteremia).  Only one study by Riley et al (Lancet. 1977 Jun 25;1(8026):1338-41) has demonstrated decreased mortality (by 44%).  Other studies to date have not been powered to do so or have not shown a statistically significant difference.  There are 40-50,000 cases of bacteremia plus 3-6,000 cases of meningitis.  Maybe half of these would be vaccine preventable." - Johns Hopkins Medicine (Pneumococcal Vaccination)

Internally we found that the John Hopkins staff was given this set of instructions which we also believe is probably outdated mostly replaced by mroe recent memos. If not one of the problems with a research institution is that the facts that always replace the procedures:

"Preventing Infections - To prevent pneumonia, carefully follow instructions about breathing treatments." - John Hopkins Medicine (National Patient Safety Foundation 2003)

While research sponsored by the Pfizer corporation found that the medication Crestor is more effective than previous thought. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the corporation a "new indication" based on the February research from the Justification for the Use of statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluation Rosuvastatin (JUPITER) trial. What the February research and FDA gave to one (1) drug a new study taketh away from another.

"Popular antibiotic may not be best for pneumonia - The study was recently published in the Critical Care Medicine Journal. Dr. Andre Kalil, an infectious disease specialist at UNMC, found that the antibiotic linezolid is not superior to two other common antibiotics used to treat patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia. Pfizer manufactures the drug. Dr. Mark Kunkel, an executive director in a unit for the company, said other recent international research shows that the drug is superior to its counterparts. People get hospital-acquired pneumonia, or nosocomial pneumonia, from prolonged hospitalization and more resistant germs, Kalil said." The North Platte Telegraph (State News)

So if you're in the hospital recovering you might want to keep warm wearing a hat, gloves, warm socks, cough and breath deeply to prevent pneumonia. Remember our newest contributor and suggestions from John Hopkins University. It's good to know what doesn't work and what does work. It helps to know that there are drug that we can take to give us more protection but not unfortunately full protection.

"Excess heat loss in the hatless - As temperatures drop, hats and caps flourish. Even the US Army Field manual for survival recommends covering your head in cold weather because “40 to 45 percent of body heat” is lost through the head. If this were true, humans would be just as cold if they went without trousers as if they went without a hat. But patently this is just not the case." British Medical Journal (December 2008)

Though the information was mostly published in the British Medical Journal the research and information is from American institutions. The facts are from the seasonal myth busters of science. Disproving other seasonal misstatements of science that are more like medical myths than actual facts. Even if there are researchers that challenge the study not on their techniques so much as their conclusions. We suggest a study to study the study. Until there is research to contradict their conclusions we'll take the Indiana University School of Medicine professors words just like we accepted the US Army Field manual information until now.

If you want and need a prescription to address your pneumonia concerns then Pfizer is here for you thanks to researchers at the University of Virginia (UVA). The study was first revealed in September 2008 concerning the effectiveness of the medication. While any medication, indeed any treatment can have side effects, the purpose of the drug is to prevent an infection that could lead to death. If we or our loved ones can survive the side effects, no matter how uncomfortable, it beats the alternative.

"Study Shows Higher Rates of Success for Zyvox Versus Vancomycin in MRSA Nosocomial Pneumonia - Investigators from 156 centers worldwide randomized 1,225 patients, of whom 448 patients had  proven MRSA nosocomial pneumonia (modified intent-to-treat group); 339 patients also met key protocol criteria at the end of study (per-protocol group) and were included in the primary analysis." Infection Control Today (Oct 26, 2010)

So you can take the drug or follow the dictates of our federal government. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers their prevention tips to survive the cold weather season. We support any and all ideas to help us survive until tomorrow. We're also willing to do anything other than exercise more and lose weight. Stop smoking, we don't smoke so sure we're all for it. So what does our FDA suggest we do to get ready:

"Get Set for Winter Illness Season - Certain people are more at risk for developing complications from flu; they should be immunized as soon as vaccine is available. These groups include:

• people 65 and older
• residents of nursing homes or other places that house people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and heart disease
• adults and children with heart or lung disorders, including asthma
• adults and children who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes), kidney dysfunction, a weakened immune system, or disorders caused by abnormalities of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen)" - FDA (Prevention Tips)

We're concerned that there is something about "certain people" who are "more at risk." Why and what is it about these people that makes them "more at risk?" We know that pneumonia is much like cancer not a single one of a kind infection. What causes it isn't. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health (NIH) the solution to prevention for the elderly and those "more at risk" is vaccines. According to the University of Virginia the best vaccine if you're hospitalized or in an institution is Pfizer's Zyvox.

"University of Virginia Study Reveals Promising Method for Reducing MRSA Infections in Hospital Intensive Care Units - In a study published in the September 3, 2008 issue of Surgical Infections, UVA researchers report that switching between two antibiotics, linezolid and vancomycin, every three (3) months in the surgical ICU decreased the MRSA infection rate from 1.9 to 1.4 patients per 100 admissions. In-hospital mortality from surgical ICU-acquired MRSA infections fell from 3.8 patients per year to none." - University of Virginia Health System (Medical News)

That's been true since 2008 and to date is the best hope for surviving pneumonia. It's certainly better than it to have been a sheep with pneumonia under the previous care of the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) before they decided to "cease further culling efforts." Better to suffer and survive than to be "culled." However the infection is spread complete protection is still years away. This is a constantly changing world and researchers are constantly making and releasing new information each day and when they do we'll bring the information to you. Because staying alive and keeping you alive is our reason for every season.

Man Cancer - COMMENTARY

We've done cancer stories especially this month. We've done stories on how PearlieMae allowed her cancer to so advance that it spread to her bones and back. What we haven't done stories on is the unusual cancer conditions. We haven't because there isn't a real concern for their affect. That are many types of the disease and for PearlieMae the big "C" was considered the deadliest of the deadly. PearlieMae considered cancer the disease of death. Once you were so pronounced it was just a matter of time and nothing could dissuade her from that. While hospitalized it was discovered that her cancer was treatable, while she would not be healed her condition could have been arrested. For her mentally and emotionally it was too late. And it was.

Now comes this CBS story that isn't inconsistent with our speculation and suggestions that cancers are a result of several factors, in our opinion, most predominantly location and diet. A man whose wife succumbs to breast cancer develops breast cancer. If we believe that there are methods we all can and should use to prevent and retard the development and spread of the disease. Which we do believe. Then we also believe that cancer can spread in families more so than as PearlieMae believed that you'd get if you go for treatment. That doctors don't know how to cure you so that say you have cancer so they can get you to die.

Information should breed assurance and not fear, in our opinion. Man cancer is not something as men we should be afraid, not something that we should be very very afraid. We don't wish to down play either the disease or the condition. Indeed we believe that in the current condition with the lack of health care and the reluctance within the African-American community to seek immediate care the future looks bleak. Not because of the reluctance which with education and health care can be eroded or reverse. We think a more progressive and beneficial approach, though wholly optimistic, would be a change toward prevention than treatment. The future of treatment is overwhelming expensive.

We came to this story with the news that not all hospitals in our jurisdiction provided an expensive IV treatment for strokes. The research determined that while effective the treatment is only useful in a small (less than 10%) of the affected population. To even be effective with that subset individuals have to be treated quickly which for the African-American and Hispanic population is not their behavior. Rather than having hospital invest in more expensive treatment that is less likely to substantially reduce the number stroke deaths. That's our goal to reduce deaths and encourage treatment.

In our research for the success of expensive IV treatment we discovered how Vitamin D was more effective in the prevention in what the federal government would consider mega-doses. When we say more effective we mean that the population would be larger than without the side effects than in the subset of the more expensive treatment. We will list, in the future, which hospitals are prepared with the more expensive IV treatment for the smart and quick to receive treatment individually. We encourage everyone to become part of that population. PearlieMae was blessed enough to have friends who rushed her to the emergency room when she was not so inclined.

Even more frightening is the public service announcement (PSA) created, we assume, by the US government showing a family moving into a new home and the Realtor telling the father figure that he won't be around to enjoy the new home with the family. The PSA ends with the tag to go the website http://ahrg.gov to to find the test that men should have and the father didn't have. Talk about fear tactics - late at night it'll scare you to death - just in time for Halloween. See it with the lights on!

We did and went to the "Get Preventive Tests" page and other than a BMI, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure and a full battery of cancer tests that you and your doctor should discuss there are no "secret" or special tests that you need as implied by the ad. So if you see it and couldn't find it we just thought we'd let you know!

Green Tea Isn't Useless

The study said inconclusive and when compared to one (1) cup or ten (10) there did not appear to be a difference in the number of cases of breast cancer among Japanese women. Our question is that there are items in tea green or otherwise that has been shown in studies to be useful in the fight against cancer. Our question to the researchers is when has green tea been considered the only tool you'd need in the fight against breast cancer?

"Green tea drinking and subsequent risk of breast cancer in a population to based cohort of Japanese women - Although many in-vitro and animal studies have demonstrated a protective effect of green tea against breast cancer, findings from epidemiological studies have been inconsistent, and whether high green tea intake reduces the risk of breast cancer remains unclear. ...In this population-based prospective cohort study in Japan we found no association between green tea drinking and risk of breast cancer." Breast Cancer Research (October 28, 2010)

Essentially this study reflects the data found in the smaller 2009 study presented at the Experimental Biology 2008 conference in San Diego California. Since we don't have access to the full details of the research we're speculating based on the introduction and conclusion presented. What would make the information from the research more persuasive would be if attention was made and presented that disproved the results of the 2008 study.

"Effects of a Green Tea Intervention on Anthropometrics, Intake, and Glucose Levels in Breast Cancer Survivors ...results suggest that daily intake of 4 cups green tea did not significantly change anthropometrics or glucose in overweight breast cancer survivors, although these markers did move in a favorable direction. Future studies should include higher EGCG exposure and a larger sample size of breast cancer survivors who demonstrate insulin resistance at the time of study entry." Experimental Biology 2008 (April 2008)

While the 2008 researchers focused on a specific type of survivors (overweight). They also used half as much tea than the current study which ignored the leading indicators of the specific that might have impacted on those who might wish to survive breast cancer and focused on all women. The current research ignored the disease and focused specifically on all the women and not those impacted. We should be happy because our focus has been on ways to prevent cancer. Protecting PearlieMae from the ravages of the disease to which she succumbed.

The antioxidant found in green tea EGCG worked in female mice but not in female women has been found to be effective. Again we only have the abstract to go on then and now. At the same Experimental Biology conference evidence was presented to that conclusion.

"Oral Administration of EGCG, an Antioxidant Found in Green Tea, Inhibits Tumor Angiogenesis and Growth of Breast Cancer in Female Mice ...(mouse breast cancer) cells were injected in 4th mammary gland of the mice. Tumor size was monitored by measuring tumor cross section area (TCSA)." - Experimental Biology 2008 (April 2008)

This wasn't a case where mice were just observed and some were given EGCG and some were not. These mice were cancer infected and then treated with the EGCG and were compared to those not so lucky. Rather than focusing on the actual working part of the green tea the research focused on the tea itself. For us that's the flaw in the study. Not that we're always consistent in our support for the chemical over the naturals. Except in this case we have to go with the chemical.

"Green Tea and Its Catechins Inhibit Breast Cancer Xenografts - A major shortcoming of the vast majority of the antiangiogenic drugs is the fact that they require intravenous or subcutaneous administration. This is particularly problematic, since antiangiogenic drugs need to be given on a long-term basis to control cancer growth. Furthermore, many of these agents are complex peptides that are difficult and expensive to produce in the quantities and purities required for human use. Thus an antiangiogenic drug that can be administered orally and inexpensively, such as green tea, would be clinically very useful." - Nutrition and Cancer (November 2009)

The Nutrition and Cancer research conclusion is why we support tea in the prevention of cancer. We're not big supporters of green tea but EGCG and possibility of either treating or preventing cancer. The future is still not predetermined by the very large study results (53,793 women during 13.6 years) over such a large period. We believe in the possibility in spite of the results. We're hanging our hopes on this statement in their conclusion: "We also found no association of oolong tea, black tea, coffee and canned coffee intake with breast cancer risk."

It's weak we know - about like a cup of green tea. It's still something to hang our hopes upon. We found the full study results in the PDF. "Although we found no association, we cannot deny the possibility that changes in green tea intake during the follow-up period influenced the findings, particularly considering that the questionnaires used in the baseline and five-year follow-up surveys were different." See were not totally delusional. There are flaws in the study and we're going to exploit them.

Aspirin Prevents Bowel Cancer

We've always supported the use of aspirin and we've also spoken on how scientific research can be misused to mislead and aspirin was our example. Aspirin has been found to be successful for reducing heart damage or high blood pressure but not heart attacks, and now cancer of the colon. Aspirin has not been found effect in stopping stab wounds or automobile accidents. It's not meant to. Research into such things would not be useful except to disparage or discourage aspirin use. It's affordable, available and well tested.

"Aspirin taken for several years at doses of at least 75 mg daily reduced long-term incidence and mortality due to colorectal cancer. Benefit was greatest for cancers of the proximal colon, which are not otherwise prevented effectively by screening with sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy." - The LANCET (Interpretation)

We also spoken on the amount used. In the recently release study more aspirin has been more effective. In the past we talked about governments recommend use levels but also the effects and concerns of toxicity in exceeding recommended amounts. Indeed in the studies the researchers spoke on this very issue of the twenty (20) year over fourteen thousand (14,032) Brits, Dutch, and Sweds participants:

"High-dose aspirin (≥500 mg daily) reduces long-term incidence of colorectal cancer, but adverse effects might limit its potential for long-term prevention. The long-term effectiveness of lower doses (75—300 mg daily) is unknown. We assessed the effects of aspirin on incidence and mortality due to colorectal cancer in relation to dose, duration of treatment, and site of tumour." - The LANCET (Background)

We know its more of a review of one specific study on the power of the aspirin. Aspirin works and if you're concerned about colorectal cancer you might want to add it to your medical regime if you FIRST discuss your intention with your primary care physician. According to the current research in the British Journal THE LANCET. So we do mention the publication in some of our stories but there is a caveat. Well there is now. The World Health Organization (WHO) finds some flaws with the publication:

"WHO disputes Lancet's report on number of malaria deaths in India - The World Health Organization has disputed the findings of a study on malaria that claimed the number of Indians dying from the mosquito-borne disease each year 13 times higher than the United Nations health agency's estimate. The study was published in the British medical journal Lancet. The research claimed that malaria causes 200,000 deaths in India every year. However, the WHO estimates that 15,000 malarial deaths take place each year in India." - OneIndia (ANI)

We don't often quote OneIndia either. We do so to say that the review of the review shouldn't be considered the final word on the subject. Neither we nor the Lancet are the final words on the matter. Aspirin - GOOD. Bowel cancer - BAD. The final word on the subject may come from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREEE) international study.

"This research study is the largest international trial ever funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), and is being conducted in partnership with over 21 clinics and universities across the United States." - ASPREE (English Brochure)

While the study won't really affect or apply to us (God willing and the creek don't rise) if we live to a ripe old age the results might be useful to us. Prior research has already demonstrated the success of aspirin and taking a low dose a day has shown to be more useful than not. What the study doesn't do that we have concerns with is that it doesn't appear to be focusing on interactions among the elderly. We know of no cases where seniors are NOT on multiple medications. Nor do we support giving any senior a placebo for five (5) years when aspirin has proven to be so effective.

"Women's Health Study Researchers Publish Landmark Findings - Nancy Cook, ScD served as the lead investigator on the low-dose aspirin and cancer analyses, and I-Min Lee, MBBS, ScD was the lead investigator of the vitamin E and cardiovascular and cancer analyses. “As a result of our findings, we do not suggest doctors recommend low-dose aspirin therapy for primary prevention of cancer,” Cook said. WHS analyses could not rule out benefits of higher doses of aspirin, and Cook and her colleagues recommend additional study. Lee's analyses debunked a common misconception that vitamin E helps prevent cardiovascular disease or cancer in healthy women. “At present, a healthy lifestyle and regular screening for cardiovascular health and cancer are a woman's best choices for disease prevention,” she said. The study, however, did show that vitamin E reduced cardiovascular mortality rates, a finding that is not consistent with data from other studies prompting WHS researchers to recommend additional exploration." - BWH Bulletin (July 15, 2005)

The study contradicts the American research from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) in Boston. The twelve (12) year forty-thousand (40,000) women study. Except it doesn't. The BWH Women's Health Study (WHS) concerns low dose aspirin and "breast, colorectal and other site-specific cancers." The results from that study which included the use of Vitamin E and cancer. It's the contradictions in the findings that makes the study so interesting. Vitamin E doesn't work says the researchers.

"Lee's analyses debunked a common misconception that vitamin E helps prevent cardiovascular disease or cancer in healthy women. “At present, a healthy lifestyle and regular screening for cardiovascular health and cancer are a woman's best choices for disease prevention,” she said. The study, however, did show that vitamin E reduced cardiovascular mortality rates, a finding that is not consistent with data from other studies prompting WHS researchers to recommend additional exploration." - BWH Bulletin (July 15, 2005)

I-Min Lee is, in our humble opinion, wrong. The research says the researchers are wrong. Rather, the research indicates that its not completely correct in their assessment. While vitamin E and aspirin do NOT prevent cancer or disease. Yet, if we take aspirin and vitamin E we won't be among those numbers of the dead and dying that do not. Research shows that as well.

Soy Safe Breasts

We disagree with the American Heart Association's (AHA) conclusions on soy. It's not that they're wrong or that their statements are incorrect. The AHA conclusions are misleading. Our newest associate editor accused us of trying to kill him because we fed him vegetables. He claims he's allergic to vegetables, jokingly. The American Heart Association (AHA) will later conclude that soy is not bad for you. We think that's not strong enough in support of soy.

"AHA Comments to FDA on Soy Protein and Coronary Heart Disease Health Claim - at this time the totality of evidence linking soy protein consumption with reduced risk of coronary heart disease is not sufficient to meet the standards of significant scientific agreement (SSA). Thus, AHA strongly recommends that FDA revoke the soy protein and CHD health claim. We understand that if the FDA decides to revoke this SSA health claim, the Agency could consider allowing its use as a qualified health claim. We urge FDA not to do so. Consumer research conducted by AHA, FDA, and others has repeatedly shown that despite the presence of qualifying language, consumers do not understand qualified health claims and do not understand that they are based on limited and varying degrees of evidence. Therefore, AHA does not support the use of qualified health claims; only health claims meeting the SSA standard should be permitted." - American Heart Association (May 1, 2008)

Headlines don't help and the news reports you read or view don't have the time to accurately explain the research results. The American Heart Association (AHA) is accurate saying that soy protein doesn't prevent cancer. Neither does beef or pork prevent cancer or heart disease. If you have to eat a soy burger, hamburger or pork chop you'll be better off eating the soy than any of the alternatives. While soy protein might not be heart healthy processed soy is better than processed meat as an alternative. It might not make you live forever it would be better if you ate tofu, cooked soy beans with your unprocessed soy milk that you made yourself. That's more likely to keep you alive than any of the processed alternatives.

"Effect of soy isoflavones on breast cancer recurrence and death for patients receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy - Of the original 524 patients, we were able to contact 508 directly for follow-up in July 2008. Among the 16 patients who could not be contacted directly, the mortality registry revealed 10 deaths. For six patients there was no match in the registry, and we assumed that they were still living. The total number of deaths was 154, and 132 of these were due to breast cancer. The other causes of death were cardiovascular disease (12 patients), respiratory disease (5), other cancers (2) and other causes (3)." - Canadian Medical Association Journal (October 18, 2010)

How can soy be good for you two (2) years ago but good for you now? The answer is in the processing of food as compared to unprocessed food. Soy protein is processed soy isoflavones is unprocessed and actually part of the waste product from processing soy. It's like comparing apples to cinnamon sweeten applesauce. It's not all soy and soy is better and healthier for you than any meat alternatives. Soy is as a vegetables the lowest in fats. Meats can't compete.

"In this study, high dietary intake of soy isoflavones was associated with reduced risk of recurrence of disease among postmenopausal patients with estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive breast cancer and those who were receiving anastrozole as endocrine therapy. This finding is potentially important in terms of recommendations for intake of soy isoflavones in conjunction with endocrine therapy. Large multicentre clinical trials and other observational epidemiologic studies are needed to confirm these findings." - Canadian Medical Association Journal (October 18, 2010)

While the American Heart Association (AHA) may not be convinced we think there is more than ample evidence that soy is heart smart and healthy. While this might not apply to all soy processed products we maintain that the research is clear and getting clearer all the time. There were earlier stories that indicated the contrary but again those stories results often contradicted the studies. For instance the evidence might not have made soy the superfood that on its own was miraculous. We think soy in combination with the basics recommendations of the AHA was more healthful than previously thought.

"Dietary Soy and Increased Risk of Bladder Cancer, the Singapore Chinese Health Study - We caution that our novel finding of a positive association between soy and bladder cancer risk is based on a relatively short period of follow-up and a modest number of cancer cases. If this provocative observation is confirmed by others, laboratory studies to delineate possible mechanisms will be needed. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention (December 2002)

There are other items in nature and health that if you don't want to be bothered with soy have been scientifically effective. We're convinced of the effectiveness of soy but can understand if you aren't convinced. You don't need to take our word or the word of the above mentioned organizations and institutions. Just because an institution isn't based in the United States of America doesn't mean their facts or rather research should be ignored. Often the off-shore universities work in cooperation and collusion with US institutions of higher learning to share methods and methodologies.

Bitter Melon Extract Attacks Breast Cancer Cells - Early Research Points to Promising Area of Research - The extract from a vegetable that is common in India and China shows promise in triggering a chain of events that kills breast cancer cells and prevents them from multiplying, a Saint Louis University researcher has found. Ratna Ray, Ph.D., professor in the department of pathology at Saint Louis University and lead researcher, said she was surprised that the extract from the bitter melon she cooks in stir fries inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells. "To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the effect of bitter melon extract on cancer cells," Ray said. "Our result was encouraging. We have shown that bitter melon extract significantly induced death in breast cancer cells and decreased their growth and spread." - Saint Louis University (February 23, 2010)

One of the weaknesses in much of the research is in the reporting to researchers. The individuals reported their behavior to researchers. While this might be significant in a small study history has shown the success of soy in both animals and human trials. While much of the research has centered on breast cancer research specifically in girls and women soy has other benefits as well. You might not trust soy be we're soy believers. We think that more unprocessed soy is digested the more effective its health benefits would be felt on the human body.

"A New Frontier in Soy Bioactive Peptides that May Prevent Age-related Chronic Diseases - Soybean proteins can be a source of bioactive peptides with diverse and unique health benefits that can be used in the prevention of age-related chronic disorders such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, and decreased immune function. Bioactive peptides are released from proteins by either food processing or by GI digestion. Indirect evidence also suggests that these peptides can be absorbed by the GI system thus exerting their action on specific target organs. Other peptides do not need to be absorbed and act at the intestinal level. However, understanding whether digestion of food proteins in vivo releases the same peptide fragments as the ones in vitro experiments is an important question. Also, the effective plasma levels of bioactive peptides are unknown and need to be determined. In comparison with milk, research on bioactive peptides from soybean is far from complete." - Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety (November 20, 2006)

If we didn't convince you - you just might want to try soy and we looked for the specifics in the research that we might personally duplicate for better health. Well try anything as long as its not exercise. We're not allergic to exercise we just remember the quote from Mark Twain. "Whenever we feel the urge to exercise we lie down until it goes away." Since that kind of thinking can lead to an early death we look for foods we can consume to keep death at bay. We look to soy and all the soy research that leads us to that conclusion.

"Soy Peptide Lunasin Has Anti-Cancer, Anti-Inflammatory Properties - "We confirmed lunasin's bioavailability in the human body by doing a third study in which men consumed 50 grams of soy protein--one soy milk shake and a serving of soy chili daily--for five days. Significant levels of the peptide in the participants' blood give us confidence that lunasin-rich soy foods can be important in providing these health benefits," said Elvira de Mejia, a U of I professor of food science and human nutrition." - University of Illinois and the Champaign-Urbana (December 2, 2009)

Our focus because of PearlieMae has been breast cancer. Soy's benefits aren't new neither are results that say its so. We wish that more of the bigger more familiar institutions of higher learning we more in the research of soy. We will admit that many of the smaller, meaning less trust worthy institutions are sources for much of the information. We don't admit that their research is any less trust worthy only that when you think of the Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico you don't immediately think of as scientific worthy of award and acclaim.

"Children’s Hospital Oakland Scientists Discover Soy Component May be Key to Fighting Colon Cancer - Soy has long been touted as protective against colon cancer, but Dr. Saba’s team made the groundbreaking discovery that SDs naturally found in soy may underlie the benefits of soy products. Dr. Saba and her team first identified SDs in the fruit fly, an organism that is sometimes used to study the genetics of human diseases. Further investigation indicated that elevated SDs actually induced the death of mutant cells in the fly, revealing SDs to be cytotoxic compounds (toxic to cells). Preventative colon cancer strategies often focus on cell death—a normal process the body uses to remove unhealthy or mutant cells, like cancer cells. Coupling this discovery with the finding that soy is a rich source of SDs, researchers made an innovative connection." - Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland (November 24,2009)

We aren't fruit flies and again this is the only study on soy and cancer. We still think its better to eat your way to health than sweat your way to health. We don't deny the benefits from exercise. We're just reminded of the TV commercials for the Biggest Loser and the woman contestant who said that her workout "was harder than giving birth." TV trainers who proclaim: "You thought the other person was hard you ain't seen nothing yet." We imagine passing out from the sweat and strain of working out. That's before we even begin to exercise.

"Diet Can Provide Protection against Development of Certain Cancers, New Studies Show - With cancer, researchers don't believe "you are what you eat" -- that disease is always a direct result of what is, or what isn't, on your dinner plate. But studies into the association between diet and cancer show that food can have an impact in preventing cancer, or in reducing the aggressiveness of the disease. At the American Association for Cancer Research's Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research meeting, investigators have found that eating fish regularly as an adult, or soy as a young girl, or using a specific vitamin if you are a smoker, can help to protect against development of certain cancers. Another study found that blood cholesterol, some of which comes from eating animal fats, doesn't control whether a man develops prostate cancer, but lower levels of these lipids may help protect against aggressive forms of the disease. The researchers say these studies provide some of the strongest links found to date between diet and cancer."  - American Association for Cancer Research (November 14, 2006)

The implication from this earlier research are clear. While later conclusions are that you can't eat your way to good health it appears from earlier research is that to survive the leading indicators of death requires a proper diet as well as exercise. We tend to place our focus on food rather than work. We'd rather add soy and "gold pepper" to our diet with the proper supplements to intensify the effectiveness of all than to grunt and strain under the watchful eye of a scowling trainer. However it is better to workout with a buddy than alone. We support that as well. Soy and a buddy for better breast health.

Vitamin D Prevents

Back in the "gold pepper" story we suggested, based on our experiences, that we all use Vitamin D in combination to make the effects more efficient. Today we found what we thought was the story concerning the effectiveness of Vitamin D in the prevention of breast cancer. The story wasn't from a well-known or respected news source, though we thought it was. We found the story but the research seemed to say something different and we got so excited we didn't know what to do:

"Serum Vitamin D and Cancer Mortality in the NHANES III Study (1988-2006) - Vitamin D has been hypothesized to protect against cancer. We followed 16,819 participants in NHANES III from 1988 through 2006, expanding upon an earlier NHANES III study (1988-2000). Using Cox proportional hazard regression models, we examined risk related to baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) for total cancer mortality, in both sexes, and by racial/ethnic groups, as well as for site-specific cancers. Because serum was collected in the south in cooler months and the north in warmer months, we examined associations by collection season ("summer/higher latitude" and "winter/lower latitude"). We identified 884 cancer deaths during 225,212 person-years." - Cancer Research (OnlineFirst)

That's all we can afford, the free abstract, so we don't know the best part that works, for instance, how much worked or needed. The information that we would need to speculate might be in the parts of the research to which we didn't have access. We don't need to access the full research and we will admit that we sometimes miss crucial information that won't be found in the abstract. Which is why we often go to the source institution to find their plain English press releases on their research that often isn't in either the headlines or the story.

“Vitamin D Status Is Not Associated With Risk for Less Common Cancers - We did not see lower cancer risk in persons with high vitamin D blood concentrations compared to normal concentrations for any of these cancers,” said Demetrius Albanes, M.D., NCI, one of the study investigators. “And, at the other end of the vitamin D spectrum, we did not see higher cancer risk for participants with low levels.” - National Cancer Institute (News)

Its hard to ignore a thirty-three (33) year study even if it is from a US government agency. We don't generally question the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the US National Institutes of Health. We don't also take their word at face value. We question. We doubt. We check and we verify. Consider it checked, doubted and verified.

"Researchers and clinicians have looked to the possibility that vitamin D might be used for cancer prevention. Some evidence indicates that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer, though the evidence is inconsistent. Through the Vitamin D Pooling Project, researchers had access to a geographically and demographically diverse group of men and women, including participants from the United States, Finland, and China." - National Cancer Institute (News)

That's the doubting part that we talked about. The US found one results and the Chinese found another with a more diverse albeit smaller group. We think the difference is in the amount of Vitamin D used to achieve a different result than in America. We aren't scientists and we didn't have access to the full US results but we speculate that since the US minimums are substantially different than levels recommended by US doctors and even Canadian doctors that matters. It is speculation. We also admit that. We're not ready to dismiss the power of Vitamin D which is and has been shown to be effective.

"There appear to be many health benefits associated with adequate intake of vitamin D, including suggestive evidence with colorectal and breast cancers. While the available data are promising, we need to learn a lot more about vitamin D and its potential health effects. We plan continued study of this remarkable nutrient, which will help resolve the many remaining questions." - Nurses' Health Study Newsletter (2008)

Not our opinion but the opinions reached by those with more information and education that all of us combined. We know. This is for those who say the news says one thing one day and another thing the next - you just don't know what to believe. We say you can and you should know what to believe. The news can't give you the nuances that you need to be able to discern your beliefs. We says its in the math. Number of years, number of participants and amounts given thats the math you need to know to firm up your beliefs. If you want to be in the know.

"Randomized trial of vitamin D supplementation to prevent seasonal influenza A in schoolchildren - This study suggests that vitamin D3 supplementation during the winter may reduce the incidence of influenza A, especially in specific subgroups of schoolchildren." - American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (March 2010)

That's the power of vitamin D just in time for those with grandchildren or children, if you're so blessed, flu season and fears that the vaccine could harm them. We say don't be afraid and that your fears are largely unfounded - but we will admit what's true for the majority isn't true for everyone. You have to do what's right for you and your situation. Vitamin D seems to be, if you're not overly supplementing yourself and family now, the answer to vaccine fears.

The amounts given to the children exceed what the government says is the safe high limit for the vitamin. Though the amount given the children didn't exceed the government limits plus the "safe upper limit." While vitamin D can be toxic what the government considers recommended levels aren't the same amounts that professionals recommend.

"Can vitamin D be harmful? - Signs of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness, and weight loss. And by raising blood levels of calcium, too much vitamin D can cause confusion, disorientation, and problems with heart rhythm. Excess vitamin D can also damage the kidneys. The safe upper limit for vitamin D is 1,000 IU/day for infants and 2,000 IU for children and adults. Vitamin D toxicity almost always occurs from overuse of supplements. Excessive sun exposure doesn't cause vitamin D poisoning because the body limits the amount of this vitamin it produces." - National Institutes of Health (Consumer Fact Sheet)

We're not comfortable recommending exceeding levels beyond what the researchers used in their research. We are curious as to their intentions of the researchers in exceeding the levels in trying to achieve their findings. Again since we can't afford to access the entire study we can't speculate as to what their motivations might have been. We can speculate that researchers don't expect government recommended levels to contribute to our overall health. That's what we'd like to see researched.

"Osteoporosis guide to help treat brittle bones - Take 400 to 1,000 IUs of vitamin D per day for those aged less than 50, and 800 to 2,000 IUs daily for those 50 and older." - CBCNews (Oct 12, 2010)

We weren't comfortable recommending exceeding the US government's levels but the Canadian government feels comfortable doing so for those older than 50. The research shows that illnesses and age can be a time where we get comfortable with what we eat which probably doesn't include a wide variety of fresh foods nor much sunlight all of which decreases our vitamin D levels. When we made our prior suggestions it was without full knowledge of the current research though there was plenty of prior studies that made the suggestion more than likely.

"A recent review article published by Loyola's nursing school researchers concluded that adequate intake of vitamin D may prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and reduce complications for those who have already been diagnosed." -  Loyola University Health System (Newswire)

When we buy vitamin D we go for the cheapest price rather than for any concern for its form. Until the most recent research we bought by the International Unit rather than whether its natural or synthetic. We didn't even realize until we made a recent purchase of the supplement that it was available in two (2) forms. When we sought information from the purchaser we discovered conflicting information than that available from our government.

"Vitamin D is found in supplements (and fortified foods) in two different forms: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Both increase vitamin D in the blood, but the D3 form may do it better and keep levels raised for a longer time. Many supplements now provide vitamin D3 instead of D2." - National Institutes of Health (Consumer Fact Sheet)

What excited us even further was that the vitamin was good at reducing children's chances of contracting the flu. We'd like to speculate that what would work with children would also work with teens and seniors. That isn't quite what the study says. The indication is that prior use might even work against you in the protection department.

"Vitamin D better than vaccines at preventing flu, report claims - Altogether 354 children took part in the trial, which took place during the winter of 2008-09, before the swine flu epidemic. Vitamin D was found to protect against influenza A, which caused last year's epidemic, but not against the less common influenza B." - The Sunday Times (March 15, 2010)

The same way we suggested adding Vitamin D to "gold pepper" to make its health effect work efficient and effective when it comes to the maximum amount of Vitamin D protection combining D with calcium has a more profound and health effect as well. We know you're going to tell us the headline that calcium use can hurt you but if you read the specifics you'll discover the following:

"Calcium pills may raise heart attack risk - A recent study suggested a link between calcium and heart attacks, so researchers from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, reviewed 11 studies of people taking calcium, without also taking vitamin D, which included almost 12,000 people." - CDCNews (July 30, 2010)

That's true that calcium is bad for your heart if you don't take it in combination. Would we speculate that you should add calcium to "gold pepper" and vitamin D? No, not just yet. We need more research to make us take that step. After all we aren't doctors and review the news on health and not the science as much as what's behind the science. Even if we were doctors its doubtful that we'd still be likely to make or take the step of making that speculation. We've been concerned about reactions from combinations and regardless of the source of the supplements they're still chemicals. Reactions are still a major concern.

Preventing Breast Cancer

We're very concerned about this topic because of how it affected us through our families and the women in our lives and on our staff. PearlieMae's death was a result of her fear of breast cancer. The cancer spread from there to her back and into the bone . This being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month we thought we should contribute to its success. PearlieMae might have wanted it that way though we know she would shudder knowing we've revealed her "Big C" condition.

"The Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study, a large, population-based cohort study of 5042 female breast cancer survivors in China. Women aged 20 to 75 years with diagnoses between March 2002 and April 2006 were recruited and followed up through June 2009. Information on cancer diagnosis and treatment, lifestyle exposures after cancer diagnosis, and disease progression was collected at approximately 6 months after cancer diagnosis and was reassessed at 3 follow-up interviews conducted at 18, 36, and 60 months after diagnosis. Annual record linkage with the Shanghai Vital Statistics Registry database was carried out to obtain survival information for participants who were lost to follow-up. Medical charts were reviewed to verify disease and treatment information." - Journal of the American Medical Association (December 9, 2009)

We're believers in soy products yet we're not certain that removing the other nutritional factors from the above equation makes it a wonder drug. Genetically Asian women suffer less from breast cancer than European and women of African descent. The results aren't new in 1998 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition drew a connection between soy and breast cancer. It's worth noting during this "Pink Month" because its use might be prevented.

"The following may reduce breast cancer risk: kelp; forsteronia refracta compound; oleic acid in olive oil restricted calories; apple, Danggui Longhui Wan ( chinese medicine); moderate exercise; turmeric, fish oil, weight loss, omega-3 fatty acids, cabbage and sauerkraut; Artemisinin; vitamin D, soy, garlic, grape juice, whole wheat, pro-vitamin E, low-protein diet, doing home work, high dietary fiber, broccoli, breastfeeding, grapes, green tea and mushroom, vitamin c, and sun exposure. Those factors that may boost risk are: high GI diet, alcohol, adipose fat, Bisphenol A; cleaning chemicals, hormone therapy, french fries, omega 6 fatty acid linoleic acid found in corn and soybean oil; mamograms, dietary fat, red meat and processed meat, barbecued meat, grapefruit, western diet, aluminum salts, radiation, iron, antibiotics, calcium, living in a large, metropolitan area, and acrylamide." - Food Consumer (Pink Tips)

Missing from that list is the desire to seek care until its too late. Both men and women suffer from that same condition of fear if our personal experience is any indication of having cancer and seeking immediate medical treatment. We don't want to know, believing ignorance is bliss and that we can't die if we don't know for sure. How's that for research. We believe that nothing "boost risk" more than fear and trepidation whether you're male or female.

"Although not all experts are convinced that it's safe to begin advising women to add soy to their diet, they agree that there is no need to avoid soy altogether. "What I've been telling my patients right now is that soy as part of a healthy balanced diet is safe. But I would avoid trying to eat a totally soy-based diet or taking a soy supplement. You have to be careful in not extrapolating beyond the study," says Dr. Richard Lee, medical director of the Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston." - Time (December 2009) 

We'd have to agree. The nutritional solution isn't a one (1) item choice. Variety seems to be what all the experts agree upon. The Pink Tips given offer a variety of items that together might be the super fuel that would be a preventative against breast cancer. Though finding a lump and leaving it rather than calling attention to it to your physician is a mistake that can cost you your life and your family much pain and suffering. Unfortunately we have too much experience with the latter than we care to admit or ever care to see repeated.

Pine Bark Bull

This story isn't what you think. We can't speak on the whether or not pine bark works or doesn't work we can say that our Los Angeles Times said this last year:

"Pine bark extract holds promise (but the proof isn't all in) - To our surprise, there are studies suggesting that Pycnogenol, extracted from French maritime pine bark, is better than a placebo in making blood vessels more flexible (Hypertension Research, September 2007), improving blood-sugar control and reducing cardiovascular risk factors (Nutrition Research, May 2008) and reducing knee pain from osteoarthritis (Phytotherapy Research, August 2008). Any uses for skin care or asthma and allergy relief still seem fairly speculative. Side effects are uncommon." - PEOPLE'S PHARMACY (October 12, 2009)

We can't fault the researchers we have to fault the reporters and the editors that didn't take the time to challenge the facts or the research that reached the results that it did. We do not doubt that "chemical alternatives" or prescription medicines are far superior than any old wives remedy. Even pine bark extract has to be thought of as a medicine, just the "over the counter" variety. Science doesn't intentionally lie and we don't necessarily believe that the latest research is faulty beyond what we suspect. Some of the early research for instance found:

"In this double-blind trial, 61 children with ADHD were randomized 2:1 to receive 1 mg/kg/day pine bark extract or placebo for 4 weeks. ...The pine bark extract group had a significant reduction in hyperactivity and improved attention, visual-motor coordination, and concentration, whereas there were no positive effects noted in the placebo group. One month after pine bark extract treatment ceased, patients had recurrence of symptoms. Treatment was not significantly effective for girls in contrast to boys, but there were only 6 girls in the pine bark extract group." - European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (May 13, 2006)

This research isn't by any means conclusive. The numbers are small and the subjects young. We've made this point many times before that the challengers aren't always of clean hands. Unfortunately that old argument might not hold in this instance. We maintain that under the circumstances tested and from our understanding of the both pine bark extract and the results revealed in this new study some things aren't quite correct. For instance:

"Hayfever symptoms - The researchers looked at levels of birch pollen specific IgE in 60 people with birch-related hayfever. Participants were assigned to receive the pine bark extract supplement (100 mg per day of Pychnogenol) or placebo throughout the allergy season. Results showed that IgE levels increased by 32 per cent in the placebo group, compared with only 19 per cent in the pine bark extract group... “Our findings suggest that taking Pycnogenol in a timely manner does substantially contribute to better symptom relief,” stated the researchers. “Unfortunately, the small cohort of eight best responding subjects, those who took Pycnogenol 7 to 8 weeks prior to birch pollen exposure was too small to provide statistical relevance." - NutraIngredients (Pine Bark)

That's not the only instance in which pine bark extract was found to be effective. We admit that this a bit of a misdirection of information in that it does not specifically address the specifics mentioned in the news and Los Angeles Times article. It's on point in that the extract shows results. It's not ineffective. Another case on point of its effectiveness is the following:

"Natural Pine Bark Extract Relieves Muscle Cramp And Pain In Athletes And Diabetics - ...all the participants were given 200 mg of Pycnogenol once a day for four weeks. After the treatment phase, participants' symptoms and cramping episodes were recorded for one week without any Pycnogenol supplementation." - Medical News Today (June 2006)

More to the point of the research is the following research that talks about the amount of pine bark extract given and the results received. Still we admit the cite is not directly on the specifics of the research that we dispute. We don't say that the report is incorrect. We say that we see some flaws and in that instance we offer this more recent information.

"Pine bark extract may benefit blood pressure-related kidney health - Dr Belcaro and his co-workers recruited 55 hypertensive patients to participate in the randomized, controlled study. Subjects were assigned to receive Ramipril (10 mg per day), and 29 of these people were randomly selected to also receive Pycnogenol (150 mg per day)." - NutraIngredients (March 2010)

We admit that this cite is suspect in that it's not the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). The problem is with that is journals of medicine don't generally provide research on non-prescription medications. That does not mean that they never provide such research only that research is largely sponsored by large corporations. That we do not challenge either. They have the money and get the tax deductions to do it. It is what it is and institutions of high learning often insulate themselves from improprieties. With that in mind we offer another successful use of pine bark extract.

"Effect of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis - 100 patients were treated for 3 months either by 150 mg Pycnogenol per day at meals or by placebo. Patients had to report any change of use of previously prescribed antiinflammatory medication during the study period. Patients filled the Western Ontario and Mc Masters University (WOMAC) questionnaire for osteoarthritis every 2 weeks and evaluated weekly pain symptoms using a visual analogue scale for pain intensity. RESULTS: Following treatment with Pycnogenol patients reported an improvement of WOMAC index (p < 0.05), and a significant alleviation of pain by visual analogue scale (p < 0.04), the placebo had no effect. The use of analgesics diminished in the verum group but increased under the placebo. Treatment with Pycnogenol was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Results show that Pycnogenol in patients with mild to moderate OA improves symptoms and is able to spare NSAIDs." PubMed.gov (Aug 2008)

We order from American Nutrition because of their low prices and especially when they offer free shipping. They're hard to beat. When searching for verification we were going to use their site to justify the report and any possible action by the Federal Trade Commission until we read this:

"Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement take 1 to 3 capsules daily with a glass of water and food or as directed by a health care professional. Take consistently each day for best results." American Nutrition (Pine Bark Extract)

We believe that pine bark extract is effective and does work. We offer that belief based on not just the following but what the other cites that will follow discovered. We readily admit that the numbers of the studies are small which makes their conclusions less valid than a larger study. We offer the other cites as indications of why the news worthy study was or might have been as ineffective as the results were.

"Pycnogenol or Pine Bark Extract Reduces Jetlag by Nearly 50 Percent - The study, conducted at the G. D'Annunzio University in Pescara, Italy, consisted of 133 passengers who took flights that were seven to nine hours in length. Fifty (50) mg of oral Pycnogenol was administered three (3) times daily, for seven (7) days, starting two (2) days prior to the flight." - Elements4Health (November 2008)

What's the final word on the subject we'd say that Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center  (MSKCC) words on Pine Bark just about says it all:

"Pine bark extract has been studied in humans for various conditions. Preliminary research suggests that it reduces menopausal symptoms in peri-menopausal women (8), relieves symptoms of dysmenorrhea (27), and improves osteoarthritic symptoms (9) (10). It is also used to treat skin disorders such as hyperpigmentation (11), erythema (12), endometriosis (13), and systemic lupus erythematosus (14). Pine bark extract can improve endothelial dysfunction (2) and chronic venous insufficiency (5). Chewing gum containing pine bark extract may reduce gingival bleeding and plaque accumulation (19). When used in conjunction with L-arginine, Pycnogenol is effective in improving symptoms of erectile dysfunction (18) (29). Pycnogenol supplementation also enhanced memory in elderly participants (7). Studies of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and in children yielded mixed results (3) (4)." - For Health Care Professionals (Pine Bark Extract)

Hypertension is something that affects many of us though it was not something that affect PearlieMae. Using the Sloan Kettering source for consumers you can see why the latest news report dismissing Pine Bark Extract leaves much to be desired:

"Treatment of hypertension - This clinical trial involved 58 patients with hypertension. Patients were given a combination of 5mg nifedipine and placebo or 5mg nifedipine and 100mg pyncogenol daily for 12 weeks. All patients were given 20mg of nifedipine before the study began. The dosage of nifedipine was adjusted (increased or lowered by 5 mg) according to measured blood pressure values every two weeks. Researchers found that most patients had normal blood pressure after the 12 week period with 10mg nifedipine and pycnogenol. They concluded that pycnogenol is effective in treating mild hypertension." - Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (Consumer)

We are not scientists and neither are the reporters and writers generally that bring your news to you. What we are is curious and critical. So when the news reports says something doesn't work we seek to see if we can verify their words. We challenged the report when we found this bit of information:

"Fasting blood glucose was lowered dose dependently until a dose of 200 mg Pycnogenol was administered. Increasing the dose from 200 to 300 mg did not further decrease blood glucose. Compared with baseline, 100–300 mg lowered fasting glucose significantly from 8.64 ± 0.93 to 7.54 ± 1.64 mmol/l (P < 0.05). Fifty milligrams of Pycnogenol lowered postprandial glucose significantly from 12.47 ± 1.06 to 11.16 ± 2.11 mmol/l (P < 0.05). Maximum decrease of postprandial glucose was observed with 200 mg to 10.07 ± 2.69 mmol/l; 300 mg had no stronger effect." - American Diabetes Association (March 2004)

What's that mean? If you take too much then nothing happens if you take just the right amount something does. The amount tested and disclosed in the latest news story was not the right amount. When mixed with other drugs pine bark extract works more effectively without the side effects normally associated with treatment. Admitted the cite refers to diabetes the results might be the same. Yes, we said might. We aren't scientists remember.

"Pine Bark Can Treat Side Effects Of Hypertension Medication - The study of 53 patients, published in the journal of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/ Hemostasis, found that Pycnogenol(R) reduced ankle swelling by over a third in patients taking ACE inhibitors and nifedipine, medicines commonly used to treat hypertension. These findings are important as more than 35 percent of patients taking antihypertensive medications are believed to suffer from painful and swollen legs (oedema) as a side-effect." - Medical News Today (January 2007)

PearlieMae suffered from swelling of the legs and some of us suffer from ankle swelling. When headlines like todays are released that aren't quite like the research but cry that research was flawed its easy to see how wrong the reports are without much examination of the research. So lets look at their conclusions again:

"This pine bark extract (at a dosage of 200 mg/d) was safe but was not associated with improvement in cardiovascular disease risk factors. Although variations among participants, dosages, and chemical preparations could contribute to different findings compared with past studies, our results are consistent with a general failure of antioxidants to demonstrate cardiovascular benefits." - Archives of Internal Medicine (Original Investigation)

The wrong dosage given the wrong amount of times without the right medicine and it's generally harmless. That pine bark extract won't harm you is what the investigation discovered. That's whats news worthy. We do offer this tidbit of information.

"The study was funded by Toyo Shinyaku Co. of Japan, which makes pine bark supplements." - LA Times

Most noticeable and we admit is complete speculation on our part is that the type of pine bark extract from Japan and California isn't of the French or Italian variety thats been tested and founded to be effective. Maybe that doesn't matter but upon further speculation maybe it does. After all there is gold and then there's fools gold.