Dementia All Too Soon

The way you wear your hat
The way you sip your tea
The memory of all that
No THEY CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME - George And Ira Gershwin

They CAN take that away from me. According to the research published in the American Academy of Neurology entitled "Brain Exercises May Slow Cognitive Decline Initially, But Speed Up Dementia Later" states:

"...once they are diagnosed with dementia, people who have a more mentally active lifestyle are likely to have more brain changes related to dementia compared to those without a lot of mental activity. As a result, those with more mentally active lifestyles may experience a faster rate of decline once dementia begins." - Rush University Medical Center (Chicago)

There is hope from the same source that brought us the bad news. You aren't protected but you can find some protection. We talked about it before and we encourage you to do the right thing when it comes to hearing the news. We think the story is, again we haven't read the full research only the press release, that after age 65 your chances of suffering from Alzheimer is reasonably assured.

"The nearly 4,000 participants in this study included black and white adults aged 65 and older. They were given a battery of cognitive tests which were assigned scores and then a clinical interview. Those who ranked in the highest in terms of following such a Mediterranean-type diet were more protected from cognitive decline. The adults were given these cognitive tests every three years for 15 years." - RUSH University News (May 3, 2010) 

Cancer, AIDS, alzheimer are the "boogeymen's" diseases of the last few generations. Are they substantial killers? Yes, they are. Are there treatments for the diseases - yes but no real cures. Dementia and its affects are horrible - devastating on individuals and their families. When we read the top ten (10) signs of Alzheimer they read more like symptoms of old age. Before we get to those facts and figures, that haven't substantially changed. Let's look at the results of this latest research.

"...researchers evaluated the mental activities of 1,157 people age 65 or older who did not have dementia at the start of the nearly 12-year study. People answered questions about how often they participated in mental activities such as listening to the radio, watching television, reading, playing games and going to a museum; for this five-point cognitive activity scale, the more points scored, the more often people participated in mentally stimulating exercises" - American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 

In the study released in May the number of participants exceed the almost 1,200 people by more than three (3) times. While the information in the most recent research shouldn't be ignored it's not a cause for alarm. We've never been a big support of those mind games and brain trainers offered by hand held gamers and iPhone users. Obviously they offer some benefit but no where near the benefit provided by dietary changes.

"During the next six years, the study found that the rate of cognitive decline in people without cognitive impairment was reduced by 52 percent for each point on the cognitive activity scale. For people with Alzheimer’s disease, the average rate of decline per year increased by 42 percent for each point on the cognitive activity scale." -American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 

So were comparing the numbers from May to September from 4,000 compared to 1,200 participants and 3 to 15 years to 6 years. There are more key facts and figures courtesy of the Alzheimer's Association. Top Ten (10) Warning Signs as compared to symptoms of old age. All available at their website where they encourage you to join their Memory Walk and start a team. We're just surprised that they left the date of the "Walk" on the site or in their video. Which might just be because the walk never ends - much like the fight against the disease. They can't take that away from you but like the old Flip Wilson joke said: "Just leave that alone and it'll fail off by itself!"

Eggs Not Us

While the attention is again focused on local egg farmers and the problems of the recall. We would like to remind you as SAFEWAY has posted on the sliding doors as you enter their stores - the recall does not refer to our jurisdiction. So from DC to North Carolina - we're unaffected. We accept for the continuing reports that seem to miss the bigger questions.

There are other questions that need to be asked. You might not remember this but PBS broadcasted a special about our region and pollution runoff. It's how our water supply and how we handle waste, industrial or otherwise, can affect our health. As we become more concerned about the weather, as hurricane Earl approaches and tropical storm Fiona passes water is in our future.

When SAFEWAY addressed the issue finally on their website they didn't just restrict their statement to their Lucerne brand eggs but extended to include all recalls. While the information still isn't on their front page but is pasted old school style on their front doors- it is available.

"One-half to two-thirds of American farmers already inoculate their flocks, according to industry estimates, and that number is likely to increase. While the new federal rules do not require vaccination, they do require testing for salmonella. If henhouses are found to be contaminated, then eggs must be tested. If eggs are tainted, then they would have to be broken and pasteurized, which would mean producers would get much less money for their eggs" - New York Times.(Business)

Poisoned Waters the PBS program is almost two (2) hours in length. It's difficult to view because it addresses our dirty little secret. To get fresh eggs the most efficient and most cost effective businesses get our hard earn income. In times of feast little cottage industries spring up and can challenge the stronghold of the larger businesses. In times of famine, like now, it becomes more and more difficult to be cost effective. Businesses suffer and so sometimes do we, the paying public.

"Low-cost vaccines that may help prevent the kind of salmonella outbreak that has led to the recall of more than a half-billion eggs haven't been given to nearly half the nation's egg-laying hens. The vaccines aren't required in the U.S., although in Great Britain, officials say vaccinations have given them the safest egg supply in Europe." - Associated Press (AP)

The program doesn't deal with any of the businesses affected by the recall nor are our comments specifically directed to the financial decisions made by Hillandale Farms of Iowa nor Wright County Egg.

This isn't an anti-SAFEWAY story. It's a story about processed foods and the dirty little secret that we don't like to admit. To get us the items we need to live someone has to do what we don't want to do. For meat, someone has to kill an animal. For vegetables, someone has to put their hands in manure. We don't like to think about it or talk about it. We certainly don't want to hear it. To provide us with the items we need costs someone money. Which we will gladly pay to get what we want. Men want cheap bargains and women want what they want (if our staff is any indication).

"...vaccinating hens and testing barns regularly for bacteria, has essentially wiped out salmonella on California farms, industry officials say. Yet only nine other states have enacted similar government-sponsored efforts. One reason ... California farmers contend, is cost. Injecting chickens and swabbing cages takes money — not a fortune, but enough to send egg distributors searching for lower-cost sources." - LA Times

We love the Los Angeles Times newspaper but even they don't always answer the most obvious question but for California residents they don't have to. Our question would be what are the other nine (9) states that have testing. Local governments and legislators could prevent the sale of these cheaper and more "risky" foods by making the sale of such product illegal to be sold in our areas. Matters of safety might stand the test of a legal challenge especially during these times of uncertainty.

"Many of the cheapest eggs are produced in the Midwest, where energy, farmland and feed cost less and where regulations are less onerous. 

As a result, Iowa egg operators can undercut the competition. Last month it cost Midwest farmers 53.5 cents to produce a dozen eggs, about 16% less than in California, according to Iowa State University's Egg Industry Center.  

Fullerton wholesaler Michael Sencer, whose company supplies food service firms and chains including Ralphs, Costco and Trader Joe's, bought inventory from Wright County Egg. His customers, he said, liked the low prices and ready supply.  

"It drives the demand for Iowa eggs here in California and everywhere," said Sencer, executive vice president of Hidden Villa Ranch. Those same customers are now scrambling. Wholesale egg prices have jumped 20% in California since the recall, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. One key reason: There are 7.5 million Midwest laying hens currently not producing eggs for the nation's breakfasts. But in the Golden State, there are only 19 million hens — enough to meet just 56% of California's demand." - LA Times

Consumer Reports as reported on local WUSA-9 TV in Washington says that the discount chains are considered the best place for bargains by consumers. If you bought your recalled eggs from COSTCO (and we know you didn't) you can always return them for some non-recalled eggs. We personally don't prefer Costco but only because all of us don't have access. We think we can do better than the retailer when it comes to bargains but we must admit. When it comes to food items we've been tempted by the low prices.

"The Food and Drug Administration decided not to mandate vaccination of hens — a precaution that would cost less than a penny per a dozen eggs." - NY Times (Business)

As the PBS program indicates eggs aren't the only problems in these times of financial scarcity that might affect our health and welfare We'll have to be careful and because our concerns will be both costs versus profit what we chose must be fully considered. It just might be a matter of life or death.

Flood Water

There are other questions that need to be asked. You might not remember this but PBS broadcast Poisoned Waters a special about our region south and pollution runoff. It's about our water supply and how we handle waste (industrial or otherwise). How that can affect our health. As we become more concerned about the weather, as hurricane Earl approaches and tropical storm Fiona passes, water is in our future. When Katrina hit the Louisiana leaving "water water everywhere, Nor any drop to drink." Like every major flood disaster the problems that result for the survivors and their ability to recover has much to do with finding fresh water supplies.

We're not trying to frighten you. We're trying to provide context, insight and we're also recently suffered some personal flood damage. Floods that affect our lives generally aren't of the 2012 or Noah's Ark variety. Nor are we likely to suffer a Katrina, Pakistan or Haitian flood variety. Mostly we're likely to suffer the kind of damage we've suffered. This type of loss results in damage to papers and personal effects. We can attest that even a personal loss can be devastating. The suggestions of the federal government would offer no help to survivors of a major catastrophe. But for our particular set of circumstances very appropriate.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY SUGGESTIONS
1. Safeguard your possessions. (waterproof container)
2. Prepare your house.
3. Develop a family emergency plan. (protect your pets.) (FEMA)

We need more. You might also. We couldn't place all of our possessions in a waterproof container. A fire and the sprinkler system caused soot and water damage to our items. You can't prepare for every possible situation and maybe you shouldn't try. You should prepare for you life and family. Prepare for good health.

"General Assembly declares access to clean water and sanitation is a human right" - July 28, 2010 - UN

Just in time for World Water Week, Sept 5-10,2010 (not to be confused with World Water Day) so we're not that late unless of course you consider their 2003 announcement when:

"...the United Nations has declared that 2003 will be the International Year of Freshwater. We cannot live without water. That is why we have to make sure that everyone can get clean drinking water no matter where they live ....Although fresh water can be found all around the world most of it is either frozen in the polar ice caps, mixed in the soil or deep underground. In fact, less than 1 percent of the world's fresh water is available to be used. That is why we need to take care of it! " - Nane Annan

The nation was worried about the danger to the food supply (seafood) by the BP oil spill, tourism, as well as the damage to the eco-system. We were also concerned about the damage to health and welfare of the gulf residents as well as the nation's seafood. We discovered that while the government (USGS) has been tackling the issue of providing fresh water through desalination of salt water to the nation. No one had prepared for further chemical damage to the already fragile and dwindling nature resource.

"Women, gender equality and water resources in the context of climate change - Climate change has significant impacts on fresh water sources, affecting the availability of water used for domestic and productive tasks. The consequences of the increased frequency in floods and droughts are far reaching, particularly for vulnerable groups, including women who are responsible for water management at the household level." - UN WomenWatch  (Oct 9,2009)

That the could be a gender gap in survival seems only likely because PearlieMae was wheelchair bound and dependent upon the assistance of her family. While many of the canaries from Katrina to Pakistan were PearlieMaes and to feel for these individuals means to make sure, if we can (YES WE CAN), it never happens again. Never again.

"Changes in water availability and extreme events could undermine development, affect human security and livelihoods, significantly impact agriculture and industry, and act as a push factor in population movements and migration. Water scarcity can also trigger conflict. Adaptation to climate change needs to build on conventional hard and soft interventions and may also require a major shift in planning and designing water investments." - UN Chief Executive Board (Nov 22 2007) (PDF)

The problems aren't new and the solutions aren't easy. Most are out of our reach and beyond our control. Our discomfort should be the prelude to our education on the effects and our responses. If not for us then for all of those who will follow in memory of those whom have passed on.

HPV Hope and Help

What finally beat PearlieMae and many of our relatives was the dreaded "C" word (cancer). It was their generation's AIDS and struck more fear and hopelessness in them than any other condition. For them and their peers it was a sentence of death. It didn't matter how many therapies, protocols or alternative treatments there were. It meant they were going to die. Indeed in spite of the fact that her doctors didn't expect her to respond to treatment PearlieMae did. She could have survived her cancer. It would not have meant she would have been cured but she would not have had to die from the ravages of the disease. PearlieMae surrendered to her illness. She gave up hope and that's what killed her.

While the debate continues concerning the cervical cancer vaccine for teenage girls and young adults some researchers are suggesting is that as hopeful as this treatment is it isn't the be all end all cure that many would believe especially for the teenage future PearlieMaes.

"...excess of 18,000 adverse reactions recorded in the US, including 75 deaths. Adverse reactions have also been recorded in New Zealand, Canada and Australia. A US federal report in 2009 found the vaccine had a 400% higher rate of adverse reactions than another comparable vaccine, the Menactra anti-meningitis shot. The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) said it had received 10 reports of suspected adverse reactions associated with Gardasil." (Irish Examiner)

Hope springs eternal - while we know the cervix isn't a bone and PearlieMae's cancer wasn't cervical it made it into her back and into her bones. The same institution that is developing a more effective vaccine than Gardasil which only works against four (4) types of HPV (human papillomavirus) and Cervarix which only works against five (5) types with a vaccine that works against nine (9) types of the cancer. Extending the effectiveness from eighty (80) percent to ninety (90) percent effectiveness and essentially reducing the possibility of adverse reactions.

"Cancer has a greater economic impact from premature death and disability than all causes of death worldwide, according to a report from the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the LIVESTRONG organization. Using data from the World Health Organization (WHO), it concludes that cancer "has the most devastating economic impact of any cause of death in the world." (Medscape Today)

The Medical College of Georgia (MCG) has also identified a protein that can result in fragile bones. While PearlieMae's cancer cause her bones to be brittle and hindsight is 20/20 we believe that had she not been so depressed by her virus she might have survived to live a longer life and suffered a more prolonged death. Of course we would believe this because we miss her so much and love her so. We loved her enough to concede to her wishes to not prolong her death.

"In late-stage arthritis, the cartilage function may be completely disrupted but early in the disease process, maybe there is a window for stimulating this protein." (MCG)

Family members that haven't told their own parental units are terrified of their condition even though when discovered in the early stages treatment can be very effective. That's not just our opinion it's also the opinion of specialist in the field.

"If cervical cancer is caught very early, surgery alone may effect a cure. If the disease is more extensive, then radiation is added to the treatment mix... ...Patients with cervical cancer and, in some cases, uterine cancer first get external beam radiation under the new large bore linear accelerator at the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center. This first phase of radiation treatment lasts about five to five-and-a-half weeks. - Dr. Chris Sheils (MCG)

Yes, we're big on prevention but actionable prevention like eating dark non-milk chocolate, adding deep colored foods to your diet - the easy stuff. We even support the taking of vaccines to prevent an annual massacre. But you have to compare the upside to down and make the judgment yourself. We just want to make sure that the treatment isn't as bad as the cure.

So sweet relative of ours, please tell your momma - there is hope and you will survive.

Better Rice is Black

As soon as we found this out we had to tell you. The CBS News headline called out: "New research shows that black rice packs a bigger antioxidant punch even than blueberries". Better news if you can find it. Emphasis on the word find. Black rice might be found at you local Chinatown, health food store or even grocery:

"Black rice also costs less than blueberries or blackberries, another antioxidant-rich fruit. Anthocyanin antioxidants - also found in red grapes, strawberries, red wine, red cabbage, red onion, and blood orange juice - have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer." (CBS News)

We first heard the words black rice from Tommy Tang's Easy Thai Cooking show sponsored by the Thailand board of tourism. The recipe we can't remember. The dish might have been a mock beef recipe (Mistake on the Lake #116) that was made out of fish, tofu or turkey. And to make the dish darker its called for black rice. The dish wasn't enough to compel us to seek out this "burnt" (we thought) staple but we're a sucker for science. Which means that as soon as we saw the story we knew we had to bring the news to you.

All our stories seem to have derived from the American Chemical Society (ACS) who discover better living verified by chemical science.

While the price might be cheaper than blueberries in theory in web reality the price is more than $3.59 for 15 oz a bag (plus 6.50 shipping) - not cheaper than what we could find locally for blueberries though frozen ($3.69 a pound) and not fresh.

Whenever we do a basic story we discover a basic mistake in the information provided by CBS that could have been discerned with a simple GOOGLE search. In this case black rice isn't cheaper than blueberries or red grapes that we can find locally. However what Dr. Zhimin Xu, Associate Professor at the Department of Food Science at Louisiana State University Agricultural Center in Baton Rouge, La., reported further down the page "that farmers are interested in growing black rice in Louisiana and that he would like to see people in the country embrace its use. "

The story may eventually become true for us. We will however stay on the look out for some "forbidden rice" if and when it is ever on sale. We asked Dr. Xu, as we always do when we discover a discrepancy in reported information. If and when the doctor responds we will stay on the look out for that information as well and report it to you. If and when black rice is grown and marketed locally the green (transportation and production) costs may make it more affordable. But as of today that's not what we've found to be true.

"The black rice used in our study was produced in Louisiana. However, the rice is only used for experiment, but not for commercial sale. Actually, most of black rice you found in grocery stores or websites are imported. That is reason why their price is quite higher." - Zhimin (August 27)

Emphasis added by us (always). We're just too smart for our own good - we think! We've asked how the news reports and reporters got it so wrong about the issue of price and if Dr. Zhimin Xu responds to these questions we're bring these answers to you as well.

"Actually, the cost of growing black rice is almost as same as growing brown rice, if it is produced in commercial scale in the US.  So, it will be cheaper than the current price of berries.  Based on the increase number of consumers, I think the commercial black rice from Louisiana will come to market soon. " - Dr. Zhimin Xu (August 30)

Retail Chemistry

While we thought the egg recall was more of a story than first reported we were curious as to why the story wasn't being told. It was something that could frighten every single home with a refrigerator. It's not a time to panic when the news tries to scare you. Journalism has never been ahead of the curve. Stories don't tend to be exposes resulting from days or weeks of investigative reporting especially with cutbacks and layoffs expect more press released information. Bloggers will be the next generation of truth seekers especially those with news backgrounds. At least the leads will come from the fine print.

Chemicals that companies know aren't necessary but if they're not hiring their not making immediate changes in purchasing or investing in more expensive alternative unless forced by consumers whom they don't trust or government agencies whom consumers don't trust.

"Some paper manufacturers - including industry giant Appleton Papers Inc. - have phased out BPA in their products. And receipts from registers at Target, Starbucks and Bank of America ATMs, were BPA-free or contained only trace amounts, the study said."  (SF Gate)

It's not every business and every CEO but then we found this story in the Washington Post: CEOs Aren't hiring! We'd speculate that the employees they're retaining are the non-union compliant workers who wouldn't dare suggest that the company change their receipts for the health and/or benefit of their employees. As consumers we can ask if the companies are compliant for our own concern. If we're concerned about the employees who might also look out for us we will urge the companies to comply.

"The total amounts of BPA on receipts tested were 250 to 1,000 times greater than other, more widely discussed sources of BPA exposure, including canned foods, baby bottles and infant formula. These data should not be interpreted to suggest that policymakers shift their focus from BPA contamination of food, which is widespread, to receipts. BPA exposure from food sources is ubiquitous and should remain the first priority of U.S. policymakers. However, a significant portion of the public may also be exposed to BPA by handling receipts. Since many retailers do not use BPA-laden thermal paper, this particular route of exposure is easy to correct." (USA Today)

No you shouldn't be afraid but concern can't hurt. Much like the egg recall it's not something that'll be found in dangerous quantities to seriously impact your help but it can be cumulative in its effects. We just think its interesting that the news isn't what we'd like to know as news. Two stories that show danger but little serious risk to us in our homes. The risk is when we're out and about in our local and national businesses.

"BPA, a plastic hardener and synthetic estrogen linked by researchers to a long list of serious health problems, is used to coat thermal paper used by major retailers, grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, fast-food restaurants, post offices and automatic teller machines (ATMs). The chemical reacts with dye to form black print on receipts handled by millions of Americans every day." (Environmental Working Group)

If you want to be afraid it doesn't mean you shouldn't touch your receipts, we still do. It does mean if you work in retail then you should be extra careful changing the roll and loading your register. It can cost you more than your job. Just be careful out there.

"The little printouts from grocery and big box stores, fast food joints, and other consumer outlets actually contain high levels of the chemical bisphenol-A. In lab tests, the substance has been linked to several types of health problems in animals including abnormal reproductive system development, diminished intellectual capacity and behavioral abnormalities. When handled by humans, BPA can contaminate fingers, and seep into the skin even to a point where it can't be removed, this entering the bloodstream." (Time)

There's a twenty-two (22) minute video presentation of a mostly boring presentation. Unfortunately the information is frighteningly scary and convincing. Entitled "10 Americans" its hard to contradict the information contained inside. It's not our intent to scare you but we believe that you, like we, can handle the truth! Truth is what we're about as harsh and scary as it can be. It's made by the Environmental Working Group.

"If you believe in things you don't understand then you suffer. Superstition ain't the way!" - Stevie Wonder 

Sitting To Death

The first story we were going to publish when we returned was going to be the story featured on ABC News which called it "Sitting Linked to Dying Early - Link Is Independent of Exercise, Obesity and Other Factors. So What Gives?"

We call it "the great wake the hell up and get you butt out of that seat now" news. It reminds us of the scene from the movie T2 (Terminator 2 where the now Governor of California says: "Come with me if you want to live!" You're scared as all get out because you're thinking this information is from the source that wanted to kill me. If you're still alive and reading this you might want to know the specifics before you "get your butt out of the seat". We know and we're still sitting but we've always been hard behind-ed. We hope you aren't but if you're like us you probably are.
We'll get up Mom, just five more minutes (actually we really mean - leave us the hell alone we're going to live forever we don't care what you say!) The facts are specifically and not generally:

"...queried by questionnaire on 53,440 men and 69,776 women who were disease free at enrollment. The authors identified 11,307 deaths in men and 7,923 deaths in women during the 14-year follow-up. After adjustment for smoking, body mass index, and other factors, time spent sitting (>6 vs. <3 hours/day) was associated with mortality in both women (relative risk = 1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25, 1.44) and men (relative risk = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.24). Relative risks for sitting (>6 hours/day) and physical activity (<24.5 metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours/week) combined were 1.94 (95% CI: 1.70, 2.20) for women and 1.48 (95% CI: 1.33, 1.65) for men, compared with those with the least time sitting and most activity. Associations were strongest for cardiovascular disease mortality. The time spent sitting was independently associated with total mortality, regardless of physical activity level. Public health messages should include both being physically active and reducing time spent sitting." (American Journal of Epidemiology) 

Why risk it? Why take a chance and the difference in sitting and not is most apparent in women than men but its obviously important and though its a questionnaire response its not twenty or even twenty thousand and its not a five year review or even a ten year review its over one hundred thousand and over fourteen years. We can say its not that important but the reality hard as it is to accept is that when Dr. Oz says you need to get 10,000 steps a day to maintain optimum health he's probably right and we probably need to heed his advice. As hard a pill as that might be to swallow.

Follow your doctor's advice, if you want to live. It sucks we know. But the facts are the facts. Though we sit more than six (6) hours a day whether working at our desk or sitting before the screen silver or tiny its effects can only be compounded. The only thing we can think to do is to offer to seek ways to maximize our efforts with the minimal amount of pain. It's old news but considered we haven't' posted for so long we felt this would be the story to lead with as we explain our absence from the site. We hate exercising. What should you do? Dr. Oz has some suggestions.