Free Government Cash

Money money money money! Money! The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been doling out the grants for prevention lately. Some this region has received and most it has not. The CDC hasn't been making grants all "willy nilly." The money goes to:

"CDC Awards $1.9 Million for State and Local Sodium Reduction Initiatives - Building on existing community policies to improve nutrition and lower blood pressure, each funded project will support implementation of at least one major sodium reduction policy as well as evaluation activities. Activities could include working with restaurants and food service suppliers, grocery stores, schools, hospitals and government facilities to develop low sodium food policies, and media campaigns to help raise awareness of the dangers of too much sodium in the diet. CDC will provide technical assistance to the awardees and help them evaluate programs and policy efforts." - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The region does get some of the big bucks. The little petty amounts don't get our legislators up in the morning. Big states only accept large awards for even larger amounts problems. Say $30  million will be split between the big twelve (12) but for purposes of this story only the District of Columbia and Maryland will be stuffing their coffers with federal funding.

"HHS announces $30 million in new resources to support the National HIV/AIDS Strategy - Under this program, each funded jurisdiction will work with CDC to determine what mix of HIV prevention approaches can have the greatest impact in the local area – at the individual, population, and community level - based on the local profile of the epidemic and by assessing and identifying current gaps in HIV prevention portfolios. While the exact combination of approaches will vary by area, efforts funded under this program will follow a basic approach of: intensifying prevention for individuals at greatest risk, along with testing those individuals to reduce undiagnosed HIV infection; prioritizing prevention and linkage to care for people living with HIV; and directing these intensified efforts to communities with the highest burden of HIV. " - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

But wait there's more. "More money, more problems," more funding, more and more problems that can only be solved on a national level with a national agenda. When our area representatives cry poor and broke with no cash from our Uncle Sam we can say: "Hey what about the big grants to pay for our "whatever" the feds gave us the cash to do?" The problem with that comment is that most of "the cash" will go to keep existing projects going. In order of dollars received:

In a way its a reward for a job well done or a job "well doing." If you think of it that way our Uncle isn't leaving us hanging when we're just making progress. It's not a buy yourself a new car kind of money but it is you don't have to fire your part-time staff but you will have to still make some cutbacks.

"HHS awards nearly $100 million in grants for public health and prevention priorities - The Affordable Care Act’s Prevention and Public Health Fund grants will support state and community efforts to fight obesity, increase HIV testing, promote tobacco quit lines, expand mental health and substance abuse programs and track, monitor and respond to disease outbreaks... CDC Grants -$67.7 Million - $21.6 million to promote HIV/AIDS prevention and testing ... $3.8 million in support of tobacco prevention and control... $26.4 million to strengthen epidemiology, laboratory and health information systems capacity... $6.8 Million for Capacity Building Assistance to Strengthen Public Health Infrastructure and Performance... $9.3 million in support of obesity biometric efforts... The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at HHS awarded more than $26.2 million in grants to support and promote better primary care and behavioral health services for individuals with mental illnesses or substance use disorders... HRSA GRANT - $5 Million to Address Obesity... " - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

The next time we see Matthew Lesko on late night TV, where has he been by the way, we'll think of the agencies rather than the individuals who depend on these government bailout or pork to keep us all healthy, wealthy and wise. Considering that the District of Columbia has no real voting power in Congress we have to be amazed at the rewards received and dismayed when none are not. We get what we pay for!

Conventional Weight Loss

Conventional wisdom while conventional might not always be wise. Were constantly being told that exercise and weight loss is the way to a healthier life. The research that we seek out or are directed to discover is when the research is correct and how that research is reported incorrectly. The founders wife asked us to look into a report that people with type 2 diabetes didn't have to exercise to loss weight. Our kind of story. That's not what we found. Instead we found that "Intensive lifestyle intervention can produce sustained weight loss" which is the traditional party line. Exercise and lose weight - there is no other way that takes it off and keeps it off according to the four (4) year study. We did find this information.

"Lower Fat Diet in Diabetes - There are today three distinct views concerning the proper diet in diabetes. One group of workers believes that carbohydrates should be kept at a point believed to represent glucose tolerance of the patient. The second group advocates a high fat, non-ketogenic low carbohydrate diet. The third group, holding the most recent views, advocates what seems like a very high carbohydrate and low fat diet. All agree upon the desirability of avoiding ketosis, meeting caloric needs and supplying the patient with a physiologic diet. - Annals of Internal Medicine (December 1930)

Conventional wisdom from the best minds of their time. To that end we offer you this latest information from the best minds of our time. Think of information and research as more round earth theory than flat earth theory. We think that if you're still alive at the end of the day you're ahead of the game. This doesn't mean that we think that the idea of exercising to lose weight is a flat earth theory we don't.  We can hope and pray but we know that that won't necessarily make it so.

"Low-Carbohydrate Diets and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality - A low-carbohydrate diet based on animal sources was associated with higher all-cause mortality in both men and women, whereas a vegetable-based low-carbohydrate diet was associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality rates." - Annals of Internal Medicine (September 2010) 

What a difference twenty-three (23) years and over one hundred twenty-nine thousand seven hundred and sixteen (129,716) people later. We know more today than we did eighty (80) years ago. We know more or do we? The research numbers are difficult to dispute when they're so large and comprise two (2) studies and not one (1). What a difference a millennium and computers make.

"...a doctors group seeks to compel the agency to alert patients to safe dietary alternatives to Avandia and other diabetes drugs that may increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and death. The nonprofit Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) is filing the suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The lawsuit targets FDA commissioner Margaret Hamburg, M.D., for failing to act on a PCRM administrative petition urging the FDA to require that diabetes drugs carry warning labels telling patients that low-fat plant-based diets can effectively treat type 2 diabetes without dangerous side effects associated with oral medications." - Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) July 2010 

When we reported on the pine bark extract research were news reports cited its supposed ineffectiveness we call your attention to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs that are dangerous and deadly rather than possible useless. We maintain that while the Japanese pine bark extract might have been useless in the application tested that misuse of any medication generally renders it ineffective.

"AVANDIA may increase the risk of heart problems related to reduced blood flow to the heart. These include possible increases in the risk of heart-related chest pain (angina) or "heart attack" (myocardial infarction). This risk seems to be higher in patients who took AVANDIA with insulin or with nitrate medicines. Most people who take insulin or nitrate medicines should not also take AVANDIA. If you have chest pain or a feeling of chest pressure, get medical help right away, no matter what diabetes medicines you are taking. Patients with diabetes have a greater risk for heart problems. It is important to work with your doctor to manage other conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol." FDA (February 2008) 

We reported on the complaint that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had against POM the "pomegranates and pomegranate-based products" company and we were against it. We support the FDA in it's efforts to protect "the public health" we just think that going after this one privately held company isn't necessarily in that interest. We could be wrong and POM might have been asking for it since they did sue Minute Maid. Not that there's anything wrong with it! We just don't like lawsuits.

"Protecting the food supply, making it safe, making it nutritious, is one of the most fundamental duties of government," says Michael R. Taylor, Deputy Commissioner for Foods at the FDA. He explains that for a hundred years the public has really depended upon FDA to prevent foods from being contaminated and to set standards for labeling foods to help people know what they are buying and hopefully choose healthy diets. But the Office of Foods, created in 2009, came into being as a response to new challenges involving the food supply. The new emphasis, says Taylor, is on implementing "common sense measures" to prevent problems before they occur." - FDA Basic Video (Food Safety and Nutrition) 

You can watch the video of DC Michael R. Taylor in his own words describing the Food and Drug Administration's position and purpose. The FDA is the last line of federal defense against hucksters and snake oil salesmen that seek to separate you from your money and can endanger your health. We worry like the PCRM agency gives too much levy way to big businesses at the expense of the individual. Not always and not as a matter of policy. Sometimes lives are put at risk and when they are we're here to say: "Don't Do It!" If and when necessary - which we presume will be few and far between. Mostly we're here to say don't wait for the dead and dying.

"24-Week Phase 3 Study Found Investigational Drug Dapagliflozin Improved Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) When Added to Glimepiride in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - The study also demonstrated that dapagliflozin plus glimepiride achieved reductions in the secondary efficacy endpoints of change in total body weight, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels from baseline at week 24 compared to placebo plus glimepiride." - AstraZeneca (September 20, 2010) 

Okay this is awkward. We've said what we said and then we drop this bit of news on you. So let's just say it now. That the preceding statement has little to do with the aforementioned quotation. It's just where it fit into the story. We will however include both good news and bad news about the "less exercising better results" product simply as a matter of information. We aren't making any judgments on the product. Twenty-four (24) weeks and almost six hundred (597) patients discovered that "dapagliflozin plus glimepiride" achieved reductions and this is an amazing research revelation revealed at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Stockholm this week. Now if someone decides to test the new drug WITHOUT glimepiride which should result in no reductions that will mean it's ineffective. Unlike pine bark extract which is relatively harmless while the new drug dapagliflozin is anything but harmless.

"New Diabetes Drug Dapagliflozin Closer to Approval - Generally, the occurrence of side effects was about equal across all four groups. Rates of genital infections were higher among patients treated with dapagliflozin than those taking placebo, but the infections were mild and did not cause any patients to withdraw from the trial." - Emax Health (October 2009) 

We are not anti-perscription drug. Remember what we said earlier. If you're still alive at the end of the day you're ahead of the game. We want you ahead - not dead. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs can put your tomorrows at risk. Sometimes this federal organization has to be forced by lawsuit to do what's best for you and we. Given the choice of treatment between Dapagliflozin, pine bark extract or bariatric (weight loss surgery) operations we'd choose the first two (2) rather than the latter.

"Risk of Suicide after Long-term Follow-up from Bariatric Surgery - Compared with age and sex-matched suicide rates in the US, there was a substantial excess of suicides among all patients who had bariatric surgery in Pennsylvania during a 10-year period. These data document a need to develop more comprehensive longer-term surveillance and follow-up methods in order to evaluate factors associated with postbariatric surgery suicide." - The American Journal of Medicine (September 2010) 

Weight loss surgery might seem to be the easiest solution to the problem of obesity because you just lie back and let the surgeons cut away while dreaming dreams of sweetness and light. You awaken and hopefully be lighter while feeling so much better ignoring the ugly scars that indicate the procedure. There's a real couch potato feeling to it with one research demonstrated downfall. It could be that Pennsylvanians are more susceptible than other citizens but when the surgeries are in excess of sixteen thousand (16,683) the numbers are difficult to dispute or ignore.

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.

The Breast News We've Heard

The doctors want you to know that links aren't "cause and effect." Just because when the women stop doing one thing "en masse" that something else happened does not mean there's a connection. That's why we exist! You see we don't care that there's no direct cause and effect - we think a link IF its reasonable, is good enough for us.

"New study links breast cancer to hormone therapy - The study by the Canadian Cancer Society found there was a significant decrease in the rate of new breast cancers among post-menopausal women between 2002 and 2004 -- coinciding with a huge drop in the use of hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. Many Canadian women stopped taking hormones in 2002 after a massive U.S. clinical trial -- the Women's Health Initiative -- suggested the risks of taking HRT outweighed the benefits. That study suggested taking hormones appeared to increase the risk of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke and blood clots in the lungs." - Canadian TV News (CTV)

We want you to know that we'll take an indication or a general trend and go with that. When we do we'll tell you and won't just make it up. The bigger story was from "Sweden" and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. There IS a Scandinavian Journal of Sports Medicine but we didn't find the research. Actually it was more of a review of previous studies rather than any real new research. You'll probably see it or saw it in the news reports on all of the channels and in all of the newspapers.

"Conclusions - The availability of screening mammography was associated with a reduction in the rate of death from breast cancer, but the screening itself accounted for only about a third of the total reduction. (Funded by the Cancer Registry of Norway and the Research Council of Norway.) - The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)

More than two years ago when the federal government got together with the people "who know" who came up with the following recommendations that individuals not in the know disagreed with as too lenient. The recent review tends to reaffirm their suggestions and makes their recommendations valid. Or at least more so than the nay sayers.

"Women over 40 responded to changes in mammogram recommendations - Lisa Calvocoressi, Ph.D., of Yale University, and colleagues interviewed 1,451 women who received screening mammograms at 1 of 5 hospital-based clinics from October 1996 to January 1998, a period that intersected with the recommendation changes. After asking how often they believed women their age should have screening mammograms, the team found that the percentage of women aged 40 to 49 who endorsed annual screening increased from 49 to 64 percent. Further, 31.6 percent of women in the 40 to 49 age group who did not originally endorse annual screening changed their opinion and supported it in follow up interviews. Although women in their 40s said they supported annual screening mammograms, the researchers were not able to examine the link between belief and action. However, other studies have shown that after 1997, women in their 40s were less likely to have screening mammograms than women in their 50s and 60s. This study was funded in part by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality." AHRQ (July 2008)

The numbers from "Norwegian breast-cancer screening program" were added to other international numbers to equal a group that was forty-times (40) larger than the those interviewed in the US in 2008. We included the above information because of the differences between women under 40 and those over who "did not endorse" screening. Three (3) stories on breast and cancer prevention that were specific to PearlieMae's history and behavior prior to her illness.

"Sexual Function after Breast Cancer - The BUPA Foundation Health and Wellbeing after Breast Cancer Study is a prospective cohort study of 1,684 women recruited within 12 months of their first diagnosis with invasive BC. Each participant completed an enrollment questionnaire (EQ) and first follow-up questionnaire (FQ1) 12 months post-EQ... Of the 1,011 women in the analyses, 70% experienced sexual function problems and 77% reported vasomotor symptoms." - The Journal of Sexual Medicine (JSM)

OK that makes it four (4) stories but the last story is actually more of a "Duh!" than any real revelation or surprising truth. We've always been a little shy about the s-e-x talk. Well the women among us feel that way, the men on the other hand have a completely different point of view - naturally! We just wanted you to know more than a headline. BC (breast cancer) is to women what PC (prostrate cancer) is to men.

Programmed Salmon

When man doesn't act science fills the gap. It'll be more than the price of fish that critical ingredient to health according to every research known to man. We love all things natural but there are consequences and repercussions for our actions. Remember that 3rd law of Newton that we're so fond of. (Hey we're on a theme!)

"Tuna on the endangered list - Illegal fishing has depleted global stocks of tuna and governments must take bold action to save some critically endangered species, the conservation group WWF said Monday as a conference on the topic opened in Japan. Japan's insatiable appetite for tuna has been a key factor behind the threat to stocks, and now increasing demand from other countries is adding to the pressure." - NY Times (January 22, 2007)

One of the consequences of our OVER fishing and depletion of food supplies means more than shortages and high prices. It can result in the repercussion of poor health and diseases of old and conditions long since cured and eliminated. That however is negative doomsday thinking and while some of us live to think it others of us feel as though its too much of a downer. So with that in mind lets go to professionals.

"Continued mismanagement could force some tuna populations to quickly go the way of cod, a highly threatened fishery that once helped shape economies of whole nations, leading scientists said in the symposium “Last Best Chance for Tuna: Learning from the Cod Collapse” at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting in Boston on February 18." - World Wildlife Fund (Feb 19, 2008)

Okay so you say that's tuna and not salmon. We wish!. You see the fish that are tuna, are in the sea, well, ocean but you get our drift. Unfortunately close to home things are not that much better either. Indeed they have not been that way for some time now. So before you get all high and mighty we call your attention to this bit of historical information.

"Currently populations of salmon, steelhead, trout, and rockfish are listed as endangered or threatened in the state of Washington." - Municipal Research and Services Center (March 1999)

We don't really NEED fish to survive do we? We that depends on what you mean by survive. You've heard that we have this health care thing going on haven't you? Fish isn't important if your in great health and you exercise regularly and we've got enough stored vitamins and nutritional supplements for the next millennium.

"Some fish (such as salmon, trout, and herring) are high in a type of PUFA called “omega-3 fatty acids.” The omega-3 fatty acids in fish are commonly called “EPA” and “DHA.” There is some limited evidence that suggests eating fish rich in EPA and DHA may reduce the risk for mortality from cardiovascular disease. (EPA is eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA is docosahexaeonoic acid.)" - USDA (MyPyramid)

In any event we haven't heard the last word on the subject of genetically modified (GM) salmon eggs that grow faster than the naturally farm grown variety. Unfortunately Canada has said that their GM salmon has escaped into the wild and you know how indiscriminate those fish are. They've probably already mixed their scientific genes with those natural ones - except among the tank raised variety! Gives a whole new meaning to the term farm fresh doesn't it!

Candy Science

We weren't very good at physics but we do remember Newton's third (3) law of motion that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In these trying economic times while the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) tries to further weaken the California economy by reducing the market share of the POM juice monopoly with their complaint:

Nestle will plow some $500 million into expanding its medical nutrition business over the next decade, in a bid to capture a slice of the growing market for foods to treat chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity, the Swiss consumer company said Monday. Nestle SA said it wants to "pioneer a new industry between food and pharma" by creating a medical nutrition institute in Switzerland and a stand-alone subsidiary called Nestle Health Science SA.

It'll be hard, unless you're the Small Business Administration (SBA), to consider POM a privately held company a "small business."

 "The Office of Advocacy defines a small business for research purposes as an independent business having fewer than 500 employees. Firms wishing to be designated small businesses for government programs such as contracting must meet size standards specified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Size Standards." - Small Business Administration (About)

POM's little $34 million dollars in research pales in comparison to Nestle's offshore $500 but the damage is done. Nestle wouldn't be considered small and it's not privately held either. An offshore investment means jobs and money going somewhere else. Regardless of the company we'll have to wait and see what claims are made by Nestle and what actions the FTC takes against them.

We certainly never thought of Nestle (the chocolate company) as "one of the world’s leading health, wellness and nutrition companies." We doubt you did either but that hasn't stopped the company from making such a claim. We can't think of a single product that the company makes that would have any nutritional value unless you added milk to it. We allow that that's probably more about our ignorance of the many products that the company makes and markets rather than any disbelief in their claims.

"Jenny Craig is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nestlé." - Jenny Craig Corporate Profile (Stock)

We didn't know! N-E-S-T-L-E-S Nestles makes the very best! Chocolate! That's what we remember! We learn something new everyday and now so can you - unless you already knew and in that case. Why didn't you tell us!

POM Oil

Juicy Fruit - It always helps to read the bottom line. We extol the virtues of CNN Money, NY Times, the Los Angeles Times in their reporting. The LA Times does the stories that other mainstream publications miss. In this case the headline and story was:

"FTC: POM Wonderful health claims are bogus -POM Wonderful isn't quite as wonderful as it claims, the Federal Trade Commission said Monday, after filing a complaint that challenges the company's statements that pomegranate can prevent and treat everything from heart disease to erectile dysfunction." - LA Times

To us that means that POM isn't wonderful. But the end of the story and gist is that the Federal Trade Commission says that POM isn't a super food. We say POM is a super food. We say that because its the right color and its served cold. We constantly show the research and data that says the stuff POM is made of is better food than anything you can buy at your local fast food restaurant. We maintain this inspite of our friends at the FTC. We do agree that it might not be THE prevention medicine for heart disease or ED but that it comprises the items that help maintain a healthier life and lifestyle.

"Among the advertising claims the FTC is challenging are that the product has "super health powers," that drinking an 8 ounce glass of POM Wonderful slows the rate of prostate cancer, that the juice can treat erectile dysfunction and that it has been proven reduce arterial plaque by 30 percent." - LA Times 

We agree that POM isn't a silver bullet but that it made of the stuff that research has proven. Mostly we think that POM is over priced and beyond our means but if and when we're out and about and we need some juice IF POM is available and we HAVE to spend our money we'll spend it on the liquid.

 "POM Wonderful pomegranate products have been the subject of over 50 published studies, which span a number of important health areas. These studies were conducted by leading researchers, including a Nobel Laureate, who are affiliated with top universities around the globe. This vast body of published research was conducted exclusively on POM products, all of which come from our own Wonderful variety pomegranates and are processed using our custom-designed, proprietary extraction equipment. Since 1998, we have provided over $34M in funding to support scientific research on POM products at top institutions around the globe." POM (World Class Science)

We've seen the ads for the products which we admit we crave though we can't see (well some of us can't) paying full price for the product and its never really on sale. We like it though it isn't sweet and taste more like medicine than a refreshing beverage. It is admittedly an acquired taste. It's better to drink it than to try and eat the fruit and suck the same amount of juice out of the seeds.

"The administrative complaint does not mean the company has violated the law, the FTC said. A hearing has been scheduled for eight months from now before an administrative law judge." - LA Times

What we hope the complaint will do is make POM hype the research instead of their product. The problem is then we'll discover that we don't need POM. Or that other companies can make a similar product and cut into their profits. Or even worst that we can make a similar substance for much cheaper and of a much higher quality. That of course would be the death of POM. Whatever the case we will be watching the complaint results carefully.

"Is POM Wonderful a publicly traded company? POM Wonderful is a privately held company and has no plans to go public at any time in the future." - POM (FAQ) 

We hope that the reason for the complaint isn't because POM (a publicly traded but privately held company) challenged Minute Maid for its POM like substitute that we have purchased because of its appearance and its what we believed were health claims.

"In a related case, Mark Dreher, POM Wonderful’s former head of scientific and regulatory affairs and expert endorser, has agreed to a settlement that bars him from making any disease treatment or prevention claims in advertising for a POM Wonderful product unless the claim is not misleading and comports with FDA requirements for the claim. The settlement also prohibits Dreher from making other health claims for a food, drug, or dietary supplement for human use without competent and reliable scientific evidence to support the claim. The settlement contains a cooperation clause and reporting provisions to assist the FTC in monitoring compliance with the order." - FTC (POM)

You remember the Federal Trade Commission who last week decided to: "rescind its regulations governing the format and display of health warnings on smokeless tobacco packages and advertising... The FTC works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them."

It could just be we're feeling paranoid against anything federal. It could happen. If POM did it once they could have done it again. It just hasn't been our experience that POM has made any outlandish claims that we've seen. If POM does decide to fight this complaint then expect the professors from the University of California to be called for all their independent research. We like the idea of a super food. We also believe in magic!