Ghost Authors Common in Medical Research Papers: Study

Drug companies initiating clinical trials often use ghost authors and medical writers whose contributions are not credited in the research papers, Danish scientists said on Tuesday.
This practice could be reduced by greater transparency and stricter rules that insist everyone who has worked on or contributed to a medical trial is named.
"Ghost authorship is common but it is often kept secret because it is in the interest of both the industry and the academic authors who lend their names to papers they have had very little or, in some cases, nothing to do with," Peter Gotzsche, of the Nordic Cochrane Centre in Copenhagen, Denmark, said in an interview.
The names of authors and researchers are omitted from the published research papers because this may serve the commercial interests of the company sponsoring the trial.
"We have seen again and again that the conclusions in trial reports and other types of articles are given a spin by industry so that the conclusions are too positive compared to the data presented," Gotzsche said.
"It is very important for the industry to get messages out that are useful for their marketing departments," he added.
Lending their name to a study can be beneficial for researchers because it raises their profile and the number of published studies they are linked to. Gotzsche and a team of international researchers believe that unless the role of all the authors is set out in the research paper, people reading the study will not be able accurately to judge or trust its conclusions.
The scientists analysed 44 trials approved by Danish ethics committees in 1994-1995 in the first systematic examination of ghost authorship. One of the studies had been initiated by a local company and 43 by one of 26 multinational drug companies.
The researchers identified 33 trials with ghost authors. In 31 of them the ghost writer was a statistician -- the person who analysed the trial data.
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Gary Moller comments:
These sorts of appalling practices help to explain why "research" that shows favourable results for commercial products always seem to be far more numerous than those reports that are less than favourable. Coupled with massive publicity machines behind them these reports of questionable repute then receive incredible publicity in the media - propaganda dressed up as news!

Menawhile, the free or cheap, self-help methods for keeping healthy, or regaining health are largely ignored. For example, if a drug was discovered that was shown to reduce cancer risk by as much as 50% it would be a news sensation. The discoverers would not only become incredibly wealthy, they would also be Nobel Prize winners. Or would they?

Well there is a drug that has been discovered that does just that - sunlight. Sadly, because sun is free it receives little in the way of recognition for its cancer preventing qualities. In fact, we are taught by the establishment to fear the sun. Some might think there is some kind of conspiracy going on here. Or is it just a case of willful neglect aided and abetted by powerful commercial interests?

Read more!

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Myopathy known to occur with statins

"While the statins are effective in providing protection from coronary and cardiovascular events, they are known to cause myopathy (usually dose-related) and, rarely, rhabdomyolysis. A clinical diagnosis of myopathy is made when there is muscle pain or weakness accompanied by a creatine kinase (CK) level more than ten times the upper limit of normal. Rhabdomyolysis is a severe form of myopathy with muscle breakdown leading to myoglobinuria, which may result in renal failure and death.

The Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) has received eight recent reports (including two fatalities) of rhabdomyolysis occurring in patients taking between 20mg and 80mg of a statin daily."
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Gary Moller comments:
This medsafe NZ report raises a number of interesting issues:

Officially myopathy and rhabdomyolysis are "rare" with rates of from 0.03% to 1%. Such rates depend on not just the Dr detecting the condition; but reporting it in such a way that it is recorded in offical databases. In m y experience, this hardly ever happens and only in the most serious cases leading to severe disability or death - assuming the disability or death were directly attributed to the culprit medication.

Co-morbidities and other medications complicate the detective work. So, for example; while the patient might have died from heart failure, the medication might have damaged the heart muscle. Or, as a result of the severe muscle weakness caused by the statin, the patient might have slipped, broken a hip and subsequently died from the complications of a blood clot. The official cause of death would not be the statin.

If these medicines have such nasty side effects, it begs the question: "Why do these things continue to be prescribed?" Especially when there are such effective non-medical alternatives that have absolutely no side effects other than looking and feeling great.

"Because they reduce heart disease risk and because the side effects are very rare", you might say.

"Rare?" At a recent presentation to more than 50 "Oldies" I was cornered afterwards by two women who had been prescribed statins. Both had suffered severe muscular pain and weakness and one had visible severe muscle wasting of her thighs and was having trouble walking. I was horrified at the damage.

Assuming that about 10 of the total audience were on statins, is this occurence "RARE"?

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How much do drugs companies influence your doctor's treatment decisions?

"Approximately US$19 billion is spent annually by drug companies for marketing to doctors. Tens of thousands of sales representatives descend on doctors' offices every day. Patients in doctors' waiting rooms are often outnumbered by drug reps (typically young, female, attractive).

Drug companies write the package inserts of all drugs, carefully including the information they choose and omitting information they want to avoid.

Drug companies underwrite a large percentage of continuing education courses for doctors. In doing so, they make sure that the speakers represent the company view.

Drug companies design studies that are meant to produce favorable results and then publish the studies in medical journals. Studies with unfavorable results are not published.

Drug reps typically bring stacks of studies, all favorable, which impress doctors, who no longer have the time or motivation to search the medical literature themselves.

Drug reps do not include independent studies with less favorable conclusions. Many doctors never see these."
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Gary Moller comments:
What this article did not mention is the fact that drugs companies also invest millions in successfully influencing politicians and bureaucrats. For shocking evidence of the extent of this political lobbying in the USA, go here.

Back in the days when I hired physical education graduates straight from university to work in our rehabilitation programmes it was common for the attractive ones to be recruited within a year or so by our opposition: the drugs companies. Their new job over on the Dark Side was to promote drugs to doctors like blood pressure and cholesterol lowering pills. What is described that happens in the USA happens in NZ. Sadly, NZ allows the advertising of pharmaceutical drugs direct to the consumer using media like television.

Side effects of drugs medication is always underplayed, as is the reporting of any ill effects which consequently distorts official statistics to give the impression of a drug appearing to be much safer than it really is.

If a doctor is even aware of effective alternative treatments for conditions like weak bones, arthritis and high blood pressure these usually receive very low priority treatment that is little more than lip service, or else completely dismissed as a waste of a patient's time and money. I am still astonished at how often a doctor dismisses out of hand a therapy like glucosamine for arthritis despite the wealth of research evidence in its favour.

When a drug is prescribed for a condition like blood pressure this may be done on the basis of a handful of potentially flawed tests of blood pressure done in the artificial envirnoment of a medical clinic. The drug is then dished out with advice along the lines of; "Try this and we will see how it goes". Unless the medication is being closely monitored through the person's day, such as with a blood pressure machine, then the prescribing of this potentially harmful medication sure is a hazardous hit and miss exercise! Would you run a business without having accurate measures of key performance indicators? Of course not and why should your health be any different when ingesting potentially hazardous drugs?

Maybe it is not in the interests of the prescriber or the manufacturer to monitor these drugs properly because it might be discovered more often than not that they are not very good at doing what they are supposed to do and may even be doing more harm than good!

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Treatment found for Dysphoric Social Attention Consumption Deficit Anxiety Disorder (DSACDAD)!

HAVIDOL is for the treatment of Dysphoric Social Attention Consumption Deficit Anxiety Disorder (DSACDAD). It is the only known medication available for this newly recognized disorder.

Important safety information:

Problems can be avoided if you take HAVIDOL only when you are able to immediately benefit from its effects. To fully benefit from HAVIDOL patients are encouraged to engage in activities requiring exceptional mental, motor, and consumptive coordination. HAVIDOL is not for you if you have abruptly stopped using alcohol or sedatives. Havidol should be taken indefinitely. Side effects may include mood changes, muscle strain, extraordinary thinking, dermal gloss, impulsivity induced consumption, excessive salivation, hair growth, markedly delayed sexual climax, inter-species communication, taste perversion, terminal smile, and oral inflammation. Very rarely users may experience a need to change physicians. Talk to your doctor about HAVIDOL

Go here to learn how to get HAVIDOL

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Antioxidant supplements may raise death risk - study

CHICAGO - Beta carotene and vitamins A and E, antioxidant supplements taken by millions to fight disease, may actually raise the risk of death, a review of 68 studies on nearly a quarter-million people said today.
The finding drew fire from critics who said it was flawed and based largely on studies of people who were already chronically ill before they were treated with the supplements.
Tuesday's report related only to synthetic supplements and not to fruits and vegetables in everyday diets which are natural and contain less concentrated levels of antioxidants, said the study from the Centre for Clinical Intervention Research at Denmark's Copenhagen University Hospital.
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Gary Moller comments:
Over the last year I have shifted away from advocating anything other than supplements that are from natural food sources. This is due to concern that the synthetic copies of naturally occuring vitamins and other nutrients may not improve health and may even have a deleterious effect.

It is sensible to be cautious about the small one-per-day capsule that claims to contain every known vitamin, mineral and antioxidant needed by Man. To get all of that into such a small container probably means the contents are from pure synthetic sources. Supplements that are derived from natural sources, like herbs, look and smell like food concentrates and are usually the size of horse pills. Other forms for the Purists among us are elixirs like the Floradix range that are certified organic plant concentrates.
Synthetic vitamin E is not the same as the natural substance, nor is vitamin A. In their natural forms these vitamins actually include hundreds of different compounds (co-factors) that work together to do their healthy work. Pure synthetic Vitamin A, for example, can be highly toxic and is implicated in birth defects and should only be taken in small amounts, if ever. The natural form of vitamin A is derived from sources like egg yolk, butter and cod liver oil are very safe to take, despite the dire warnings that may come on the labels.

Funny isn't it? - Many of the best foods that contain the essential fats, minerals, vitamins and proteins are the ones that are bad for you - eggs, liver and butter! These are the high cholesterol foods that don't get the Heart Foundation tick. Do they really believe that margarine with synthetic vitamin A and cancer-producing trans-fatty acids is really better for you than pure New Zealand butter?

There is also the debate about "more being better". Of course, this is not the case and one should errr on the conservative side with vitamins unless the evidence tells you otherwise.

As an observation, when people with chronic health problems do consult me, there is usually more than a few signs of nutritional deficiency, such as magensium deficiency or low vitamin D. Often supplements are being taken but these may be synthetics that are poorly targetted to need. Another potential pitfall is to be taking too much of a single vitamin which may create an imbalance with others - nutrients need to be in balance with each other to be able to do their work.

So, take vitamins; but ensure they are mostly from natural sources. Take according to established need. Continue to ensure that your diet is your principal source of quality nutrients - quality meats, fruits, nuts, vegetables and whole grains.

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How beta blockers and drugs for anxiety ruin lives and kill

"Like surgeries, drugs are extremely valuable when used correctly. Unfortunately this is NOT how drugs are used in today's "modern" medicine! In fact, most doctors confuse "practicing medicine" with "automatic prescription writing." This hurts everyone except the drug companies.
Even in cases when drugs are beneficial, alternative drug-free treatments should alwaysbe considered first. Because along with chemical drugs come many harmful side effects that can often take years to surface. In fact, since many drugs cause more harm than good...patients wind up with even more prescriptions than what they started out with. It's a perpetual life threatening cycle that needs to stop!" W C Douglas MD

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Gary Moller comments:

The most common reason for going to the doctor in Wellington City is anxiety and depression. The standard treatment is drugs like beta blockers and various other drugs that variously to lower the blood pressure and reduce anxiety. Most of these drugs work by depressing the chemicals that regulate signaling between nerve cells. This means varying degress of brain fog, dry mouth and slowing of the digestive processes including gut peristalsis.

I have written previously about these drugs and soaring dementia rates. Let's talk about peristalsis, the rhythmic contractions of the smooth muscle of the digestive tract that steadily propels through the the digestive process and into the bowel where it is eliminated once or twice daily. Many drugs slow this process and the consequences can be dire. But, first a little about dry mouth.

Many drugs slow the production of digestive juices and this may be show as dry mouth. Have you seen the movie "Me, Myself & Irene"? In the movie, Jim Carrey plays a man with a split personality named Hank. In one really hilarious scene he takes his medication and suffers an excessive dry mouth reaction. While it was totally over the top, it served well to illustrate what millions of people must put up with daily. Interfere with the digestive juices, including saliva and the person tends towards sweet junk foods and what food is eaten is poorly digested.

Poor digestion along with slowed peristalsis leads to chronic malnutrition and diseases associated with putrid partially digested food accumulating in the lower tracts of the digestive system. Diverticulitis, Chrohn's disease, constipation Chronic obstructive bowel disease, bowel cancer and other ailments develop.

These diseases of the digestive tract may take 20 or more years to develop and the association with the offending medication may never be made.

The consequence is many years of ongoing surgery, more and more powerful drugs, chronic infections, colostomy bags, days, weeks and months in hospital and a gradual slide into disability that ends with a slow and undignified death well before time. The cost to the health system is measured in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The cost to the family is immeasurable.

What often blows me away is that the offending medication - the anti-depressant or the blood pressure medication continues to prescribed although the need for it may be long gone!

Modern drugs do have their place; but not when dealing with issues that are mostly to do with our lifestyles and the natural processes of ageing.

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Therapeutic Goods Authority looms large - stop it now!

The Therapeutic Goods Authority (TGA) which the Government has committed to setting up without proper consultation with the public is well on the way to being established. Staff have already been hired making a farce of any consultation.

How will this regulatory organisation benefit the NZ public? We deserve to know.

The TGA will regulate natural therapies, natural medicines and nutritional supplements as if they were hazardous prescription pharmaceuticals. It is doing so on the basis of safety - premise that nobody has been able to substantiate (There is not a single recorded death in recent NZ history from taking a natural medicine or supplement).

If the TGA goes ahead, as would appear inevitable, your ability to decide what is best for your health will be severely diminished and the cost will rise.

Maori traditional healing will be seriously compromised and the development of herbs and medicines based on native NZ plants will probably not be possible without the financial muscle of Big Pharma.

Submissions are being called for; but you have only a few weeks to get one in. A Maori Hui is being organised to opposed the TGA. Details below and please get involved, if only by writing to your MP.

Here are the PDF files for these:

• Hui Invite
• Impact of TGA on Maori
• Hui Expression of Interest
• Maori Party Letter and Speech

Please act now and retain our freedom to manage our own health. Throw out the TGA!

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Warfarin linked with brain bleeds

"Warfarin is often prescribed to prevent blood clotting and help combat the most common type of stroke, known as ischemic stroke. However, warfarin itself has been linked to intracerebral brain hemorrhage, another type of stroke caused by ruptured blood vessels and subsequent bleeding in the brain." (Click on the title for the full article).
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Gary Moller comments:
As with most medicines, the full extent of adverse side effects goes largely unnoticed. This is because there is usually no direct link between taking a drug and the adversity.

For example (A real one), a dentist may be conducting a routine tooth extraction to be horrified to find that a chunk of dead jaw bone comes out with the tooth! Of course this means the patient is in real trouble. The condition is called osteonecrosis for which there is no effective treatment. Tests are completed, specialists are consulted and there is no reason for this happening in a 50'ish patient. The only suspiscion the dentist has is that the patient has been taking Warfarin (rat poison) for a decade for a heart condition; but the association is dismissed by the experts.

Here is my take on what is happening: The Warfarin is causing micro-bleeding into the bone of the jaw. Why it shows mostly in the jaw is because the jaw is constantly stressed by the action of chewing on the teeth, thus causing the micro bleeds. Bone is very sensitive to bleeding - the delicate bone cells die off similar to what happens when taking biphosphenates that cause "Fossy Jaw".

My experience is that the majority of people I come across who have been placed on Warfarin need not be on it and non drugs strategies should first have been explored and exhausted.

If for example a patient has atrial fibrilations that may increase risk of a clot that might settle in the brain, how about a course of:

• Fish oil plus vitamin E to stabilise the heart electrical activity and condition the blood to reduce clotting risk
• A multi mineral with magnesium and calcium that relax the heart, nerves and stabilise blood pressure
• A course to learn to breathe properly using the diaphragm and thus stabilise body PH - over-breathing is known to cause heart irregularities that can be so severe as to be mistaken for a heart attack
• Sunbathing to increase vitmamin D levels to at least 120 nmol - low vit D is associated with heart disease (Have you had a blood test for your own vitamin D yet?)

Should these fail to brig about a resolution after about 21 days then the option of medication can be considered.

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Dry Mouth Advice

DRY MOUTH By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
"Dry mouth can be caused by infections, nerve damage and drugs such as blood pressure medication like clonidine, Prilosec and other ulcer medications, antihistamines, stimulants such as amphetamines and intestinal medication called atropine. It can be associated with a type of arthritis.

Lack of saliva causes mouth and neck pain, infections, difficulty talking and sleeping, dental cavities, and difficulty swallowing because saliva lubricates the food and allows it to pass down your throat. Since the mouth is normally full of germs that belong there, it is very difficult to culture a bacteria that causes dry mouth, but some people are cured by taking the antibiotics metronidazole and clarithromycin for a couple of weeks. If that doesn't cure you, you may have to take a 5mg pilocarpine pill four times a day, but they can cause sweating, nausea, running nose, chills, dizziness and frequent urination.

You can also try a machine called Salitron made by Biosonics in Pennsylvania. It uses an electrical probe in your mouth to stimulate the salivary glands to produce saliva. "
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Gary Moller comments:
I thought you might be interested in this article by Dr Mirkin. While the advice might be spot on for treating medical conditioins like Sjogren's, it is not suitable for the majority of people with this problem. Adding more medicine to the pile pills is potentially dangerous and few people can afford extortionately over-priced medical machines. Dry mouth is a potentially serious conditioin that can lead to:

• Severe tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease
• These infections are assoiated with cardiovascular disease
• Diseases of the digestive tract
• Malnutrition
  

Here is my advice:

• If you are on medication that might be causing dry mouth, talk to your Dr and ask if it is absolutely necessary and ask about alternatives.
• If you have digestive problems, high blood pressure or feeling depressed, for example, and you are taking medication there are usually very good lifestyle and nutrition alternatives to medication that has side effects like dry mouth.
  
• If you are a mouth breather, then you need to get to the root cause of this which may be anything from a nasal obstruction, allergy or being over-weight
• Cut out stimulants, including tea, coffee and chocolate
  
• Drink plenty of fresh water so that urination is regular, like every couple of waking hours
  
• Get on a nutrient rich wholefoods diet and cut out sugars and refined flours, artificail sweeteners, colourings and flavourings
  
• Take a multi mineral with magnesium, like Calcium Complete, a selection of omega oils and a natural B Complex that support proper functioning of the nervous system
• Go to sleep and awake the same time every day
  
• Exercise outdoors daily to stimulate mind and body
• Sip fresh fresh cool water frequently and swill and gargle it about the mouth
• Brush and floss morning and evening and see a good dentist regularly
  
• Chew gum, eat apples and other fruit to stimulate the production of saliva and massage the gums
  

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Codex Guidelines and the Therapeutic Goods Authority are not good for your health

One day, possibly in 2009, you will wake up to find that high potency vitamins, minerals and nutrient-dense supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin will be illegal.

This is no joke; the legislation before the NZ Parliament to set up the Trans-Tasman Therapeutic Goods Authority is part of a global movement to restrict your access to these safe products.

Your only choice for prevention and treatment of many ailments will be poisonous pharmaceuticals that will bleed our economies dry.

For a good overview of the issues, have a listen to this video (about 14 minutes long):
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5266884912495233634&q=Nutricide

Why regulate and restrict products that are safe? Here in NZ there have been no deaths in the last decade or so from taking nutritional supplements, other than a child who tragically choked to death on a vitmain pill.

More information here

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How Medication Causes Anaemia in Senior Citizens

Anaemia should be considered a critical health concern for everyone over the age of 50. This is especially so for those who are taking prescription drugs, because many have a side effect that you'll never see mentioned on the label: the impairment of essential vitamin and nutrient absorption.

Red blood cells deliver oxygen from the lungs to the tissues throughout the body. Anemia occurs when the red blood cell count becomes depleted, resulting in fatigue, weakness, and hair loss in extreme cases. The two primary causes of anaemia are iron-poor blood (often triggered by menstruation or internal bleeding), and a deficiency in two critical vitamins: folic acid and vitamin B-12. Getting good amounts of these nutrients is very important for seniors because as we age our ability to absorb vitamins from food diminishes. Consequently, our tendency to develop anaemia rises.

Unfortunately this absorption problem is just the first link in a chain of events that adds up to a health issue that's far more serious than simple fatigue.

Many prescription pharmaceuticals interfere with the absorption of nutrients. For instance, drugs that inhibit stomach acids have been shown to significantly decrease absorption of vitamin B-12; one of the primary vitamins needed to prevent anaemia.

Other medications that are known to play a role in nutrient depletion are among the most frequently prescribed medications on the market. Antibiotics, anti-depressants, anti-inflammatories, blood pressure medications, cholesterol- lowering drugs, estrogen, and tranquilizers can all strip valuable vitamins and minerals from the body. When any of these drugs are combined - especially in an older patient - the risk of developing anemia rises.

And now it seems that this chain of events is being rushed along more quickly than ever. Did you know the average American senior receives 25 prescriptions annually - a 100 percent jump in just four years! So as the over-medication of seniors grows at an alarming rate, we see two serious problems becoming even greater health threats:

• The wider variety of drug intake creates conflicting side effects (and as know, many doctors treat drug side effects with other types of drugs), and
• These potent drug mixes rob patients of the very nutrients they need most when fighting an illness.

But the chain of events just keeps getting worse. Many mainstream doctors see so many elderly patients who have anaemia that the condition is widely regarded - somewhat lightly - as a normal part of ageing. As a result, when anaemia is diagnosed it often goes untreated. This is a mistake because anaemia dramatically increases the risk of mortality for those with chronic health problems such as heart disease. At the same time, anaemia can also promote cancer, which thrives in a cellular environment that's starved of oxygen.

Anaemia is easily diagnosed with a blood test, so during your next check up, ask your doctor for a test of your red cell blood count - especially if you're feeling unusually fatigued. If you do have an anaemic condition, the next step is to find out the cause. If your doctor downplays anaemia's importance, or if a prescription drug is recommended to address the problem, you should get a second opinion.

As for treating anaemia, you simply can't go wrong with the right nutrition and supplements. High doses of B group vitamins can be helpful, but not necessarily iron supplements. Take a broad spectrum Natural vitamin B supplement twice daily with iron rich food. The best source of iron is from natural dietary sources, plus a supplement from natural sources that steadily restore levels to normal.

The best dietary sources of iron red meat, fish, pork, and poultry, with beef liver and chicken liver having the highest amounts of iron. An additional intake of high quality vitamin C with iron rich food can also help the body absorb iron. Even an orange juice with your meal will help.

Talk to your doctor about discontinuing the use of any drugs that aren't absolutely necessary.

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Natural medicines – the safest way to avoid death

"A report just released by the Acting Chair of the Coroner’s Council has shown natural medicines have the lowest fatality rate of all medical treatments in this country.

Despite extensive research, coroner Dr Wallace Bain found no deaths have occurred in this country due to natural medicines such as vitamins, minerals and herbal products.

Dr Bain, who is also a trained pharmacist and lawyer, undertook the study in light of growing opposition to new legislation that will see New Zealand’s natural health industry come under Australian laws.

The safety of natural products is often sited as a reason for the need for such a move.

The Labour government plans that the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Authority (ANZTPA) will soon replace the current Medsafe agency as part of a `trans-Tasman harmonisation’ push. Opponents fear this move will decimate New Zealand’s natural health industry as has already occurred in Australia."
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Gary Moller comments:
Dr Bain correctly points out in his report that, in contrast, in 1998 (the last year of detailed official statistics available) adverse reactions to pharmaceutical drugs killed 1524 New Zealanders and deaths associated with medical injury (mistakes by doctors and medical staff) killed 4222 New Zealanders.

These horrific statistics that dwarf even the national road toll of about 4-500 per year and which generates much outrage and receives huge funding.

The question: 'Why is there is such an enthusiastic push by ther NZ and Australian Governments to regulate a group of products when there is absolutely no credible evidence whatsoever of the need for this kind of thing on the grounds of safety?" Is it a conspiracy by big business with political buddies to wipe out alternative and traditional therapies?

It is interesting to note that many of my mail order internet nutritional sales via Myotec are directly to Australians who find that purchasing directly from New Zealand is easier and cheaper than from their own country. This is a good indication of what will happen to the NZ market if we go the Australian Way as our politicians would have us.

Please visit your local MP and write to the Minister of Health, Anette King, and express your opinion on this matter (Therapeutic Goods Bill). No stamp is required when writing to your MP c/o Parliament, Wellington. Please also refer to my earlier article on this important topic.

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Eli Lilly Said to Play Down Risk of Top Pill

Sunday 17 December 2006
The drug maker Eli Lilly has engaged in a decade-long effort to play down the health risks of Zyprexa, its best-selling medication for schizophrenia, according to hundreds of internal Lilly documents and e-mail messages among top company managers.

The documents, given to The Times by a lawyer representing mentally ill patients, show that Lilly executives kept important information from doctors about Zyprexa's links to obesity and its tendency to raise blood sugar - both known risk factors for diabetes.

Lilly's own published data, which it told its sales representatives to play down in conversations with doctors, has shown that 30 percent of patients taking Zyprexa gain 22 pounds or more after a year on the drug, and some patients have reported gaining 100 pounds or more. But Lilly was concerned that Zyprexa's sales would be hurt if the company was more forthright about the fact that the drug might cause unmanageable weight gain or diabetes, according to the documents, which cover the period 1995 to 2004.

Zyprexa has become by far Lilly's best-selling product, with sales of $4.2 billion last year, when about two million people worldwide took the drug.

Critics, including the American Diabetes Association, have argued that Zyprexa, introduced in 1996, is more likely to cause diabetes than other widely used schizophrenia drugs. Lilly has consistently denied such a link, and did so again on Friday in a written response to questions about the documents. The company defended Zyprexa's safety, and said the documents had been taken out of context.... Last year, Lilly agreed to pay $750 million to settle suits by 8,000 people who claimed they developed diabetes or other medical problems after taking Zyprexa. Thousands more suits against the company are pending. (Read the whole article by clicking on the linked headline).
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Gary Moller comments:

Now, let's see, $4 billion+ per year over 10 years = $40 billion. The cost of suppressing this health information = only $750 million - so far. If I was the CEO of this company, I think the maths is very much in favour of that decision to suppress, rather than disclose. Similar to pill-popping this behaviour is becoming a bit of a bad habit.

Do you think the US politicians are ever going to get tough on these guys with stiffer penalties that make non-disclosure uneconomic? No way! They will not do anything to hurt their buddies any further than a token slap on the hands with a wet bus ticket.

Politicians have allowed themselves to be compromised on this and other issues. For evidence of the millions of $$$ that are pumped into the political coffers of the USA political parties and individual electorates by pharmaceutical interests go here.

While we are at it; if you want evidence that the Iraq war is very good for business and benefiting politicians at the same time - and to see just how compromised both Republicans and Democrats are on these issues - then take a look at these charts. (Now that the balance of power has shifted in the US, it will be interesting to come back in several months from now and see if the "balance of payments" has shifted during that time).

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Dreaded droopy dick syndrome

"Dear gary,
IT is interesting to see the plethora of ads and products being promoted for the treatment of the dreaded droopy dick syndrome in the middle aged men,apart from the Viagra type products there are many natrual products such as "Horny goat weed" or "Macca"
Although I am not suffering any problems in this department yet , I very much want to look after my best mate and keep him in good working order for the coming challenges .
I was wondering if you have any experience with this problem ,and could recommend any of the natrual suppliments, or methods to prevent this from becoming a problem.

John Holmes"
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Gary Moller Comments:
John, I am pleased to know that you are without the above-mentioned matters.
There are several key factors at work that may combine to bring about declining libido in both men and women. While I am not, for one moment a medical expert on these matters, I feel I do have a reasonable grasp of some of the contibuting physiology underlying this gradual decline in sexual performance as age has its way:

• Stress, fatigue, sleep deprivation and depression
• Hum-drum relationships
• Mineral depletion; especially magnesium
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Loss of physical condition and muscle tone
• Gradual loss of circulation mostly affecting the periphery of the body
• Side effects of prescription medicines
• Hormonal changes associated with ageing

Referring directly to your question about Viagra, Horny Goat Weed and so on, these may or may not be of any use and, if they do have an effect, these should only be regarded as temporary fixes or "jump starters", since they may not deal with the underlying issues, such as stress and fatigue.

I am going to try to tackle each of the eight factors listed above over the next few weeks.

John, Thankyou for raising this important and topical subject.

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Fossy Jaw - jawbone death, bone decay, or jaw rot

"As potent inhibitors of osteoclast activity, the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates might retard skeletal repair processes associated with trauma to or infection of the oral mucosa that involves the underlying bone. Since the jawbones are in constant use and are characterized by active remodeling, bisphosphonates might accumulate there preferentially, resulting in concentrations that exceed those found elsewhere in the skeleton. "
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Gary Moller comments:
Losing your jaw is not pleasant. More to the point: horrific!

While this is the most commonly reported side-effect of these anti-osteoporosis drugs, I think this is only one of many possible adverse side effects that are coming to the fore. This class of drugs may be causing damage to arterial walls and kidney leading to early onset of cardiovascular disease of various forms and even dementia. Rather than preventing fractures, the longterm result may be more fractures and poor healing because the poor victim is left with old bone that does not heal.

These drugs have an estimated 1/2 life of 10 years, so if a user stopped today it could be as long as 20 years before the drug is completely eliminated.

Its not worth the risk taking these things. If you are diagnosed by a bone scan or blood test as having osteoporosis or close to it here is my advice:

• Challenge the accuracy of the test because these tests are more often unreliable than reliable.
• If you are small, the odds are the bone density test will have you with a low bone mineral density which is probably dead wrong.
• If you have been unwell or in hospital for any reason and your blood calcium levels are high (A reason for putting you on these drugs) and you are given a biphosphenate don't take it.
• Blood calcium goes through the roof if you are deprived of sunlight and unable to exercise - its a normal thing.
• Read Gillian Sanson's book about the Myth of Osteoporosis first.

Instead of taking these awful drugs that also cost a fortune:

• Insist on getting your vitamin D levels tested. If below 120 then:
• Get some sunlight on your back and tummy and thighs 3 times a week for about 10 minutes. Failing that, find a sunbed and get a few minutes that way (No burning and no excessive tanning please).
• Repeat the vitamin D test about 3 months later to see how you are going.
• Take a multi mineral like Calcium Complete daily and take cod liver oil.
• Cut right down on dairy and refined grains and eat your veges, especially ones like brocolli and cabbage.
• Walk briskly daily, do housework, dig the garden and lift light weights above your head.

Read more!

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Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill being rammed through Parliament

"I am sad to have to inform you that on the 5th December 2006, at 9 a.m., Annette King tabled the ‘Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill’ in Parliament. The 494-page bill will have its first reading on Tuesday 12th December, at about 3.30 p.m.

This bill will undermine our sovereignty and our democracy, and restrict our access to natural supplements by regulating them as pharmaceuticals through a heavy handed Australian-based Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Agency (ANZTPA).

Despite overwhelming opposition, the government is bulldozing ahead with its plans to set up a Trans Tasman regulator.

New Zealand First, having promised publicly that it would never support a Trans Tasman agency that included dietary supplements, has reneged on its promise, and will now support the legislation, along with the government and United Future, through to Select Committee.

The proposed agency is designed to suit large multinational corporations, but will wipe our small New Zealand dietary supplements manufacturers. It will regulate dietary supplements as if they were drugs; impose an inappropriate, pharmaceutical model for low risk healthcare products, and result in increasing pharmaceutical control of natural health products.

If it goes ahead, small natural health businesses will go to the wall as a result of excessive compliance costs.

There will be reduced consumer choice as many ingredients will not be available in the future Some traditional remedies that have been safely used for centuries, such as Chinese herbs and Ayuvedic medicine, will become illegal in a few years time." Sue Kedgely, Green Party MP

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Gary Moller comments:

This is a deliberate action by the pharmaceutical industry to knobble one of the leading threats to their domination of the health system and its billions of dollars which mostly go into the coffers of big business. They are getting away with it.

If you have not realised this yet: Governments serves big business first and the little people who elected them a far off second.

The current medical model only works well with emergency medicine. People are realising this and have been voting with their feet and their wallets by seeking out natural therapies via nutrition and lifestyle measures that empower, rather than disempower and create dependency.

Death by medicine now kills many more New Zealanders than road smashes. This is a huge scandal that still receives little media attention. Most of these deaths are preventable - by prescribing good nutrition, exercise and lifestyle interventions instead of grossly expensive poisons that eventually kill or maim the recipient.

New Zealanders will pay a lot more for their vitamin C and flax seed oil. Many products will no longer be available, or only via a costly prescription. Those who most need them; pensioners, the ill and the injured will no longer be able to afford the cost (Most already struggle with current costs!).

Fish oil or rat poison? At present you have a choice. Lets keep it that way. Write or visit your MP and express your outrage - NOW!

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The 21 day rule for medical treatments

The 21 day rule
I often come across people including athletes who have been undergoing a form of treatment for months; sometimes longer. It raises the question: "How long should one undergo a course of treatment before calling it quits?" As a general rule of thumb, I recommend applying the "21 day rule".

If you are undergoing any form of treatment or therapy be it physical therapy or medicine, apply the 21 day rule.

If, after 21 days of consistent application of the therapy, there has not been a significant improvement in your condition and at a rate or level above what would normally be expected if things were left up to Mother Nature herself, then you need to review what is being done. Far too often, ineffective therapies are continued with long after when their use should have been critically reviewed, modified or ceased altogether. Progress is often erroneously attributed to the treatment or medicine when it is really just the natural healing processes that should be getting the credit.

Nutritional and lifestyle strategies, including exercise, to improve fitness, healing and health can be extremely subtle in effect. These enhance and support, rather than replace or inhibit normal body physiology. Sometimes no obvious benefit is ever demonstrated by exercise, eating well and supplementing where the need exists, other than looking good and feeling great over the long term. Give these strategies at least 3 months to take effect.

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Was it worth it?

Here is an excerpt from a person who has been taking Fosamax: "After about 6 months I experienced gradually worse joint pain that changed me from healthy and athletic to almost crippled. I can barely walk up a stairs one stair at a time and leaning on the railing. Pain and weakness in my knees and hips, both sides is the main problem.

My bone density has increased, but who would want to live this way? I've gone from hiking and biking to practically needing a wheelchair. I've had to move because I couldn't do the stairs to my second floor apartment. I went off it after about a year and I'm desperately hoping my joint function will return. It hasn't improved yet after 1 month off the drug."
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Gary Moller Comments:
As I said in an earlier article, I predict that these anti-osteoporosis drugs are going to be the largest and worst medical scandal in history. While they may increase bone mineral density in the first few years, they are nothing short of being a slow poison. It is disurbing that the 1/2 life of this drug is about 10 years.

Keep informed of this scandal as it develops by going here and then bookmarking this page.

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Warning about serious side effects of Warfarin

The US label for warfarin has been strengthened to include a black-box warning about the risk for major or fatal bleeding.

SIDE EFFECTS: The two most serious side effects are bleeding and necrosis (gangrene) of the skin. Bleeding can occur in any organ or tissue. Bleeding around the brain can cause severe headache and paralysis. Bleeding in the joints can cause joint pain and swelling. Bleeding in the stomach or intestines can cause weakness, fainting spells, black tarry stools, vomiting of blood, or coffee ground material. Bleeding in the kidneys can cause back pain and blood in urine. Other side effects include purple, painful toes, rash, hair loss, bloating, diarrhea, and jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin). Signs of overdose include bleeding gums, bruising, nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, and prolonged bleeding from cuts.
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Gary Moller comments:
I have referred to this widely prescribed cardio medication in the past as "rat poison" and we are now seeing plenty of evidence why it should never be given to humans.

Only a fraction of the complications resulting from prescription medications ever get to be reported, so when the authorities start requesting special warnings be placed on the packaging of a pharmaceutical, we should take heed. The problem/threat is probably much larger than it appears.

Most complications are so subtle and take so long to manifest that the association may never be noticed, let alone proven. While the big side effects may be fatal, it is the subtle ones that are the most prevalent and often they go un-noticed and are never recorded. If you take careful note of the list of complications above from taking Warfarin (especially the section that I have highlighted for you), you will not be surprised to learn what I am about to tell you:

The osteoporosis drug, Fosamax is associated with "Fossy Jaw" or death of the bone of the jaw, a horrific disease for which there is no effective treatment. Well, it may not be just Fosamax: I can tell you that Warfarin may be producing similar cases of bone death, possibly the result of chronic micro-bleeding into the bone. I am aware of one case where this appears to be happening with the result that this unfortunate person is steadily losing his jaw bones; but these matters are difficult to prove, as I mentioned earlier. What is most astonishing about this horrific case is he is still being prescribed the Warfarin! This stuff is what horror movies are made out of.

If you want effective alternatives to rat poison to reduce cardiovascular risk, try a daily Kiwi Fruit, fish oil, vitamin E, the B Group of vitamins, magnesium, vitamin C, plus your usual fruit and veges.

Oh! I almost forgot - and exercise.

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Death By Medicine

Gary, Your quote,"The treatment was a success but the patient died" brings to mind my friend Tess who this applies to partly!
Her obitury would read "The treatment was NEVER a success AND the patient died.

From a 59 year old lady who was active, riding a bicycle, making beautiful craft work soft toys. designing and doing tapestries and knitting she over 5 years became a sad, depressed lady with overwhelming bad health.
She had gall bladder disease but the medical report was misplaced and after 6 mths of recurring attacks it was finally removed via key hole surgery. During that time, her attacks of disabling pain were managed with pethidine injections, which a Dr told me she became addicted to.
From then on things went wrong. Her legs became ulcerated and swollen as did face and neck. they said she had Cushings syndrome. she couldn't walk and became diabetic requiring daily insulin injections and finally died.
The treatment didn't seem to help so they just kept on adding to it.
During the last months of her life she was having 11 different medications daily (22tablets total)
and 10units of insulin daily.
Officially she died from Cushings.
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Gary Moller comments:
I am sorry to hear of your friend's passing and can understand your concern with the treatment she received.

While she officially died of Cushings, every indication is that she really died from the consequences of medical bungling, the complications from surgery gone wrong and over medication.

Cushing's syndrome occurs when the body's tissues are exposed to excessive levels of cortisol for long periods of time. Many people suffer the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome because they take glucocorticoid hormones such as prednisone which she was taking large doses of over a protracted period of time.

Pancreatitis, leading to diabetes is a complication of keyhole surgery to remove the gall bladder. Such surgery should only be attempted by a specialist in the procedure.

The 12 medications that she was on is a nightmare of potential interactions and adverse reactions (I have seen the list).

Here in NZ it has been claimed that medical error, including adverse reactions to drugs, claims over 3,000 lives per year making this the 3rd leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer. That the very distant 4th placeholder (Road smashes) gets so much attention while medical error receives so little, is a mystery to me and bordering on being downright scandalous.

With the ageing population and the increasing medicalisation of the healthy, I predict it will not be long before medical error becomes the leading cause of preventable death in the developed world.

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Some fatty acids better than electronics at preventing sudden death

ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 29 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say omega-3 fatty acids might prevent more sudden deaths than defibrillators in homes and public places or even implanted defibrillators.
Researchers at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., compared such preventive strategies in a computer-simulated community of 100,000 people that resembled the population of Olmsted County, Minn., in 2000.
By raising omega-3 fatty acids levels among the cyber-Olmsted citizens, Dr. Thomas Kottke and colleagues were able to lower overall death rates in the simulated population by 6.4 percent.
By contrast, automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, reduced death rates by 0.8 percent, and implanted defibrillators, ICDs, reduced deaths by 3.3 percent.
People can raise their omega-3 levels by eating fish or taking supplements.
Kottle said the research suggests raising omega-3 fatty acids "would have about eight times the impact of distributing AEDs and two times the impact of implanting ICDs."
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Gary Moller comments:
What continues to amaze me is how little traction these studies have on prescribing practices.

It was not that long ago that we considered food to be a rather passive contributor to health (Not sure if this is the best way to describe this, but it'll have to do). We now know that certain foods or food derivatives have powerful preventive and therapeutic effects.

So, for example, if a person has elevated risk of a heart attack or stroke, it makes sense to deliberately boost their intake of healthy oils that we know have important protective effects on the heart muscle and the circulation. (Of course, we would do a few other preventive measures as well).

Example: reducing risk of a blood clot; if, as the evidence is crying out, the omega oils have powerful stabilising effects on the blood, why would anyone ever want to prescribe an expensive and toxic medication that is based on rat poison?

Is it because, like vitamin D (derived from sunlight), these oils are cheap and freely available?

To me the choice for prevention is a no-brainer - who would ever want to cart around a bulky electronic defribulator!

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Chronic Pain Syndromes

"Dear Gary,
I was sorry I missed hearing you speak... I have had polymyalgia for 2 years and am on Prednisone 11mg daily, but it is barely keeping it under control and I will probably have to increase it. Can you please send some information that might help?"
"M"
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Gary Moller comments:
I have been dealing with chronic pain syndromes for the last 30 years. These conditions present in various forms including polymyalgia, RSD, RSI and fibromyalgia.

These are characterised by disabling painful and inflamed muscles, tendons and joints that do not readily resolve despite medications, remedial exercise or rest. An episode of ill health or an injury might have been the precurser for the condition that may continues on with a life of its own.

These aliments are more common in women than men. There would appear to be an association in some cases with menopause. There are no known cures as such - just mangement and it runs its course, be that months or even years. I have been taking a renewed interest in these conditions, partly because I have had so many inquiries about them lately.

It is still early days; but I am highly suspiscious of two factors at play which, if properly dealt with, may asssist a healthy resolution.

Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D has a growing list of health benefits, and "D" deficiency is associated with muscle and joint pain as well as immune system dysfunction. The people commonly afflicted by fibromyalgia and similar conditions tend to be office workers, women in their 50's and others who may have gone for long periods of deprivation of sunlight. An episode of illness, including hospitalisation sees to that.

Recent investigations of clients with "myalgic" conditions have returned positive blood test results for serious vitamin D deficiency. All that must be seen now is what happens over a year or so with deliberate boosting of vitamin D levels.

Mineral and vitamin Deficiencies
Muscles and circulation do not function properly if minerals, especially magnesium and calcium are deficient. From work with athletes, I am aware of how common this health problem is and how easily a person can become deficient. Poor circulation, fluctuating blood pressure, aching muscles and joints eventuate. This may be accentuated by deficiencies in vitamins, the B Group in particular. It is too early to tell, but supplemetning with vitamins and minerals along with boositing vitamin D levels may be of benefit as would adding omega 3 oils like Evening primrose, flax seed or fish oil to the diet.



Menopause
If the sufferer is a woman 50 years old or so, strategies to alleviate menopausal symptoms is an obvious action.

What about exercise?
Exercise, other than gentle and preferably done in a pool is of little benefit if the body's anabolic processes are faulty. Attention to diet, vitamin D levels and some supplementation will eventually have the body in a position to build its strength and vitality in response to exercise.

With all good things, these natural approaches require time and patience - several months or more for any lasting benefits to show. These "healthy measures" are complementary to medical treatment and which one should continue and be subject to ongoing review.

Prednisone and other medicines
Should you keep taking Predisone or any other prescribed medicines for chronic pain syndromes? The answer is "Yes!" if you already are. Some medicines like Prednisone, especially if you have been taking a lot of it for more than a few months, should never be stopped suddenly. If you are wanting to reduce your medication, get started by getting on a regime of vitamin and mineral supplementation, get your vitamin D levels measured via your doctor, take measures to boost your "D" if needed and give these time to take effect - then talk to your doctor about the possibility of a gradual cessation.

Discuss with your doctor before starting.

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Death by falling over

"Gary,
I am very sad to say, my wifes dad passed away on sunday. He was 84, but as a young man was an excellent athlete, a natural swimmer, track athlete and even played rugby for XYZ Province while the allblacks were on tour (away) one time.
3 years ago he could give me a good game of tennis.
Less than a year ago, he was knocked over by a dog and his hip broke.
He seems to have fallen into the category of people dying after a hip breakage, he died in his sleep in a home in XYZ Town.
What is the link between breaking a hip and a rapid demise in health resulting in death?
Anon"
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Gary Moller comments:
First of all my condolences are extended to the family. Knowing Anon reasonably well, I strongly advise that he gets some tennis coaching right away.

Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of non-fatal injuries and and hospital admissions for trauma. The cause of death is usually a blood clot in the lungs or elsewhere interrupting critical circulation. This is due to the frail state of the person, the immediate tissue trauma of the injury and the formation of blood clots at the injury site and from the immobilisation. Even if they recover from the fracture and are discharged, their even frailer state and the disability from the injury may be so great that their health never recovers and decline can be rapid, usually from pre-existing comorbidities, such as dementia. Getting a dose of the flu may be all that it takes to kill the debilitated person. Anon's family tragedy is being repeated several times daily.

I gained some further details from Anon and learned that his father in law had been on some kind of anti-depressant for many years, as well as medication for blood pressure. It is significant that he had recently gone into a managed care facility. Prior to his fall he had had a number of "turns" which could have been mild strokes. This came as no surprise. Unfortunately, for him and his family, the causes for his demise may have been put in place many years ago when that first pill was prescribed. Here is my speculation about what could have been going on:

• One of the most accurate indicators of decline in health and independence is balance. Medications that are prescribed to alter mood and to control blood pressure may expedite the decline in balance and hasten dulling of the mental faculties. Refer to my article here that expands on this.
  
• I will add that blood pressure medication does not cure blood pressure problems; it merely hides or suppresses the condition - the wolf remains at the door and the problem becomes more and more difficult to manage as time passes. The same can be said in many cases of prescribing mood altering drugs.
  
• Blood pressure medication can cause "brain fog". I recall one insurance study several years ago that found that elderly drivers on blood pressure medication had a nine-fold increase in motor vehicle insurance claims as compared to their non-medicated peers.
• Many of these medications can affect nutrition by causing unpleasant side-effects like cotton mouth and poor digestion. Up to 90% of some groups of elderly may suffer malnutrition. Read Should they Eat Cake?. Weak muscles, dementia/brain fog, osteoporosis and poor balance are killers when combined.
  
• Medications that are being prescribed wholesale to osteoporotic patients nowadays may be causing disastrous problems down the line by hindering bone healing post fracture. Read this Blog
  
• The "turns" that Anon described might have been the inevitable result of progressive cardiovascular disease, including excessively high blood pressure as medication becomes increasingly ineffective. Balance is usually seriously affected by these mini-strokes.
• From personal observation, the very act of institutionalisation may bring about a rapid loss of independence and decline in health status. My article "Should they Eat Cake?" touches on this.
  
• The survival of the debilitated old person, as per above, is under serious threat from a fall and prospects of making a good recovery are not good.
  

What can be done to prevent this sort of tragedy happening? The good news is that much can be done, including:

• Blood pressure pills or not, implement agressive lifestyle and diet changes to address the underlying factors that cause blood pressure and otehr cardiovascular ailments. Go here for more information
  and go here
• For mood and behavioural problems, seek drugs-free treatments, including exercise, nutrition and counselling.
• If on medications, question the need and ask your Dr to help devise a plan to either reduce the dose, or preferably to get off them completely. Ask about drug-free alternatives and do not hesitate to seek second and third opinions.
  
• Exercise vigorously 3-4 times a week. This can be walking and doing resistance exercise like gardening. The Myotec Pocket Gym is designed for safe use by the elderly to keep muscles and bones strong.
• Get outdoors daily to get sunlight on the body. Vitamin D from sunlight + exercise + good nutrition = strong bones and many, many other health benefits.
• If the day is sunless, then get a little Vitamin D (sometimes called cholecalcitrol) from a supplement like cod liver oil or Nutrimon (a low cost chewable multivit for kids; but fine for adults)
  
• Get multivitamins, including the B Group and Vit C; multi minerals, especially calcium and magnesium; and omega3 oils into the daily diet right away and keep these in place during old age. I am running a special this month on the Red Seal Effergize multivitamin tablets.
• Practice balancing skills now and into old age. This can be as simple as practicing balancing on either foot each day. This is also a good test to see if a new medication is affecting balance. (If balance deteriorates, go back to your Dr immediately and ask for a review). If you get really good at balancing on one leg, then try doing it with your eyes closed.
  
• Keep agile: Take up tap dancing, martial arts and walk rutted and rooty trails at every opportunity. Ride a bike. Play tennis (get some professional coaching regardless of age and ability).
  
• Design your house to be "fall friendly". Live in a single level swelling with no hard wood, tile or concrete floors. Fit natural wool carpets with thick underlays. Use non slip surfaces in showers, on steps and paths and light them well. Fit hand rails in bathrooms. Have a proper step ladder for getting up to high cupboards and for changing light bulbs.

If an elderly person is injured from a fall:

• Insist on getting the best treatment by experienced doctors and do not tolerate any delays.
  
• Make sure hospitalised person has a Guardian Angel appointed to look over them (more about this in a later article).
  
• Insist on minimal medication and take the opportunity of hospital monitoring to safely get off any unnecessary drugs that were prescribed in the past.
  
• Insist on high standards of personal hygiene by everyone, including the cleaning of Dr's stethoscopes between patients. Refer to my article about hospital infections.
  
• Get them onto a Super Smoothie and extra vitamins and minerals as well as Omega3 oil like flaxseed oil quickly. (Discuss the Omega3 oil with the Drs first if the patient is on anticoagulants, because these oils have similar properties and the medication might need to be adjusted). You can either make up the Smoothie at home and bring into hospital, or make it by the bedside with a small blender. The fresher the better. The hospital food will only serve to add to an already malnourished state and healing will be seriously compromised.

Finally, ACC have a number of excellent injury prevention resources to prevent falls. Go here for them.

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Milking the "Worried Well"

There has been much publicity recently about the cozy relationship between medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. I have written several articles about this over recent years, expressing concern about how medical research is swayed towards this or that approach that relies on expensive interventions, encourages the consumption of over-priced commercial products, or downplays the adverse effects of a drug on one's health.

A strategy to increase the reliance of the population on pharmaceuticals is to turn healthy people into unhealthy ones. This is achieved by progressively lowering the threshholds for the prescription of powerful medicines. Blood pressure is a perfect example: Medication was once only considered a possibility if blood pressure exceeded 150/100. Not too many years ago, this threshold was lowered to 145/95 and then to 140/90. Now some bright spark has come up with the ailment called "prehypertension". If blood pressure exceeds a healthy 125/85, then blood pressure lowering medication is on the cards. That's just about every adult on the planet!

Question: Are the exploding rates of dementia in Westernised societies the consequence of excessive long term use of prescription medicines like anti-depressants, statins and beta blockers and not just lifestyle and diet?

We are seeing the same lowering of thresholds with blood cholesterol: Once levels exceeding 6.0 were the point where medication was considered; then it was lowered to 5.5 and more recently to 5.0. Today, even 4.8 may result in cholesterol lowering medication being prescribed.

This is creating a whole new goup of patients: the" Worried Well". Or should that be the "Worried Poor"?

Some experts want to go even further by proposing the development of the "Poly Pill". This will be a pill that contains several drugs to lower blood pressure and cholesterol that can be prophylactically prescribed to the entire adult population. The Poly Pill will supposedly preempt cardiovascular disease that afflicts over 50% of the older adult population. Where does this madness come from and where will it end?

Well, once a person heads down this sorry path, the only end is drugs-soaked misery - much to the delight of the drugs industry I'm sure. Why? Because one drug leads to another. For example; blood pressure medication is one of the leading causes of male impotence. So, shortly after the blood pressure prescription, the patient is placed on viagra in an attempt to resurrect his drooping sexuality. Within 15-20 years of the first prescription, the patient will be on at least 10 different prescription medicines. Quality of life declines with each prescription. Isn't medicine supposed to improve quality of life? Once on these pills, getting off them is not always as simple as just stopping. In some cases, it can be dangerous to stop suddenly once started.

Making perfectly healthy people dependent on drugs is abhorrent and something to be strongly resisted. Especially when healthy alternatives abound in most cases.

Sure, preventing the development of disease is important. This is best done by proper monitoring and using healthy lifestyle-based interventions to prevent progression into desease. This is a much more sensible and palatable approach. A good example of this can be found in my e-publication for monitoring blood pressure. Have a careful read and you will also learn the secret for living 100 quality years - without the aid of drugs.

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