Battling opiods bad rap

This is the title of an excellent article in the Medical Post dated April 21 2009. It is written by Dr. Roman D. Jovey, Program Director, CPM Centres for Pain Management. He quotes Henry Louis Mencken saying, " For every complex problem there is a simple solution...and it is usually wrong."

"Simple solutions for complex medical problems such as chronic pain rarely work, Jovey goes on to say, " rarely work. Simply banning or restricting certain opioids would likely cause great harm to the majority of people with pain who use opiods responsibly...

About 10 % of people will misuse the medications, that leaves a possible 90% improperly treated for severe pain.

"However ," continues Jovey, "what pain clinicians hear from our patients affllicted with intractable pain is that properly prescribed opiod medications in fact give them back their jobs, improve family relationships and enhance their quality of life by controlling their pain."

Opiates For Pain Control

A pharmacist friend told me recently that many patients have their lives completely destroyed by severe chronic pain. He felt they could lead relatively normal lives if their pain was well managed. He found that many doctors were afraid to provide adequate pain relief.

Says Dr. Roman Jovey, a pain specialist, in a recent article in the Medical Post April 21 2009, Despite being an important tool in treating pain and despite strict usage guidelines, opiods have long been demonized for their addictive potential. Rather than denying patients relief out of fear, it's time to address gaps in knowledge on their use."

It is a disgrace that so many people are suffering needlessly and that doctors in turn are being intimidated by their governing bodies.

Quit Dieting and Declare A Truce on Your Body

Yesterday I heard Kate Harding interviewed on CBC radio. It is so true that most dieting is based on self loathing. It is very unhealthy to yo yo up and down on weight. I think it is much better to focus on self acceptance and adopting a healthier lifestyle by eating well and exercising more. I think it is ridiculous to consider being fat as a moral failing and a character flaw.

Kate Harding had co-authored a new book called Lesson from the Fat-O-Sphere, Quit Dieting and Declare a Truce with Your Body. I also recommend a book by Gina Kolata, the science writer for the New York Times called Rethinking Thin, The New Science of Weight Loss and the Myths and Realities of Dieting.

fatosphere

I do believe we have demonized those who are fat and that it doesn't serve us or them. sell the fatosphere.blogspot.com

flu shot no benefit for kids

Children Who Get Flu Vaccine Have Three Times Risk Of Hospitalization For Flu, Study Suggests

ScienceDaily (May 20, 2009) — The inactivated flu vaccine does not appear to be effective in preventing influenza-related hospitalizations in children, especially the ones with asthma. In fact, children who get the flu vaccine are more at risk for hospitalization than their peers who do not get the vaccine, according to new research that will be presented on May 19, at the 105th International Conference of the American Thoracic Society in San Diego.

cancer chemo studies with major conflict of interest

Almost one third of studies on cancer chemo research studies have researchers with major financial ties to the drugs they are investigating. Cancer drugs are big business.

John DeMartini

I highly recommend the writings and teaching of Dr. John DeMartini. He is one of the most inspiring teachers on the planet today.