The FDA is taking initiative to reduce the risks of injury associated with “unnecessary” radiation exposure from CT (Computed Tomography), nuclear medicine and fluoroscopy.

Unlike traditional x-rays and mammography for which radiation doses have decreased over the years, the amount of radiation from medical imaging from the above has [...]]]> Source:  U.S. Food & Drug Administration Press Release

The FDA is taking initiative to reduce the risks of injury associated with “unnecessary” radiation exposure from CT (Computed Tomography), nuclear medicine and fluoroscopy.

Unlike traditional x-rays and mammography for which radiation doses have decreased over the years, the amount of radiation from medical imaging from the above has increased.  Accidental over-exposure can increase the risk of cancer, cause skin burns, hair loss and the formation of cataracts.   A CT of the abdomen reveals more information than a plain x-ray.  It also has the same dose as 400 x-ray studies.

The initiate by the FDA is designed to: 1.)  Promote the safe use of medical imaging; 2.) Support informed clinical decision-making; and, 3.) Increase patient awareness of exposure.   With regard to manufacturers of medical scanning equipment, the FDA intends to introduce target requirements for safeguards and provide better product training to reduce “accidental” overexposure.

Other aspects of the initiative include additional quality assurance and accreditation for Medicare and Medicaid providers.  Let’s hope they get it right.

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire

In 2004 a National Survey was conducted of Nursing homes in the U.S.  Unfortunately this is the most recent comprehensive study of its type.  Among the Data from the National Nursing Home Survey, 2004 was the following:

As Amended on January 7, 2010

Because some of you asked and I listen. And there’s more than a few of you using marijuana a little too compassionately, but that’s not a value judgment.

NJ’s governor has now signed the NJ compassionate use medical marijuana act into law.  [...]]]> Source: Assembly Subcommittee No. 804, State of NJ 213th Legislature

As Amended on January 7, 2010

Because some of you asked and I listen. And there’s more than a few of you using marijuana a little too compassionately, but that’s not a value judgment.

NJ’s governor has now signed the NJ compassionate use medical marijuana act into law.  Apparently NJ, still reeling from debt, despite redonkulous property taxes, couldn’t afford to put any prepositions into the name of the Act.

Some facts accepted by the Assembly: modern medical research has found beneficial uses for marijuana (which apart from relieving nausea also relieves neurological pain unrelieved by other prescription narcotics).  99 of 100 arrests for marijuana are done under state law, even though the states are NOT required to follow the federal government on enforcement (review states’ rights -it’s a big and old topic).

So how will it work? Much like Cali, there will be a prescribing physician who certifies the permit.  It will be available for: seizure disorder, intractable skeletal muscle spasticity (like MS) and glaucoma.  Plus the following:  chronic pain; wasting syndrome (that’s almost redundant) from HIV, any other immune deficiency syndrome and cancer.   Plus the following:  MS; IBS (wait, what?) including Chron’s; terminal illnesses; and, any other approved condition (a player to be named later).

Like everything else the government tracks, there will be a registry. To prescribe, physicians must be on it.  It’s anyone’s guess who has access to it.  Application fees are based upon a sliding scale (the rich payor provision).  Oh there’s more.  You will be fingerprinted with the State Police and FBI (don’t complain, lawywers are required to do this to sit for the bar exam) following a background check, which requires your consent (of course if you don’t consent, no card).

For the end stoner (I mean user) the Department will keep a confidential list of all of you (wink, wink).

Oh and you are specifically prohibited from doing the following while receiving your medical treatment:  operating, navigating or controlling a vehicle, aircraft, railroad car, stationary heavy equipment (not moving?!) or vessel.  And you can’t smoke on the school bus or in your car (if the engine is on) at the beach or in a park where other smoking is prohibited.  Or in a correctional facility.  (Yes your NJ tax dollars will be funding cards for inmates too).

The doctor will set the amount, in weight –not to exceed two (2) ounces per month dispensed at one time.  Multiple prescriptions are authorized up to 90 days.   And you can only register to receive at one (1) center at a time.  Every two years, the commissioner (You knew there would be more government jobs created) will review the number of centers operating and evaluate whether too much (or presumably too little) marijuana is being dispensed to the masses.

One to follow. (Provided your short term memory permits). One to follow.

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire

All it takes is one editorial…or something like that.  The respected Brit Medical journal The Lancet has published an editorial tied to a current study by physicians in the U.S. and in Greece on obesity and antibiotic dosage.  The argument? With rising waistline sizes, the doses of antibiotics currently administered to [...]]]> Source:  BBC Health; The Lancet

All it takes is one editorial…or something like that.  The respected Brit Medical journal The Lancet has published an editorial tied to a current study by physicians in the U.S. and in Greece on obesity and antibiotic dosage.  The argument? With rising waistline sizes, the doses of antibiotics currently administered to patients need to rise as well.

Why? Simple really.  The size and density of body fat can significantly alter the efficacy (that’s a fancy word for how well it works) of antibiotics. More fat creates the need for more antibiotics which brings me back to our current theme –antibiotic resistance.  More antibiotics being administered creates the potential for more resistant bugs.

Europe you aren’t immune either (Yes, pun intended), currently 1 in 4 adults in England are classifiable as “obese”.  This is up 15% from 1993 numbers according to the BBC.  You gave us law and language and we gave you fast food.  Ahh…the beauty of cultural exchange.

At any rate, I’m not following the call for higher doses of already powerful and very prevalent antibiotic and antimicrobial medications.  We’ll see if I’m right in the long term.

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire

San Bernardino, California (January 9, 2010) – Rudolph Foods is recalling 39 cases of Pepe’s Louisiana Hot Gigante Cracklins, 3,537 cases of 7-Select Louisiana Hot Onion Rings and 420 cases of Rudolph’s Louisiana Hot OnYums, because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to [...]]]> Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration

San Bernardino, California (January 9, 2010) – Rudolph Foods is recalling 39 cases of Pepe’s Louisiana Hot Gigante Cracklins, 3,537 cases of 7-Select Louisiana Hot Onion Rings and 420 cases of Rudolph’s Louisiana Hot OnYums, because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. (Personally, I like a nice glass of milk with my Hot Cracklins, but then I don’t have lactose “issues.”)

Pepe’s Louisiana Hot Gigante Cracklins were distributed in Southern California. Rudolph’s Louisiana Hot OnYums and 7-Select Louisiana Hot Onion Rings were distributed in California, Nevada, Oregon, Arizona and Washington State. (Oddly none are actually distributed in product namesake, Louisiana…)

The products being recalled are the 3.5 oz. Pepe’s Louisiana Hot Gigante Cracklins with UPC # 0-24622-51131-7 and code date March 19, 2010; 1 5/8 oz. 7-Select Louisiana Hot Onion Rings with UPC # 0-52548-05785-5 and code dates February 26, 2010 through April 30, 2010; and 8 oz. Rudolph’s Louisiana Hot OnYums with UPC # 0-24622-57079-6 and code dates February 5, 2010 and March 12, 2010. Please reference 4-digit manufacturing codes that include an “s”, located beneath the sell by date, for affected products.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the manufacturer inadvertently placed the wrong packaging on these products that did not reflect the presence of the milk ingredient.

Consumers who have purchased any of the above are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.  (Really? Just throw them out. How much could Craklins cost?) Consumers with questions may contact Todd Zwiebel, Corporate Quality Assurance Manager, Rudolph Foods at 800-342-7546 ext.112.

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire

It may be Heluva good, but right now it’s heluva contaminated.

Lynnfield, MA – HP Hood is recalling select Heluva Good branded 8 oz. plastic cup containers of Cold Pack Cheese Food because they may contain Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young [...]]]> Source:  U.S. Food & Drug Administration

It may be Heluva good, but right now it’s heluva contaminated.

Lynnfield, MA – HP Hood is recalling select Heluva Good branded 8 oz. plastic cup containers of Cold Pack Cheese Food because they may contain Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness and nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the product and codes listed below.

8 oz. plastic cup containers of Heluva Good Port Wine Cold Pack Cheese Food
UPC 73570 55503
Sell by date between 11/15/2010 through 12/15/2010

8 oz. plastic cup containers of Heluva Good Sharp Cheddar Cold Pack Cheese Food
UPC 73570 55501
Sell by date between 11/15/2010 through 12/15/2010

The recalled products were distributed in stores in the following states: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island.

The recall is being done as a precaution and is the result of a sampling done by the state of Wisconsin (from the facility that co-packs products under the Heluva Good brand) which revealed that some finished products contained the bacteria.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can call Heluva Good Consumer Affairs at (800) 242-2423.

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire

Shangdong (no, I’m not making that up) Province China.  Li Jingchao (aren’t you happy we have child privacy laws now haters?) a 14 month old toddler is in recovery at Bo Ai Hospital Beijing.  Swine flu? MRSA? No, chopsticks. Wait…what?!

Little Li was apparently “playing” with the chopsticks when he somehow fell onto [...]]]> Source: AP News; Stuff.co.nz

Shangdong (no, I’m not making that up) Province China.  Li Jingchao (aren’t you happy we have child privacy laws now haters?) a 14 month old toddler is in recovery at Bo Ai Hospital Beijing.  Swine flu? MRSA? No, chopsticks. Wait…what?!

Little Li was apparently “playing” with the chopsticks when he somehow fell onto one of them, lodging it 4 mm (about a foot for the metrically challenged -Like they’ll know) into his brain through his nostril.  Mom, was washing dishes at the time.  Due to inadequacies of the local hospital (welcome national health care) the family traveled over 10 hours by car for the removal procedure.  He’s said to be resting comfortably with only slight bleeding and an infection. Yeah, I’ve nothing else to say.

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire.

Okay before you get all grossed out a little information for all of you, bone used for transplant currently is either your own (taken from a portion of your leg or spine) or from a cadaver donor (yes, that’s from a dead person.  “That’s Frankensteen.”)  So wood isn’t looking so bad now, huh?

Italian [...]]]> Source:  BBC News

Okay before you get all grossed out a little information for all of you, bone used for transplant currently is either your own (taken from a portion of your leg or spine) or from a cadaver donor (yes, that’s from a dead person.  “That’s Frankensteen.”)  So wood isn’t looking so bad now, huh?

Italian scientists, having completed their new tanning and hair products for the Jersey Shore, (I kid) have turned their attention to replacing bones with pieces of rattan, yes the same as in your wicker furniture.  Well, not entirely the same.

After cutting the rattan they add carbon (for all you counting your carbon credits, bear in mind we are carbon-based life forms) and calcium under intense heat and pressure to create…bone.  The rattan has a similar structure to bone allowing blood vessels and nerves to create pathways through it to keep it nice and healthy.

So far the product has been used on sheep (no shepherd jokes please) with promising results.  Apparently with months it becomes difficult to distinguish the faux bone from the real.   So with advance apologies to environmental groups and PETA, this really is an impressive and potentially helpful advance in human medical science.

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire

North Canton, OH. – Harry London today announced it is voluntarily recalling 3310 individual units of the 4.62 ounce Harry London Chocolate Pecan Caramel Stars because they have not been labeled to include Wheat, FD&C colors Yellow #5, Red # 40 and Blue #1 as an ingredient.  All Harry London [...]]]> Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration

North Canton, OH. – Harry London today announced it is voluntarily recalling 3310 individual units of the 4.62 ounce Harry London Chocolate Pecan Caramel Stars because they have not been labeled to include Wheat, FD&C colors Yellow #5, Red # 40 and Blue #1 as an ingredient.  All Harry London Chocolate Pecan Caramel Stars sold after 28 December 2009 have the correct labeling.

No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date.  Harry London discovered the error during a routine quality control process check.

Although in all cases the package has an allergen statement indicating the product was manufactured on equipment shared with peanuts, tree nuts, soybeans, milk, eggs, and wheat, (well duh!) Harry London is undertaking this voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution. This voluntary recall does not affect any other products from Harry London.

The product being recalled is the Harry London Chocolate Pecan Caramel Stars Lot code number 9238-1 and a photograph of the product is below and also available on the harry london website to help with identification.  (Seriously?  Chocolate Pecan Caramel Stars isn’t descriptive enough?)

Consumers affected by this Alert should avoid consumption and destroy the product.  (Yes, kill those stars!) Consumers with questions may contact Harry London at (330) 494-0833 ext. 193, Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. EST.

Harry London apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause our valued customers; product quality and consumer safety have always been our top priority. (Um…until recently that is…KIDDING!)

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire

So it’s a new year and for most people that means resolutions…which if history teaches anything will be pursued in earnest and abandoned by Spring.  So instead of joining an overpriced gym with lots of mirrors and shiny chrome or taking up running in the dark and cold months or buying [...]]]> Source: Me Myself and I

So it’s a new year and for most people that means resolutions…which if history teaches anything will be pursued in earnest and abandoned by Spring.  So instead of joining an overpriced gym with lots of mirrors and shiny chrome or taking up running in the dark and cold months or buying that treadmill/exercise bike/coat hanger, why not change the path you are on?

As a woman I love dearly would say, “Blah, blah, blah” or “whatever.”  But I’m serious.  On the eve of my 40th birthday I returned to the Martial Arts.  Not because I am not more than capable of protecting myself and children on the street or because I intend to hang out in bars and fight, but because like many people I am drawn to the more spiritual side of the martial arts.

So what is Aikido and why do I practice it? And why should you care? Aikido is generally accepted as the martial art the Samurai (think Japan’s feudal period cowboys but really so much more) would have practiced and may have practiced.  Modern Aikido is a blending of ancient Jiu Jutsu, Judo and sword and bo staff (is that a bo staff or are you happy to see me?) practice.

Kinokawa ryu is a form of Aikido that emphasizes the unconditional acceptance and blending of energy (Ki). Its focus is to achieve the unification of mind, body and spirit into one movement with total concentration and purpose.  Kinokawa means “River of ki” or ” River of spirit”. Kinokawa ryu, unlike other forms of Aikido, believes in the realistic application of Aikido as a martial art and as a path for spiritual growth. In addition, Kinokawa ryu practitioners believe and follow the “Five Principles of Aikido” as taught by O’Sensei and the “Four Principles to Unify Mind and Body” as taught by Koichi Tohei.

The Five Principles of Aikido (as taught by O’Sensei)  1. Aikido is the path that joins all paths of the universe throughout eternity; it is the Universal Mind that contains all things and unifies all things.  2. Aikido is the truth taught by the universe and must be applied to our lives on this earth. 3. Aikido is the principle and the path that join humanity with the Universal Consciousness.  4. Aikido will come to completion when each individual, following his or her true path, becomes one with the universe.  5. Aikido is the path of strength and compassion that leads to the infinite perfection and ever-increasing glory of God.  Lofty goals for certain, but if you are setting the bar, why not set it as high as possible?

Four Principles to Unify Mind and Body (as taught by Koichi Tohei) Mind and body were originally one. Do not think that the physical power you have is the only power you ordinarily use to live and grow. The power you ordinarily use is like the small, visible segment of an iceberg. When we unify our mind and body and become one with the universe, we can use the great power that is naturally ours.  1. Keep one-point  2. Relax completely 3. Keep weight underside 4. Extend Ki.

Sounds different? It is.  Powerful and graceful and serene, which if you think about it really is the best way to approach what life throws your way.  For more information check out the dojo (school) to which I belong http://www.kinokawa.org/. Browse the intertubes.  Look for yourself.  Don’t just find your way for 2-3 months, find it for life.

Okay, no charge for the PSA and back to your regularly scheduled programming.

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire