Pepin’s Pharmaceutical Prattle for 10-25-2004

Quote of the day: 

Half of the American people have never read a newspaper. Half never voted for President. One hopes it is the same half. Gore Vidal (1925 - )

 Good morning ! 

This summer I was appointed "Sports Advocate" for my son's traveling premier soccer team. My job was to remind everyone of the purpose of the games. I talked with the referees, the visiting coach, visiting parents/fans, and our team's parents/fans. I handed each adult a card which explained expectations for behavior and the potential consequences of non-compliance. They were asked to respect the decisions of the referees and were given the phone number of the referee coordinator should they have complaints. It was amazing to see how everyone responded to this gentle reminder to be civil. No one had to be asked to leave the fields.

 I have now been (self-)appointed "Political Advocate" just prior to the national election. My job is remind everyone why we are voting and how to conduct ourselves. As with soccer, things can get a little heated. The democracy, which we all love, must be tolerant of various points of view. Each person is allowed an equal say in the direction of the country through the electoral process. Fouls will occur as the "game" heats up and we rely on election laws and officials to "call a good game". Whatever your political affiliation (if you even have one) it is important to vote next Tuesday. Sure you may be canceling out my vote but I have the same opportunity to cancel yours. If you don't vote then I am in effect getting TWO votes. (I wonder how many of you just became more motivated to take the time to vote…)

 After each soccer game the players and coaches are encouraged to meet at midfield in a show of sportsmanship. Sure, we will each have our own sense of victory or defeat but the most important thing is that we can all continue to cooperate for the common good. Next Wednesday I hope to meet you all at the "political midfield" to figuratively shake hands and stand behind those who are elected. We can all celebrate together (if nothing else) the end to political advertisements! (at least until next time).

Steve

ps. Best answer this week to the question "How are you? "Absolutely fantastic!"  (my friend Angelo)

 1) North or south of the border?

Even as more flu vaccines are "found" here in the states http://yahoo.reuters.com/financeQuoteCompanyNewsArticle.jhtml?duid=mtfh60792_2004-10-19_21-24-25_n19486851_newsml  citizens are pouring over the borders to be vaccinated with the supplies of Canada http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/conditions/10/20/fluvaccine.canada.ap/  or Mexico http://money.cnn.com/2004/10/22/news/international/flu_mexico.reut/index.htm?cnn=yes  (Sort of feel sorry for those folks in Missouri don't you?)

 ….but Congress gets theirs http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=534&ncid=534&e=13&u=/ap/20041019/ap_on_go_co/flu_vaccine_congress  Something about being important and exposed to a lot of people. Maybe nobody told them but they don't have to shake many more hands for awhile after next Tuesday. (So much for the "unwashed masses").

 2) "Stop and go" may be "stop and stop!"

Study shows that traffic may contribute to heart attacks. This is beyond being in a "Mini" and seeing a "Hummer" run a red light, right at you. It appears that the contributing factor, above the stress, are the fumes because commuters who were not in automobiles were just as prone. If you are an unemployed, diabetic woman over 60 then the statistics are worse.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/491674?src=mp

 3) The tin man gets his wish!

If I only had a heart! The FDA just approved a temporary heart for those patients awaiting a transplant. I hope that "they" can perfect a permanent mechanical heart to obviate the need for donors to die before recipients can live.  …then on to the brain! (I'm already on the list) http://www.pharmacyonesource.com/members/work/daily_news/article.asp?category_id=5&record_id=125621

 4) AMCP brings quality speakers to the forefront!

Watch streaming video of an address on the new Prescription Drug Benefit by Dr Mark McClellan (head of CMS) to the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacists last week. http://www.amcp.org/   Just pick dial up or broadband and it should launch itself. The video begins with Academy President Rusty Hailey's introduction of Dr. McClellan. I saw it in person… takes about 45 minutes …. he is quite engaging and the time will fly. (You do not have to be a member to listen but if you are a listening pharmacist you'll want to become one)

5) "A Myth is a female moth"  quoted from a high school term paper.

10 Myths about the market for prescription drugs. Do we spend "too much" on drugs? Are price controls the answer? Some interesting insight!

http://www.ncpa.org/studies

6) Miserly drug practices…

16 ways to stretch your (consumer) drug dollar.(Some good advice for patients)

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/04/04aug09f.cfm

 7) Arnold may withdraw his support for Bush….

Just kidding! Bush signs a new law banning the use of some performance enhancing male hormones ("andro", the kind that Mark McGuire took). Senator Joe Bidden was the main author… how do they find time for passing and signing laws with the election just about 1 week away? Don't they know there is serious campaigning to do?

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=6587641

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