Wellnes Weekley

Well here a few soundbites then:

Zyprexa: Recall that in the past we have discussed that medication can be used to treat an illness or condition other than one that it was approved for at the doctor's discretion, but the drug company cannot do anything to influence a doctor to use it off label. Eli Lilly just settled a court case for doing just that thing with Zyprexa, though they do not admit to the charge. I know that the antipsychotic WAS pushed for treating dementia and I know many doctors who prescribed it. Recently it was reported that the demented had more heart attacks when taking this drug then matched individuals not on the drug. Drugs are not the answer for agitation in dementia... there are so many environmental things that can be done. The problem is that it takes staff and patience and that takes MONEY. Drugs are easier.

Vitamin Water: It is really just expensive water and cannot be marketed as something healing and health promoting... The Coca Cola company, which I hate to ding, was saying that the drinks were a good alternative to soda and that they could boost the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic disease. One of my favorite consumer groups, CSPI,called them out for these false claims. Further, nutritionists spoke out to say that the sugar content in these drinks contributes to the weight problem in this country. The drinks do appear low calorie until you note serving sizes. I prefer diet soda myself, one a day. But it may be a risky indulgence, I do not encourage you to drink soda at all. The only true safe and non fattening alternative to soda is water.... plain water!

Drastic Gastric: I do believe that having ones stomach made smaller while bypassing the intestine is pretty extreme. I fear, years from now, unanticipated consequences in a group that already has significant post surgery complications. An article this week discussed the case of Senator Bob Clegg who opted for the surgery when the doctor told him his sleep apnea, in his case weight related, was so bad that he would have to have a tracheotomy to breathe. Obesity treatment and obesity consequences, like disability and absenteeism costs over 100B a year. I firmly believe that obesity and tobacco use, the two biggest factors of adverse health are issues that we MUST address in prevention dollars.. it is much harder to get an obese person smaller or a smoker to quit.

Genes are Not the Problem: I have long opined on this issue and like to buttress my argument with research when it allows. This past week a report on a study that lasted over ten years and concerned over 20,000 persons found that knowing that a person had a chromosonal irregularity that increased the risk of heart disease did not change a thing. The chances of heart attack or disease as noted by the genetic testing are no different than the chances of an adverse event from the other risk factors, i.e. high cholesterol, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, family history and c-reactive protein. In other words, if you have any of the above risk factors you MUST take them seriously and modify your lifestyle. Use the gene test money for a gym membership instead!

Happy Weekend, hope it is sunny where you are!