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Friday, October 18, 2002
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New York Times -- Romano Prodi has seen the hydrogen-powered light. In an interview today, Mr. Prodi, the president of the European Commission, described his view of Europe in a post-fossil-fuel era, when homes would generate the power they need from renewable sources like the wind and the sun, store it in hydrogen fuel cells and harness it as needed, replacing all the polluting energy sources in use today. He is not just musing. Speaking for the 15-nation European Union at a conference in Johannesburg over the summer, he said the union had set a goal of obtaining 22 percent of its electricity and 12 percent of all energy from renewable sources by 2010. Economics and geopolitics are behind the move as much as environmental concerns. Europe depends much more heavily on imported energy than the United States does: around 70 percent of its oil and gas comes from abroad, mainly the Middle East and Russia. "For us, reducing fossil fuel dependency is a priority," Mr. Prodi said.
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12:52:43 PM 
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Lt. Col. Dave Grossman & Bruce Siddle write: An examination of the psychological effects of combat must begin by acknowledging that there are some positive aspects to combat. Throughout recorded history these positive aspects have been emphasized and exaggerated in order to protect the self-image of combatants, to honor the memory of the fallen and rationalize their deaths, to aggrandize and glorify political leaders and military commanders, and to manipulate populations into supporting war and sending their sons to their deaths. But the fact that these positive aspects have been manipulated and exploited does not deny their existence. There is a reason for the powerful attraction of combat over the centuries, and there is no value in going from the dysfunctional extreme of glorifying war to the equally dysfunctional extreme of denying its attraction. The ability to recognize and confront danger, the powerful group bonding that occurs in times of stress, the awe-inspiring spectacle of a nation focused and aligned to achieve a single aim, selfless dedication to abstract concepts and goals, and the ability to overcome the powerful imperatives of the survival instinct and willingly die for others: these common aspects of war represent both important survival traits and a potentially positive comment on basic human nature. But if war does have a capacity for reflecting some usually hidden, positive aspects of humanity, it irrefutably does so at a great and tragic cost. One obvious and tragic price of war is the toll of death and destruction. But there is an additional cost, a psychological cost borne by the survivors of combat, and a full understanding of this cost has been too long repressed by a legacy of self-deception and intentional misrepresentation. After peeling away this "legacy of lies" that has perpetuated and glorified warfare there is no escaping the conclusion that combat, and the killing that lies at the heart of combat, is an extraordinarily traumatic and psychologically costly endeavor that profoundly impacts all who participate in it. This psychological cost of war is most readily observable and measurable at the individual level. At the national level, a country at war can anticipate a small -- but statistically significant -- increase in the domestic murder rate, probably due to the glorification of violence and the resultant reduction in the level of "repression" of natural aggressive instincts which Freud held to be essential to the existence of civilization. At the group level, even the most elite unit is usually psychologically destroyed when between 50 and 60% casualties have been inflicted, and the integration of the individual into the group is so strong that this destruction often leads to depression and suicide. However, the nation (if not eliminated by the war) is generally resilient, and the group (if not destroyed) is inevitably disbanded. But the individual who survives combat may well end up paying a profound psychological cost for a lifetime. The cumulative impact of these effects on hundreds of thousands of veterans is pervasive, with significant potential to have a profound effect on society at large.
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12:50:26 PM
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Representatives of the nation's fast food industry reportedly met with US Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson and Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman and were urged to offer more healthy options to their customers along the lines of a list of 50 suggestions made by the produce for Better Health Foundation. Similar meetings are in the works between federal officials and the soft drink business and other segments of the food business.
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12:37:54 PM
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By Darin Ingels, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (October 17, 2002)—Glucosamine sulfate did not relieve pain in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, although it did increase range of motion in the knees, according to a new study in Rheumatology (2002;41:279–84). This report contradicts the results of numerous other studies that have shown glucosamine sulfate reduces pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a condition of the joints in which the cartilage between bones begins to deteriorate. Although osteoarthritis sometimes results from overuse or repetitive injury, in most cases the cause is unknown. As the cartilage begins to erode, inflammation occurs, leading to pain in the joint and limitation of movement.
Conventional treatment is designed to reduce inflammation and pain by taking oral anti-inflammatory or analgesic medications, such as Tylenol®, ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), indomethacin (Indocin®), or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. However, taking these medications on a long-term basis may result in a peptic ulcer or liver problems. Some physicians recommend surgery to remove debris in the joint, but arthroscopic surgery has recently been found to be ineffective as a treatment for osteoarthritis.
In the new study, 80 men and women with osteoarthritis of the knee were assigned to receive 1,500 mg per day of glucosamine sulfate or placebo for six months. Measurements of pain (at rest and upon movement), mobility, and use of medications were assessed periodically throughout the study.
Contrary to the results of previous studies, no significant differences in pain were seen between those taking glucosamine sulfate and those taking placebo. There was, however, a small but statistically significant increase in knee joint mobility among those taking glucosamine sulfate.
It is not clear why there is a discrepancy between this study and earlier studies. One likely explanation is that more participants in the new study had severe osteoarthritis, compared with those in earlier studies. As with most treatments for osteoarthritis, glucosamine is less likely to effective against severe cases than against milder cases.
Whatever the reason for the difference in results, the majority of evidence suggests glucosamine sulfate is helpful for osteoarthritis of the knee and has no known adverse side effects.
Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
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11:30:56 AM
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A Healthnotes Newswire Opinion
By Darin Ingels, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (October 17, 2002)—Children who abstain from drinking cow’s milk have lower dietary intakes of calcium, lower bone mineral densities, and shorter stature than those who drink cow’s milk, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2002;76:675–80). While some may conclude from this study that children must drink milk in order to be healthy, a more appropriate conclusion might be that milk-avoiders should make a better effort to consume alternative sources of calcium and protein.
The American Dairy Association and Dairy Council have utilized aggressive print and television media campaigns, promoting the health benefits of cow’s milk consumption. However, drinking cow’s milk may be problematic for many Americans. Studies suggest that up to 50% of children and up to 75% of adults are lactose intolerant, which means they are unable to digest cow’s milk properly and can experience intestinal problems if they drink milk. Furthermore, allergy to dairy products is fairly common, and has been associated with problems such as asthma, ulcerative colitis, and kidney disease in children (nephrotic syndrome).
Another potential problem with cow’s milk, particularly whole milk, is its high saturated fat content which may be a predisposing factor for heart disease. In elderly men, dairy consumption has been associated with a higher risk of enlargement of the prostate. Despite the ads on television, studies have failed to conclusively show that drinking milk prevents osteoporosis
While everyone agrees that children must obtain adequate amounts of calcium in their diets, the issue of whether cow’s milk is the best source of calcium has been debated by scientists. Many foods besides dairy products contain substantial amounts of calcium. The two main nondairy sources of calcium in the United States are calcium-fortified soy products and calcium-fortified orange juice. Other foods containing significant amounts of calcium include dark, green leafy vegetables, such as kale, chard, mustard greens, goat’s milk products, almond butter, and walnuts, to name a few.
Considering the vast array of foods that contain calcium, it is possible for children to meet their daily requirement for calcium, even if they avoid consuming dairy products. The current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for calcium in the United States is 800 mg per day for children between one and ten years old. The RDA increases to 1,200 mg per day as the child enters puberty.
Calcium is an essential nutrient for bone development and contributes to the integrity and strength of bone. A well-balanced diet can provide more than adequate amounts of calcium for children, even if cow’s milk is eliminated because of intolerance or for other reasons. Consuming nondairy sources of calcium can presumably prevent conditions caused by low intakes of calcium, such as osteoporosis.
Parents of children who do not drink cow’s milk should carefully consider their child’s food choices and ensure that the child is eating calcium-rich foods. Supplementing with calcium may be necessary if the diet contains inadequate amounts. For more information on calcium-rich foods, consult a healthcare provider knowledgeable in nutrition.
Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
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11:30:00 AM
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By Alan R. Gaby, MD
Healthnotes Newswire (October 17, 2002)—Taking a supplement of “friendly bacteria” (probiotics) increases the effectiveness of conventional antibiotic therapy in eradicating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the organism that causes peptic ulcers, according to a report in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2002;16:1669–75). While the probiotic supplement improved the killing activity of conventional therapy to a small extent, its main benefit was to reduce the side effects of this therapy, thereby allowing more individuals to complete the treatment.
H. pylori is an organism that can infect the lining of the stomach. Infection with this organism is an important contributing factor to gastric and duodenal ulcers, and may also increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. H. pylori is a persistent bug that can be difficult to eradicate. Research has determined that the most reliable way to kill this organism is by using three drugs simultaneously for a week: two antibiotics and a medication that blocks the production of stomach acid. However, as many as 50% of individuals given this triple-therapy regimen experience side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a metallic taste, or allergic reactions. Some people are unable to complete the therapy because of these side effects.
In the new study, 160 people infected with H. pylori were randomly assigned to receive a triple-therapy regimen (lansoprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin) for one week, or the same triple therapy combined with five weeks of a daily yogurt supplement that contained live lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Eight weeks after the triple therapy, participants were tested for the presence or absence of H. pylori in their stomach. The eradication rate was significantly higher among those who received yogurt than among those given triple therapy alone (91% vs. 78%). However, when only those who completed the full seven days of triple therapy were considered, eradication rates were similar (93.5% for the yogurt group, 89% for triple therapy alone). That finding suggests that the main benefit of the yogurt was to help people tolerate triple therapy better and to complete the full week of treatment.
Other natural treatments may be potentially helpful in eradicating H. pylori infection; these include garlic, mastic gum, vitamin C, and certain essential fatty acids. However, most of the studies that support the use of these treatments have been done in test tubes, and there is little evidence that these natural remedies can kill H. pylori in infected people. At present, conventional triple therapy—perhaps combined with probiotics—appears to be the most effective regimen for eradicating the ulcer bug.
Alan R. Gaby, MD, an expert in nutritional therapies, testified to the White House Commission on CAM upon request in December 2001. Dr. Gaby served as a member of the Ad-Hoc Advisory Panel of the National Institutes of Health Office of Alternative Medicine. He is the author of Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis (Prima, 1994), and co-author of The Natural Pharmacy, 2nd Edition (Healthnotes, Prima, 1999), the A–Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions (Healthnotes, Prima, 1999), Clinical Essentials Volume 1 and 2 (Healthnotes, 2000), and The Patient’s Book of Natural Healing (Prima, 1999). A former professor at Bastyr University of Natural Health Sciences, in Kenmore, WA, where he served as the Endowed Professor of Nutrition, Dr. Gaby is the Chief Medical Editor for Healthnotes, Inc.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
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11:28:45 AM
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The spiritual path is not linear, nor is it the shortest distance between where points A and B. When the Holy Spirit is our guide, we get to see all the world’s aspects from a new vantage point. So we will see war, conflict, pain, grief, greed, jealousy, lust, anger all the way God sees them… and perhaps with significant surprises over what WE thought was important or offensive to God are perceived quite differently in God’s eyes.
In the same way we will experience work, marriage, friendship, love, healing, peace, health, healing, birth, children, and death in a new light. There is a flow to Grace—sometimes it is like floating down a lazy river, carefree. Other times, it is like kayaking class 5 rapids where all our attention and focus and strength are being called upon. We learn to trust—through actual life experience I believe—that the lazy times are times for renewal and for the creative forces to come together. We also know that the intense times are where we are called forth with gusto, and God uses all the courage and strength—mental, physical, and spiritual—we have developed in order to take us through the ups/downs and obstacles.
Fear keeps us from being willing to face the rapids. Impatience keeps us from renewing fully during the respite between rapids. Ultimately the balance point is staying solid in our inner core, our spiritual guidance and learning to trust the process as it unfolds.
From my perspective today, all my failures “are not.” They cleared up ignorance, exposed me to opportunities to trust and know my worth through God’s eyes rather than the world’s.
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10:44:34 AM
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A lawyer awakened after a serious operation only to find
himself in a room with all the blinds drawn. "Why are all
the blinds closed?" he asked the doctor.
"Well," the surgeon responded, "They're fighting a huge
fire across the street, and we didn't want you to wake up
and think the operation was a failure."
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10:28:52 AM
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A mother took her daughter to the doctor and asked him to
give her an examination to determine the cause of her
daughters swollen abdomen. It only took the doctor about
two seconds to say "Gimme a break lady! Your daughter is
pregnant."
The mother turned red with fury and she argued with the
doctor that her daughter was a good girl and would never
compromise her reputation by having sex with a boy.
The doctor faced the window and silently watched the
horizon. The mother became enraged and screamed, "Quit
looking out the window! Aren't you paying attention to
me?"
"Yes, of course I am paying attention ma'am. It's just
that the last time this happened, a star appeared in the
east, and three wise men came. I was hoping they would
show up again and help me figure out who got your daughter
pregnant."
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10:27:36 AM
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Don't let people drive you crazy when you know it's in walking distance.
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10:26:12 AM
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Bonnie Friedman. "An unhurried sense of time is in itself a form of wealth."
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9:39:20 AM
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© Copyright
2002
Rick@Leaders.net.
Last update:
11/1/2002; 12:09:33 PM.
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