Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.

 Seneca (5 BC - 65 AD)

This article on the new "cyber bullies" caught my eye. "Kids" will instant message or e-mail things that they would not say in person. The more remote, and less likely to see the pain inflicted, the more vicious the attacks. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/26/education/26bully.html?th

 It reminded me of a psychology experiment I participated in while a freshman in college. The "study" was to see how loud noise affected the intellectual performance of another student. A small group of us were each given a volume control to use (or not use) as a way of introducing random fluctuations in the noise level.  By the time we were done "observing" the "subject" he was on his knees in pain from the noise inflicted by the group. He was an actor and in no real pain but we did not know that. The actual study subjects were myself and my group. The researcher wanted to know how much pain individuals would inflict on another if each remained anonymous. 

"Hazing" is another example of this type of behavior where the group is more vicious than any one member. It didn't take much to jump to Abu Ghraib and the prisoner abuse.  Unless parents and schools step in to educate the cyber bullies, I am afraid that these kids will be the next group to perpetrate torture.  A course in "civility" may be in order. I find it a sad day when were have to be "taught" to treat each other with dignity and respect. It is up to us to lead by example and to show everyone that there IS a right way to live.  Best to keep yourself in your "own power" (per Seneca who knew this much over 2000 years ago).

1) Whip 5 disease states and you have whipped your trend in medical spend.

Mental illness, stroke, diabetes, lung disease, and cancer account for a large percentage in the growth of medical spend. Spending money on your patients who are afflicted looks like a good investment. Still better…. prevention or early screening programs.

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=6068634

2)  Something that hurts more than being called fat… being fat!

Obesity causes an increase in 9 different type of cancer. Being fat accounts for between 14% and 20% of cancer deaths each year. What types of cancer are they? Colon, breast, uterus, kidney, esophagus, pancreas, gallbladder, liver and top of the stomach.

Can you say "diet and exercise"?…. I knew you could.

http://startribune.com/stories/1556/4944891.html

3) Depo-Provera use linked to an increase in sexually transmitted diseases.

It appears that the drug may make it easier for the "nasties" to take hold because the study controlled for multiple partners and other practices. Like the old margarine commercial said "It's not nice to fool Mother Nature!"

 http://biz.yahoo.com/rc/040823/health_contraceptive_1.html

4) Bad batch will reduce "flu" vaccine by 50 million doses.

Contamination of one large batch of influenza will cause it to be throw out  (I wonder how you dispose of 50 million doses….  not likely to be picked up with the rest of the trash). Don't worry about availability… the companies were into over production for 2004 after last years shortages…. All you have to do is remember to get yours. (I wonder who you can depend upon to remind you….)

 5) FluMist: Half off this season.

This is still about 5 times the cost of the influenza shot but a lot better than last year. Last year all doses were purchased due to the shortage of the regular vaccine…. Don't expect a bail out this time… even considering the above article.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/business/20040801-102016-9783r.htm

6) Not just for the woman who has everything…including Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The FDA just approved Zelnorm for chronic constipation.  No longer confined to just women… the men can now have legitimate access…. that is if you want to pay for a prescription laxative. This could easily get out of hand….. this may be a candidate for prior authorization.

http://www.pharmalive.com/news/index.cfm?articleID=165818&categoryid=9&newsletter=1

7)  Dark chocolate might be good for you…

But you still need to watch the calories. It appears from this German study on Greeks that blood vessels worked better with DARK chocolate. Milk chocolate did not have the same effect (too bad).

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=6095994