ppp 09-03-07

Quote of the day: Laughing at our mistakes can lengthen our own life.

Laughing at someone else's can shorten it.

Cullen Hightower

Recently I heard several members of Generation X use the phrase “Nip it in the butt” without understanding where the expression originated or what it means. The real phrase is “nip it in the bud” and refers to making a correction while the idea or action is , like a young flower, in the budding stage rather that waiting until it is fully grown.

Have you seen the commercial in which the words “Rock the Casbah” are misinterpreted as “lock the cashbox” or “rock the catbox”? “Excuse me while I kiss the sky (Jimmy Hendrix)” is heard as “Excuse me while I kiss this guy”. “She’s got a ticket to ride (Beatles)” has been sung as “She’s got a chicken to ride”. “Secret Asian man (Johnny Rivers)” for “Secret agent man” and more at this link http://www.rareexception.com/Garden/Misinterpreted/Lyrics.php . Many song lyrics are misinterpreted because singing the words often erases the other verbal inflections that help us interpret the correct meaning.

Many emails are also often misinterpreted because the verbal cues and non-verbal communication is missing. Be very careful when you are about to send a “flaming response” to an email that angers you. You may have not read it correctly or could have missed the context. It is best to wait at least an hour after composing such an email before sending it (sort of like the old swimming rule). Its hard to tell if someone is joking unless they add a smiley face. Remember in this electronic age… email never completely goes away and you should always assume that anyone mentioned in an email will see a copy of it sooner or later. I have rewritten many things after recalling that rule. One other thing that I have learned is that, no matter how I got myself into trouble, I always try to apologize in person. Only in person can I convey remorse with sincerity. It is the best way to be “bakin’ carrot biskets” (Bachman Turner Overdrive).

pps. Occasionally, some of the links require FREE registration.... I'm sure you can handle THAT slight inconvenience.

But only one third of those affected are taking pharmaceutical therapy. (Prior to reading this I would have believed that the disease was over-diagnosed and under treated). Even if the study was published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine I do think that I’d like to see some corroboration.

FDA proposes a new system for rating of sunscreens. In addition to the current number system for UVB (the burning rays) the FDA is proposing the addition of a STAR system for UVA (the tanning rays) protection… the more stars the more protection. Both UVA and UVB exposure can cause skin cancer. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01687.html

The National Institute of Health experts agree that inhaled corticosteroids are the best treatment for asthma. (remember that asthma is an inflammatory disease the effects the lungs and not a “lung disease”.) Rescue inhalers have their place but the underlying inflammation must be treated.

GSK employees, who are considered otherwise very intelligent, are not managing their diabetes optimally. GSK will help their employees with a wellness program aimed at testing and treating diabetes. (Should all diabetic employees follow the program I would bet that GSK would financially benefit from healthier employees).

Courier delivery in the UK from pharmaceutical companies has been available for years, much like our Specialty Pharmaceutical pharmacies but without the middlemen. US manufacturers have avoided angering wholesalers, pharmacies, and PBMs in the past but as more pressure comes to bear on their financials they may just venture into direct sales.

A vaccination boosted the immune system to produce a heightened response in those elderly who practiced the martial art called Tai-Chi. Those patients who did no such exercises had a normal immune response. Its so crazy, it just might work!

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