ppp 09-11-06

Quote of the day: The difference between a moral man and a man of honor is

that the latter regrets a discreditable act, even when

it has worked and he has not been caught.

H. L. Mencken (1880 - 1956), 'Prejudices: Fourth Series,' 1924

My parents were on one of their many road trips between Minnesota and California. On a deserted part of the highway they were stopped by a local policeman for speeding. "65 in a 55MPH zone…. gotcha on radar" said the officer. My father plead his innocence. He got the officer to agree to a test of his radar equipment. As my mother sat in the squad car, my father took the van down the road to return at "exactly 55 MPH" for the officer to clock him and read the results. As he passed the police car the radar read exactly 65MPH. The officer concluded that the radar was faulty and let them go. They rode together for about 10 miles before my mother broke the silence. "You came back at exactly 65 didn't you?" The twinkle in his eye and smirk on his face told the story.

Did he "fudge" on his taxes? (He always took his receipts to his accountant.) Did he steal anything? (Not that I ever knew.) Did he poach any game?( Never!) To my knowledge it was the only dishonest thing my father ever did. How will your kids remember you? Do you speak about cheating on your taxes, getting away without paying for something, or "stretching the rules". Be a good example… or at least don't brag about being a bad one. If you took illegal drugs in the past, don't let your kids know about it…. unless you want them to do the same. Better to tell that "little white lie" and hold the high ground instead of hearing "…but you did drugs…" as they are hauled off to jail or detox. (For the record kids… I never did illegal drugs… I was too frighten of the consequences related to my future in pharmacy and having to face Dad who maintained the "high ground".) What will your children and grandchildren say about you? Leave your kids a legacy of honesty and they will likely keep it up. Thanks Dad!

ps. Best answer this week to the question "How are you?" was "Twice as good as yesterday!"

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

Influenza vaccines are rolling off the manufacturing lines. No major flaws in the process this year (not like last year) will make it possible for everyone who wants one to get one. You DO want one…don't you!

Patients with an inborn error of metabolism called porphyria to get relief from a newly approved drug, panhematin. Patients with porphyria are very sensitive to light (so become nocturnal), they often have some mental issues, and their teeth actually glow in the dark. Sounds like the basis for the vampire legends. Cardinal Health will really miss the boat if the don't give it the brand name "Buffy".

EU agrees that GSK was within their rights to limit exports of their products to countries and individuals who wanted only to resell them to Americans by mail (i.e. re-importation schemes).

Daily aspirin may reduce inflammation and thereby reduce inflammation of the prostate gland. Study was done at the WFMC (World Famous Mayo Clinic) in Rochester, Minnesota and published in American Journal of Epidemiology. Reduce cardiac risks and your time in the bathroom….BONUS! http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/08/30/health/webmd/main1950289.shtml

For the last 2 years the FDA has cracked down on physicians who write 3 prescriptions for chronic narcotic pain medications during one patient visit. The docs would write for 3 separate 30 day supplies on separate prescription blanks to be filled at 30 day intervals. DEA just relaxed to rules so that "pain docs" can go back to the practice that saves time and money for patients.

Physicians and pharmacists are seeing the benefits for the Medicare Part D plan but still feel it to be too complex.

Mark B. McClellan, physician, lawyer and who knows what else will be leaving CMS for a Washington "think tank" before Halloween. McClellan headed the FDA and CMS for 2 years each. I know of another super-physician who could take his place…you still out there Gregg?

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