As if drivers didn’t have enough distractions, they are now texting messages to their friends, famly, and co-workers. In the past, I’ve witnessed drivers shaving, reading the newspaper, doing their makeup, and eating a six course meal. All these activities pose grave threats to those of us who take our road safety seriously. Something has to be done to curb such extracurricular activities while driving. Lives depend on it!

During Anderson Cooper’s program 360, CNN anchor Thomas Roberts spoke of the horror of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of a Catholic priest. Like many survivors, Roberts’ parents had divorced and the priest abuser took advantage of Roberts home situation. He trusted this supposed “Man of God” only to be violated by him. The show detailed the emotional and psychological pain of sexual abuse by a priest, Fr. Jeff, a Baltimore priest. Roberts, now a grown man with a successful career, still bears the scars and wounds of this violation. Like other survivors, Roberts life was drastically altered by a Catholic priest.

The FDA has learned that the peanut butter contamination is not limited to the ConAgra plant in Sylvester Georgia since the peanut butter manufacturer sent some of the same peanut butter to its plant in Humboldt, Tennessee. This bulk peanut butter was used to make peanut butter toppings for Carvel Ice Cream stores and the Sonic fast food restaurants.

A Philadelphia jury has awarded an Ohio woman $3,000,000 who said that the hormone replacement drug Prempro caused her breast cancer. More than 5,000 women have sued Wyeth over their hormone replacement drugs Prempro and Premarin. In spite of the controversy, both drugs remain on the market with the approval of the FDA.

While the FDA has expanded its consumer advisory and told consumers to discard all Peter Pan peanut butter jars if purchased after May 2006, we’re telling clients and those who contact us to save the jars, just don’t eat the peanut butter! The jars are evidence and they may need to be tested to prove that the peanut butter was contaminated with salmonella. If you or a loved one has become ill after eating the Peter Pan peanut butter, save the jar, seek medical attention immediately, and contact us if you need further information.

The baby food Earth’s Best Organic 2 Apple Peach Barley Wholesome Breakfast baby foodhas been recalled by its manufacturer, Hain Celestial Group. This recall came on the heels of an FDA warning to consumers advising them to not use the product. The baby food in question have the following codes: 23923-20223 PFGJ14NP EXP 14 SEP 08 A; 23923-20295 13 SEP 08; and 23923-20223 PF6J14 NP EXP 14 SEP 08 A.

For the first time, the peanut butter salmonella poisoning hit Florida. Yesterday, it was determined that the first case of salmonella poisoning resulting from Peter Pan peanut butter was confirmed in Florida. If you have bought Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter, especially with a product code beginning with “2111”, don’t eat it. If anyone in your household has eaten it and experienced food poising like symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

Some of you have been asking excellent questions about the peanut butter recall. The contaminated peanut butter comes from Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter. It was processed by ConAgra Foods in Sylvester Georgia. The product code begins with “2111”. If you or your children have eaten this peanut butter and became sick, DO NOT return the peanut butter to the store! This is evidence that we might need to prove your case and test the peanut butter is tainted with salmonella. If you or your child has symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever or dehydration, go to your doctor and explain that you want to be tested for salmonella poisoning. If you have any other questions, call me or email me.

Two brands of peanut butter Peter Pan and Great Value have been recalled and pulled from store shelves as they have been linked to an outbreak in salmonella. The peanut butter was processed by ConAgra Foods in its plant in Sylvester GA. Salmonella poisoning can mimic food poisoning so it’s important to consult a physician if you have any of the following symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration.

Attorneys General in seven states are suing the manufacturer of Zyprexa, Eli Lilly, for fraudulent marketing practices. The AG’s are looking into Eli Lilly drug reps’ practices of encouraging doctors to prescribe the anti-psychotic drug for non-FDA approved uses. These “off-label” uses may end up costing the company more than just civil damages. These aggressive marketing practices have made Zyprexa the 7th largest drug in the world!