As the entire west coast of Florida prepares for its first tropical storm of the season, it’s a good idea to review your safety checklist. (If you don’t have one, make one as soon as possible.) Make sure you know your evacuation routes, secure lawn furniture, check your water supply, and prepare to shelter your pets. Also, don’t forget about your important papers including homeowner’s insurance are in a safe and secure place. While we can’t avoid bad weather, we can prepare for it. Your life and the lives of those you love may depend on it.
The 101st Senator
At a recent political fundraiser I heard a congressman refer to the pharmaceutical industry as the “101st Senator” in the United States Senate. He was commenting on the tremendous influence that this industry holds over our elected officials in Washington. The pharma industry throws its influence and big bucks around the halls of power whenever a bill is introduced for consideration. In a democracy, each constituency has a right to voice their concerns. However, the public needs to be aware who influences their elected officials. Knowledge is power.
FDA Urges Halt to Clinic Trials of Ketek
Citing potential lethal effects on children, an FDA official has called for Sanofi-Aventis, the maker of Ketek, to halt clinic trials. The drug is being tested for ear infections and tonsilitis in nearly 4,000 infants and children in more than a dozen countries. The drug has been linked to liver failure, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness in adults. More than 5 million US prescriptions have been written for Ketek in the past two years.
Guidant Wrote Warning Letter it Never Sent
In a letter dated January 2005, Guidant Corp. executives were prepared to warn doctors of potential flaws in their heart device product. However, the letter was never sent because these same officials were concerned about the potential consequences and backlash from sending such a letter. Guidant stated that two company models had an electrical flaw. It also told physicians that it had pulled back all units not yet implanted into patients.
Pregnant 18 Year Old Dies After Hospital Error
There is nothing as tragic as a young life lost- especially when that lost life is not a result of circumstances beyond control. Elisha Crews Bryant, 18, went to South Florida Baptist Hospital because she was experiencing premature labor pains. A nurse gave her 4 times the amount of magnesium sulfate, a common treatment to retard early labor. The baby survived but will live life without a mother.
Class Action Lawsuits Are Bad for Consumers
I hear a lot of talk these days about class action this and class action that. Truth is, class actions aren’t good for consumers. Each case is different just as each person is unique. Also, after Fen-Phen, courts aren’t quick to certify any matter as a class action.
Fosamax and Jaw Death
There was an interesting article published this morning in the NY Timesregarding osteoporosis drugs and osteonecrosis. According to the article, two groups of people take the osteoporosis drugs which belong to the bisphosphonate family. The first group, those suffering from breast cancer and/or multiple myeloma whose disease has spread to the bone, receive the drug intravenously. The second class of bisphosphonate users are those suffering from osteoporosis. Normally, these folks take a drug like Fosamax orally. If you have questions or concerns about the risk factors associated with Fosamax or other bisphosphonates, consult your physician.
Monsignor Fushek Trial on Hold for Now
Monsignor Dale Fushek, founder of Life Teen and the former No. 2 man in the Diocese of Phoenix, has had his sex trial put on hold until an appeal is heard. The appeal centers around Fushek’s request for a jury trial rather than a trial in front of a magistrate. The defense has contended that the allegations are spurious because they involve the counsel Fushek gave boys regarding sexual sins.
Large Corporations Pressure EPA to Approve Dangerous Pesticides
Agricultural and chemical companies are lobbying the EPA to approve license extensions for approximately 20 pesticides that are suspected to retard brain growth in unborn babies and children. The pesticides include Orthene, Trithion, Nemacur and Dursban, are generally sold for use on farms rather than in homes. In spite of its function as a regulatory agency, the EPA has been criticized for its regulatory handling of dangerous pesticides, according to environmental watchdog groups.
Canadian Cop Forced to Apologize for Taser Use
A Canadian police officer has been ordered to apologize to a man he assaulted with a taser in a jail cell.
The apology forms part of the conditional discharge handed to Corporal Brendan McKenna after he pleaded guilty to assault. He will escape jail time and a criminal record, but will be on probation for 12 months and must do 100 hours of community service.