September 30, 2007

Clinic Visit Gives Patient Little Relief

I had to go to the Walk-in Clinic. I needed a prescription refilled. Three of the doctors who serve our local clinic are familiar with my health and treatment plans. Today's doctor-on-duty was new; we'd never met.

I explained that I needed a prescription refill. He asked some screening questions and then read the prescription label. "This indicates that you have 2 repeats left on the order," he said.

"The 2 repeats represents 2 doses," I responded. I explained that I had been to the pharmacy yesterday to get the refill. While the original prescription was for a quantity of 32 boxes, the pharmacy dispenses these by the dose. That meant that the pharmacist translated the 32 boxes as 32 doses. "But the pharmacy doesn't actually dispense less than 5 doses, so I need a new order altogether," I finished.

"This is a narcotic," the doc said. "I'm not comfortable to write such a large order for a narcotic."

"I understand that you're at a disadvantage because we've never met, but my history is all here," I said, pointing to the massive paper chart.
He was clearly overwhelmed by my chart. The stack of papers in the folder is more than 6-inches high. It is, in fact, one of 2 folders that make up my chart.

Ten pages into the paper chart, he lost patience (an echo, labs, more labs, a mammo, ultrasound, a dictation, ultrasound, more labs, a fax...) Eventually, he agreed to a short term refill of the 'scrip and I agreed to see my family doctor for a more complete order.

I stopped at the reception desk to make the appointment.
"The next available appointment is," the clerk paused, "October 22."

Three weeks away, and I've managed to get just one week of my pain relief medication. I caught up with the doctor in the hallway and explained that I will need 3 weeks of meds to make it through to the appointment date.

"I'm just not comfortable writing a long-term order for that class of drugs," he repeated. He suggested I return to the clinic before I reached the end of the prescription to get another short term repeat.

How's that going to look - returning each week for a short term refill on a narcotic-class prescription.


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September 28, 2007

Rash Reaction

"A boy who suffers from a severe nut allergy has been excluded from school because he is considered to be a health and safety hazard."

The story, out of Goole, about 170 km east of Liverpool, grabbed attention with its "Allergic Boy Banned From School" headline. According to the Times article, George carries an Epipen and has been taught to use it in case of an allergic reaction. At his previous schools, anaphylaxis wasn't a controversy.

When you read the report, it is clear that the boy is being tutored at home just until a support system is in place at Howden School to protect students who face severe allergies. What has the school been waiting for?

In Ontario, Sabrina's Law was enacted in 2006. The bill ensures that school officials and staff receive training to recognize and give first-response aid in the case of a life-threatening allergic reaction. British Columbia has Bill M210 to protect students in that province.

Before the legislation, students with severe allergies were in the school. Parents trained the staff on identifying a reaction and administering epinephrine to their child. The legislation confirms that all school buildings will have designees who are prepared to give assistance to a student or volunteer or visitor, if it is required, anywhere in the province.


Facts About Food Allergies

1. Anaphylaxis affects 10% of the population.

2. Allergic reactions may occur up to 3-5 hours after exposure. Symptoms may persist for up to 72 hours.

3. Most fatal reactions occur as a result of accidental exposure.

4. The cause or trigger of the anaphylactic reaction isn't always obvious.
Source: www.epipen.com

It's really a shame that the banner
"Allergy Boy" has emboldened some readers
to leave some insensitive comments that only underscore their ignorance of anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a serious medical condition.
It has nothing to do with
how protective one's parents are.

People with severe food allergies
are not trying to control you, but we
have a responsibility to keep ourselves safe.




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September 27, 2007

Recall by Lexus Will Affect 55,000 Units

Lexus issued its 86th safety recall yesterday. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issues recalls when an investigation concludes that "an auto manufacturer is found to be responsible for a serious safety or mechanical defect".

In the Lexus situation, incidents of accidental acceleration related to the Lexus ES350, Toyota RAV4 and Tacoma truck were reported to the agency in August.

"One driver told the agency the vehicle had hit speeds of 100 m.p.h. over a 6-mile stretch of freeway due to the problem. A Michigan woman said the problem caused her to lose control of her Lexus, triggering a rollover crash on I-75 that totaled her car."

Lexus will replace 55,000 floor mats that, when not properly installed, allow the mat to crowd under the gas pedal, interfering with the safe operation of the accelerator.

Owners of the Prius and Avalon are being asked to check the installation of their floor mats as a precaution.

This isn't about floor mats.
Part of the story is that since 1990, Lexus has issued just 85 recall notices to vehicle owners. That's across its entire line up of vehicles.
Over the same time period, Ford* announced 1721 recalls; General Motors announced 1142+ recalls of its light truck and van lines; and Chrysler recalled the Sebring model alone 72 times since it was introduced in the 1995 model year!

Over 12 years, the Sebring has been recalled almost as many times as the complete product mix of Lexus over the past 17 years! And the Sebring is described by Canadian Driver with the following phrases: "high value", "solid performance", "consistent Chrysler quality".

The floor mat example demonstrates that it needn't require great expense or considerable time to return a vehicle to NHTSA safety standards.
But isn't it just a little embarassing that the #1 luxury car brand issued a recall involving a $25 rubber mat?

* Refers to Ford branded models only. Does not include Mercury or Lincoln.
+ Applies to GMC light-duty trucks, vans, minivans.

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Further Reading on North American automotive market:
The Demise of the American Auto Industry and the Rise of Toyota
(Martin Weiss, Money and Markets, March 2007)

If the accelerator is stuck: Hook your toes under the pedal to free it up.
If that doesn't work, downshift into lowest gear (some pros say neutral) and apply the brakes.
Pull off the road once vehicle has slowed.

September 22, 2007

Shoe Squabble

Marc Jacobs unveiled these gems at FashionWeek. Part of his Spring 2008 collection, the shoes will retail for around $660.

"A chunky, four-inch heel nestles horizontally just under the ball of the foot. Where you'd expect a heel, there is nothing but fresh air.
The centre of gravity therefore is somewhere under the arch of the foot, forcing the whole body to tilt forward. The effort of staying upright in them will be the equivalent of an advanced level Pilates class."


Well, Jacobs did say that he was trying to overturn conventional fashion with his 2008 line. He calls this year's line The Emperor's New Clothes.

Wait! What's this? Turns out, these are very similar to Junko Shimado's line that was introduced in March. Shimado's appear slightly more comfortable, with a longer heel stem.

Looks like there may be a fashion footwear feud afoot!


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September 21, 2007

Hyphens At-Risk

The most recent punctuation species to hit the endangered list: the hyphen.

The new Shorter Oxford English Dictionary has new spellings of 16,000 words. Formerly-hyphenated words appear in this new edition as either compound nouns (pigeonhole) or two separate words (pot belly).

" 'People are not confident about using hyphens anymore, they're not really sure what they are for," said Angus Stevenson, editor of the Shorter OED, the sixth edition of which was published this week.' "

Stevenson is quick to point out, however, that there is still a place for the hyphen in modern language - twenty-odd people came to the party; or was it twenty odd people?

In 2002, Florida candidate Patrick Feheley sued opponent Candice Brown-McElyea over a hyphen. He accused her of hyphenating her name to secure a better position on the ballot. Had she not changed her name prior to the election, Feheley's name would have been listed first on the ticket.

I never would have guessed that a gung-ho dictionary editor could be such a rabble-rouser.

There are a great many hyphens left in America. For my part, I think the most un-American thing in the world is a hyphen. —Woodrow Wilson, speech, 1919

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September 19, 2007

Fill Your Black Jack With Grog

September 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day.

It started as a joke between friends John "Ol Chumbucket" Baur and Mark "Capn Slappy" Summers. The tradition gained notoriety after scallywag columnist Dave Barry heard about the tradition.

TLAPD boasts its own anthem. Tom Smith wrote and recorded
"Talk Like a Pirate Day"
(plays in Windows Media Player)

Need help finding
your Pirat-titude?
View the instructional
video produced by
Loading Ready Run.

And be havin' a good tide!

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September 17, 2007

Duncan's Prank Rolls Foul

Ten year old Boston Red Sox fan, Griffin Whitman , discovered new meaning of Curse of the Bambino at a game between his beloved Red Sox and the visiting Yankees.

Whitman asked rookie Shelley Duncan for an autograph before the opening game of the weekend series. Duncan obliged and passed the book back to the boy.     (Read the full story...)

The rivalry between these two clubs is the legendary. Red Sox fans routinely chant "Yankees Suck!" when the club plays in town. Likewise, NY fans return the insult when the Sox come to Bronx.

I'm not supporting the ball player, but a proud Red Sox fan would never ask a Yankee for his signature! That's like Larry Bird asking Magic Johnson to be his best man; or Muhammad Ali taking a dive with Joe Frazier in the ring; or Lloyd Carr (Michigan) sending his kid to Ohio State!

"Griffin’s mother, Karen, blasted the Yankees slugger’s bad manners". Wonder if she said anything to the fans at Fenway when the chanting began?

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September 15, 2007

Kansas Welcomes Rain Delay

Former major-leaguer Mike Hargrove has been named manager of the semi-pro Bee Jays of Liberal, Kansas. Hargrove played for the Bee Jays in the 70's, when the Texas Rangers drafted him.

As a player, Hargrove was named Rookie of the Year, hit a career .290 and earned the nickname The Human Rain Delay. At the plate, before each pitch, Hargrove adjusted his helmet, adjusted each batting glove, and then fine-tuned the fit of the gloves near the base of each thumb. His at-bat ritual wasn't complete until he adjusted first one sleeve, then the other; wiped his hands onto his pants, planted his left foot, then finally placed his right foot into the box. Almost a minute of Hargrove's routine before each pitch.Every pitch.

I hated to see him foul one off with 2 strikes on. I prayed the pitcher wouldn't check the runner and throw to first, or move off the rubber. His routine was so disruptive to the rhythm of the game, I wondered if the National League pitchers collectively negotiated Hargrove's trade from San Diego back to the American League (Cleveland) after just 52 games in 1979.

This year, during an 8-game win-streak, Hargrove left his post as manager with the Mariners. "I never lost my passion for the game – I lost my passion for the job," he says. Hargrove will skipper the 2008 Bee Jays without compensation. "It’s a chance to give back," he proudly declares.

Lesson one for these college players: Delaying the Game for Fun. "No, Turtle. You're stepping into the box too quickly. Try hitting the bat against your cleats one more time, first."

The Bee Jays play in the Jayhawk League. Notable Jayhawk League Alumni include Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Lance Berkman, Ozzie Smith, Doug Drabek, and Chuck Knoblauch.

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September 13, 2007

Block Heels Make Comeback

THE season’s fashion must-have is a £700 (approx. $975) shoe that would be more at home in a toy shop.

According to UK Times, "the most talked about item on the catwalk [is] Balenciaga’s robot shoes, which look as though they’ve been made from Lego."

The Sportiletto is designed by Nicolas Ghesquiere for fashion house Balenciaga.
Disappointed fashionistas in London have had to settle for standing orders right now, as demand has out-paced supply.

The colors and material of the Sportiletto remind me of Lego; but with the rivets, I'd say these shoes are more characteristic of Meccano.

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September 07, 2007

Venus

Since the 1970's, the first Sunday in September has been set aside in Piobbico, Italy for the annual Festival of the Ugly. At each festival, club members elect a new president. For 30 years Telesforo Iacobelli has accepted the honor.


Signor Iacobelli heads the Club dei Brutti in Italy. The club has links that go back to 1879. It is now known as The World Association of Ugly People, and at the 2007 Festa on September 9, 2007, Iacobelli will unveil a monument to ugly people.
The prototype picture is shown at right.


The motto of Club de Brutti is 'a person is what he is and not what he looks like.'

Iacobelli describes the monument as a tribute to the one who is beautiful on the inside.

Fact: Brigitte Nielsen is a member of The Club

Goddess on the mountain top burning like a silver flame
The summit of beauty and love and Venus was her name
CHORUS:
She's got it. Yeah, baby, she's got it
I'm your Venus
I'm your fire
At your desire

(Stock, Aitken & Waterman)
Performed by Bananarama


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