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Pharmacies Choked To Death By Red Tape                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Photo by Dianne Lockhart By Dianne Lockhart MONTE VISTA-Following the recent closure of several businesses in Monte Vista, including Big A Auto Parts, Extreme Valley Pizza, Mountain Do-It-Best Hardware, Burns Pharmacy, Daylight Donuts, and several others, another business closed this week, in downtown Monte Vista. After 24 years as the corner drugstore in Monte Vista, Centennial Merit Drugs closed its doors Monday, according to owner Jerry Young, due to political manuevering by big drug and insurance companies, lack of accountability by state politicians, and apathy from the general public. Stewart Pharmacy, in Center, closed last Wednesday. It had been an icon since 1984, and this is the first time that the town of Center has not had a pharmacy since 1908. Owner Mike Stewart indicated that after Medicare Part D was initiated, it was downhill from there, throwing independent pharmacists, here in the Valley and across the nation, for a tailspin right from the start. Cuts in reimbursements and government methods have spelled doom for these two pharmacies, signaling an end to the independent corner drugstore. Red tape strangles an industry Three bills, stalemated in Congress, could have helped the problem with slow Medicare reimbursements, which he attributes to his having to close, "(the bills) should have had emergency status," said Young. Additionally, Young said that Medicaid plans a (reimbursement) cut in January. One of the bills that would help independent pharmacists is H.R, 5182, sponsored by Congressman Jim Walsh of New York. Members of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) met on Capitol Hill in May, to call on Congress to enact H.R. 5182, the Fair and Speedy Treatment (FAST) of Claims Act of 2006. The legislation will protect independent pharmacists from going out of business by ensuring that insurance companies provide adequate and timely reimbursements under the new Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. Some features of the bill include: --Pharmacists are paid for their services in a timely manner by requiring Medicare Prescription --Drug Plans (PDPs) to offer electronic direct deposit of reimbursements to participating pharmacies  --Claims submitted electronically will be paid within 14 days, and all other claims will be paid within 30 days --Pharmacists are promptly notified if there are problems with submitted claims --Generic dispensing fees are set at a minimum level to ensure pharmacists can afford to provide cost-saving drugs to their communities "When we started, Medicaid would pay in 21 days. Now, with Medicare, we're waiting six to eight weeks for reimbursements," said Stewart. "Ninety-two percent of our prescriptions are billed through Medicare, Medicaid, SLVHMO, and others- controlled by insurance companies, a form of regulation. There's a structured reimbursement plan with (the insurance companies.) So, you don't have any control over your business, and paperwork is a nightmare. You put in your regular eight to 10-hour day filling prescriptions, and then put in another four or five hours taking care of everything else." He said the "everything else" is mostly paperwork, dealing with billing, reconciling after the insurance companies pay. "They don't always pay what you bill, sometimes only some of it, so you end up having to track everything just to make sure that you get reimbursed." This, in addition to regular paperwork such as payroll, taxes, and vendor invoicing. A Two-fold problem "It's not that I don't have the money," said Young, "but I can't keep losing money," (having to take out loans to pay vendors, and pay the interest charges on that) due to the time it takes to get reimbursed by Medicare. The government only pays so much, and that's what they keep cutting back and cutting back." Young said he had to get a loan for $70,000 to pay for product, because the government did not pay him in time. He said his wholesale vendors had to be paid every two weeks. According to Young, it affects all pharmacies, not just the small independent ones. "It's not a free market system. It's socialistic medicine. When you gross 3.6 million dollars and can't survive..." Young said that his profit margin, his markup, was much lower than most retailers- almost half as much. He said that it wasn't a lack of business, since the drug store had its best June ever, this year. "The problem is both reimbursement rates and payment structure," said Stewart. "Your reimbursement rates are not enough to compensate the delay in payments. If you can't get your bills, or claims made, paid in a timely manner, it affects your cash flow. It becomes a nightmare trying to balance taking care of prescriptions and (handling) Medicare D programs." "The National Council of Pharmacists Association lobbied Congress on behalf of the pending legislation in June, but the bills are stuck. Insurance companies and the government will put all the independent pharmacies out of business," said Young. Young feels he gets the cold shoulder Young tried enlisting the help of Senators Wayne Allard, Ken Salazar, and Representative John Salazar. "Allard didn't even return my call. John Salazar won't return my phone calls, and Ken Salazar refused to meet with me. (It's the policy of) Salazar to meet only with groups, not individuals. He would only talk to me if it was a large medical forum (with hospitals, and other medical entities participating). He totally refused. I've never heard such a stupid thing in all my life," said Young. Young said Salazar only returned his call, after an article concerning his plight, ran in the Denver Post. "They don't care about rural areas or the people," Young added. Cody Wertz, a spokesman for Senator Ken Salazar, on Monday, said that Salazar does support the FAST Act legislation. "We have had several staff members work long hours on this case," said Wertz, "but, unfortunately, it won't happen overnight." Wertz said that Salazar wants amendments to the bill, but feels the bill will be helpful to independent pharmacists such as Jerry Young. "What came out of (Young's) request to meet with Senator Salazar was a meeting in the Valley, a Healthcare Forum, where the public was invited to talk about health issues. I am unaware of any reason the Senator could not meet with him, personally, other than scheduling. That's why all healthcare providers were invited to meet with the Senator on August 11." The tail wagging the dog "The federal government did everything the insurance and drug companies wanted. It's a case of the tail wagging the dog," said Young. "The insurance and (pharmacuetical manufacturers) fought these three bills. It's money-driven, unfortunately." Young said that drug prices to the public are high, due to those set by the manufacturers. "What (pharmacies) charge is regulated by the government. It's sad. The big drug companies (manufacturers) sell to Canadian pharmacies at half what they sell to us." Young said that was due to insurance companies' control, in the U.S. "Humana Insurance had a 38 percent net profit increase from Medicare for the first quarter (of this year)," said Young, "insurance companies are lobbying against these bills." When asked if the American Association of Retired Persons (A.A.R.P) could help get those bills passed, Young said that even A.A.R.P. is fighting the bills, because they make money also. A town's survival dependent on whole community "Look at the buildings in Monte Vista that are empty," said Young. "I'm on Urban Renewal, still- the community's gotta get together, not just committees, but the whole community" to make the city survive and thrive. Centennial Merit Drugs served mostly senior citizens. Young said that 65 percent of his business was service to elderly people- The Legacy, Mountain Meadows Nursing Center, the Veteran's Center, and others. "It is a good program, but it's mismanaged," said Stewart. "The pharmacists have been a support base for this program. (With the current situation) we're smothered by red tape. Even though you're an independent business person, you're basically working for the insurance companies, not yourself." Stewart said his decision to close was not lightly made- he and his wife prayed and talked with other community members about the future. "I knew it wasn't good, in March," said Stewart, "and I decided, then, I'd give it six months. I wanted to be proactive in making the decision, instead of the decision being made for me." Stewart was concerned for his customers, and how they would be served, if the pharmacy closed. "I think America has become 'Corporate America', no matter what business you're in. Ma and Pa businesses established this country, and Walmart came in and destroyed our business. Our 'out front' (gifts, sundries, greeting cards, and other non-pharmacy items) business was destroyed," said Stewart. No fairy tales here "Other people should have stepped up to the plate," said Young. "Until people do something, it's not going to change, and pharmacies are going to continue to close. People don't listen. They think we're just crying 'wolf', and we're not." Young said several people, outside the area, inquired about buying the business, but with the situation as it is, decided not to. Stewart said that when they designed the Medicare Part D, independents were not given a chance to provide input- how it would affect rural areas, and small independent stores were not taken into consideration. "I've joked that (with the insurance reimbursement programs) I work for the government, just without benefits," said Stewart. The Road Ahead "Walgreen's is a good company. They really care about the people," said Young, who plans to transfer records to Walgreen's Pharmacy in Alamosa, after closing. Young said that he will start work as a Walgreen's pharmacist within a week. He told the Monte Vista Journal that he loved being in business for himself, and that if he could have stayed, he would have. Young said that Centennial Merit Drugs was one of the top-volume pharmacies in Southern Colorado for many years. "I enjoyed every minute of (owning the pharmacy) up until about six months ago," said Stewart, who started work with Walgreens last Wednesday. "I strongly feel, speaking for my store and my customers, that they understand the situation. I did do what was best for them and me, and I can continue to care for them. I can still have a part in their healthcare. Some people feel bad, that had they not been in the Medicare or other programs, I would not have closed. It's not the customers' fault. They deserve to be on those programs; it's just caught up with the small guys." An eight-hour workday will be a big difference to both pharmacists. "For the first time, since starting my business, I'm not tied to seven days a week. I can spend time with my family. I won't miss the pressures that the healthcare system has made for us. I'll miss my independence, and my customers," said Stewart. He said, though, that he's seen several of his customers start to come into Walgreen's. Walgreen's did a software to software transfer of the medical records and files, and did a physical inventory of the Center store. Walgreen's took the product to their store. "It was a smooth rollover," said Stewart. "Walgreen's (as opposed to other in-store pharmacies) is 70 percent prescription and customer care, and they're tied (by franchises) nationwide, so that people can get their prescriptions filled other places." (This article was first published in the Monte Vista Journal, 2006)		Lift your spirits, now Click the picture of Robin James, above, to listen to her music.  Email her from that site, if you'd like to buy one of her CD's. Click the Meander Radio picture above, to listen. Click the Solace Radio picture above, to listen, or listen in iTunes in the Talk section. New-fangled bicycles New, local bike brands keep popping up in cycling-crazy nations like Denmark and the Netherlands, which are hardly low-cost havens. Yet the combination of entrepreneurship and the cycling heritage these nations indisputably have makes for many a (STILL) MADE HERE success, and the fact that bikes have been manufactured and shipped from Copenhagen or Amsterdam is the story ingredient that commands a juicy premium elsewhere. To get inspired, check out the following brands, all of them manufactured locally and sold globally. trioBike — De Fietsfabriek — Cargobike.nl — Jorg & Olif — Biomega Jorg & Olif actually embodies the (STILL) MADE HERE trend with a twist: the company is Canadian, but sources its utterly old-fashioned heavy, black bikes from a small traditional factory northeast of Amsterdam. The company currently ships throughout Canada and the US, and operates from a gallery-like lifestyle store in Vancouver.  Source:  Trendwatching.com

People Swear By Dandelions Say they cure cancer, liver disease, diabetes By Dianne James MONTE VISTA, CO--Gardeners are out in full force at plant nurseries, hardware stores, and in their yards, cultivating another season of flowers, vegetables, and lawns.  Some are fighting the bane of groundskeepers everywhere, Dandelions, without knowing the curative powers in these "noxious" weeds.  Proponents of those powers believe that dandelions can cure or control cancer, diabetes, liver disease, and obesity.  The lowly Dandelion, Taraxacum Officinale, like other herbs found in nature, has been overlooked by many as a useless plant.  The extracts of these plants have been used as a basis for the creation of many pharmaceutical drugs on the market today. The plants from which they derived were not patentable by the drug companies, and that fact spurs the industry to extract the active ingredients, and mix them with other compounds, forming a product that companies are able to patent.  Unfortunately, much of the inherent healing properties of the plant have been lost in the process.  Several books have been written about or contain information concerning the healing properties of the leaves, roots, and flowers of the Dandelion, three of which are The Dandelion Celebration: The Guide To Unexpected Cuisine, Herbal Medicine by Diane Buchanan, and Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss. The Dandelion has been reported to help control blood sugar levels in diabetics, help to cure or control liver disease, urinary disorders, cancer (both mouth and lung), skin infections such as warts, boils, and acne, calcium deficiencies, stress, and other diseases and disorders. Dandelions have even been utilized in weight loss- "Throughout history, dandelions have had a reputation as being effective in promoting weight loss and laboratory research indicates that there is some support for this reputation. Controlled tests on laboratory mice and rats by  Romanians indicated that a loss of up to 30% of body weight in 30 days was possible when the animals were fed dandelion extract with their food. Those on grass extract lost much less. The control group on plain water actually gained weight," according to author Dr. Peter Gail. In an article by Gail, author of The Dandelion Celebration:  The Guide To Unexpected Cuisine, diuretic effects with a strength approaching that of the potent diuretics Furosemide and Lasix, used for congestive heart failure and cirrhosis of the liver, with none of the serious side effects, were found by Romanian scientists. They found that water extract of dandelion leaves, administered orally, because of its high potassium content, replaced serum potassium electrolytes lost in the urine, eliminating such side effects common with the synthetics as severe potassium depletion, hepatic coma in liver patients, circulatory collapse, and transmission through mothers' milk. "According to the USDA Bulletin #8, "Composition of Foods" (Haytowitz and Matthews 1984), dandelions rank in the top 4 green vegetables in overall nutritional value. Minnich, in "Gardening for Better Nutrition" ranks them, out of all vegetables, including grains, seeds and greens, as tied for 9th best. According to these data, dandelions are nature's richest green vegetable source of beta-carotene, from which Vitamin A is created, and the third richest source of Vitamin A of all foods, after cod-liver oil and beef liver! They also are particularly rich in fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and the B vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin, and are a good source of protein," wrote Gail. More information about Dandelions can be found at the following websites: http://www.leaflady.org/health_benefits_of_dandelions.htm http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/natural_health/70272 http://vitaminlady.com/Articles/Dandelion.asp http://www.edibleweeds.com/homepage.html Products containing broadleaf herbicides, such as Weed and Feed, can kill Dandelions.  Other lawn fertilizers are available which do not contain the herbicides.  Readers are advised to do more research before using Dandelions, at the links above and other sites and publications, due to possible interactions with some medications. This story was first published in the Monte Vista Journal. Read more about this reknowned guitarist, in Meander Music. Total solar eclipse streaks across Earth Click here to watch from MEANDER EARTH. Is it the beginning of the end?  Click here...   The Good, Bad, & Ugly In Your Home We found an excellent article we want to share with you, concerning how healthy your home environment is.  Some parts of the article might surprise you.  Where do dust mites like to hide?  What color plates should you be eating from?  Is there something in your home that could  contribute to obesity and Type II Diabetes?  What family  photos do to you, psychologically, and much more.  Click here and link to the article.    Read more articles about your health below, in Meander Magazine.

Medicines Made By God Researchers have discovered that turmeric, pepper, and ginger can kill or shrink cancer cells.  Read more from MSNBC. More stories on cancer fighting spices and turmeric, below, on this page. Listen to the audio clips below.  The information about the FDA and people who control our food, drugs, and environment will shock you. Listen with Realplayer (download a free copy here): Planned Population Reduction #1 Planned Population Reduction #2 Planned Population Reduction #3 Planned Population Reduction #4 Planned Population Reduction #5 (Audio is from prophecyclub.com, but is scientific in nature- everyone should hear these.)

How To Detect A Heart Attack The first hour of the rest of your life The first hour of a heart attack is known as the "golden hour." If you get help during that first hour, your chances of recovery are greatly improved. Yet many people hesitate to get help when they first experience symptoms. They're afraid of the embarrassment of going to the emergency room and finding that nothing is wrong. So, it is important that you know the symptoms that may indicate that a heart attack is in progress. Many of the symptoms of heart attack can be brought on by digestive disturbances or other less serious conditions. But only sophisticated medical tests can determine for sure if you're having a heart attack. Heart attacks may vary from person to person, and from heart attack to heart attack. Women, for example, may experience "atypical' symptoms such as pain between the shoulder blades rather than crushing chest pain. This may result in them delaying seeking treatment. That is a great mistake. Heart attack is one instance where getting treatment promptly can mean the difference between life and death. If you are in doubt, err on the side of being more cautious and go to the emergency room and get yourself checked. We will try to describe some of the most common characteristics of heart attack here. Before that we will introduce the other pain called angina which is often precursor to a heart attack. Heart Attack Pain Areas If you're having a heart attack, you might feel: Crushing pain in your chest that may spread to your left shoulder Chest pain that may spread to your neck, jaws, and/or down your back Deep, dull pain or a tight, heavy, or squeezing sensation beneath your breastbone The pain may be just in your arms It may be in your jaw Or it may be in your back Early signals of heart attack Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the chest, usually lasting longer than two minutes Pain radiating to the shoulders, neck, jaw, arms, or back Dizziness, fainting, sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, or weakness None of these symptoms assures that a heart attack is in progress, but the more symptoms you have, the more likely it is a heart attack. Other Symptoms of Heart Attack Chest pressure Sweating Jaw pain Heartburn and/or indigestion Arm pain (more commonly the left arm, but may be either) Upper back pain General malaise (vague feeling of illness) Nausea Shortness of breath More...  What to do if you are with someone who appears to be having a heart attack Do not permit the person to persuade you that his/her problem is inconsequential. Fear or wishful thinking often causes people who experience chest symptoms to deny the Importance of the symptoms. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Ask for an ambulance. If you can get the patient to the hospital more quickly by driving, do so without delay. Give the victim emergency oxygen if you have some available at house. While waiting for assistance, make the person comfortable, usually by making him/her lie down with his/her head slightly elevated. Give the victim some towels and dry clothing. Check for medical alert tags around the person's wrist or neck and follow any pertinent emergency instructions. Call these tags to the attention of medical personnel when they arrive. If you have been properly trained and the need arises, begin CPR and keep it going until help arrives. Don't panic. Keep control. It is very important that the victim be relaxed and you do not want to scare the daylight out of him/her. The most important thing to remember during a heart attack is not to panic. Panic constricts the blood vessels and makes it more difficult for the body to handle the attack. It has been scientifically proved that a heart-attack patient who is relatively free of panic has a much better chance of survival than one whose heart has to work harder because of the narrowed blood vessels that result from extreme fright. Also, the hormonal surges that accompany panic put the heart at greater risk. The natural response of a person when a loved one gets a heart attack is to feel desperate. The situation is very dangerous. It is important, however, to be aware of the effect your behavior will have on your loved one. It is very important to stay calm and prevent panic. Panic is destructive and can interfere with essential treatment. Don't minimize the seriousness of what is happening. Be reassuring, stay calm and be confident. Try to see that everyone else in the house remains calm. If someone screams or flails about, remove that person from the patient's presence. When the ambulance arrives, reassure the victim again, reminding him or her that he or she is on the way to a hospital that handles such cases every day. The most important fifteen minutes of your life What Should You Do If You Suspect You Are Having A Heart Attack Stop whatever you're doing and sit down or lie down. Take up to three nitroglycerin tablets-one at a time at five- minute intervals or as prescribed by your doctor. If the pain does not go away, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. If you do not have nitroglycerin and have had symptoms for two minutes or more, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Then take an aspirin unless you are allergic to aspirin. If you can get to the hospital faster by car, have someone drive you. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. When you get to the hospital, do not permit emergency room personnel to keep you waiting. Tell them that you may be suffering from heart attack and that you need to be seen immediately. Do Not Minimize Your Symptoms. Do Not Delay. Waiting more than fifteen minutes to see if the pain goes away can result in permanent damage to your heart. At worst, it can cost you your life. More... http://www.holistic-online.com/Remedies/Heart/heart_attack_what-you-do.htm ~~~~~ God's gift to humans: Angina Angina Pectoris or Angina Angina pectoris is a precursor to a heart attack. Usually, what happens is this: During physical exertion, during stress or an emotionally charged situation, in cold weather or after a big meal, the heart beats faster. Heart requires more oxygenated blood flow to the heart muscle to maintain the beating. But if the channels by which the blood and oxygen flow to the heart are narrowed, not enough nutrients get to the heart muscle tissue. It suffers oxygen deficiency, and the heart tells you about this with a pain called angina pectoris. The pain is quite distinct. It is described as: "a heavy, strangulating, suffocating experience-far more intense than anything like indigestion, chest wall injuries, pleurisy or spasms of the esophagus that you are familiar with. The pain may seem to start under the breastbone, on the left side of the chest, and sometimes radiates out to other places: throat, neck, jaw, left shoulder and arm and, occasionally, on to the right side. Angina is an intense, scary episode. But with rest and calm (or by placing nitroglycerin or another kind of nitrate under the tongue), angina attacks usually go away in about 15 minutes or so. If they last longer than that, go to the hospital and have a thorough check up. Long-lasting angina attacks may be the prelude to heart attacks.  More... ~~~~~ Are your kids stressing you out? End the anger now.  Read below... Attention Parents, Grandparents, Teachers, and Childcare workers: How would you answer the following 5 questions? 1.  If you could go the rest of your life without yelling at your kids, without arguing all the time with them, without rebelliousness in the home, classroom, or daycare center, without the strife... If there was a simple solution, would you take it? 2.  If you could replace all the stress caused by your frustration with raising or teaching children, and not knowing why there can't be peace and harmony in your home and life... Would you?  3.  Are your children a pure joy to be around, or is it so stressful you've lost your temper?   If you could stop all the bickering, the back-talking, the anger in your children... Would you? 4.  If there was something that would help you and your family enjoy life to it's very fullest, in peace and harmony,  and it would change your family dynamics almost overnight... Would you try it? 5.  If other parents say  "it's an answered prayer", "it's a miracle", "thank you for bringing peace back into our family with our young children and teens"... Would you want to know what it is? ANSWER:  If you said yes to all these questions, that means you love children very much, and want to help them to have the best life possible.  It means you cherish peace and harmony.  Read on... No more temper tantrums No more constant arguing No more homework not getting done No more getting into trouble at home or school No more back-talking or foul language No more being the bad guys for having to discipline them No more wanting to escape from your stressful family life People will be asking you,  "How did you do it?"   Read true-life stories about the solution, below...   How Two Quarrelling Kids Helped Invent the Better Behavior Wheel Hello. My name is Julie Butler. I am the mother of 4 children. My husband has a forestry contracting business in central British Columbia, where we live in a fairly typical home. The idea for the 'Wheel' came to us several years ago, thanks to the antics of our two youngest kids. When David was nine and Laura was twelve, the battles started. Prior to that, they got along great. Laura was always protective of her little brother, and he in turn, doted on her. Perhaps it was about needing space, asserting independence…whatever the reason, it drove my husband and I crazy. It would start over the tiniest of excuses. One minute the house would be quiet, and the next they'd be shouting at one another. "Mom, Laura won't give my CD back!" "It's not yours. It's mine!" "No it isn't. I got it for Christmas!" "No you didn't. I did!" And on and on it would go. Until, finally, one of us would have to intervene. And there would be a truce…sort of. At least until the next blowup. We hated the atmosphere of tension that would invariably follow these exchanges. Our once happy home was being turned into a war zone, and it felt like there were land mines scattered beneath our feet. One night, in desperation, we had a conference. We called the kids into the living room and told them how upsetting their behavior was. We asked them for suggestions on how we could restore peace and serenity back into the family. Off to their rooms Well, we didn't resolve anything on the spot. We sent them to their rooms with instructions to each come up with a half dozen appropriate consequences that we could impose the next time they had a fight. The following day we were presented with a list of consequences from each. Some even looked pretty good. Examples: Clean the other person's room; Do dishes for the other person; Make the other person's bed for a week; Lend your favorite CD or game to the other person for a week; Make a list of 10 good things about the other person; Hug and make up…. We decided to arrange the consequences around the perimeter of a board, and then we attached a spinner in the middle. When you gave it a spin, the spinner would eventually stop and point to one of the consequences. Then we hung the board up in the kitchen, in plain sight. We crossed our fingers, and waited. And waited. It was amazing. Just the presence of the board, hanging on our kitchen wall, had an instant calming effect on the atmosphere in our home. Occasionally we'd see one of the kids standing in front of the board, idly flicking the spinner, checking it out. But the fighting had stopped. Well not forever. It took about ten days before they forgot about the board and peace was shattered by another battle. We were ready. We called them both into the kitchen, took the board down off the wall, and placed it on the table. They knew what they had to do. How could they refuse? They chose the consequences. They practically invented the board. It landed on the most dreaded consequence of all: Hug and make up! The tension was broken as they awkwardly gave each other a hug, mumbling apologies. We all had a good laugh, and life resumed. Maybe we're on to something Wow, we thought days later when there'd been no further skirmishes…if this thing works so well for arguing, what about some of the other issues that we seemed to be always struggling with. Wasting electricity, for example. It seemed like the kids were always leaving the lights on when they left a room. Or they'd leave the TV on when they went to bed. Or they'd take half hour showers. Why not make another wheel with consequences related to wasting electricity? Well, eventually and inevitably, we ended up making consequences to cover seven different issues, or themes. Excessive Arguing was joined by A Job Poorly Done, Leaving the Lights On, Stretching the Truth, Taking Without Asking, Talking Back, and Not Putting Things Back. And then, because we felt that extra good behavior should be recognized, we added another theme called Just Desserts, consisting of rewards. We called it The Better Behavior Wheel. It has worked beyond our wildest expectations. In the past we'd often let behavior slide. "David…it's 8:30. Get the dishes done." "I know." From downstairs where he's watching TV. "David. It's 9:00. Get these dishes done right now!" "I know." Until we'd get angry. And then the consequences would end up being out of proportion to the infraction. And blood pressure would rise, and anger would reign. "DAVID…GET YOUR BUTT UP HERE RIGHT THIS MINUTE AND GET THOSE DISHES DONE, AND YOU CAN FORGET ABOUT GOING CAMPING THIS WEEKEND!!!" But with the wheel… "David…it's 8:15…you haven't started the dishes yet. I'm afraid we'll have to spin the wheel." "But, Mom…" "I'm sorry, Dear. It's really not up to me. Those are the rules we all agreed on. Gee, I hope you don't land on a really bad consequence." The amazing thing is…we're no longer the bad guys. We can actually root for the kids as they drag themselves up to the wheel. It's no longer an us against them issue. It's the wheel that they have to answer to. But the greatest thing of all…we hardly ever have to use the wheel. It hangs on the kitchen wall, acting as a watchdog and reminder. It's mere presence has worked miracles. We want one too After sharing our experience with our friends, and demonstrating the wheel to them, we have received widespread encouragement to make them on a commercial basis. Ultimately we thought, why not? It's a great product. We know it works. If it can help others the way it has helped us, it almost seemed a shame not to make them. We even made a Virtual Wheel - a download version that can be played on the computer. (This is my husband's favorite because he spent so many sleepless nights working on it.) It's been four years since we had to send them to their rooms, but David and Laura get along great these days. They've both turned into wonderful teens, and we'd like to think that the Wheel shares a huge portion of the credit for that. "I think your wheel is terrific, and my four sons agree...sort of. While our children need consequences for wrong actions, it's nice to temper the punishment with a dash of humor. This is the proverbial spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down! Only a loving parent could come up with such an effective way to discipline children. Thanks for a great product."...Kayla Fay, Publisher of "Who Put the Ketchup in the Medicine Cabinet?" (www.goaskmom.com) Meander Magazine Publisher's Note: When my children were young, I was a single working parent, and one of our favorite times of day was when I read to them at night.   We went through the entire Trixie Belden mystery series, and every Hank the Cowdog we could find.  I even got caught up in the stories.  I read for thirty minutes every night right before their bedtime, and many times, they'd beg me to read more.  I will never forget those times, some of my life's favorites.  Reading to your children (or reading a little longer), if they're small, would be a great "reward" to add to the Better Behavior Wheel.  Use the things your kids (ages 4 through teen) like to do the most for rewards.  The fact that they are the ones who decide on the punishment and rewards is what makes this thing so effective. The Better Behavior Wheel, a small price to pay for peace. Price: US $24.95 + $6.95 shipping North American customers Price: US $24.95 + $10.00 shipping Non-North American customers All orders are shipped via airmail within 24 hours Click here to order your Better Behavior Wheel. ~~~~~ Tea, a lifesaver? A study of 1,900 heart attack victims found that those who drank the most tea before their heart attacks - about 19 cups a week - were 44 percent less likely than nondrinkers to die in the three to  four years afterward. That work, led by Dr. Kenneth Mukamal, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, appeared in the American Heart Association journal Circulation. (This story is from MSNBC News) 'Choking Game' Continues To Attract, Kill Children Hundreds of children have died in Central Florida and across the country attempting to get a "high" during an activity called the choking game, according to a Problem Solvers investigation. The choking game, which is also called rising sun, suffocation roulette and space monkey, kills nearly 1,000 children a year, according to the report. The game, which is usually attempted by children 10 to 16 years old, cuts oxygen to the brain for a brief high or euphoric state. The pressure on the arteries is then released and blood flow to the brain resumes, causing a "rush" as consciousness returns.  More...   SLOW DEATH BY DIET SODAS: HOW POLITICS IS LETTING THIS CHEMICAL POISON MILLIONS OF AMERICANS -Link to the story  IN THE EDITORIAL SECTION Eating Fish Slows Loss of Memory Eating fish once a week slows the memory loss associated with aging by 10 percent a year, according to a Rush University Medical Center study of 6,158 elderly Chicagoans. Read more... Lift spirits now -----> To advertise on Meander Radio call (719)852-5813.  Incredible rates! Broccoli could block lung cancer progression in smokers More... If it says "hydrogenated", don't eat it More...    West Nile Threatens Again (From an article on KPRC TV's website...)  Maps locating cases of West Nile Virus. If no cases exist in your area now, check these maps every so often to see changes. (Helpful hint: Go to Meander Magazine's home page, and right click on an empty area, then "create a shortcut" to your desktop. Makes it easy to find Meander whenever you want.) WEST NILE INCIDENTS IN TEXAS WEST NILE INCIDENTS IN NEW MEXICO WEST NILE INCIDENTS IN COLORADO   HOW SAFE ARE YOUR KIDS AT SCHOOL, REALLY? By Dianne James Have you heard about the situation in Espanola, New Mexico? A teacher was recently busted for selling drugs, and the Espanola School District has lost 300 students. The district is trying to resolve this huge problem. A school should be a safe place for a child. It hasn't been a safe place for at least 60 years. Not safe physically, mentally, socially, or educationally. In hindsight, I'm not so sure school consolidation was the answer, after all. Truth is, we don't have the answer yet, unless it's homeschooling- now there's a concept. If I could do it all over again, my children would have been homeschooled. Why? Outside influences, lack of challenge for them, and the inherent mediocrity in the public school system. The arts are not held in high esteem when it comes to state monies being handed out, and the arts and creativity are important for a child's growth. I find it interesting the emphasis on sports programs, however valuable they are, at the expense of educational basics and the arts. While other nations are training their children in sciences, we're teaching them how to tackle and block. I call it national "failure to thrive" syndrome. We have three generations now who are either jocks, drug addicts, prozac poppers, dialectic materialists, or just dissolusioned with the world. These kids are boxed in. Boxed into a mass system which defines them, not as who they are or could be, but what society expects of them. That would be ok if our society was a virtuous one. One that probably our great-grandparents knew, where a man's word was everything and a hard day's work really did pay off. Money and status has taken the place of achievement. That has to have a devastating affect on any society. Well, that's my two cents worth on this subject, and here are some resources, websites for more information and books for those of you who think you can't do it.  Note:  At the bottom of this page is a list of informative books on homeschooling. HOME SCHOOL HOME SCHOOL TODAY CLASSICAL HOMESCHOOLING FAMILY EDUCATION HOMESCHOOL MAGAZINE HOMESCHOOLING GIFTED CHILDREN (Aren't they all?) TEACHING THE GIFTED NATIONAL HOME SCHOOL ORGANIZATION COLORADO HOME SCHOOLING HOME SCHOOLING IN COLARDO NEW MEXICO HOME SCHOOLING TEXAS HOMESCHOOLING TEXAS HOME SCHOOL ORGANIZATION TEXAS HOME EDUCATORS CHRISTIAN HOME SCHOOLING ALL STATES HOME SCHOOLING SEARCH  Please check out the books available about homeschooling at the bottom of this page. Cancer Fighters in Your Spice Rack Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants and other cancer-fighting compounds have long been thought to curb one's cancer risk. It now appears that another group of foods--including turmeric (one of the major spices in curry powder), red grapes, rosemary, and green tea--has joined the ranks of these potent anticancer nutrients. Interestingly, these foods have properties resembling those of the COX-2 inhibitors--popular new arthritis drugs, such as Celebrex, that have been dubbed "superaspirins." COX-2 inhibitor drugs, so-called because they block an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), are used to treat the pain and inflammation of arthritis. There is now compelling evidence that they may also protect against cancer. Mitch Gaynor, M.D., director of medical oncology at the Strang Cancer Prevention Center in New York, notes that suppressing COX-2 may be beneficial because, "the COX-2 enzyme helps make carcinogens much more active once they get into your body. The enzyme also allows cancerous cells to grow new blood vessels." A recent study pinpointed the importance of COX-2 in colon cancer (Journal of the American Medical Association, 10/6/99). Colon tumors with the highest COX-2 levels were larger, more advanced, and more likely to have spread to the lymph nodes. By contrast, the enzyme was undetectable in colon tissue from cancer-free patients. High COX-2 levels appear to be fairly ubiquitous in tumors. Dr. Gaynor observes, "We found elevated COX-2 levels in just about every solid tumor we looked at, from lung cancer to breast, prostate, bladder, and colon cancer. We've also demonstrated that when you inhibit COX-2, the cancer cells stop growing." The COX-2 inhibitor Celebrex has been shown to strongly inhibit the development of colon cancer in animal studies. Several clinical trials are now under way to determine whether this and other COX-2 inhibitors have the same effects in people. Beyond antioxidants The good news is that a drug-free alternative to the synthetic COX-2 inhibitors may be as close as your spice shelf. It appears that certain foods are natural inhibitors of the COX-2 enzyme. By incorporating these foods in your diet, you can obtain some of the potential cancer-preventing benefits of the COX-2 inhibitors naturally. Turmeric (curcumin) Dr. Gaynor observes, "Countries like India and Pakistan, where the people eat a lot of curry, have a lower incidence of various types of cancer." Curcumin, the ingredient that gives turmeric its yellow color and one of the best studied of the natural COX-2 inhibitors, has been shown to inhibit the development of cancer in animals. Dr. Chintalapally V. Rao, a scientist with the American Health Foundation in Valhalla, New York, has conducted extensive animal studies with curcumin and notes that while the new drugs "undermine the activity of the COX-2 enzyme, curcumin completely blocks formation of the enzyme itself." The intriguing evidence of curcumin’s anticancer effects in animal studies has prompted a clinical trial of the compound. Dr. Steven Schiff at Rockefeller University in New York is assessing whether curcumin supplements (250 mg twice a day) can inhibit the development of colon cancer in people and plans to publish his findings later this year. Red grapes Another potent COX-2 inhibitor known as resveratrol is produced in the skin of red grapes, where it protects against oxidation and fungal infections. Resveratrol is found in grape juice and red wine; red Bordeaux and French Cabernets contain a particularly high concentration of the compound. Resveratrol appears to help protect against cancer in at least three ways: It has anti-inflammatory effects, it's a powerful antioxidant, and it may prevent cancer cells from progressing to the next stage. Supplements provide about 600 mcg of resveratrol, the amount found in a glass of red wine. Rosemary This common spice, another strong COX-2 inhibitor, also increases the activity of detoxification enzymes. An extract of rosemary, termed carnosol, has inhibited the development of both breast and skin tumors in animals. Rosemary can be used as a seasoning. It can also be consumed as a tea: Use 1 tsp. dried leaves per cup of hot water; steep for 15 minutes. Green Tea Green tea has also been shown to inhibit the COX-2 enzyme, and it has strong antioxidant effects as well. Several population studies have indicated that green tea possesses powerful anticancer effects. A clinical trial evaluating green tea in cancer patients is currently under way at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Experts advise drinking four cups of green tea daily. Alternatively, take two 250 mg green tea pills a day. Select pills standardized to contain at least 50 percent polyphenols, the active ingredients in green tea. Bee Propolis Finally, bee propolis, a sticky resin collected by bees from pines and other trees, is "one of the most potent COX-2 inhibitors," according to Dr. Gaynor. Dr. Rao has found bee propolis very effective for cancer prevention in animals, noting, "You can use it in lower doses than curcumin because it is highly absorbable." It is typically sold as 500 mg capsules. Suggested dose: Optimal doses of COX-2 foods or supplements for cancer prevention (or arthritis pain and inflammation relief) are unknown. In the meantime, it seems reasonable to consume COX-2 foods as part of a healthy cancer-fighting diet, along with plenty of fruits and vegetables. So spread a little curry-rosemary dip on your cracker, sip some green tea, and pour yourself a glass of Cabernet. Turmeric, what is it? What Is It? Although best known as a spice that gives a distinctive flavor and yellow color to curry powder and mustard, turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a member of the ginger family and has long been used for healing. Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and other traditional medicine systems practiced in India have relied on this pungent spice for centuries, and so it's not surprising that the Asian subcontinent is where the most intensive research about this herb has been conducted. The plant's healing properties reside in its fingerlike stalk, which is scalded and then dried for medicinal preparations. This is the same part of the plant used to flavor, color, and preserve foods. Health Benefits In India (and to some extent in China), turmeric has been used for centuries to treat indigestion and a host of other ailments. But it was considered only a culinary spice in many other parts of the world until the early 1970s, when laboratory researchers discovered notable inflammation-fighting compounds called curcuminoids in the herb. The most important of these--and the most intensively studied by far--is curcumin. Among other findings, researchers discovered that turmeric (especially the curcumin component) has rich stores of antioxidants. In the body these important disease-fighting substances mop up unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals that can otherwise damage cells and cause diseases such as cancer. Test-tube studies done in the 1990s indicate that curcumin is as powerful an antioxidant as vitamins C and E, and even beta-carotene. Antioxidants are also powerful preservatives, which helps explain why turmeric has long been sprinkled on food to help retain its freshness. In animal studies and in one human trial published in 1992, turmeric also showed promise in lowering cholesterol levels and fighting atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries that can lead to heart attack. Preliminary studies in mice indicate that the curcumin in turmeric may even block the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). The interest in the plant's potential for preventing neurologic diseases, such as MS and even Alzheimer's, was spurred by the realization that elderly Indian populations that consume considerable amounts of turmeric in their diet are far less likely than their Western counterparts to develop such ailments. Scientists conjecture that turmeric benefits such neurologic illnesses by minimizing inflammation, a theory supported by recent findings that people (Westerners in this case) taking anti-inflammatories regularly for arthritis are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. More research in this area is clearly needed before any specific recommendations can be made. Today, turmeric is widely recommended for myriad ailments, from stomach ulcers and skin infections to eye conditions (such as chronic anterior uveitis). The evidence for it actually working for any of these conditions is mixed. For example, there's no evidence that turmeric will help heal stomach ulcers but, when it's applied as a paste, it may well eliminate scabies, an itchy skin condition caused by parasitic mites. Specifically, turmeric may help to: Relieve carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and joint inflammation. The anti-inflammatory compounds in turmeric appear to ease inflammation. This makes it potentially useful for relieving the inflammation in wrist and hand joints associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, for example. In India, curcumin is considered a standard anti-inflammatory medication. It appears to be most effective for acute (as opposed to chronic) inflammation. Many sources recommend curcumin for arthritis-related inflammation and pain, but the evidence showing its effectiveness for arthritis is unclear. In a 1980 study published in India, rheumatoid arthritis patients who took 1,200 mg of curcumin a day experienced the same reduction in stiffness and joint swelling as those who took the prescription anti-inflammatory drug phenylbutazone, which can have unpleasant side effects. Unfortunately, the study was flawed because results weren't compared to a placebo (dummy pill) group. Ease indigestion, excess gas (flatulence), bloating, and other mild stomach upset. Reinforcing an ancient use for turmeric, German health authorities have declared turmeric tea a valuable remedy for stomach upset. Laboratory findings back this up: The curcumin in turmeric fights bacteria commonly responsible for infectious diarrhea. Clinical trials have been somewhat promising for this time-tested use as well. In a widely cited 1989 study, Thai researchers found that 500 mg capsules of curcumin (taken four times daily) were far more effective than a placebo in relieving indigestion. The study involved more than 116 adults at six Thai hospitals. And it was double-blind, meaning that neither the participants nor the researchers were aware of what each participant was taking during the trial. Nearly 90% of the participants taking the turmeric experienced full or partial pain relief after seven days, while only 53% of the group taking the placebo felt better. Prevent cancer. In its role as an antioxidant, turmeric (presumably meaning the curcumin) inhibits damage to cells and thus helps to prevent certain types of cancer. In laboratory and small animal studies, curcumin has been found to hinder the growth of errant cells associated with cancer of the breast, skin, and colon, as well as lymphoma. In a small but interesting 1992 clinical trial of 16 cigarette smokers, those taking 1.5 grams of turmeric a day for 30 days had a significantly lower level of mutagens (in the urine) than a control group consisting of six nonsmokers. Mutagens are substances that can increase the occurrence of a cancer-causing mutation. Note: Turmeric has also been found to be useful for a number of other disorders. For information on these additional ailments, see our Dosage Recommendations Chart for Turmeric. Forms Turmeric comes in several forms:  tincture, tablet, powder, ointment , lotion, liquid, dried herb/tea, cream, and capsule Dosage Information Special tips: --Formulations to take internally include capsules, fresh juice, boiled tea made from powder, and tinctures. --Topical formulations include creams, lotions, pastes, and ointments. --To treat a specific ailment, look for turmeric standardized to contain 95% curcumin. You'd need to consume 100 grams (about 3 1/2 ounces) of turmeric as a culinary spice to get a therapeutic dose of curcumin (1.2 g per day). --Teas are not as potent as formulations standardized to a curcumin concentration (and they don't always appeal because of the herb's distinctive taste). To make a tea, pour 1 cup (8 ounces) of boiling water over 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of powdered turmeric, let steep covered for 5 minutes, then strain, if necessary. Drink two or three cups daily, as desired. For carpal tunnel syndrome, indigestion, excess gas, and other other inflammatory and GI-related ailments: Take 400 to 600 mg (containing 95% curcumin) in capsule form three times a day. Alternatively, take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of liquid extract, mixed into 1/2 cup of water, three times a day. Continue until symptoms are relieved. If there is no improvement after a week of continuous use, then it is unlikely turmeric is going to help. For cancer prevention: At this point, there is not enough firm evidence to recommend turmeric on a daily basis as an aid for preventing any type of cancer. However, you may want to take advantage of possible benefits simply by using turmeric regularly as a spice or even sipping turmeric tea. (If you have breast cancer, however, see General Interactions, below.) Guidelines for Use Once inflammatory symptoms improve, cut the daily dose of turmeric in half. And once symptoms actually clear up, discontinue taking the herb altogether. Like other anti-inflammatory medications, turmeric provides no apparent benefit for inflammation after symptoms have disappeared. Because turmeric is not particularly well absorbed when taken orally, you might want to look for products that combine it with bromelain, a group of protein-digesting enzymes found in the pineapple plant. The bromelain will enhance the absorption of the active compounds in turmeric. There are numerous commercial preparations combining bromelain and turmeric. General Interaction Test-tube studies conducted in 2002 indicate that the curcumin in turmeric, even when ingested simply as a part of the diet as a spice, may interfere with the proper functioning of breast cancer chemotherapy agents. Although more research is needed, it's best to talk with your doctor before consuming turmeric when being treated with such chemotherapy drugs as mechlorethamine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide. There are no other known drug or nutrient interactions associated with turmeric. Possible Side Effects While turmeric is safe to take at recommended doses, prolonged use of higher than recommended doses can cause stomach upset and other gastrointestinal disturbances. Cautions Don't take turmeric if you have a bile duct blockage or a blood-clotting disorder, or if you have a history of stomach ulcers; it may negatively affect these conditions. Because the risks are unknown, avoid medicinal amounts of turmeric (or concentrated curcumin) if you are trying to conceive, are pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you have gallstones or any gallbladder problems, you probably should not use turmeric supplements. This caution stems in part from a small 1999 study (of 12 people) which found that curcumin in low doses stimulated contractions of the gallbladder. This means that turmeric could potentially harm a person with gallbladder problems. Ailments Dosage Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 300-350 mg (containing 95% curcumin) 3 times a day Rheumatoid Arthritis 400 mg (containing 95% curcumin) 3 times a day between meals Consult a pharmacist, nutritionist, or doctor regarding possible drug/nutrient Interactions Cyclophosphamide:  Consult your doctor before consuming medicinal amounts of turmeric when being treated with cyclophosphamide. ~~~~~ The Dirty Truth about Washing Your Hands Busy health-care workers typically wash their hands for just 10 seconds, according to a new study. Thankfully, they use soap. The combination is effective. But don't waste your money on that alcohol-based, water-free hand-cleaner. Convenient, yes, but less effective. Billed as the most comprehensive study of its kind, involving 62 volunteers and 14 different hygiene products, the research found that soap and a few seconds of scrubbing washes most trouble down the drain. "Previous studies have had people clean their hands for 30 seconds or so, but that's not what health-care workers usually do in practice, and we wanted to test the products under realistic conditions," said Emily Sickbert-Bennett, a public health epidemiologist at the University of North Carolina (UNC). With 10 seconds of scrubbing, soap and water gets rid of the common cold virus, hepatitis A, and a host of other illness-bearing germs, the study found. Anti-microbial agents -- the soap in a bottle you pay more for at Safeway -- were best at reducing bacteria, the research found. Waterless, alcohol-based agents had variable and sometimes poor effects, becoming less effective after multiple washes, Sickbert-Bennett said. For removing viruses from the hands, physical removal with soap and water was most effective, the study concludes, because some viruses are hardy and relatively resistant to disinfection. The research, funded by the North Carolina state government, is detailed in the March issue of the American Journal of Infection Control. "These findings are important because health-care associated infections rank in the top five causes of death, with an estimated 90,000 deaths each year in the United States," said fellow UNC researcher William Rutala. "Hand hygiene agents have been shown to reduce the incidence of health-care associated infections, and a variety of hand hygiene agents are now available with different active ingredients and application methods." More from this website ~~~~~ Finally, homeschoolers have a comprehensive guide to designing a homeschool curriculum, from one of the country's foremost homeschooling experts. Rebecca Rupp presents a structured plan to ensure that your children will learn what they need to know when they need to know it.  Learn more by clicking on the links below...