However, did you know that CVD is actually a term used to indicate a collection of conditions or risk factors that have a detrimental effect on the heart and vascular system? These risk factors or conditions associated with CVD include; elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, blood homocysteine levels, blood lipoproteins levels, diabetes and free radical damage. Sounds a little more complicated now than just cholesterol levels, doesn’t it?

The two most common dietary factors associated with cardiovascular disease are fat and cholesterol. However, recent data suggests arterial plaque development has several other contributing factors, which highlights the point that focusing primarily on dietary intake of fat and cholesterol alone may not be sufficient to prevent CVD in some people.

While medical science has identified some genetic causes of this condition, the majority of risk factors for cardiovascular disease are associated with diet, nutrition and lifestyle. Some of these factors include consumption of salt, saturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.

To understand the role diet has in the development of CVD, let’s first outline the process of arterial plaque development (the process of developing clogged arteries). Essentially, the process of arterial plaque development is related to Low-Density lipoproteins (LDL). These fat-protein molecules attach to the endothelial arterial walls and become oxidized or glycosylated. This process of oxidizing LDL is capable of damaging the arteries and initiating the process called atherosclerosis. Once the arterial walls are damaged, plaque builds up and eventually obstructs the artery. In the case of a coronary or heart-supplying artery, you have a heart attack. So, controlling this plaque formation process is seen as the key to prevention and treatment of CVD.

The issue with trans-fatty acids is they actually block an enzyme that would normally help metabolize cholesterol and remove it from the body. Which means, eating modified polyunsaturated fats actually increases your serum cholesterol, not the other way around. In fact, in a study cited in Nutrition Reviews , individuals who consumed the most trans-fatty acids (an average of 5.7 gm/day) were found to be 50 percent more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than individuals who consumed the least (2.4 gm/day).

The moral of this story is that margarine and other trans-fatty acid-containing foods may be cholesterol-free, but they inhibit the body’s ability to eliminate cholesterol, which may actually increase your serum (blood) cholesterol instead of lowering it. So is there any fat okay to eat? Most research on the subject indicates that monounsaturated olive oil appears to be the healthiest dietary fat/oil and is part of the much-publicized Mediterranean diet.

Salt is another dietary factor that impacts cardiovascular disease. Approximately 60 percent of hypertensives (those with high blood pressure) are “salt sensitive” according to an article in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition . In these individuals, increased salt (sodium chloride) sends their blood pressure through the roof! However, many people who are avoiding the salt shaker in an attempt to reduce their salt intake may be missing the enormous amount of “hidden salt” added to fast foods and processed foods. So, to adequately reduce your salt intake, a reduction in fast foods is also in order. In addition, check the label of all processed foods to determine how much salt you are actually eating.

Potassium is another component of the CVD prevention program worth mentioning. Although having no direct correlation to cholesterol, adequate potassium levels appear to play an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular incidents, (which is a nice way of saying heart attacks and strokes).

Regardless of any food supplements you may be taking to reduce your risk for CVD, a healthy whole-food diet remains your best defense. In fact, a healthy diet alone may be enough to prevent or reduce the risk of developing this disease. Epidemiological studies posted in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition clearly show that a higher consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables (rich in phytochemicals) is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, the reduction of salt (for salt sensitive individuals) and appropriate use of monounsaturated olive oil will go a long way in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.

Now, many reading this article may have trouble eating the five fruit and vegetable servings per day recommended for optimal health and prevention of CVD. If this is you, taking a few food supplements may help you make up where your diet leaves off.

While there are many food supplements that are useful in maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing disease, only a few seem to have benefits that are specific to CVD prevention. These are: magnesium, vitamin E and C, Coenzyme Q1O, and Garlic.

A story in Natural Health Resources reports that magnesium deficiency has been associated with an increased incidence of atherosclerosis, hypertension, strokes, heart attack and diabetes.

Vitamin E has been shown to play a powerful role in the prevention of heart attacks because it can reduce platelet adhesion (clot formation) and prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol. (Please note that dosages over 400IU of Vitamin E may cause blood thinning and prolonged bleeding. Those taking blood thinners such as Coumadin® should consult their healthcare professional before taking this supplement).

Vitamin C can also have an effect on cardiovascular disease. In a study cited in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , individuals consuming vitamin C at two to three times the RDA had improved lipid profiles, corresponding to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

Coenzyme Q10 is involved in the production of energy at the cellular level and is also a key nutrient for the heart. Current theory suggests a significant portion of congestive heart failure may be due, at least in part, to a coenzyme Q10 deficiency.

Lastly, while not a vitamin or mineral, garlic is an herb that appears to benefit those with cardiovascular disease. According to an article in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology garlic is effective in lowering elevated serum cholesterol and triglycerides and inhibits platelet aggregation, which may help prevent a heart attack or stroke.

Although food supplements are beneficial to the cardiovascular system and help to reduce or prevent the development of CVD, a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables is still the best means of prevention. Food supplements are very useful and even necessary at times, but they can only do so much if your diet is poor.

As cardiovascular disease is predominately related to lifestyle, it is within the power of each of us to make the lifestyle changes today that will ensure we have a healthy and strong cardiovascular system tomorrow. Prevention is the key and a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is a good start on the road to a healthy heart.

Such cells contain no active telomerase, an enzyme required to maintain chromosome stability in dividing cells.

In contrast, most cancer cells have an unlimited ability to undergo cell division, and these “immortal” cells almost always contain measurably active telomerase, which they produce continuously.

“We are successfully exploiting this difference between normal cells and cancer cells to detect the presence of cancer cells in the prostate gland,” says Richard E. Beltz, PhD, emeritus professor of biochemistry, School of Medicine.

Dr. Beltz is a member of a research group that recently published several in a series of articles on its research in the professional journal Urologic Oncology. The first article is titled “Detection of telomerase activity in prostatic fluid specimens” .

George R. Prout Jr., editor in chief of the journal, commented on the article, saying “The article entitled ‘Detection of telomerase activity in prostatic fluid specimens’ by Wang et al. is a very clever paper, and the results strongly suggest that we’ll be using this in the clinic in the not too distant future.”

A second article, “Telomerase activity in sextant needle cores from radical prostatectomy specimens,” Urologic Oncology has also been published and a third in the series is being prepared.

Scientists contributing to the research and preparation of the journal articles include individuals from the School of Medicine department of biochemistry and the Loma Linda University Medical Center department of surgery’s division of urology.

“Our studies have shown that telomerase assays [measurements] performed on prostatic fluid could play an important role in the detection of prostate cancer,” Dr. Beltz explains. “Unfortunately, the method we employed for measuring telomerase activity requires radioactive material and apparatus that are not suitable for clinical laboratory use.”

The challenge, he continues, is to develop a new telomerase assay method, which is usable in a clinical setting and is comparable to or better than the original method in accuracy and precision.

“A second challenge,” Dr. Beltz adds, “is to investigate other urogenital fluids, more easily obtainable than prostatic fluid, as potential clinical specimens for prostate cancer diagnosis. Research is now proceeding along these lines.”

“He continues research as an active emeritus professor in collaboration with George Javor, PhD, professor of biochemistry,” indicates Clifford Herrmann, PhD, associate professor and acting chair, department of biochemistry/microbiology, School of Medicine. “A poster describing some of their results was presented at the May, 2006, meeting of the American Society of Microbiology.”

In addition to lecturing to medical students through the years, Dr. Beltz has served as facilitator in the problem-based learning setting with small groups of first-year medical students.

Blood glucose is typically measured by pricking the finger with a small, but very sharp lancet several times each day to obtain blood samples. A small drop of blood is applied to a test strip, which is then inserted into a glucose meter that determines blood glucose levels. Monitoring blood glucose levels may seem like a simple procedure, but it is never a pleasant experience.

Fortunately, science and technology have come to the rescue with a new and improved method of glucose monitoring. Developed by Cygnus under the trademark name “GlucoWatch”, this bit of technology may allow people with diabetes to check glucose levels more frequently without as much discomfort as the finger-stick method. Worn around the wrist, the GlucoWatch is designed to measure glucose using a disposable Autosensor. The sensor measures glucose via contact with the skin after receiving a small electric current. Within the sensor is an enzyme, which releases hydrogen peroxide when it reacts with collected glucose. Hydrogen peroxide generates an electronic signal, which is then interpreted as a blood glucose value based upon previous calibration with the pinprick method. The Autosensors are good for 12 hours after calibration, and can detect up to three glucose readings per hour. Cygnus expects to launch the GlucoWatch in early 2001 pending FDA approval. Although the GlucoWatch is not meant to replace the traditional method of glucose monitoring, it may reduce the number of times diabetics need to draw blood samples.

Unfortunately, needle-sticks do not end there for people with diabetes. Insulin is given via injection to people with Type I diabetes because their pancreas does not produce enough (or none at all!) to facilitate glucose’s entry into cells. Even those with Type II diabetes may eventually require insulin injections as the disease progresses. Diabetics may require multiple injections throughout the day. I cannot think of even one person who enjoys being given a shot, much less two or three each day.

Are injections the only way to administer insulin? Isn’t there some sort of an insulin pill for people with diabetes? The problem is that insulin needs to arrive intact in the bloodstream in order to be effective. Insulin cannot be taken by mouth unless it is protected from digestion because it is a protein. Similar to a hamburger, proteolytic enzymes, rendering it useless, would break down a simple insulin pill.

However, scientists have come up with some interesting ways to get around this problem. Several different modes of drug delivery are currently under investigation, one of which is an “insulin inhaler”. Together with Pfizer, Inhale Therapeutic Systems has developed an insulin delivery system (similar to an inhaler) that allows dry insulin to be absorbed by alveoli in the lungs. Alveoli are small air sacs covered by a very thin layer of cells and surrounded by blood capillaries. Aerosolized insulin is easily absorbed by alveoli, whose total surface area is over 100 square meters in the adult.

According to findings presented at a conference of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes held in Jerusalem, researchers at the University of Vermont College of Medicine reported that inhaled insulin was as effective as injected insulin in their two-year study. Study participants did not appear to suffer any lung damage. Inhale Therapeutic Systems’ inhaleable insulin is currently in Phase III clinical trials.

With the advent of insulin inhalers and non-invasive blood glucose monitors, quality of life for people with diabetes may well be improved. If you or someone you know has diabetes, ask your doctor for more information about the latest options in diabetes care.

Smokers who strongly associated coffee with smoking may find themselves changing their coffee habit upon quitting smoking. Instead of drinking four, six or more coffees per day, they may decide to cut down when they quit, because of the strong association they made between smoking and drinking coffee. Others may decide that to quit smoking they have to cut out coffee altogether. Without realizing it, they thus may also initiate caffeine withdrawal. Headaches do accompany caffeine withdrawal for a few days.

Some people may decrease coffee but without realizing it, they increase their soft drink intake. Many soft drinks contain caffeine. Examine and evaluate your caffeine intake, as the results may surprise you. If you end up ingesting more caffeine, you may be initiating restlessness and insomnia. Many people do this and complain of insomnia, of waking during the night, something that didn’t happen when they were smoking.

A certain amount of stress accompanies smoking cessation. Quitting is a major life change after all, and the urges to light up, by themselves will bring about stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can induce headaches.

A change in diet can also come about during this time without realizing it. Quitters may reward themselves by eating foods that gratify. Bulky foods can cause constipation, and constipation can cause headaches.

What can be done?
The usual headache pills bought over the counter are fine. However, taking analgesic (pain-relieving) headache medication should be combined with the following actions:

# Deep breathing:
Deep breathing brings more oxygen to your system and may help your headache. Place both hands on the upper abdomen and breathe in deeply through your nose, making sure your upper cage rises and your upper body straightens up. Hold it for a count of five and then exhale though your mouth. Do this often throughout the day. It will add oxygen to your system and may really help. A walk outdoors in the fresh air will get more oxygen to your brain. Many people relate that a walk in the evening really makes a difference.

# Relaxation techniques:
Along with deep breathing, try taking a warm relaxing bath. Pamper yourself, and create a relaxing atmosphere with lead-free candles and music if it helps to relax you. This will help reduce the stress factor causing the headache. Trying some meditation techniques will add positive impact to reduction of stress. Some people play with marbles or Chinese balls to help reduce the stress from ‘restless fingers’ that no longer have a cigarette to handle.

# Attention to Digestive changes:
It’s most important to drink lots and lots of water! Water helps to clean out those cigarette toxins from the body, and we now know that cigarettes add some 4000 toxins, including formaldehyde and arsenic and other scary things. Rinse them out of your system with water; it helps to clear the digestive tract. Quitting smoking means that nicotine is not longer being introduced into your body. Nicotine stimulated the system, including the metabolism. Therefore by cutting out nicotine, the metabolism will slow down. Quitters will feel the difference, and quitters aged forty-five and up may find some noticeable changes in their digestive system. They may feel more sluggish and constipated, and thus more headachy. Fiber should be increased in the diet. An oat bran cereal will add a lot of fiber and help to reduce constipation. Some people sprinkle some bran flakes into the sauces they make. You can add some in stir-fries without anyone noticing it. By reducing cheeses and bulk-causing foods, this will help a great deal as will fat reduction in the diet.

Many people notice a change in their digestion around the age of forty-five. Pay attention to your body. If cheese is a problem, pay attention to that and cut down the amount you eat.

If you’re not the breakfast type, and some people are not, why not try an evening snack of bran cereal, or if you don’t like bran cereal by itself, you can add it to a bowl of your favorite type. You can slip oat bran flakes into your favorite recipes and meals too. Eat fruit every single day. An apple in the morning and in the evening will add fiber to your diet, not to mention all kinds of good nutrients. We have to pay attention deliberately and consciously to increasing fiber, and increasing grains, vegetables and fruit in the diet.

Negative self-talk and rationalization can bring us back to smoking once again. Having come this far, it’s vital to really keep taking positive measures and doing really positive actions. We can so easily listen to negative self-talk. Success involves positives and striving to eliminate negatives.

Above all, don’t think that this will last. The initial headache should pass in a few days and be greatly diminished if you follow the above tips.

After a drug has been developed in a laboratory, it must undergo many strictly controlled tests before it can be sold to the public at large. It can only be considered for human trials after it has been proven through preclinical trials that it can be beneficial.

If animal trials have yielded positive results for a drug, it must then be submitted to the IND (Investigational New Drug) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) before human trials can begin. Once they are sufficiently satisfied that the drug has potential and the levels of toxicity have been determined, they will be permitted to test the drug on humans.

During the first phase of clinical trials, safety and toxicity levels are investigated using human volunteers. At first, the drug is tested on a small group of volunteers — approximately 20 to 80 subjects. If the drug in question is thought to be extremely toxic, as is the case with certain cancer medications, it will then only be given to those who already suffer from the ailment.

The second phase of the trials will investigate the quantities of the drug that can be safely given to patients so that dosage levels can be determined. Approximately 100- 300 people will be involved in these trials, which can be conducted in several clinics and take place over a period of one to two years.

During the third phase, the drug is tested on a broader scale, involving 1000 – 3000 volunteers. The drug will be given to individuals who are afflicted with the disease and the outcomes will be compared with those of other existing drugs. Normally this phase lasts 2-4 years and provides the most useful results with regard to the drug and its effects. During the third phase, a control group of volunteers will be given a placebo. This is done to compare the effects that the drug has on those who have the disease but do not receive treatment.

If the drug is shown to be safe and effective, a new drug application is submitted to the FDA. Once the FDA approves the drug, it can be distributed. Every two years, the drug must undergo more safety tests. Once the results of the first 3 phases have been collected, the drug is approved and phase 4 begins. Phase 4 examines the general use of the drug and any side effects which may become apparent after an extended time of usage. The effectiveness of various forms of the drug will be investigated as well as how various dosage levels can affect its efficiency.

Once a drug is available on the market, it is continually tested and improvements are made for as long as it remains on the market. From the time a new drug is conceptualized until it reaches the market, it can take as long as 20 years. Millions of dollars are spent by the multi-billion dollar medical research industry to develop each drug in an effort to improve our health.

Pain—the Great Inhibitor

Pain—relentless and unpredictable—is an obvious obstacle to sexual enjoyment. Not only does it make certain positions difficult and/or impossible, pain also limits desire, sexual response and function. Equally inhibiting, though, is poor self-image. Few of us with RA remain physically unscathed. Many of us have visible deformities; some of us have surgical scars. In a country that bases an almost impossible standard of beauty on youth, health and strength, it is no wonder that many of us feel “sexless”.

So Why Bother?

Because sex is the life force! It is our greatest intimacy, that which links us to humanity; it is how we show our love and vulnerability to each other. Orgasm releases endorphins, reducing pain and stress, relieving fatigue and depression, making us feel alive and desirable. And making love with our partners is a way of reassuring each other, of letting him or her know that we still find them attractive. It’s joyful, rewarding and free. Sure, you could conceivably live without sex. You could live without laughter, too, but why would you want to?

“Lowered Expectations” v. Redefined Expectations

Recently, I came across an article on RA and sexuality in which the author suggested that if you have RA, you should “reduce your expectations”, sexually speaking. Although I’m sure the author meant well, I felt like screaming. Reduce our expectations? Why? Haven’t we reduced enough of our expectations? Granted, if your expectations are based on gratuitous media images in which trapeze acts, hurling each other into walls and being double-jointed in general seem to be the norm, then perhaps you might want to reduce your expectations. The rest of us, though, should be able to use a little creativity and redefine—rather than “reduce”—our expectations.

Redefining Our Sexuality

Physical Obstacles

Obviously, if you are in the midst of a five-alarm flare you should postpone lovemaking until your symptoms subside. On the other hand, it probably isn’t necessary to wait until you are pain-free before making love (for some of us, that would be a very long wait). In fact, sex—like exercise—may be just what you need to relieve moderate stiffness and pain. Here are a few ideas you can use to prepare your body for lovemaking:

* Try to limit extra activity
Postpone extra chores or errands for another day or delegate a few of them to your partner.

* Plan sex for the time of day you feel best…and time your medications accordingly.
Some of us feel stiffness in the mornings; others feel fatigue at night. You know better than anyone when your peak time is…and how to time your medication for maximum comfort.

* Trade spontaneity for anticipation
True, spontaneous sex might be harder to pull off. But don’t discount the fun of anticipation! (e.g. catching each other in the hallways and whispering, “Just two more hours until you-know-what!”)

* Take a warm bath or shower beforehand
Better yet, take one together!

* Warm up with range of motion exercises
Yoga, tai chi, qui gong, Pilates or any range of motion exercise recommended by your doctor or physical therapist will reduce stiffness and enhance enjoyment.

* Create a relaxed atmosphere
Put the kids to bed, turn on the answering machine, light some scented candles, and—if your medication allows you—have a glass of wine.

* Incorporate massage into your foreplay
Scented, flavored massage oil can be warmed and worked into stiff muscles. Therapeutic and erotic!

* Develop subtle signals for your partner
Use a light tap or tug to let your partner know if he or she is hurting you…by the same token, let them know when something feels good, as well.

Positions

It is possible that some positions will cause too much discomfort, but instead of seeing this as yet another limitation, treat this as an opportunity to add some spice to your love life! Buy a copy of the Kama Sutra or Alex Comfort’s Joy of Sex . Experiment with oral sex and marital aids. Arrange pillows to support sore joints.

My husband does most of the shopping, cleaning and care taking of our daughter. Some days is mom and dad and those are the ones I feel bad about but there isn’t a thing I can do to change it.

I have asked others these questions and they have answered more than likely the same way you will. If you take the basics in life for granted you will know what I mean.

Do you get up early just incase you need help getting out of bed or getting out of the shower? Do you plan everyday what you are doing depending on how one person feels? I do. Do you get disappointed because one family member cancels at the last moment because they don’t feel up to it? I know that my husband and daughter do.

In the last two years I have felt responsible for so much lost quality time with my family, broken promises to go places with my daughter and them being angry or upset because mom is sick again. Seven year-olds don’t understand all the time.

They lovingly say its ok most of the time, but I know that they are hurt because our plans are cancelled or they have to go without me.

I have missed some of the most important things in in my daughters’ life because of MS. Some examples are when my daughter had her first school trip her aunt went because I was too tired and couldn’t walk around and supervise 3 rambuncious 4 year-olds.

On her first day of Grade One I didn’t have the energy to take her to school so her daddy had too take the time off work and take her. There was her first Christmas recital in the primary choir, I couldn’t go because the weather was bad and my legs were really weak.

I couldn’t go to some of her activities or her daycamp in the summertime because the places they were held in weren’t accessible by wheelchair. Then there was also the fact that sometimes just getting up and doing my own daily things tired me out.

I know this is a disappointment to her a lot of times and it breaks my heart when I have to tell her again that mommy doesn’t feel well. Today I try to rest more when I have something I want to do with my family. My husband is better at telling now when I need to slow down or rest to. If we are going out of town I rest up for a few days and don’t plan a lot of visits at the same time.

Always before I use to been one to just pick up and go when I wanted to not thinking about consequences. That has all changed in the last five years. My multiple sclerosis has made me slow down. I try to plan things now so that I relax and enjoy myself and everyone around me does too.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis refers to more than 100 rheumatic diseases. Arthritis is characterized by joint inflammation, pain, heat in the affected area and reduced physical function.

The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis is caused by the “wear and tear” of joints and commonly affects the knees, hip and back. Approximately 20 million Americans have osteoarthritis, making it the most common form of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that typically affects people aged 25-50, and women two to three times more often than men.

What causes arthritis?

The causes of some types of arthritis are known, but the causes of most remain unknown. Researchers continue to investigate potential causes in the hopes of finding new treatments. Some types of arthritis, such as RA, seem to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Other types, like OA, may be caused by injury or gradual cartilage damage. Still others may be caused by infection.

How do I know if I have arthritis?

It’s estimated that over 40 million Americans have some form of arthritis, with the numbers expected to increase dramatically in the next 20 years. Different types of arthritis have different warning signs. Some of the more common symptoms include morning stiffness, heat around the affected joints, joint stiffness, swelling or pain.

Physicians diagnose arthritis based on history of symptoms, physical examination, and x-ray and other lab test results. Blood tests may be used to diagnose some forms of arthritis, such as RA. If you suspect that you may have arthritis, keeping a journal of your symptoms may help your physician look for patterns and aid in diagnosis.

How is arthritis treated?

Treatment of arthritis depends on the type of arthritis identified. Most medications available now are used to ease the symptoms of arthritis. There are also several drugs designed to slow disease progression or prevent further joint damage.

The most common drugs for relieving symptoms of artritis are analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Analgesics are used to relieve pain, while NSAIDs are used to limit swelling and joint inflammation. Some NSAIDs have harsh side effects on the stomach, and a new class of NSAIDs called cox-2 inhibitors, without the gastrointestinal side effects, has been developed.

Other treatments for arthritis may include heat or cold therapy, surgery, exercise and physical therapy.

Muscle relaxants are used for acute back pain to make you feel better by decreasing pain signals, muscle stress, and make you more mobile. They have been verified over and over to work better than placebos do. The main thing is to relieve pain; according to many doctors this is the first step that will basically make a patient’s condition better. However, one must still contend with side effects. The onset of these effects can be different, when it comes to frequency, and the intensity, considering various issues.

Antispasmodics, a form of pain medicine, are taken to lessen muscle spasms that are usually connected to ailments that result in back pain. These medicines are usually divided into two main groups: benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are mainly sedative drugs, which include anxiolytics, hypnotics, and anticonvulsants, besides skeletal muscle relaxants. Another variant is medicine that affects the spinal cord, but it isn’t completely understood how.

Both medicines, Carisoprodol as well as metaxalone, have basic antispasmodic abilities and are somewhat sedative. This medication works by obstructing the brain and spinal cord’s interneuronal activity. As it is absorbed, Carisoprodol changes into an anti-anxiety substance called meprobamate, which is verified to help muscle spasms connected to anxiety attacks.

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Now, here’s the problem. Since bacteria are living creatures like us, and because there are zillions of them inside your body when you have an infection, when you take your prescription antibiotics, you begin to kill them off by the thousands. Thousands gone, zillions left. Like any other organism, bacteria have diverse genetic material. Not every offspring of every strep bacterium has the same genetics. They evolve, they mutate, they change. One in a bazillion will have some genetic mutation that protects that bacterium from death by penicillin.

Here you are, taking your antibiotics and you start to feel better and you quit taking the pills. Bad decision. Not all of the bacteria are dead yet and besides, one or two of them have figured out that this stuff can’t kill them. Now, most of the time your own defenses will kill those few super-bugs. Sometimes your infection will come back because you didn’t take all of your pills. Other times you will not feel sick but you will be going through your day sliming your friends, acquaintances, and co-workers with antibiotic resistant bacteria from your skin. Think about that the next time you shake hands with your new client.

We now have super bugs that are resistant to not one, not two, but a whole host of expensive products of the pharmaceutical industry. Now we can look forward to the day when we are elderly and debilitated and suffer a simple infection with a bacterium that causes pneumonia and THERE WILL BE NO ANTIBIOTIC TO FIGHT IT. The reason there will be no treatment will be because people did not take all of their antibiotics in years gone by, or they saved them and took them a year later, or they passed a partial prescription to a family member, and the resistant bugs reproduced themselves by the millions.

The point here is to ALWAYS take all of your prescription antibiotics even though you feel better. Do not save pills for another day. Do not give antibiotics to anyone else. And finally, never buy those “antibacterial” soaps and cleaning products. Bacteria are everywhere and they should be. A high school girl in California performed a Science Fair project a few years ago that proved that the use of such soaps and cleaning products produced antibiotic resistant bacteria in a very short time. All of us should be very frightened by her conclusions. Every home in America has been turned into a laboratory that is cranking out killer bacteria and lazy immune systems every day. Don’t add your body and your house to the growing list of killer bacteria factories.