JUST FOR FUN: BODY PARTS

Something light and interesting on body parts. Some surprising information WEIRD BODY PARTS

MEDICAL TESTS TO AVOID

This came from AARP and it makes good points if not carried too far. The main value is to avoid tests that aren't useful and may lead to unnecessary additional testing and anxiety. My main proviso is not to avoid tests that can be lifesaving when indicated. It's always easy to find an excuse not to do a test, but if indications exist, by all means, go ahead. MEDICAL TESTS TO AVOID

EXERCISE AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION

I dislike passing on medical information that people already know, like cigarettes are bad for your health, but this is short and sweet. EXERCISE AND BRAIN FUNCTION

THE WAR ON GERMS

In the light of all the hysteria around Ebola, I came across an article from WebMD, one of my favorites for medical updates. The article cites all the techniques for ridding your environment of germs, a concept with which I mightily disagree. Of course there are germs we'd best avoid, but in ordinary life, the likelihood of meeting them are remote. Moreover, there much data on the importance of exposing ourselves, and especially our children to as many foreign proteins (including germs) as possible. Asthma is a prime example of the effects of avoiding germs and dogs. P.S. There is much money to be made in the war on germs! This article by a dentist makes important points and is worth a few moments of your time. GERMS: GOOD AND BAD

DEADLY PASSAGE FREE 10/16-10/19/2014

A family returning home after five years at sea comes upon a sailboat adrift. They rescue to young Americans aboard unaware that they are terrorists plotting to infect Miami with a deadly virus. The family must deal with the unwanted guests, their disease, the Cuban Navy, an approaching hurricane, and the U.S. Coast Guard turning them away from safety. Deadly Passage is a thoughtful medical, political high seas thriller. I HAVEN'T DONE AS WELL WITH THIS NOVEL AS I EXPECTED. IT'S AN EXCITING AND RELEVANT STORY. DEADLY PASSAGE

COLON CANCER: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT REVIEW RE. CANCER OF THE COLON, A DISEASE WHERE EARLY DIAGNOSIS CAN BE LIFE-SAVING. PAY ATTENTION TO THE NEW DNA STOOL TEST WHICH IS HIGHLY ACCURATE AND WHICH PASSED THE FDA COMMITTEE BY A REMARKABLE TEN TO NOTHING VOTE. THE FDA WOULDN'T GIVE MOTHERHOOD SUCH A HIGH RATING. COLON CANCER: NOTE NEW TEST.

ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS...PLEASE SAY IT ISN'T SO!

Fate will ultimately have its way with us. The study is preliminary, but it's worth considering. ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS AND BLOOD SUGAR