"It's not a cookie-cutter approach,"

Dr. Eric Prystowsky, an Indianapolis physician and a member of Guidant's medical advisory board, said patients who have defibrillators for preventive reasons might not need them replaced immediately. Others, who rely on electrical shocks from the devices several times a year, will be more likely to need replacement surgery.

"It's not a cookie-cutter approach," said Prystowsky.

Well said !!!! Insider info : This guy is a salesman for GUIDANT ...

Patients Call Doctors After Guidant Recall

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2005-06-20-guidant-qna_x.htm

This is really scary. I cannot believe this would ever happen. 2 deaths. recall of 29,000 defibrillators. I was unhappy about recall of cars. this requires all the risks of the procedure again. Guidant needs Quality Assurance lessons . Try Mcdonald or Walmart. Microsoft reliability wont do in this business.

Mom was Right about Vitamins

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/wire/sns-ap-folic-acid-brain,1,2688499.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines&ctrack=2&cset=true

Taking large amounts of folic acid improved the memory of older adults, Dutch scientists reported Monday in the first study to show a vitamin pill might slow the mental decline of aging. The research adds to mounting evidence that a diet higher in folate -- a B vitamin found in grains and certain dark-colored fruits and vegetables -- is important for a variety of diseases. It's proven to lower women's risk of devastating birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, and research suggests it helps ward off heart disease and strokes, too.

I always wondered if those multi vitamins which people take religiously really provide any benefits. Some of these studies are really helpful.Thaimine (B1) in protecting brain especially alcoholics and folic acid for pre-pregnant women in preventing Neurat Tube defects. Vitamin E and Vitamin C are still waiting for some studies to push their case.

Therapies: T.M. for Your B.P.? Hmmm . . .

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/03/health/03thera.html?

Transcedental Meditation is my favorite relaxation exercise. I am not very successful in maintaining this for a very long time. 18 year old study is impressive. I am sure everyone with blood pressure should try this and see if it calms you and mae you feel relaxed.
Transcedental Meditation has been shown to "CURE" anecdotal cases of Laryngeal Cancer.
I am sure its a pretty harmless when used in combination with other measures to lower Cardio-vascular mortality.

Byetta :FDA OKs Lizard-Derived Shot for Diabetes

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/04/29/AR2005042900787_pf.html

Congrats to Amylin Pharma and their team for achieving approval from FDA.
only 9-10 months after the trial results were released.
A drug which is a brand new class mimics incretin and slows gastric emptying and absorption of blood sugar. A tribute to private enterprise to develop a novel new compound with unique properties. You can use this instead of Insulin in Type 2 diabetics. Only problem is if you dont want to inject Insulin, why would you want to inject something with 44 % chance of causing nausea. I expect this to be more expensive than atleast older Insulins and Lantus.
I doubt this is going to be a hit. Its going down like STARLIX and PRANDIN !!!
Lets just applaud the success of mankind against Diabetes.

What is Lunesta?

"LunestaTM (eszopiclone) is a new prescription sleep aid that can give you and your restless mind the sleep you need. Lunesta is the first and only prescription sleep aid approved for long-term use" Its availabe in 3 doses. 1,2,3 mg http://www.lunesta.com/

drugstore.com http://www.drugstore.com/pharmacy/drugindex/rxsearch.asp?search=lunesta has all 3 doses priced at $98.99 for 30 days.
$ 3.30 for a good night sleep !!!!!!!!!!

Sounds like a good safe drug. If clinical experience is good and turns out to be a safe drug.
It should go OTC like PRILOSEC n CLARITIN in next few years !!!!!!!!!

Herceptin Shows Benefits in Early Stage Breast Cancer

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_1_1x_Herceptin_Shows_Benefits_in_Early_Stage_Breast_Cancer.asp

"Genentech said it would approach the US Food and Drug Administration about approving Herceptin for use in early stage breast cancer patients"

A truly great results for this drug and Breast Cancer patients. FDA would take its sweet time to review the findings and go through bureaucratic motions. Since drug is already being marketed for late stage cancer, I am sure Oncologist would start prescribing Herceptin for patients with Early Stage cancer. Call your Oncologist !!!

Patients Who Ask Doc for Drugs Get Them

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,154697,00.html

This is a really deceptive study.
Biggest flaw with study is that Diagnosis of Depression is based on subjective symptoms. There is no objectivity to diagnosis . If you tell a doctor that you are depressed and its affecting your sleeping and eating and you are tired and lack motivation for anything in life, you get the diagnosis of DEPRESSION. any of SSRIs are essentially standard of care. If a patient wants to take PAXIL one of 7-8 SSRIs, what the problem ? Its as simple as choosing any other consumer item.
Studies like these in media are bad for us and not Drug Industry advertising.

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I am a doctor who wants to practice medicine without interference from state and practice medicine in free world. This blog supports principles of free market capitalism in Health Care. Health care decisions and choices in hands of Individual and not groups like Congress , Employers and Insurers. I will be post comments on events in field of Health Care and explain that free market capitalism is only way to Quality Healthcare for all.
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