Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012

My President is on the move!  Go President Obama!  Go!

CLICK THE TITLE ABOVE, "Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012," for details.

Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012

Are you cheating, again?!

Are you cheating on your pharmacy? Polypharmacy is a big word that means "shopping around" for pharmaceuticals. The late night run to other sources of medication, over-the-counter, or otherwise. It's dangerous because the "other" pharmacy usually is unaware that any cheating is going on. This can lead to excessive use of the same drug (equivalent drug), drug interactions, and an overall unfavorable health outcomes. So, stop cheating! Or at least introduce them to one another ;-)

I heard that President Obama signed the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 ;-) Stay tuned! There's more to come...

Respect the Tylenol

This is one my mom definitely needs to read because she just loves Tylenol. Besides, its reputation for reducing fever is out of sight! But we must learn that more is not better.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is asking manufacturers of prescription combination products that contain acetaminophen, generic of Tylenol, to limit the amount of acetaminophen to no more than 325 milligrams (mg) in each tablet and capsule. The FDA is also requiring manufacturers to update labels of all prescription combination acetaminophen products to include a warning of potential risk for severe liver injury.
Acetaminophen, also called APAP, is a drug that relieves pain and fever and can be found in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) products. It is combined in many prescription products with other ingredients, usually opioids such as codeine (Tylenol with Codeine), oxycodone (Percocet), and hydrocodone (Vicodin). OTC acetaminophen products are not affected in the change, since excessive amounts of acetaminophen are usually reserved for prescription drugs.
The elimination of higher-dose prescription combination acetaminophen products will be phased in over three years and is not expected to create a shortage of pain medication. Patients and health care professionals are being notified of the new limitation on acetaminophen content, and of the labeling change, via a drug safety communication issued by Center for Drug Evaluation & Research. The FDA reports plans to ensure that prescription combination products containing no more than 325 mg of acetaminophen per tablet are effective for treating pain.
Acetaminophen is also widely used as an over-the-counter pain and fever medication, and is combined with other OTC ingredients, such as in cough and cold medications. Please pay closer attention to the medications and the amounts that you and your loved ones ingest.

Oh, and this is one of my articles that's already published. So, please be sure to cite this if you're thinking about reproducing or referencing it ;-)

Hitler died of...

Hello and thanks for stopping by, again!

In effort to keep my readers abreast to my goings on, I just wanted to post a quick note of a topic of discussion that came up yesterday... How did Adolf Hitler die?

Well, I was lecturing about the difference between bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal antibiotics, when a student blurted out, "suicide!;" that was her word association for "bacteriocide." Later in the evening, the word "genocide" came up, during the discussion of medical diseases specific to certain ethnic groups, i.e. Sickle Cell Anemia, Thalasemia, etc. Then, someone blurted out, "Didn't Hitler die of suicide?" At that moment, I thought to myself, "How did Hitler die?" So, I took a second to look it up....

Apparently, Adolf Hitler, whose mother was a Jew, is said to have committed suicide, possibly by gunshot or cyanide poisoning. His actual cause of death appears to be uncertain. However, had he not killed himself then, he probably would have by now... considering all this talk

over here in the United States about change and all. I'm sure he would have been ecstatic about meeting our President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama ;-)

Yeah... If you live long enough, you too will learn that time brings about a change!

Take care and have a super-duper weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Medical Malpractice & Negligence

Just a gentle reminder that medication errors are often not our fault. Often times, medication errors occur outside the pharmacy. Medical records are the main source documents used in medical malpractice and negligence cases; the Medication Administration Record (M.A.R.), in particular is critical in determining medication errors. Even though we think it's not likely to happen to us or any of our loved ones, start thinking about the firm you want to represent your family in medical malpractice case, if necessary. Because it happens.

Justice is suppose to be blind, but your choice of an attorney should not.
Click on the title above (MEDICAL MALPRACTICE & NEGLIGENCE) to read one of my articles about a medical malpractice situation.

Pharmacogenomics

So you think you're special, huh? Well, maybe you're right! Your body chemistry is unique to you, which would also imply that your DNA determines your response to medications, otherwise known as pharmacogenetics. Since every one of us has a different body chemistry, which causes us to have different responses to the same medication. The differences in our responses is called, "pharmacogenomics."

Click on the title above, "PHARMACOGENOMICS," to access my medical article about the need for specialized medical treatment, due to pharmacogenetics

.

Sexuality & Politics

As if sexuality and politics aren't controversial enough... We all know that each of these two topics can get a riot started all on its own; and I would be the one to write about it! Now, we have a union of them both, no pun intended. Representative Frank is now the first member of Congress to marry a same-sex partner. Representative Barney Frank married his lover, Jim Ready, over this past weekend on Saturday, July 7, 2012. Representative Frank originally "came out of the closet" in 1987. Reportedly, Representative Frank is not seeking another term. And of course, you can click the title (Sexuality & Politics) above to get the details.

And that is my update for the day ;-)

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!

Affordable Care Act

Well, since the Supreme Court voted in favor of President Obama's Affordable Care Act, I thought I would share the article that I wrote about the Affordable Care Act, which was published in a local newspaper in March 2012. And it reads...

ObamaCare is not the point
Domanique F. Culpepper, MPA, RHIA, RPhT, CPhT

The bottom line is all Americans need access to quality care. Yes, everyone should be required to have health insurance, and here's why. When the average uninsured person gets hurt or becomes sick, their first stop is the emergency room instead of a physician's office. It is common knowledge that health care services cost much more at an emergency room than a physician's office. Common sense should also reveal that a person's right to choose whether or not to have health insurance is less important that the social burden the lack of health insurance poses on the public, as well as health care facilities as a whole.

Though the Hill-Burton Act, which later became Title XVI of the Public Health Service Act, was enacted for the purpose of subsidizing health care costs for the indigent, its purpose would be non-existent if everyone had health insurance in the first place. Sure, there are some who can afford to pay for health care services without health insurance. Perhaps, those individuals may go about financing their health care in a different manner. But for the bulk of the American population, who can not pay cash for annual exams or cardiac catherizations, mandatory health insurance coverage should indeed be in place, and it will, once 2014 comes around.

When focusing on the content of the new federal law that requires everyone to obtain and maintain health insurance, and not the name of it, perhaps the advantages of it will become more noticeable. Two key advantages of the Affordable Care Act include the expansion of health care coverage and improvement of the quality of health care services. In other words, everyone will have access to health care services, which in turn should facilitate the ability of health care providers to properly treat patients in a timely manner. The idea is that preventative maintenance can help control certain diseases, while preventing others. However, the American people must not expect President Obama to solve every single problem (inherited or otherwise), especially when some of the tools are within the power of the people.

Regarding power, coverage is expected to vary from one state to the next. This makes sense because different health conditions affect people in various parts of the United States. Another advantage of the Affordable Health Care Act is that small businesses will not be forced to provide insurance for their employees and contractors. Other major advantages include the removal of penalties for pre-existing health conditions and tax credit for the purchase of a health insurance plan.

Whether this plan is referred to as “ObamaCare” or not, all Americans need to access to quality health care. That is the point. To learn more about how to estimate your health care costs visit www.healthcare.gov

The Anti-HIV Pill

Let me tell you something. If this new Anti-HIV Pill is approved by the FDA... I don't know, I might have to go ahead and get a dose for myself! We still have a few more months to wait for a decision. I'm just wondering why a medication like this hasn't been approved way before now, even though I think we all know the answer to that question :-/

Truvada, a widely used medication used with other drugs in the treatment of AIDS, may be the first pill used to actually PREVENT transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Truvada can potentially be prescribed to healthy patients, in order to prevent contracting or "catching" HIV, that is if it's approved for prophylaxsis of HIV.

Supposedly, Truvada will be used to protect individuals who are at high risk of contracting HIV, such as "partners of people who have HIV/AIDS and non-monogamous gay and bisexual men," if it is indeed approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But why can't we all get a dose? Besides, the dating pool is a mess, and no one knows what the future holds.

All I'm saying is that no one is exempt from contracting HIV, except those who have never engaged in sexual activity, shared needles, been tattooed, received a blood transfusion... I think you get my point.

Oh, and no one is really sure that their own mother was HIV-free when they were born; besides, the virus can secretly exist in anyone's system for decades! That's so scary! But it's possible.



Well, thanks for stopping by! I hope you learned something today =)

Exxon's X on 25th Place

According to Exxon (you know, like the gas station "Exxon"), most recent international testing reveal that the United States ranks 25th in math and 17th in science. Exxon does, however, acknowledge that Americans are recognized for leadership in technology and innovation. On the other hand, to maintain leadership and a reputation for leadership in technology and innovation takes work.

Exxon's campaign to raise awareness about math and science achievement is commendable. I would like to see children from my region get involved. So, I will do my best to share this information with my community, as the decision to have children involved rests with the parents.

How does this information tie into health education? It's simple! Excel in math and science, which helps gain acceptance into college with industry connections. Once graduation day comes, perhaps a job offer from a company like Exxon is on the table, which is likely to pay a handsome salary. Salary is a nice word for money. Money facilitates the purchase of healthy foods, homes in healthy environments that usually have better schools, vehicles with extra safety (healthy) mechanisms on it, which will eventually transport family members who loved ones want transported safely.

Basically, the equation is: Perform well=earn more money=live a better life

I'm not saying the equation is fair, but it's the way life goes. To get on board or not is a choice. What's yours?

To read more about Exxon's campaign, click on the title above (Exxon's X on 25th place).

Thanks for stopping by! Let's chat again soon ;-)

Burger King, Negroes, and Chicken

Every now and then a commercial airs, and then suddenly, it disappears. Quizno Subs did it. Taco Bell did it. Apparently, Burger King did it, too! But who's idea was it to have a wealthy, Black songstress to sing an offensive, culturally insensitive AND indignant advertisement that demeans her own ethnic group on a commercial... is beyond me! Insults such as, big lips, ashy skin, Negroes love chicken, hideous mispronunciations...40 ounce Kool Aid...Food stamps, Baby Momma, and more!

I can't believe they actually aired a commercial like this on TV!

The ridiculousness of it, coupled with the blatant disrespect will force an incredible laugh out of almost anyone. My jaw just about fell on the floor, when I viewed it for the first time! I'm still in disbelief. Somebody pinch me, and tell me this isn't real.

Unbelievable.

(Click the title above, "Burger King, Negroes, and Chicken," to view the commercial.)

Baby girl on her way!

On Monday, one of my best friends learned that her bun in the oven is a female bun =) I was secretly wishing for a girl, anyway! Really, as long it's a healthy baby... but yeah, it's a girl.

You see, if it were a boy, then we would have all those issues (click the title above, "Baby girl on her way," for details) to worry about; circumcision or lack of it is not a fun topic. Besides, I want to give her pretty frilly, little girly-girl clothes and accessories to wear =)

Congratulations, my friend! I love ya!!!

Father's Day: After Dark

So, Father's Day Weekend is coming to a close. I sincerely hope that every father, especially the father's who have worked so hard to take care of their children, enjoyed this Father's Day Holiday! Personally, I was blessed to have spent quality time with my father. He and my grandfather are the prototypes of fatherhood. My future husband has his work cut out...

Now, about my medical article that is linked to this post, I thought it to be appropriate, since Father's Day is yet another opportunity for "players" to justify their promiscuous behavior. Published (Multiview Inc.) earlier this year, shortly after Christmas, I'm afraid the same message is also fitting for Father's Day Weekend. Click the title above, FATHER'S DAY: AFTER DARK, to read my medical article entitled, "Holiday Fooling Around." Enough said ;-)

Thanks for stopping by. Take Care!

Next Invitation

Hello, my friends! Do you remember this televised interview from a few months back? Well, I've written many articles and have had several book signings since then. As I work on book #4, I wonder when my next invite for another TV interview will come...

If you click on the title above (Next Invitation), my TV interview on the Samy Priso will play for you. Samy is a spontaneous interviewer, so you never know what kinds of questions he will ask. Maybe next time I'll have some talking points, LOL!

I would also like to meet Wendy Williams and appear on her show, as well. I definitely have to choose a juicy topic for Wendy!!!

Stay tuned. I'm sure I will think of another interesting topic soon ;-)

Enjoy!

Feminism: Goose & Gander

Yes, we are women, and yes we are held to a higher moral standard...infidelity, morals, gender expectations, and such... and I could go on about that! My point today is that as women, we should be more vigilant about taking care of our bodies, especially our vaginas.

Let me first preface my next comment with a note that I do believe individuals engaged in sexual intercourse should be married to one another, and that no third party should ever be introduced into such intimacy. HOWEVER, I'm not naive enough to think that such activities are not taking place. So, having said that, let me say this...

WOMEN, let's not rely on men to bring condoms to the "bed." In fact, we should not be relying on them for too much, anyway! At least, not 100% because it's not fair, and is guaranteed to lead to a heartache in the end...but that's another story...which I'm sure to cover more of in my 4th book.

Now, let's focus on the fact that we are fortunate enough to have an option of the FEMALE CONDOM, nowadays, as opposed to focusing only on male (penile) condoms. It's pretty much the same principle, except the female condom lines the inside of a woman's vagina, as opposed to tightly enclosing a penis. Just try it and decide whether you and your husband/partner like it.

So, maybe it's true. What's good for the goose is good for the gander ;-)

Over the counter COCAINE high

So, now bath salts are being abused as a stimulant. That's right! No prescription needed, so the hassle of making a doctor's appointment is no longer necessary to achieve an amphetamine-like high!

News 13 reports that bath salts are 13 times as potent as cocaine, and can cause serious side effects including chest pain, high blood pressure, palpitations, anxiety, and violent hallucinations. Some of the street names cited include: Ivory Wave, Blue Silk, Cloud Nine, Scarface, and Vanilla Sky, Zoom, and Hurricane Charlie.

Keep your eyes and ears open, and pay attention to your surroundings!

New Drug

Late-stage metastatic breast cancer and Newly FDA-approved drug to treat it, called "Perjeta."

ABCD...PTSD

June is PTSD Awareness Month! PTSD is an acronym for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It's a type of anxiety disorder, usually present in individuals who experienced traumatic events in their life. Traumatic events can vary from assault, rape, and domestic abuse to terrorism and prison stays.

I posted this just to remind my readers to be considerate of others. You never know what the person next to you has endured. So, please slow your roll in the Judgmental Department. Thanks!

See you, soon!!!

Sex Change

We all have heard of sex change operations. However, the average person is unaware of the medical codes and billing associated with the procedure. Yep! There are medical codes within patient medical records that are used to report sex changes to insurance companies and other organizations for purposes beyond billing, such as data collection and risk assessment; how else would we know the number of sex changes performed each year, which regions of the country performs the most surgeries, or how long patients live post-operatively!

The amount of money paid to the operating physician or medical facility, however, depends on a number of factors, including the medical codes submitted to insurance companies and whether insurance covers the procedure. Coverage by insurance companies is likely to be determined by the diagnosis. In other words, if the surgery is medically necessary, it stands a better chance of being approved, than if it is not.

Regarding the insurance and paper work aftermath, the average person is probably unaware of the details included in a sex change (Intersex Surgery), as well. For a male, the procedure is obviously an intensive ordeal. For example, a prostatectomy (prostate removal), which may include a meatotomy (incision along the penis), and removal of lymph nodes below the navel and around the thighs, is included among various approaches that physicians may use to convert a male into a female.

In females, a sex change is intensive, too! A vulvectomy (removal of vaginal lips and clitoris) and excision of Bartholin's glands (ducts that secrete vaginal wetness), in addition to removal of lymph nodes in the groin area.

All I'm saying is...Anyone who chooses to go this route, please-please thoroughly think it through, and interview as many surgeons as possible before making a decision. Meanwhile, I'm sure the physicians involved are making sure that adequate resources are provided and utilized by sex change patients, as they undergo such a life-changing experience.

Judge not, lest ye be judged ;-)

TO READ MORE OF MY MEDICAL ARTICLES, CLICK THE TITLE (SEX CHANGE) ABOVE. See ya later, alligator ;-)