Med Article

A Drug By Any Other Name

By

B.D. Adams ©2016

   Not being someone who scrutinizes all items in her life, this tidbit managed to get my attention. This last week, I glimpsed something on a TV commercial that perked up my eyes!

   As most people who know me know, I had a hemorrhagic stroke many years ago that has made me somewhat disabled on my right side.

   No sympathy here, readers. This is part of this real story and just a fact.

 One morning several years ago, when I was watching the Today Show, Katie Couric was interviewing a doctor about Over the Counter (OTC) drugs that would cause very high blood pressure and could cause heart attacks and … yes … could cause strokes. Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) -- hemorrhagic strokes, bleeding in the brain!

   There were many OTC items shown on the table in front of Katie and the doctor. On the table, I saw there were a couple of things on the table that really made me take note of this interview. There were OTC diet pills. Supposedly, “safe” OTC diet pills, however they could cause very high blood pressure. The one brand I had taken was shown. It was made by the pharmaceutical house Novartis. I just wanted to lose a few pounds, so I bought and took this brand because I felt it would be all right. On the box and the sheet inside the box, nothing was listed about any horrible side effects like heart attack, stroke or death. If I would have seen that warning for this pill, I would not have taken it.

   As it goes … buyer beware! When something is sold in a grocery store, wouldn’t it be deemed as safe for the public? Those pills were proven to cause extremely high blood pressure!

   There was a trial, but the jury decided that the pill made by Novartis did not cause my stroke. There was testimony, by several medical witnesses, that showed the people at Novartis knew their pill was NOT safe. However, the jury believed the drug company.

   A few years after the trial, it became known to me that Novartis had bought the rights to Excedrin, an OTC pain med I had taken for many years. A tablet was even used by the defendant lawyer at the trial to show, possibly, that I was “confused,” couldn’t tell one pill from another. Well, I shot that hypothesis full of holes.

   The diet pill I had taken was very small and white, not cream colored. (It was proved a white pill had been made and distributed to the grocery store where I bought it.) The Excedrin tablet was much larger and had a green tint to it, like the green on the box. Since I had been a pro photographer before the stroke, I could see the subtle tints. I didn’t say what the defendant lawyer wanted me to say. She was flustered.

   I decided that I would never take a medication manufactured by Novartis ever again. Small endeavor, but this was my way to boycott that company. The only way I would take any of their medications would be if IT was the ONLY medication that would save my life. But even then, I would balk – want other opinions.     

   Because of my boycott, I was forced to take generic brands of Excedrin. Plus, I made sure the generic tablets were NOT manufactured by Novartis, as well. I was amazed at how many medications -- brand or generic -- were made by such a dishonest, disreputable company.

   Now, I read better all the items that might concern my health on WebMD or Google. Even with doctor prescribed medications. Like Estrogen, which I learned could cause stroke from blood clots. So, I declined the doctor.

   I had even refused a prescribed med because the manufacturer was -- you guessed it -- Novartis. Then the pharmacies made note – nothing made by that company for this customer.

   As I mentioned above, I noticed a television commercial about Excedrin recently. I had seen the new commercial only a couple times, but paid it no mind. Then, for whatever reason, I noticed a manufacturer’s logo in the upper right of the TV screen. It showed “GSK.” That meant GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceuticals, an English company. Novartis is European, but I have had no gripe with GSK.

   Well, I did my research to see if Excedrin was indeed now being made by GSK and not Novartis. My research showed that GSK and Novartis had merged, but it appeared to me that Novartis was being phased out, possibly from the OTC meds and others.

   If this is correct, I am elated! I can again take the Excedrin brand. I hope GSK is more honest and forthcoming than Novartis.

   This article is not to bury anyone or over praise anyone. It is to act as a warning to the unsuspecting person who wants to take a medicine or is taking a medicine. I didn’t get stroked by the first pill. I took three pills, then I was blind-sided one afternoon. No warning, my right side stopped working. I spent two months in the hospital’s rehab center, however, I have progressed over the 18 years. I have had no other major malady such as heart attack, cancer or another stroke.

   My advice to anyone is to research any medicine your doctor might prescribe or what is now being taken. Especially, if the side-effects have been more than “uncomfortable.”

   There are many sayings like “Buyer beware” and “Different strokes for different folks.” Yep – in the pharmaceutical world these are true.

Remembering David Bowie

The Man with Two Different Eyes

by

B.D. Adams  ©2016

I read the news today – January 11, 2016 -- that another creative artist has gone away. Gone away. I cannot bring myself to use the word … died. A very unusual person with one blue eye and one brown/hazel eye.

David Bowie – David Robert Jones – has left from beside us. The creator of Ziggy Stardust, of Space Oddity, of Changes, of Fame, or Ashes to Ashes of many, many musical compositions has left us. As with many people of the 1970s and 1980s, music was a big part of the world. If asked, you can probably say what music you remembered for any event.

My husband, son and me went to see Bowie’s Serious Moonlight Tour 1983, when we lived in Germany. Of course, I had bought the Let’s Dance album, so my son, only 7 years old, recognized the songs from the album and was enthralled with Bowie and the concert! It was his first Rock Concert, but in no way his only. I educated him well.

I realize that Bowie was not everyone’s “cup of tea,” but he was a musician of memorable songs. His announced bisexual behavior upset many people. However, he also said that that was more part of his made-up persona, not that important in his life.

When I was an impressionable teenager, The Beatles was one music group I listened to, as well as to the Rolling Stones when they jumped in. However, David Bowie was all by himself! Those of us now in our 60s and 70s will never forget his voice, forget his musical arrangements.

When I first heard Space Oddity, it was not just a hard hitting rock and roll piece with repeated lines. It had a hint of folk music (acoustic guitar), storytelling and current events. It grabbed me. And yes, a lot of his music was hard hitting, heart ponding rock and roll in his style, but most of his works were lyrical.

David Bowie was not a religious icon, but for the music world, he was an innovative music icon. Others have copied or emulated or imitated, but never surpassed.

If you have any Bowie music – vinyl, 8-track, cassette, CD or MP3 – put a record on the changer, insert an 8-track or cassette or CD into the player or dial up David Bowie’s music to pay homage to this music maker. Like Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, John Lennon, Michael Jackson and so many others … the music never goes away. 

CD Cover Graphic

Travel - Love of Tall Trees

With Love of Tall Trees

by

B.D. Adams

©2014

            When one travels, one experiences all sorts of views, see many sights. Daniel and I flew to California (the Sedan had to stay snug in our garage for this trip) and stayed in a hotel in the San Joaquin Valley outside of San Francisco. The town was Merced CA. Daniel had lived there for many years before he returned to the East Coast. The reason for this trip was to attend Daniel’s son’s wedding. It was an outside affair and was quite an event! However, this story is not about the

wedding. It is about a tribute to Mother Nature in her glory!

            The day after the wedding, Daniel and I had wanted to trek to a Redwood Forest to see the really big trees! And, we did!!

            Do not mistake, there are tall, decorative trees all through the Valley. The ones I saw right away were in a neighbor’s yard to Daniel’s son.

             I had traveled to LA a few times to visit with my son who had moved there several years ago. He has become a Fireman with the Forestry Department in Los Angeles County. He understands why I stay in my location because he has been assigned to the mountains East of LA for his duty.

Photo: Jacob Ashcroft 2014

           We had breakfast at a quaint Diner in Mariposa, CA, part of the Yosemite Forests! Daniel took a brochure about the forests and got a diner patron to answer some questions, so we would be able to find our way. Just a note for those who don’t know, Mariposa is the Spanish word for “butterfly.” Unfortunately, it was not the time for the flurries of butterflies ... we were there for the forests. At least, that’s why I was there. I have loved trees all my life. When I moved to New Hampshire, I was in love and in awe of my trees! Then I went to Yosemite!! 

 

            Before we really got into the Mariposa Grove of Yosemite, I gawked at all the beautiful scenery! Then we were able to get onto an open-air tram to go through the Grove. The Tall Trees!!! That’s all I can really say. If you have visited these trees long ago, go back sometime to relive this experience!! You will not be disappointed. If you’ve never been, then make it an entry into your “bucket list!” Just remember you’ll be gawking at all the trees with your mouth opened as you look up ... your tonsils (or the back of you tongue) could get sunburned.

            These trees can be as tall as many of the Skyscrapers in New York City! And, they are natural!

            Just enjoy the photos. I will make descriptions to them.

             The massive trees will fall!! The root systems are unbelievable, as well as artistic! The following photo of Daniel will give a size comparison of him to the standing trees!

                These are Sequoia Trees, evergreens. They will loose needles, but never all of them unless they are sick. This photo is called "The Three Sisters."

              There are fires that destroy or scar the beautiful trees. This photo shows some humor that can be attributed to a sad event. It's called "The Clothespin." Sure looks like one. Yes? Actually, the opening at the base of the tree's split is wide enough for a big pickup to drive through!

             Needless to say, this was an experience for the memory banks! Daniel and I should be able to talk more normal in another week when the sunburn fades.

             The flatlands in the Valley can be for cattle to graze. The field behind Daniel's son's house is of Alfalfa, framed by an Olive Tree. 

             It was worth seeing it all, but if we had our druthers, we'd rather be by Lake Winnipesaukee!

  A Note:  All photos are taken by me unless otherwise stated. Having been a pro photographer, I never put photos of people on my Blog unless I have a signed "Model's Release" or their faces are not seen. And, yes ... Daniel has a lifetime Model Release.

How Fast is Fast?

 How Fast is Fast?

by

B.D. Adams

©2013

What rides at parks or county/state fairs do you love? Do they scare the p’geebies out of you? How about roller coasters? The faster the better? The more sharp curves the better? I have to stop ... I’m getting dizzy.

Frankly, those rides are nothing compared to the rides in New York City! And, yes ... I’ve lived there and experienced “The Rides!”

My first experience was the second day in the city, after we had unloaded the truck. My good friends, who helped us move from Columbus, Ohio, had had the “experience” before and were the catalysts for this first time ride for us. We lived in Brooklyn, so we got on the train at the RR station in Bay Ridge.  

Of course, we just couldn’t sit where we got on the train; we had to move all the way to the first car! The train was already going fast as we went from car to car to the beginning. That was awesome all on its own! Then, we reached our goal ... the first car. And, I should specify that this train was an “express” – limited stops.

We were stopped at this one subway station just before shooting to Manhattan ... this was a work day, so there were many riders. The door chimes indicated that the doors would be closing and the train would be leaving the station very soon. The doors closed ... the train began. My friends made us stand right at the front of the train, the front window. There was nothing but dark in the tunnel, only lights from the train’s headlights. In Science Fiction shows they always refer to “worm holes” that show incredible speed when traveling in those holes. That’s my description of my first ride on a subway train in New York City!! A worm hole or, even better, falling down a rabbit hole, like in “Alice in Wonderland!!” Very surrealistic!

All in all, this ride was exhilarating!! I did let out a small scream at a curve and a black woman near to me said, “Honey ... don’t worry none. The cars don’t jump (the tracks).” She smiled to me as the other veteran riders did, also. They knew my husband and I were neophytes.

After we lived there for a few months and rode the subway quite often, I could actually nap on my way home from my job in Manhattan – sitting down, of course.

These present days, my source of speed, since 2003, has been when I ride in Daniel’s HEMI powered ’37 Plymouth Sedan! That does not scare me, but oh ... what a rush there is!!!

The Cows in the Alps

 The Cows in the Alps

by

B.D. Adams

©2013

This memory/story came to me while I listened to a conversation at the Car Club picnic just this last Sunday. This picnic happens every year and it is always nice to meet with the other members, as Daniel and I are. I hope this brings a smile and maybe even a giggle or two. Enjoy!

I have traveled to many different places in my lifetime. As some folks have known, I have lived in Germany, which has encompassed some of those places. This story is about my family’s vacation in July of 1985, in the Italian Alps with a German family, who befriended us.

Europe is not so different from America. Just like when we meet other people here in New Hampshire to travel to other locations for car shows, we met with Günther Schlickle (nickname “Schlick”), his wife, Maria, and their daughter, Heike (age 12), to travel to the northern Italian Alps.

For me, my husband, Rick, and my son, Jacob (age 9), the trek went from our home in Zweibrüken (Two Bridges), Germany, to Austria, to Switzerland, and then into the Süd Tirol (South Tyrol) in northern Italy. This region had been see-sawed between Italy and Germany for control via wars (the same as with Austria) for centuries. After WW2, the South Tyrol went permanently to Italy! However, because of the hoopla with the differences of languages and the Tyrol had been German for long periods, all road signs were in Italian and German with the occasional blurb in French and English.

Our destination was to a German speaking bed & breakfast establishment – a Gasthaus (an inn) -- in Kastelbell-Tschars. The valley is sandwiched between extremely tall mountains! Most of the mountains in the Süd Tirol are around 3,000+ meters high (approx. 12,000+ feet)! The highest mountain in this region is Mont Blanc, which is 4,810 meters (15,782 feet). We didn’t see this mountain, but I read about it later. The Alps are so tall that I felt like when I first went to New York City ... like the back of my tongue was sunburned from looking up so much.

The small town, the valley, was picturesque with orchards of fruit trees and the mountains. There was a rushing river very near to the Gasthaus. The sound was rather awesome!! However, even with the force of the sound, it was rather soothing.

Our arrival at Wielander’s (pronounced Veelander) Gasthaus entailed meeting the owner and his daughter, being shown our rooms and unpacking our vehicles. The owner’s wife wasn’t present ... we would meet her later. Our trip was long and tiring, so we all hit the proverbial hey early.

In the morning, and all the mornings of our visit, the breakfast repast was fantastic! Nothing like an American Continental Breakfast. There were no scrambled eggs, no waffles and no cereal. There were boiled eggs and small potatoes, a few bricks of homemade cheese, thick slices of sausage, roast beef (not sure of the roasted description) and lamb. And, for sweet notions, many fruits ... mostly melons. So tasty!!

On the third day of our Italian adventure, Herr Wielander invited all of us to go with him up the one mountain to meet his wife, where she was vacationing with her sister. They were on the middle mountain seen in the first photo, close to the top. It’s one of those 3000+ meter high mounts. We wouldn’t go to the top, just to the approximate 10,000ft. elevation. With backpacks, we began to climb.

            Herr Wielander guided us and spoke with Schlick at length and Schlick would translate the conversation. The main topic regarded the new taxes in Italy that affected him and his land. We climbed steadily.

There was a definite path, like possibly for an ATV, but I didn’t see tire tread in the dirt ... more like a cart path. The older man had a small two wheel cart that contained the items for his wife. He wouldn’t allow Rick or Schlick to help to pull the cart. The path winded through the thick forest of different species of Pines and Evergreen trees. At one point, we could look out over the side of the mountain. Without a doubt, it looked like we were as high as airplanes would go!!! The patchwork fields were so evident, even through the haze! We continued to climb.

            Within another half-hour, we were on a definite rutted road. We went around a bend and the road opened up onto a meadow so high in this mountain! And, there were cattle grazing in this meadow. It was very amazing to see this!  

            As I looked up a bit more, I saw there were two buildings to the right of the meadow. There was a wooden fence that appeared to keep the cattle away from the small house that had smoke coming out of the stack. The other, bigger building was a barn, obviously for the cattle. The house was built literally in the side of a moderate hill ... made me think of the sod houses of the prairies, but this was in a mountain 10,000ft up! Schlick informed that Herr Wielander owned this land, as well as the cattle.

            Above the house and barn, there was a lot of hanging fog several feet above because of the remaining snow. Also, Schlick pointed out that we were now at the base of a glacier! All this nature, what a thrill!

            The six of us opened our packs to set up for our outside picnic. Maria took control of the provided grill for the cooking of our sausages. I took care of spooning salad and beans onto the paper plates.

            Frau Wielander came to greet us and shook mine and Rick’s hand. She seemed to be a very comfortable older woman, even though she wouldn’t allow me to photographer her. When she spoke her German, I could not understand her accent, so Maria did her best to translate. Frau Wielander did comment that Jacob’s Jäger Hut (hunter hat) looked like the one Herr Wielander wore. Maria giggled because this observation was funny to her.

            I saw inside the one door of the little house where the kitchen was. The floor was rough hewn wood with thick stone/brick walls. The cast-iron stove was old and well used. Many meals had to have been cooked there! The most fascinating part of this experience was to learn that the house where Frau Wielander and her sister were “vacationing” had no electricity, or running water! There was enough water from the melting snow/glacier. So strange what some people call ... a vacation.

            After the picnic, we explored more of this area. The fog would dissipate a bit to allow some blue sky and sunshine to make the mountain more heated! Even with all the snow still in the area, it was a wicked hot July day! I was able to get a photo of Jacob with the

mountain’s glacier as a background.

           After we had eaten (thank goodness), a situation occurred with one of the cows

near the little house. For whatever reason, a cow with her head in the outhouse wanted to make a feast of what was in outhouse! And, yes ... she was munching away! Herr Wielander jabbed her, poked her, hit her to get her away from the outdoor toilet. I apologize that I do not have a photo of that scene. I think one’s imagination can suffice.

            We talked, laughed, mooed to the cows ... fun stuff. Before going back down the mountain, we went a bit higher. There was a small, stone Chapel with glass windows. Maria explained to us that many hikers need the Chapel to rest or to pray. She said there were many of these throughout the Alps. There were many cows that seemed to feel at home around the little Chapel. Rather appropriate, I thought. 

            This is one vacation that remains steadfast in my memory! When the doctors told me that I might lose my memories, I was devastated! Immediately, I went through a mental tally of what I was pretty sure that I remembered. Definitely, this memory was still there and attainable! I was so glad.

            Oh, yes ... watch out for cows in outhouses.