So, I've got a few more newspaper clippings to share, these are all from the Wall Street Journal I think:

 First, 45% of people employed in managerial roles need silence when they get home.  They are so innundated at work that they need a cool down period before they are willing and able to talk to their spouse or other family members.  Understandable but sad, given that many families only have an hour or two to spend together each night before the kids have to go to bed to get ready for the next school day.  Factor in the odd work schedules, after school and after work activities, and you are looking at families that just don't have time to even talk to one another.

On a positive note, if you are reading this you probably have a lot more flexibility than that in your own life.  And now you know, if your DH doesn't want to talk when he gets home- cut him some slack.  Pity the families where both parents come home exhausted and unable to communicate.  No wonder marriages struggle so, communication is so important. 

_________________

Tools you can use (if you have the $)- If your child suffers frequent ear infections this gadget might be worth the investment.  The Wall Street Journal "Aches & Claims" column reviewed a new device for detecting ear infections.  This one doesn't require you to peer into your child's ear while trying to hold them still and locate their ear drum for a physical review (I have one of those ear scopes- can't ever see a thing!)  This one bounces sound waves off the ear drum and in doing so determines if there is fluid present.  Depending on the percentage chance that fluid is present, you can evaluate the chances that the child has an infection. Called and EasyCheck and retailing for between $50 and $60, you can get one from Innovia Medical LLC.  Apparently it's effective enough that some physicians are using them to supplement their own exams. 

_________________

More on HPV and cervical cancer- New information was made available in the Journal of  the American Medical Association that indicates that the virus that can cause cervical cancer is more prevalent than previously thought.  Unfortunately, the two main strains against which the Merck vaccine is effective, only account for a small percentage of those cancers.  A Merck spokesman called the vaccine a "potent weapon" against HPV virus, but admits that the strains protected against are "relatively rare."

The two strains are prevalent in only 2% of the population studied (U.S. women ages 14-59) but those two (#16 and 18) are responsible for 70% of all cervical cancers.  Overall, strains of HPV were detected in 26.8% of women in the above referenced age group, but only 3.4% of those were strains that Gardasil protects against.  Complicating the study, 90% of HPV infections clear within two years, so the study could not determine past infection rates.  The study was reported on by the Wall Street Journal and published in JAMA on February 28th, 2007.

_________________

More medical news from the February 28th issue- "High Doses of Antioxidants May Hurt More Than Help".  If you are taking supplements, do your research!  This study, also in the February 28th publication of JAMA indicates that "antioxidants in high doses are not helpful in preventing diseases or mortality from chronic diseases."  The survey by JAMA of 47 studies however, focused on those in which subjects were unhealthy and were then treated with antioxidants and also overlooked two positive studies on their use, according the the WSJ.  Some highlights of the findings:  Users of beta carotene, vitamin A and vitamin E had a 5% higher risk of dying; vitamin A in particular incread mortality risk by 16%. On a positive note, vitamin C caused no increased risk and selenium didn't immediately prove to be harmful- more research is needed. 

The primary problem seems to be that supplements may expose the consumer to much higher doses of the antioxidants than they would ingest with a normal, vegetable and fruit heavy diet.    Take care of yourself, but don't overdo it!

_________________

 Whatever you do, do it well. 

Isn't that what the Bible tells us?  Well  a February 20th Wall Street Journal article shows this principle in action.  A new garbage man is cleaning up New Orleans and he's doing it in style.  SDT Waste & Debris Services, LLC,  employees wear sharp stylish uniforms and his street cleaners and trucks get hand cleaned each night so they are looking good for the next day's run.  He working hard to keep New Orleans clean and doing it with pride. 

___________

 Are you a caffeine junkie?  I am.  I gave it up for years, but have found that I do like it, need it, want it and I don't care about all the sugar either!  But this is not about my little secret.  The secret will soon be out for all of us.  Pop manufacturers are going to start telling us how much caffeine each serving of their beverage supplies.  The findings actually indicate that I'm on the low end.

Mg of Caffeine Per 12 oz Serviing

Coca-Cola Classic- 34.5

Diet Pepsi- 36

Pepsi- 37.5

Diet Coke- 46.5

Mountain Dew- 54

Diet Pepsi Max- 69

Full Throttle 108

Tab Energy 108

For comparison, an 8 oz. cup of coffee contains between 100 and 200 milligrams of caffeine.  Whew- no wonder coffee gives me so much more trouble than a Coke! 

The doctors still think you're better off drinking coffee because it doesn't contain quite as many other bad things.  This article mentioned that while there was no finding that coffee drinking increased one's risk for high blood pressure, drinking 4 or more colas a day did.  I only drink 1.