In 2010, there was an award winning film known as Gasland, that aired on HBO. The director of the film, Josh Fox, was arrested earlier this year, while trying to film at a House hearing. Why was there an attempt to suppress media at the hearing?

Fracking is a very controversial procedure that is also being marketed in Europe, and shale gas production could begin in Poland in the year 2014.  The people of Europe and Asia should be concerned about the dangers of fracking.

Shale drilling is largely unregulated and ecologists have spoken with families that have endured the effects. Increased levels of methane gas in water supplies have been reported in areas of intensive drilling. The water is undrinkable.

The wastewater that eventually winds up in the rivers of Pennsylvania may not be as safe as federal regulators are proposing. There are confidential reports that have exposed the dangers of waste contaminants.

There can be no guarantee that the drinking water is safe where production of shale drilling is active.

The chemicals that are pumped into the ground are not potable. The enormous quantities of fracking waste cannot be disposed of in a safe manner. Many times the contaminated water is dumped on or near private lands. The cumulative impact of contamination is not being properly addressed.

The long-lasting effect of radium 226 is considered lethal. Even government studies claim that levels of radium over a long period can lead to death and other severe health problems. “Based upon our current knowledge, it is assumed that any radiation exposure (from radium) carries some degree of risk.”

It is estimated that 95% of the shale drilling is not being regulated adequately. “The estimate of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Preservation is 1 serious environmental concern for every 150 wells drilled to date.”

A study that will be published this month in Science of the Total Environment reveals: “Benzene, a carcinogen, and chemicals that can irritate eyes and cause headaches, sore throats or difficulty breathing, were found in air close to the wells.”

Another 2011 study identified 632 chemicals used in natural gas operations. Only 353 of these are well-described in the scientific literature; and of these, more than 75% could affect skin, eyes, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems; roughly 40-50% could affect the brain and nervous, immune and cardiovascular systems and the kidneys; 37% could affect the endocrine system; and 25% were carcinogens and mutagens. The study indicated possible long-term health effects that might not appear immediately.

Out of eight major drilling companies that the EPA made a voluntary request, only Halliburton was subpoenaed for information on the chemicals it uses for hydraulic fracturing.

There is intense  pressure from corporations to drill for gas. The crushing force of economically challenged cities may compel them to be lured into even more drilling. However, there is no price on safe drinking water.

Bisphenol A has been used to make plastic for more than 50 years. Its most common form is used in polycarbonate plastics, which include: baby and water bottles, sports equipment, medical and dental devices, dental fillings and sealants, eyeglass lenses, CDs and DVDs, and household electronics.

Epoxy resins containing Bisphenol A are used as coatings on the inside of almost all food and beverage cans. Unfortunately, high levels have been discovered in soup cans and canned green beans; even brand names like Campbell Soup and Progresso.

The recent report also stated that the FDA will decide soon whether or not to ban BPA from all food and beverage packaging in the U.S. Let’s hope that the right thing is done.

December 2011

A study by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health indicates that BPA used in the lining of food cans is absorbed by the food and then ingested by consumers. The experiment involved 75 participants, half of whom ate a lunch of canned vegetable soup for five days, followed by five days of fresh soup; the other half did the same experiment in reverse order. “The analysis revealed that when participants ate the canned soup they experienced more than a 1,000 percent increase in their urinary concentrations of BPA, compared to when they dined on fresh soup.”

Source: The Globe and Mail

Worst Foods — PsycheTruth

1. Soda Type Soft Drinks
2. Doughnuts
3. French Fries
4. Hot Dogs and Lunch Meat
5. Potato Chips
6. Store Bought Baked Goodies
7. Fast Food Hamburgers
8. Bacon
9. Canned Soup
10. Fried Catfish

Best Foods — PsycheTruth

1. Sprouted Grain Breads — The Facts
2. Quinoa — Grain from Peru called — Quinoa
3. Leafy Greens — Spinach, Kale
4. Alaskan Salmon or Wild Salmon, Not Contained Raised
5. Extra Virgin Oils — Coconut Oil, Olive Oil
6. Almonds And Walnuts
7. SmartWater — Smartwater Electrolyte Enhanced Water, Glaceau Vitamin Water
8. Goat’s Milk
9. Fermented Drinks — Natural Ginger Ale, Kombucha Tea
10. Eggs

July 7, 2011 — Posh Bakery of Santa Clara, CA is recalling all its Butter Mini Croissants and Chocolate Mini-Croissants due to use of an egg wash that was undeclared on the product label. People who have allergies to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product.

The product was sold to the following 26 Whole Foods Market stores in Northern California:

1. Berkeley
2. Blithedale (Mill Valley)
3. Blossom Hill (San Jose)
4. Campbell
5. Coddingtown (Santa Rosa)
6. Franklin (San Francisco)
7. Harrison (Oakland)
8. Lafayette
9. Los Altos
10. Los Gatos
11. Mill Valley
12. Napa
13. Petaluma
14. Potrero Hill (San Francisco)
15. Redwood City
16. Roseville
17. Sacramento
18. San Mateo
19. San Rafael
20. San Ramon
21. Santa Cruz
22. Santa Rosa
23. South of Market (San Francisco)
24. Stanyan (San Francisco)
25. Stevens Creek (Cupertino)
26. Walnut Creek

The products came in 12-pack, 12-ounce, clear, plastic clamshell containers and were sold with Whole Foods Market labels, specifically “Croissants Mini Butter 12PC Whole Foods,” UPC: 21609300000, and “Croissant Mini Chocolate 12PC,” UPC: 21609400000. The recall includes all expiration best-buy dates and lot codes prior to and up until July 6, 2011.

One allergic reaction has been reported. Consumers who have purchased “Croissants Mini Butter 12PC Whole Foods,” and “Croissant Mini Chocolate 12PC,” may return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact at Posh Bakery at (408) 980-8451 Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm PDT.

Source: Food and Drug Administration

The beginning of the end of health care may be here for millions of Americans. America as we know it may be coming to a close. It’s the birth of a new America. A different kind of America.

While a solid, reasonable approach to balancing a national budget would make much more common sense, that’s not what is currently taking place. Conservatives and liberals are eyeballing the idea that Medicaid is on the chopping block. Medicaid gives assistance to the elderly, poor, and the unemployed. Most of whom don’t vote and don’t have lobbying power.

Make no mistake, the euphemisms such as block grants and proposed cuts are equivalent to deep cuts clear across the health community. This approach is to use a bayonet and not a scalpel. This is a foolish mistake.

Government simply has two ways of fixing the budget. One is to raise revenue by increasing taxes in some form or another. No matter how beneficial increasing taxes might be, this isn’t a very popular idea politically. The only other option is to cut spending somewhere.

If programs are going to require deep cuts, politicians will cut programs of folks with the least political friction. Old folks, children, poor, etc. The kind of citizens that usually don’t vote.

Are we willing to toss grandma off a cliff? Because if we choose block grants over Medicaid that is exactly what will happen. Don’t be dissuaded into believing politicians when they say that proposed budget cuts will save the state money. Somebody has to pay and that is a fact.

What they really mean to say is that we have become a nation that no longer cares about its citizens. Care to elaborate on that one?

Whether you call it a block grant or Medicaid cut in half, the results are all the same. Federal money is saved. States will not pick up the tab. It is not conducive for local government to pay medical bills. So the big umbrella of health care goes to citizens that have jobs and can afford it. Those most vulnerable will suffer the most and receive little care or no care at all. Grandma will be shoved off the cliff literally.

When we refer to capping the federal budget, we in effect are eluding to targeting the deficit with deep cuts in health care. That 8% of the federal pie can easily be sliced off with Medicaid and the CHIP program. Sadly, this radical approach does nothing to curb the real problems of skyrocketing health care. But special interests won’t be touched at all.

These are the types of cuts that are so radical that even the elitists themselves can’t predict the total outcomes with any certainty. In a true democracy a decision such as this would not even be an issue. Where’s Paul Revere when you need him?

Automatic enforcement only deepens the confusion and broadens the lack of flexibilty to cope with crucial decision making. Instead of using discretionary measures and weighing out all of the possibilities, automatic enforcement of law only makes it more difficult to combat emergencies that the country will inevitably encounter, sooner or later.

Wait until America gets hit with the next wave of a double mutating virus that leaves the country in shambles. Will that virus discriminate who gets infected and who doesn’t? And where will the funding come from? Good luck with that one…

Medicaid currently plays the role as a reliable safety-net for more than a quarter of American’s seniors and people with disabilities and, with CHIP, nearly one out of three children. If you haven’t read the blogosphere lately, jobless claims are up again. The psychology of this alone is crippling the nation as it is. To threaten the unemployed is a form of terrorism. N’ est-ce pas?

Health care should be the last place to cut spending and not the first. It is not only fiscally irresponsible, it is morally irresponsible. If it’s a duck call it a duck. Do not implore euphimisms to lie to the people and say the budget cuts won’t hurt so much. That’s not true.

What is the price for the security of millions? If that security vanishes, will not the insecurity of the nation rise? What will be the price to pay then? The same price that is being paid in Greece, Spain, Portugal, and other areas proposing these radical approaches? I salute these fine citizens for standing up for themselves.

Here’s a better but even more radical approach. Let’s quit using harsh rhetoric that involves the red and blue. Let’s be real human beings for once and start calling ourselves Americans. If it takes protesting in the streets like in the 60′s, then we need the courage to get it done.

Medicaid is one of the most reliable and efficient programs in government today, although it’s not foolproof at all. If we really wanted to cut costs, it would make sense to go after the fraud that sucks the life out of Medicaid daily. That would be a step in the right direction, and not cut it in half. It’s not a time to be complacent.

Even better, let’s take the path that our brothers and sisters in Iceland have chosen — let’s crowdsource the next constitution. Red, white, blue, true, and use social networking.  Tweet this!

Excuse me for the radical proposal. It sounds too much like freedom. Sorry.

Paramedics have taken a call in your neighborhood. You heard many strange, unsettling noises. The scene prompts urgency beyond comprehension. The nightmare has begun. A child lays there dying.

What are the symptoms? The child was innocently playing and something went frightenly wrong. The child is only a few steps away from death. The child turns blue and is no longer breathing. The parents are shocked and the confusion haunts them.

The child develops shortness of breath and becomes very restless. Abnormal restlessness turns into a stage of panic.

The eyes, neck, lips, throat, and airways have become swollen. The patient suddenly flattens out in a lethargic state. Paramedics scramble to save the patient’s life. Time is running out.

The child’s heartbeat has slowed down to an alarmingly 40 beats per minute, when the normal rate should be around 150 beats per minute for a child. Such as a dangerously low heartbeat rate for a prolonged period of time can cause heart failure. Perhaps even death. This is a possibility.

What is the cause of the emergency?

The clue to our reaction is anaphylaxis. In our anaphylactoid case the culprit was food allergy.

Acknowledgment of an allergic victim is a very serious threat and is not to be taken lightly. And sadly enough, some cases turn out to be fatal. The worst nightmare for a grieving parent.

Within minutes, only as little as a peanut shaving can kill a child. Food allergies can and do kill children every year. Approximately 200 children will die each year in the United States.

For unknown reasons, the rate of food allergy cases are on the rise. For the past few decades, more and more people have fallen into this category.

For children, the foods to watch: eggs, milk, soya, wheat, and peanuts. Peanuts usually are the most troubling and persistent.

For adults, the foods to watch: Shellfish, crab, lobster, and prawns. Also, peanuts, walnuts, brazil nuts, almonds, and pistachios. Fish can be a problem for some.

If you suspect that someone has displayed these symptoms, it is critical to call and get a 911 squad there immediately. Find an emergency room quick. Time is of the essence.

Anaphylaxis is not a game to be played with. And some innocent foods can kill you. Believe it.

Don’t make the mistake of dismissing food allergies as trivial. An allergy can be a very serious thing. In fact, food allergies are on the rise. Scientists do not understand why this is happening.

Awareness, education, and training are desperately needed to help combat food allergies and other types as well.

A current CDC report warns U.S. travelers that are traveling to Germany of an organism causing an outbreak — E. coli O104:H4, producing Shiga toxin. Many people have been hospitalized, several requiring intensive care, and some people have died. It is reported over 20 people have died.

Most infections have been reported in people in northern Germany (mainly Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein) or in people who have recently traveled to these areas. Cases in travelers to northern Germany have been reported in Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Officials are trying to locate the source of the outbreak. Raw vegetables are suspected to be the source. Authorities claim that suspicion falls on a farm south of Hamburg.

The sprouts are believed to have come from the organic Gärtenhof farm in the village of Steddorf, near the small town of Bienenbüttel in Lower Saxony (guardian.co.uk). The Uelzen farm has been shut down and its produce recalled.

German health authorities recommend that people in Germany, especially in the northern part of the country, avoid eating raw tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, and leafy salads, until further notice.

If you have traveled to Germany and have bloody diarrhea and stomach cramps or symptoms of HUS, go to a doctor right away and tell him or her about your recent travel.

STEC infections can cause different gastrointestinal symptoms, which often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. If there is fever, it is generally not very high (less than 101°F [38.3°C]). HUS is a disorder that usually occurs when an infection in the digestive system (such as STEC) produces toxic substances that destroy red blood cells and cause kidney injury. Early symptoms of HUS include decreased frequency or volume of urination, feeling very tired, and losing pink color in the cheeks and inside the lower eyelids. Signs of HUS typically start 5–7 days after the start of diarrhea, and diarrhea or bloody stools may no longer be present when HUS develops.

PREVENTION SAFETY TIPS

1. CLEAN – Wash produce. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables in running tap water to remove visible dirt and grime. Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing food.

2. SEPARATE – Don’t cross-contaminate one food with another.

3. COOK – Cook meat, poultry, and eggs thoroughly. Use a thermometer when cooking meat. Around 145°F for whole meats, 160°F for ground meats, and 165°F for all poultry. Eggs should be cooked until the yolk is firm.

4. CHILL – Refrigerate leftover foods if they are not going to be eaten within 4 hours.

5. REPORT – Report suspected foodborne illnesses to your local health department.

It was March 19, 1997 when the FBI, the IRS and the Dept. of  Health and Human Services knocked on the door of a company in El Paso,Texas. There was another government agency that was involved – Defense Department’s Criminal Investigation Service. The company under investigation was Columbia/HCA. CEO of the company was Rick Scott. The company’s headquarters was in Nashville, Tennessee.

Darla Moore, the head of Rainwater Inc., the wife of a billionare, was the one that had helped Scott with the initial investments several years earlier.

U.S. government agencies brought with them a fleet of Ryder trucks to haul away documents that were to be confiscated. Among the thousands of documents that were seized, the government was most interested about the ones concerning Medicare. Medicare fraud was the main focus (NY Times).

The settlements were being solved during the years between 2000-2002. Columbia pled guilty of 14 felonies. The charges: overcharging the government by claiming marketing costs as reimbursable, striking illegal deals with home care agencies, fraudulently billing Medicare and other health programs, and by filing false data about use of hospital space.

Within a decade, Rick Scott had started a company out of nothing and turned it into the largest health care in the world. One worth $20 billion, owning 350 hospitals and 550 home health care offices in 38 states (NY Times). Scott’s company was buying out other hospitals like gangbusters.

After government agencies had raided locations in seven states, CEO Rick Scott was forced to resign. The company that he had built had to let him go. Scott was paid a settlement of $9.88 million, and left with 10 million shares of stock worth over $350 million.

Columbia/HCA was fined by the government, a total of $1.7 billion, the largest in the history of the United States. Rick Scott refused to cooperate with the government and during his deposition he pled the fifth amendment 75 times, in order to not incriminate himself.

Scott would later co-found another health care company called Solantic in 2001. Scott invested $62 million in Solantic and years later would put the company in his wife’s name, after becoming the governor of Florida (St Petersburg Times).

And now Florida’s Governor Rick Scott wants the needy recipients of Florida to take mandatory drug tests. A law that he passed which takes effect on July 1, 2011 – requires all adults that apply for federal Temporary Assistance to take a drug test (CNN).

And here’s the dazzling part of the governor’s conniving scheme – all needy folks that apply will have to pay for the drug tests themselves. Which will profit private health care companies tremendously.

Rep. Corrine Brown fiercely attacked the governor and his passed legislation. Brown said that Scott could profit from the testing through his company Solantic.

According to the St Petersburg Times article, Scott sold his shares of Solantic to Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe. But the controversy still surrounds the governor and his ties with the company. Not to mention the controversy that Scott has created with the bill. Many have called it unconstitutional.

Gov. Rick Scott is one of the least popular governors in America, according to a new poll by Quinnipiac University. The poll shows that 57% of voters disapprove of Scott (The Miami Herald).  And he was once  involved in the biggest health care fraud case in America.

VOTE FOR RYANCARE:  Who needs senior citizens around anyhow?

Tax cuts for the rich will provide jobs we need and allow the nation to prosper and pay off the national debt. Tax cuts for the rich will provide jobs we need and allow the nation to prosper and pay off the national debt. Tax cuts for the rich will provide jobs we need and allow the nation to prosper and pay off the national debt…

Sorry Grandma!

Especially in the winter, our skin takes a real beating. Some suffer with extreme dry skin; winter just makes a bad problem even worse. As they say, dry air makes for dry skin. Here are a few things to think about.

Dry Skin Treatment
1. Take a shower instead of a bath.
2. Shorten the shower when possible.
3. Use warm water instead of hot.
4. Use a moisturizing body wash when possible.
5. Install and use a humidifier in the house.
6. Really bundle up when going out in the winter.
7. Use mild skin cleanser instead of soap.

Finding a good skin moisturizer can seem a bit challenging for those of us that have tried a number of those cheap creams that just don’t seem to work.

The Right Moisturizer For Dry Skin
1. Try to purchase a thicker than usual skin cream if you have really dry skin.
2. If the lotion or cream runs or drips, it is probably not thick enough.
3. Oil or petrolatum supposedly works well.
4. Alpha hydroxy acid is good for dry skin.
5. Retinol before bed; use sparingly.
6. Stay away from itchy clothes and don’t wear really tight clothes.
7. Use a good skin moisturizer for your skin type.

Top Quality Moisturizers From Amazon

1. Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion, 18-Ounce Pump (Pack of 2)

This product actually works. Don’t spend a fortune on those expensive creams that don’t work! It’s in a class by itself. Some use nothing else but this one. Can use on face. Nothing but praise for this product. Really soaks into the skin.

2. CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion 12 fl oz (355 ml)

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion is recommended by pediatricians. Also recommended for eczema. Not greasy and good for dry skin. Great product.

3. Curel Daily Moisture Fragrance Free – 20 oz.

Curel seems to work well for those with very dry skin. It also seems to work well for the combination type skin. This moisturizer is not too oily or greasy. Very good hand moisturizer and surprisingly works great with tattoos.

4. Cetaphil Fragrance Free Moisturizing Lotion, 16-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2)

Cetaphil Fragrance Free works great for the very sensitive skin, even those with eczema. If nothing else has worked try this one. Another one recommended by many doctors. Will work on those with a pizza face. One of the best!

5. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, 8-Ounce Tubes (Pack of 3)

Excellent all around lotion. Dermatologist recommended for dry skin.

6. Curel Ultra Healing 24-Hour Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Extra-Dry Skin With Extra-Strength Skin Hydrators, 13 Ounce Dispenser

Great for those dry, parched hands that need help. This is a great lotion.

7. Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Moisturizing Treatment – 1.7 fl. oz.

Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Moisturizing Treatment is great for those with aging skin. Great product at a great price. Smooth as silk!

8. Pond’s The Caring Classic Dry Skin Cream, 10.1 oz (286 g) (Pack of 3)

Pond’s The Caring Classic Dry Skin Cream is a very good product. Some say not to stray from the classic type. Great for sensitive dry skin. Very good cream.

9. Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Calming Creme, 14 Ounce Tubes (Pack of 2)

Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy is doctor approved. Perfect for dry hands and cracked heels. Excellent quality. An alternative for eczema. Many recommend this along with Cetaphil. This stuff is thick and it really works!

10. Vaseline Smoothing Body Butter with Cocoa and Shea Butters 8 oz (227 g)

Vaseline Smoothing Body Butter with Cocoa has a great smell. This product is very hard if not impossible to find at stores.

11. Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly, Baby 13 oz (Pack of 3)

When nothing else works try Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum. The baby will like it also!

12. Atopalm MLE Intensive Moisturizing Cream 2.19 fl oz (65 ml)

Atopalm MLE Intensive Moisturizing Cream is considered to be one of the best ever! Recommended by dermatologists. Have really flaky problem skin? This one is for you.

13. Gloves In A Bottle Gloves In A Bottle Shielding Lotion 8 fl oz (240 ml)

Gloves In A Bottle is a miracle lotion! Will fix cracked hands and feet. Wear it even while you are gardening.

14. Dove Beauty Moisture Foaming Facial Cleanser, Normal/Dry Skin, 6.76 Ounce

Dove Beauty Moisture Foaming Facial Cleanser is one of the top rated creams. Highly recommended without a big price tag on it. This product is much better than expected.

15. Curel Sensitive Skin Remedy Lotion – 7.5 oz.

Again, nothing but high praise for Curel products. If you need relief from dry, sensitive skin, give this one a try!